Quotes from Subbing

4th grade boy, five minutes into class: "Are you going to sub next time our teacher is out?"
Me: "Oh, I don't know... why?"
4th grade boy: "Because I like you."

Awwww. I think my heart just melted.

Paying my dues

I know it's been a LONG time since I posted. Lately, I've been reflecting a lot, mostly because of all the changes that have happened/are happening.

As those of you reading my blog know, I was unable to secure a teaching position this fall, after going on many interviews and second interviews. There have been MANY times this summer I've been upset about it, but I'm seeing things in a different light now. On the bright side, I HAVE acquired a position in the school district I would one day love to teach in, and I substitute teach there as well.  I am working hard, earning money, and spending every day with kids, which is what I love.

Recently, I received two very unexpected compliments from two people that made me have faith, too - they both basically said that I am going to make a fantastic teacher. I know my time is going to come - it's just hard to know when that will be. I think that sometimes, the best is saved for last. I am paying my dues and slowly making my way into the "real world" - maybe not in the way that I intended, but sometimes it's those things that end up being the most important. Even if I end up working these two jobs to the end of the school year (I even have a contract and a key!), I think this will still be an important year for me. The people that complimented me really restored my faith, and they don't even know how much it meant to me.

It's strange - I'm even considering getting some more certifications (elementary ed., more than ever). I'm going to work on this if I don't get a teaching job. And, I will continue to apply for teaching jobs, and when next spring comes, I'm going to take interviews (hopefully!) by a storm.

Quotes from subbing second grade

Me: "Good morning, class!"
25 2nd graders: "Good mooooorning, Mrs....." *look around at each other sheepishly*

(I couldn't stop laughing)
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Boy: "I like your look today!"
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Me: "I'm planning my wedding this summer!"
Different boy (on his way out): "I hope you have a good husband!"

Quotes from subbing

Yesterday in middle school:
"Do you work at Applebees?"
"Are you Marisa's mother?"

Today in fourth grade:
From a girl: "It's Ms. H! You were our music sub! You have such a pretty voice!"
From a boy, while I pitched for kickball: "We have some good pitching!"

Oh, subbing.

Healing powers of the beach

This weekend, I got away and spent time with Kristina. We relaxed a lot, scrapbooked, calmed the part of us that screamed for retail therapy (at the craft store), indulged in Italian food, and went to the beach. Successful.
It got me thinking. What is it about the beach that heals? I ALWAYS feel better, and yes, more tired, after a day at the beach. Is it the sand, that softens my feet? (I love that feeling). Is it the sound of the waves? Is it the sun beating down and finally getting some good vitamins? (with SPF 50 - I don't get too crazy). Is it that I'm usually with someone I enjoy spending time with? Is it the good novel I brought?

Whatever it was, it was rejuvinating. All the things I had been worried about on Saturday washed away on Sunday (figuratively... with the waves). I think if I lived near the beach or was able to go there when I got stressed, I would be much better off. I would love to go alone one day. My dream vacation is me laying on the beach for several days in a row, with many breaks (and with Mike of course :) ).

I can't wait to go back. :)

Dunnnn dun dun dun dunnnn dunnnnnnnn...

It's over! Graduation. From college. Seriously, didn't I just graduate from high school?

The day was really everything I could have hoped for. The weather was perfect (I hope it's like that for the wedding, knock on wood). It was not too cold, not too hot, but windy. No traffic in or out of school.

 The morning ceremony for history majors was truly exciting. I drank a lot of coffee that morning (we were on the road by 6:15 am) so I was literally bouncing around where I sat. I couldn't keep my feet still and hoped my family wouldn't notice from their high perch in the auditorium (they did). I was nervous, too. I didn't want to screw up or trip. This was it - 4 years of very hard work were riding on this day!

I got my "diploma" and I cheered on my friends. My favorite professor presented departmental honors to the students she supervised and I was so glad to be able to give her a hug in front of everyone. I don't even know how to thank her for all that she's done (well actually, I do, but I'm not revealing that yet). I also received, to my complete surprise, the history department service award with my friend Jess. I'm really going to miss being in that hallway (I really did during student teaching) and seeing the faculty members and my fellow students all the time. It was really sad to go, but luckily I was a little distracted because we had to line up for the big outdoor ceremony.

After I got my parents and Mike on their way to the stadium, I had to find my friends; my closest friends, who I ate my meals with, lived with, and spent day in and day out with, are not history majors (ironically almost ALL of them are psych majors, don't ask me how that happened - and they don't all hang out with each other). Anyway, the point is, we were able to sit with whoever we wanted at the big ceremony because we were sitting by school.

We all lined up in the Humanities line and took some pictures. Time flew by and then we were marching into the stadium, and there were people EVERYWHERE. I knew Mike and my parents were there but I didn't know where. They were somewhere in the stadium full of people. Turns out they didn't really see me either. Oh well. =P Before the ceremony began, I spent a whole five minutes on the phone with Mike, waving my cap around so he could find me.

The ceremony seemed longer than the history one. It was also very hard to see anything, so we kind of goofed off a bit at our seats (although yes, I was listening to all of the speeches). They graduated us by school and had us turn our tassels together. And then it was over, and we walked out. However... I couldn't have asked for a better end to college than sitting between Melissa, my best friend from freshman year, and Kristina, another best friend and my roommate.

Met my family and took more pictures with them and my friends. Then, we met my brother, sister, and grandmother for lunch down the road, and it was very relaxing. I wish I could have spent more time with my friends, and that I could have had more pictures (especially nice ones - there were people EVERYWHERE), and that I could have seen more of the friends I was planning to see - but you can't have it all. We got home by dinner time and I took a nice little nap - and then my family went out for one last outing, ice cream. It was the perfect ending to a nearly perfect day.

Now... did I get the job? We shall know soon. All I know right now is, I had a great weekend, and I'm exhausted. And I have a BA in History Secondary Education! :)

Playlist:
"Closing Time" - Semisonic
"Time of Your Life"  - Green Day
"Colorblind" - Counting Crows
"Graduation (Friends Forever)" - Vitamin C

-Jess

The day before college graduation

Is it actually tomorrow? It feels like just yesterday I was moving into my freshman dorm. I remember everything about that day. Driving up to campus with two cars, one just me and Mike, blasting the summer radio. Meeting my roommate (that didn't go well in the long run, but who could've known then?). Saying goodbye - not that everyone was that far away, but an hour was still an hour. And I didn't have a car. And it was a very, very hot August, and there was no air conditioning in the dorm.

I loved college, but there were so many times I wanted to be finished. When I had to sit through math and science liberal arts classes and was literally counting down the minutes until they were over. When the work piled up so much that it was really difficult to comprehend that the semester would really, really (really) end. When it was pouring outside (or, more likely, a freezing wind tunnel) and the last thing I wanted to do was make the trek across campus. When I was sick much more than I used to be. When I couldn't see Mike for long periods of time, up to a month. When, during student teaching, I basically had to put my head down and work the hardest I ever have in my life for two months. When the job search seemed like the most daunting task ever (this is mostly right now).

Like I said, though, there were so many things I loved about college - that overpower the negatives. I loved performing with musical theatre freshman and sophomore years, before I decided to concentrate more on my work and my closest friends. I loved working for Phonathon and getting to talk to alumni (when they were nice - some of the most pleasant conversations I've ever had with other human beings occurred on those telephone lines). I loved working at the tutoring center and seeing the "lightbulb" go on for my history and writing students (which assured me I had picked the right career path). I loved quilting in my free time and when I got home - it was during college that I taught myself to sew and loved it from the beginning. I loved doing research and writing papers that really interested me (Holocaust, Berlin Wall). I loved the internship in NYC that I was able to do. I LOVED going abroad and seeing the places I had been studying for years - nothing beat that, except for all the things I did with my friends.

I loved going on the many trips, especially with Melissa, because we were so often doing that together :) I loved getting food out and just being lazy on the weekends (well, besides homework). I loved taking a risk and living with someone who turned out to be one of my best friends (Kristina) - living with someone who you really love is hard to beat (and when you don't really get on each others' nerves, even better). I loved playing bingo on Friday nights when other people were at parties (really!). I loved all the snowed-in days. I loved watching the final season of Lost with my friends every week. I loved hanging out in the library, in the student center waiting for finals week massages, outside at the tables, etc. I loved taking walks around our beautiful campus. I loved being able to meet several friends in one day over meals, or just for a chat. I loved eating with my friends at lunch and dinner - we would all find times to eat in the dining hall together. I loved going for coffee after morning classes, or after brunch on the weekends with my friends. I loved the period of time where I was right next to the gym and went there all the time - and controlled my eating habits, too! I loved the satisfaction of handing in HUGE assignments (90 page senior thesis, finishing student teaching). On that note, I loved my student teaching experience and wouldn't change a thing if given the chance. I've been so lucky. It was moments like these I felt like I conquered the world. And in a way, it really was the little things.

It's hard to think about the next stage. Yes, I'm getting married and *hopefully* moving out soon, with the love of my life - and I absolutely cannot wait. Once I get a job, I will feel much better. However... I have been waiting for graduation day for so long... and it's finally almost here!!!!!

-Jess (yes, the little turtle at the bottom of my page is actually at the finish line!)

Reflections on the last week

It's been a crazy week! Friday was my last day of student teaching. I stayed the weekend with my friends. Tuesday night was my last final, and today I had a big job interview. I just feel like I need to write some things down, so here goes.

Friday was a really overwhelming day. I was really relieved/excited because student teaching, which was the most work I've ever done in my life in a consolidated amount of time, was over. However, I absolutely love the students and teachers that I have been working with, and I didn't want to leave.

 They sent me off in a grand fashion. It felt like there was a surprise every hour. When I came in, my cooperating teacher and I exchanged gifts, and he gave me a very sweet card. He also gave me a bunch of cards the kids had made throughout the week. I actually didn't cry the whole day (don't ask me how that happened) but I did get a little teary eyed a few times - like when I read the cards.

At the beginning of first period, my co-op announced that the students should pass around the teacher textbook. They are retiring the old textbooks because the new series came in (they look amazing and I wish I could work with them!) - so he was using my book as a yearbook. The students wrote letters to me on whatever page in this 800 page book that they wished. THAT was a moment I almost cried, to be honest. I got to read some of the letters and they were so sweet. Some of the students left me clues on the first page in order to find their message... hahaha. It was one of the best gifts I've ever received. My in class support teacher also gave me this beautiful purple jewelry set.

Then, my co-op surprised me with a huge sheet cake during lunch. Most of the faculty came in to celebrate and brought food. Then, at the end of the day, I got a beautiful card from the faculty. In addition, the students filled out little evaluations for me (I liked... [one thing], I think you should improve... [one thing]). They gave me very constructive criticism but some of the things they wrote were very, very sweet (again - I can't think of another word to say.) I may have to share some of their comments another time.

Leaving was hard. My co-op gave me a handshake ("on a professional note") and a hug ("on a personal note"). Luckily I had somewhere fun to be - dinner with my friends down by the college. :)

We had dinner and Kristina and I shared all of our experiences from the day - she also left her student teaching placement. Then, we went to the carnival on campus, and that was a fantastic way to stop being sad and finally spend some time with my friends this semester. :)

The next day was very relaxing, spent with my friends. I had to do some work for my presentation, but that wasn't my main goal for the day. It was a lazy Saturday. That night we went to a fun. concert in Philly, and it was so awesome - the third time I've seen the band and the best. Everyone was so excited to be there and the band was so HAPPY (you could just tell by their faces). They just hit it big with their song, "We are Young," so they're understandably excited. It was a blast.

The next day I drove home and spent some time with my sister and with cleaning my room. Tuesday night was my final presentation on student teaching and now that it's over, I just don't care. :)

More soon!
-Jess

Conversations - last week of student teaching

Student: Are you leaving?
Me: Yes, this Friday.
Class: Awww....
Another student: And you weren't planning to TELL US?
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Student: I'm going to miss you so much!
Me: I'm going to miss you guys, too!
Another student: Why can't you just get a job here?
Me: I wish I could, but there aren't any openings!
ANOTHER student: Well, you HAVE to visit.

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Student: I'M NOT GOING TO BE HERE TOMORROW! That means I have to say goodbye today!
Me: Oh, okay!
Student: Can I have a hug?
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I love my chosen profession.

"Everything is changing, and I don't feel the same."

That quote wasn't meant to be depressing, but more reflective. I'm really feeling that way today.

A lot of things have happened since I last posted... whoops :) I really wish I had documented funny/awesome/rewarding moments from student teaching as I continued. When I get a job, I promise to do that better, but today, I am going to make a short list...

-Yesterday, students were "planking" in the classroom during last period... yes. My cooperating teacher let it go because it was Friday and they have state testing next week =P
-Seeing my students start to write my name in the heading, rather than my cooperating teacher
-The couple of times I've been absent and students told me they missed me
-When the lightbulb goes on in class
-When the students became super interested in learning about the Holocaust. It has a lot of shock value, and these kids are relatively sheltered and have not learned about it academically
-When one student came up to me and said I was one of their favorite teachers
-When I made the play directors cards and had the kids secretly sign them, and the kids were all saying, "We should have made YOU a card!"
-My first and last observations (there were 7 overall, so it was a long road)
-Getting nominated for a state student teacher award
-Handing in my senior thesis and my student teaching capstone paper - sweet victory, yeah.
-Getting job interviews!
-Seeing the kids perform in the musical we had all worked on together - made me tear up a few times. They were SO good.
-That point when I knew all the kids' names, and they knew mine

If I think of more, I'll write them down, but those were the big moments so far. I just have one more week, so there may be others. I'm so grateful for this experience.

I'll have to write a funny post soon. I plan to update a lot more :)

1 month anniversary

Today marks the one month anniversary of my student teaching. It doesn't feel like a whole month has actually gone by. It's crazy! I've done so much in the last month and I think because it went so fast, it's been almost difficult to reflect. Luckily, for my weekly capstone class, one of our only assignments so far has been a weekly reflection. That helps. I literally feel like I haven't had the time, strength, energy, etc. to actually sit down and think about it all lately.

Well, the first thing I know is true: I know I'm in the right career. For sure. Even though I'm still learning (and always will be), the last week or so has been the first time I've felt very comfortable doing all the things I do in the school, as a guest. I feel like I'm really connecting with the students now. I knew that wouldn't happen right away, so I'm thankful that it has now. I've also learned almost all of their names; there's just one class that I'm still working on. So overall, I'm feeling really good about it.

My communication skills have improved drastically (not just in the classroom - in every aspect of my life). That is - I often have trouble getting the words out that I want to say, and when I do I stumble. I think I often think too fast and don't slow my talking down enough. I've been getting so much better. I've also, under the encouragement and supervision of my cooperating teacher, been improving my confidence level and what I say. Sometimes I think that when I talk, I don't have a filter - I'll just come out and say things that probably don't need to be said. Not necessarily things that are inappropriate but things that show that I'm still wavering in my confidence level. But again, getting better. Finally, although I'm still skating the line between how to assert myself as a teacher (especially in a classroom where I'm only a visitor) and how to be friendly, I think all of that is slowly becoming more clear to me.

I can't believe I only have 2 months left. That's daunting in a way because I have SO much to do in that time, plus thesis stuff and my capstone paper, and interviewing for jobs, but I think when it's over I'm going to be upset. My friend Kristina just left her student teaching in Italy to come back here and start (study abroad students go half and half for the semester) and she was so upset to leave her students and school (not to mention Italy - I don't blame her).

Well... time to go to mounds of work. This is the first Saturday I've had off in weeks and I'm grateful.

A question

"Ms. H, do you sing good?"
That's the question one of my students asked me today.
My students don't know that I've been a musical theater fiend since I was their age - in 8th grade. They don't know that I sang in chorus for 8 years, that I sung in an all girl's barbershop quartet for 3. That I've been nominated for a regional musical theatre award. That I've performed in no less than 20 shows.

What they do know is that I'm their teacher for 3 months. That I attend college. That I tell them to open their books to page 394 (pat yourself on the back if you got the reference). That I pull up in the morning in front of the school and say "good morning" to them all. That I collect and grade their homework. That I plead with them to be quiet in the last two periods of the day. That I teach them about social studies and make them work with partners almost every day.

Now they know that I'm helping with their production of Annie, Jr.

So, I smiled, and I nodded. I think I sing pretty "good," though I'm a little out of practice.
This started a chorus of, "I want to hear you sing!!!!!"

In good time, perhaps. Maybe.

Professionalism

Professionalism is one of the first things we discussed in my capstone class last week, and rightly so. I think that I have always presented myself well in the schools I have observed/worked in. I've been dressed right, on time, helpful, friendly, etc. But being a student teacher is a whole new level. You are in that school every single day for 7-8 hours. Everything you do, say, what you look like, etc. reflects upon your college and also your future career as a teacher.

It's a little intimidating to think about. Plus, we talked in class about how even outside of school, you have to remember that you are a teacher. You represent the students and the school district you work in. It's not something I'm worried about, but it's something I hadn't really thought about until last week. I guess I'm being forced to grow up (not that I mind) but I've taken on this whole new perspective.

No more is there an issue of really being a student and a teacher - in the school, at least. For example, when I was observing and doing junior practicum, I always wondered whether I should use the student or teacher bathrooms. I know that sounds silly, but it showcases the problem well. You're caught between two worlds. 

However, with student teaching, you are faculty. You really are. You are treated like a school employee. You are responsible for the students you are teaching. Your cooperating teacher is in the room, but he/she is not in charge. You are (okay, for the most part).

Last week, I still felt like a student, but this week, I feel like a teacher. Part of it has to do with the fact that I've actually been TEACHING the first two periods of the day. My own lessons, too. I've been intricately involved in the planning and grading and behind-the-scenes faculty stuff since day one. And I really feel it now. But I'm really confident that I can assert myself. Professionalism is such a big part of this whole experience. I know that it will take me a while to fully develop myself as a teacher, but I'm prepared for that (I think).

On another note, today, my coop was ordering the new books for next year (he hasn't had new ones in almost ten years and I can vouch for their crapiness) - and the two in-class support teachers were encouraging him to order three teacher editions instead of just one, because he was trying to save money. That made me sad because I realized I won't be here past the end of April. I didn't realize how attached I've already become to the school =/ but hopefully I'll have my own school soon. And it will be great.

-Jess 

The first week is over!

And I'm taking a couple of days to rest. And organize.
I have learned so much in student teaching already that it's hard to catalog it all. I don't think I even can. A lot of it has to do with actually being in a school for 40 (unpaid) hours a week, behind the scenes and also front and center. I haven't taught yet but Monday is my test drive - I'll be teaching 2 of the 8th grade classes every single day until the end of April. And every week, I'll add on another class - which means I'll have less time to plan during the day and more time to teach. Which, I guess is the point!

Right now, since I'm just getting back into it, lesson plans are daunting. I'm procrastinating hardcore because I have a sort of writer's block - I'm stuck - how do I get my students to understand something, in an interesting and educational way? I'm really hoping that as I plan more, my teacher brain will kick in more than it ever has before and allow me to plan lessons with (relative) ease. Because once I add the 7th grade in two weeks, I'll be doing double the amount of work. And I'm already doing a lot.

 But I'm not complaining - because that's what I have to do, to be a good teacher. Work hard. Plan lessons. Always take in the needs of the classroom and individual students. As much as teachers today get a bad reputation, I know I picked the right career.

-Jess

Student Teaching Day 2

Student teaching has been an eye-opening experience so far. As I thought/hoped it would be.
The students are so polite, and the teachers/staff have been nothing but welcoming. It's still a little awkward for me when I sit in the faculty room for lunch, and when I'm in the planning period with all of them (because I'm still learning the inner workings of the school and whatnot), but everyone is so friendly that it's not an issue at all.

I'm starting to teach one period on Monday!! This means that I have to have lesson plans on... Friday. Which is in two days. And I have barely been home for the last 48 hours... so I'm gonna do a little planning tonight and a lot tomorrow (AND I can come right home tomorrow at the end of the school day, instead of going to my college - YAY!)

Anyway, I'll start teaching Monday, and every week add another period. I thought doing lesson plans for one class was a lot of work... and now I'll have at least 2. For EVERY DAY. Ready in advance. I guess that's what real teachers do.

And I am, really, becoming a real teacher, and I'm really starting to embrace it.

More soon!

Singing the Certification Blues...

Tomorrow is my second Praxis test out of three (each was over $100 plus a registration fee of $50 or so). Not only has this taken a toll on my bank account for the semester (thanks a lot ETS), but it's also been an unfortunate thing I need to study for. Luckily, I passed the social studies one for middle/high school no problem. I'm taking the elementary one tomorrow so that, if I want to switch within districts, I'll have the capability. I'm not going to outright start looking for an elementary job, but at least I'll have the certification, if I pass.

Taking this test tomorrow means two things.
1) I've had to relearn many things that I learned 8-10 years ago and haven't used since. We're talking igneous rocks (and the other kinds of rocks), angles, chemical processes, earth science, and how to find the volume of the cylinder. It doesn't take long to really "relearn" these things, but it stinks at the same time. If I actually got a job where I had to teach math and science, I would obviously study up on these things. Testing on them now seems kind of silly to me. You would think that having a 3.8 GPA would mean I know something about how the world works!

I just keep telling myself that if I was taking this 10-15 years from now, it would be a whole lot worse.

2) I have to get up at 5:30 am because the closest school to my house is 40 minutes away and I have to be there BY 7:30. Blergh. On a Saturday.

I'm not nervous. I really just want it to be over. Then, one more to go in March...

Watching The Office and going to bed!
-Jess

One of the scariest moments of my life...

...was trying on the first wedding dress.

It was a long time coming. I mean, I've been engaged for a year and a half. I've been planning to marry Mike for a little while longer than that. And along with most other girls, I've been dreaming about my wedding since I knew what a wedding was.

And it's finally on the horizon. It's even this year. I'm extremely excited but everything going on this year (student teaching, graduation, getting a teaching job, and the wedding) is sending warning signals at me that it's time to grow up. Which, really, I'm fine with.

But...

Is it a lot to ask? Will I be judged if I wear sweatpants for three weeks straight again, like I did in December? (probably). Will I have to give up watching Disney movies whenever I'm blue? (hopefully not). Will I be able to get away with instigating my brother? (probably not) (I've been getting better at keeping my mouth shut though). Is it okay that I'd still rather have ice cream for dinner rather than real food? (I'm saying "yes" to this one).

I'm looking forward to starting my new career and my life after college with Mike, and of course, the support system that is my family and friends. I'm lucky.

But, man, today was still scary.

At least I found my dress today =D After trying on several. And I never thought I would end up with the style of dress I picked. I even bypassed it on the website because it didn't look like my style.

Now there are lots of other things to start worrying about/figuring out... but it's going to be fun.

And maybe not so scary after all.

Post-holiday blues

Taking down my Christmas ornaments = sad.
Seeing the bare tree sit there for a week = even more sad. :(

2012 was a great year!

I got this brilliant idea from this post at Single Dad Laughing, which is a blog I have been reading for a while now. Dan writes really thought-provoking posts - you should check out the blog. Anyway, I felt like I needed to do this - to get in the positive mindset for this crazy year coming up. I encourage you to do the same!

2012 was a great year! I knew there would be a lot to do, but everything ended on a positive note.

In January, I finished my senior thesis, which haunted me over the last year. It took a lot of hard work, but now I can say I have 60 finished, typed, original pages of thesis, titled: "The Mighty Man and the Victimized Woman: Traditional Gender Roles in Central European Holocaust Memorials and Their Potential Effects on Holocaust Memory" - sitting in the history department lounge, bound and ready to be opened. This was the biggest accomplishment of my college career (and, I suppose, all of my schooling), and it really transformed my writing and analysis.

January was also when I started student teaching, which was THE culmination of my entire college career. I've wanted to be a teacher since I was about three (along with a published writer, President of the United States, and a famous singer); this is the dream that stuck the most. I was finally in a middle school classroom, learning classroom management - something I've had trouble with as a new teacher. I also got to implement many ideas that I've had for projects and lessons. This is what I had been waiting for, in all those dreaded math and science college classes, waiting for the lectures to end.

Student teaching flew by, and I graduated at the beginning of May. My friends and I went on a short weekend trip to the shore to celebrate.

My awesome cooperating teacher and the experience I had at the school gave me confidence in the job search. By June, I was officially certified to teach K-12 in NJ and 6-12 in PA. I found a social studies job early on in the search, and it's not too far from my house.

The summer was wonderful. I already had a job by June, so I was able to enjoy myself and babysit most days. I substituted in schools nearby until the end of June. I quilted to my hearts content, finished preparing my wedding quilt, and came up with some new products for my Etsy shop. I continued to blog as well. I went to see my favorite band of all time - Coldplay - in August with Julie. I couldn't have asked for a better, more relaxing summer.

In September, it was with complete gusto that I drove to my first day of teaching. I'll never forget setting up my very own classroom in the couple of weeks leading up to the first day. While the first few months of teaching have been a challenge, I learn more every day, and I have a wonderful support system at home and at the school. And, I love the kids. I couldn't ask for more in a job.

On that note, Mike and I have been able to save a considerable amount of money this year. Mike moved into my house in August (before the craziness of school started) and we completely cleaned out my room. I got rid of a lot of clutter and I've never felt more relieved. It's also fantastic to be finally living with my fiance, even if we're not completely out on our own yet. We're planning to move around the time I finish my first year of teaching in June, so I suppose we'll start looking for a small house or apartment very soon - we haven't decided yet.

Our wedding in October was beautiful. Almost everyone we invited was able to come, and we saw people we hadn't seen in a long time. I was able to go DIY (do it yourself) crazy during the summer (under a budget, but still) - and I, along with my bridesmaids, made the perfect decorations. We enjoyed a fantastic day with everyone and we can't wait to go on our honeymoon to Hawaii this coming summer. I finally convinced him to leave the East Coast! ;) I just got all the documents changed to my new last name. I can't believe we're finally married!

The holidays just passed again, and even though I ate more than I should have, I plan to do what I did at the beginning of 2012 and modify my eating habits once again. I've gotten more exercise in since we got an elliptical as one of our wedding gifts... and I'm going to continue to use it at least four times a week. I'm in much better shape now than I was a year ago. Everyone in my family is doing well, too. My mom and grandmother are doing much better. We've been lucky to have good health this year.

Even though I didn't do any international travel like last year (which was the highlight), I had a fantastic year, and I can't wait to see what 2013 brings!