WOW! Where has the time gone?!?

I cannot believe that it has been almost two months since I last wrote a post. This year seems to be flying by...I mean it is almost December! It seems like just yesterday we were ringing in the new year with the CATS win over East Carolina. The school year is also going by way to fast. I feel very unprepared to leave my students for almost two months, but the time is getting near.
Speaking of school if you have heard already I received my scores for National Boards Certification. I PASSED!!! I knew I had put in a lot of work on the portfolio, but I also did well on the six essay tests which is a feat because I am not a good test taker. I am very proud and excited that I have accomplished such a hard task. It has been worthwhile.
The baby is growing well. I have to have blood work done on Wednesday morning (standard) to check my glucose levels. We have not completely decided on a name, but have a couple options narrowed down. I am getting to the point where I am tired again. I find myself out of breath at times and tying my shoes is becoming a chore. Stad will love having to get up at 6AM to tie them for me in the next couple of weeks. ;0) Over fall break we got the baby room painted and the crib put together. There is still a lot to do between now and the end of January, but I am anxious to meet my baby. The new questions are: "Wonder what he will look like?" "Will he be healthy?" "Will I be strong enough to make it through delivery?" (or better yet..."Will Stad stay upright or pass out?")
I hope all of you are doing well. I can't wait for the holidays to see everyone. I will try to post more often in the next few weeks. Until next time...I wish you well!

Goodbye Box...Hello Life!

Since June my personal life has been slowly squeezed away like the breath of life in a boa constrictors prey. This constricting box has been consuming my life. I have been sitting endless hours in front of my computer reading and rereading entries that I didn't think would ever get cut enough to reach the page limit. I finally broke down and took some of the days given to me so that I could finish this process. When I finished the last piece on Thursday afternoon, I got up and did a happy dance around my house and scaring the dog in the process. I am a dork, I know. After one final read with my mentor (who I know I have bugged to death) and tiny corrections Thursday night, I was finally ready to ship it out.
The feeling of putting each article safely in the envelopes was both scary and exhilarating. There are so many places to check and write your id number it is scary. I hope that I crossed all the t's and dotted all the i's properly.
At the post office I used more tape than was probably allotted, but I wanted to make sure there was no way the hard work and dedication to bettering myself as an educator was coming out of Fort Knox, I mean my box. I said a little prayer over the box and shipped it away. Now for the worry of "will it make it all in one piece?" or "Will I pass?" Please say a little prayer that I don't have to do the portfolio pieces again.
Long story short, I am finished. I reached my personal goal of finishing before the March 31st deadline (which was extended due to the ice storm). That was enough for me. Was it a hard process? Not as hard as I thought. Was it worth it? I think I have learned more about myself as a teacher than I did in any of the college classes that I took, but it was very time consuming. I am glad to be finished so that I can enjoy the rest of this year with my class and I am excited to finally have my life back! Goodbye constrictor....hello world! :)
Until next time, I wish you well!