I shared a Pinterest post in January, and I’d intended to share even more ideas that I have pinned to my Pinterest boards, but hadn’t done that yet.
I will still get to that but lately on Instagram I’ve seen some fun Pinterest searches. The ones that I’ve done have really been ones that I think fit my style, and I’m sharing those today.
Here are some of recent Pinterest searches:
My Vibe:
Celebrity:Jennifer Garner. Yes, ma’am! I think I could be besties with her.
Outfit: This outfit is definitely my vibe. Black leggings, sweatshirt, and sneaks…my favorite.
Quote: I’m definitely a work in progress. haha
Aesthetic: Cozy vibes! A book and a cup of coffee are certainly my aesthetic.
Home Edition:
Kitchen: This kitchen looks pretty similar to how we’ve updated our kitchen through the years. We have gray cabinets and white tile.
Garden: Well, I’m not the gardener in the family, and we do have a small one. But if we had more space, I would love raised beds and a cute little shed.
Bedroom: We have a similar headboard and we have gray walls too. That being said, this bedroom is definitely an updated upgrade that I would love.
House: We’ve often talked about painting our brick, and I love the look of gray and white!
How Pinterest Sees Me:
Fashion: This is why Pinterest is an inspiration…I have all three of these pieces in my closet…black sweater, jeans, and tan mules.
Mood: There’s nothing better than a glass of wine and the beach (with friends/family!)
Color: I’m not sure when it happened, but I love light purple/lilac!
Place: A cozy spot by the fire…sounds good to me!
Animal: I love baby goats!
Food: Pizza…yes, please! If a taco popped up in the search, Pinterest also wouldn’t be wrong either!
It seems like Pinterest knows me pretty well! I think it’s a great source for inspiration and ideas.
Do you use Pinterest? See you back here tomorrow for Friday Favorites.
Thanks for the love yesterday when I shared my 1,000th post. It definitely feels like a fun blogging milestone. Today, I’m linking up with Joanne for Talking About it Tuesdays…
…to continue discussing…
Today, I’m looking at the next ten blog categories and sharing posts about most of them.
Interior Design:
On the website, I have “Home Updates” and “Home Decor” tabs. In the spring of 2020, when I had a little more time on my hands, I went through my house room by room and showed how we updated it. I shared many “Tuesday Transformation” posts. Now, we’ve been here almost ten years, and there’s so much I’d still like to do…or even update again!
I’ve also shared smaller changes, like a couple of years ago, when we added ship lap to our living room wall.
Hobbies and Interests:
I’ve written about a few interests and hobbies through the years. You know I love reading, and I guess right now I’m in the phase of life where my main hobby is watching my kids do what they love to do. I wrote about those two things, and a few other ideas, in a Not Just a Mom post last year.
Favorite Products:
I’d say my most popular posts are when I share Amazon favorites! Of course, I have an Amazon tab on the website.
This month, I’ve made it a daily point to share an Amazon favorite in my Instagram stories. Then, I add the product to my Amazon Instagram highlight. It’s been a fun goal for me to keep showcasing things I’m buying and then saving them in one place.
In my Friday Favorites posts, I typically throw in a few favorite products or clothing items from time to time. As I mentioned in yesterday’s posts, I’ve shared my favorite Dime Beauty and Seint products.
Travel:
We go on a few trips a year, and I love having these posts as a “scrapbook” of sorts with the memories. There’s a “Travel” tab on the website. Our most recent “travel” was to Cincinnati a couple of weeks ago, but I’ve also recapped summer vacations, fall break trips, and even a look at what states I’ve visited. That was one of my favorite posts to write.
Technology:
I’m not much of an an expert on technology. I’ve written a couple of posts about favorite apps like the Cozi app. One Not Just a Mompost was about our favorite phone apps. I always love seeing what others have to say. I’m sure I’m missing out on the latest technology!
Local Activities:
I wrote a Lexington post a couple of years ago, and it was another favorite post that I’ve put together.
When the we do yearly traditions like going to Keeneland or the pumpkin patch, I tend to recap those fun events too.
The first week of May is always a busy time in Kentucky. It’s all about Oaks and Derby!
Cooking/Cookware:
Under the “Meals and Recipes” tab, I’ve shared quite a few “Monday Meal” ideas. Truly, there aren’t many recipes that I’ve created on my own, but I love sharing meals my family enjoys. Plus, o can look back on them for dinner ideas when I’m in a rut 😉
Pumpkin Penne Pasta and Corned Beef, Cabbage, and Irish Soda Bread are my two favorite recipes to highlight.
I’ve shared some Instant Pot recipes, but I actually donated my Instant Pot when I did a good kitchen purge after Christmas.
I can’t live without my slow cooker, and I use it at least once a week.
My new favorite gadget is my egg cooker. I make six perfect hard boiled eggs every week now!
Baking:
Oh! We love to bake. I’ve always loved to bake, and so has Hadley. Just think weekend, Hayden decided he wanted to learn how to make the box of brownies and Krusteaz cinnamon swirl cake. Now, of course, those are not home made, but at least he’s interested in baking for himself!
There’s a “Delish Desserts” tab with anything from seasonal desserts to other faves like Graham Cracker Pudding recipe.
Like I mentioned in yesterday’s post, earlier this year, I shared twelve desserts we made last year.
Entreprenuerhsip:
I’m not very entrepreneurial, but I do share my Amazon buys every month thanks to Tanya’s link up. Being an Amazon Associate means I make a small commission.
Truly, just yesterday, I received my monthly earnings gift card, and I used it to finish buying a couple of things for the kids’ Easter baskets. I appreciate the support of my blog, whether it’s big or small!
Book Reviews:
Some of my favorite posts to write are my monthly book reviews as well as the end of the year book post where I share my Top 5 books of the year. Reading is one of my favorite things to do.
On my Instagram page, I’ve added a highlight with book trackers for anyone to use. Thanks to a reader’s idea (hi, Christina!), I have a highlight of the books I’ve read so far this year. I can’t believe I haven’t thought of that idea before now.
It’s a big day over here at Show Me and Sweet Tea…Today is my 1,000th blog post!
Who knew when I started this blog in August of 2019 that I’d have enough to say to write 999 posts + today’s post?!
I’m linking up with the Hello Monday ladies, Sarah and Holly, to share my thoughts.
I saw this graphic on Pinterest recently.
Honestly, the word “lifestyle” kind of made me cringe. I don’t know why. I’m just living my life and sharing, but not trying to tell you how to live your life. haha
That being said, I really can check so many boxes on this list.
You know I love a recap of sorts…so today I’m going to share and link back to some of the posts I’ve written that would fall under the first ten categories.
Personal Style/Fashion:
I don’t do it often, but I’ve shared some “What I Wore Wednesday” posts. Of course, I share other clothes that I love…mostly from Amazon, Target, and Shop Style Your Senses.
Beauty:
When I first think of “beauty,” I first think of skincare, but that’s it’s own topic!
I’ve been using Seint makeup for about a year and a half. I’m a creature of habit, so I haven’t really changed my makeup routine at all.
So, I think I’ve only written one Seint post, but I really love these makeup products.
Hadley shared her “heatless curl” hair tutorial last summer, and it was one of my favorite posts to share.
Spirituality:
Just by nature, I’m pretty private with my faith, but just recently, I’ve shared about about my daily Bible routine. I hope to share more in the future.
Skincare:
I’ve been using Dime Beauty products longer than I’ve been using Seint, but, again, I think I’ve only written one post.
Dime Beauty products are reasonably priced, have clean ingredients, and are so easy and convenient to use.
Hadley recently wrote about her skincare routine. Again, I loved having her share her thoughts, and she really appreciated the sweet comments.
Productivity:
I try to be as productive as possible.
I use the calendar on my phone, I write our activities and dinners on a magnetic pad, I use a desk calendar at school and write my lesson plans in a planner.
I tell my family they should be thankful for my time management and planning skills. 😆
Personal Finance:
Oh…I don’t get much into finances on here, that’s because my least favorite thing to do is talk about money…unless it’s sharing a good deal.
I literally just had to ask Travis why my paycheck where my stipend was $100 more than the previous paycheck didn’t reflect $100 more in the net amount…he reminded me about taxes. Boooo!
One of our Not Just a Mom posts last year was about money saving tips.
Self-Care:
I think I share a lot about self-care on this blog. Anywhere from quiet time, to working out, to monthly facials, I think self-care is important, and I still fail at it!
The first Monthly Musingpost of 2024 was about self-care during the winter months.
Foods/Drinks/Dining:
I have a “Monday Meals” and “Delish Desserts” tab on the website, but I don’t feel like I add to them like I used to.
Last year, Hadley and I made a dessert a month, and I shared that post in January.
I always try to share new recipes I’ve found or recap what we’ve eaten in the week if I think it’s something others will be interested in.
Wellness:
I share quite a bit about wellness…and, again, it’s still an area that I’m always working on improving.
At the end of 2023, I recapped the Bodi programs that I completed last year.
So far this year, I’ve recapped my January and FebruaryBodi workouts.
I’ve shared some goals like drinking more water, getting in more steps, and eating more protein.
Recently, I’ve started using these essential oil sticks (Awaken // Sleep) in the morning and before bed. They’ve been an easy addition to my wellness routine.
Mental Health:
I guess I haven’t really written a post on mental health, but I think I reference it when I share about my morning routine, taking time for myself, working out, quiet time, blogging, and more.
Some of my Enneagram posts, tie in with mental health because it’s about better understanding others and how they might think, feel or react.
Some thoughts:
I’ve really enjoyed blogging over these past four and a half years. I still truly wish I’d started a blog when I’d first thought about it years before 2019.
Lately, it has felt like I haven’t had as much time and energy to give to it. I’m wondering if this is just a phase, where I’m at in life, or if I’m running out of steam. (I hope not!)
August 4th will mark five years of SM&ST, and I’d love to continue writing and sharing. I have felt a bit of “shift” recently just knowing my kids are getting older. They don’t mind the blog, but I do try to be very intentional with what I share. I’m wondering next year, with them being in high school, how much of that I will continue to share. I guess time will tell.
I’m also trying to navigate blog post ideas that aren’t just about the kids or what we are up to as a family. I’d like to dig a little deeper into other topics.
For any bloggers already in this “phase of life,” I’m open to advice and ideas. Also, if there are certain topics that I already share, and you look forward to those posts, let me know that too. Let me know what you want to hear about from me! I’m open to suggestions.
Through this blog, I’ve connected with so many readers, chatted with other bloggers, participated (and co-hosted) in link ups, and I’m an Amazon associate.
I hope to continue this recap of “lifestyle blog” topics throughout the week if I have time. It’s been fun to look back on these posts.
Thank you for showing up and reading my posts. Commenting on those posts also means the world to me. I try my best to respond to everyone!
I hope you have a great start to your week.
{Amazon Affiliate links. Thanks for supporting my blog}
While we don’t do much for Valentine’s Day…when it’s on a Wednesday when we have school and then sports in the evening, we really don’t do much!
When I was planning dinners this week, I knew that last night would be our only weeknight dinner together for the week, so I asked the kids their favorites to have for dinner. So, last night we had salmon (Hadley’s fave) with Bob Evans mashed potatoes while Hayden enjoyed some wings from Wing Zone 😆
This morning, I made the kids cinnamon swirl crumb cake for breakfast. Nothing says, “I love you” like cake for breakfast. Tonight, I will give them them a few gifts and Trav his card.
Anyway, I’m linking up with Shay and Erika for Let’s Look.
This month’s topic is let’s look…little things we do every single day.
I feel like I do a million little things every single day. Here’s a quick list:
Morning coffee
Light candles
Read
Respond to texts and emails
Pack my lunch
Skin care – AM and PM
Brush teeth – AM and PM
Make the bed
Charge my phone, Apple watch, computer
Remind kids of what needs to be done – homework, practices, other details like who is picking them up from practices, check grades, etc.
Kiss everyone goodbye as I leave for school.
Update the notes app on my phone for my daily and weekly to do’s
Read blogs
Tidy up
Bible study
Let Homer out 10 times (fill up his food and water bowl) (Of course, I’m not the only one in the house to do this)
Petting/snuggling with Homer
Drive kids around
Get the mail
Order things – Target pick up, Amazon, etc.
Returns to UPS and other errands (depending on the day)
Water house plants
Refill my water tumbler
Tidy up
Make dinner
Prepare coffee pot for morning coffee
Clean up dinner
House chores: dishes, dishwasher, laundry
Depending on the day–meal plan and place Kroger order
Shower
Shave my legs
Tidy up
Tell everyone goodnight /kiss on the cheek
Set alarm to wake up
Did you notice that I included “tidy up” in there a few times? That’s one of my “tricks” for not feeling completely overwhelmed during the week…I try to stay on top of keeping the house in order. Thankfully, Travis is very much that way too.
Of course, this doesn’t even include school where I update planner/calendar, write agenda and learning targets on the board, make copies, turn on flat panel and upload lessons, check Canvas, do hall and bathroom duty, prepare lessons, send and answer emails, write hall passes, answer the phone, oh…and teach!
I’m sure I’m forgetting some little things from my day, but those were ones that quickly popped in my mind.
What about you? What are a few little things you do every day?
Well, we’re finally headed back to school for the first time since January 12th! That sure is hard to believe! While I’ve enjoyed some time at home, we definitely need to get back into a routine.
…and today I’m talking about this “by two” prompt:
Here’s an explanation for my answers:
2 things I love: Coffee and books are two things that I love. It’s been many years since I can say I haven’t had at least one cup of coffee for teh day…and I can probably say the same thing about reading.
2 names I like: When I was younger, I loved the names Lydia and Annie. It’s not that I didn’t like my name, but Jennifer was a popular name. My middle name is Ann, and sometimes I wished my name was Annie. I remember liking the name Lydia after seeing the movie Mrs. Doubtfire.
2 things that scare me: I’m definitely not a fan of heights. Choking is a new fear. I actually choked a little over a year ago, and my friend saved the day with the Heimlich maneuver. Ever since then, I’m very cognizant of choking…and I’m always telling my kids to slow down when they eat! If Trav coughs, I immediately ask him if he’s choking. Like I need one more thing to worry about…haha
2 careers I’ve considered: I’ve really never considered another career besides teaching. I do wish that I’d gotten a library science degree/certification. I would love to be in a library working with kids every day. My mom worked at the public library a couple days a week after she retired. Maybe I will do that one day? Also, ever since cookie decorating became popular, I’ve thought it would be fun to do. Again, I’m not thinking about a career change…but how fun would it be to make people happy by baking and decorating cute cookies? I’ve taken a few cookie classes for fun, and a lot of hard work goes into even one cookie!
2 places I want to visit: Nantucket continues to be on my dream list to visit. I’ve been to London, but it was when I was in high school…and I really hope to go again and take the kids.
2 accounts I love: Jen Reed (@thesisterstudioig) is just the most down to Earth woman to follow. She’s happy, encouraging, and supportive and just shares so much with her followers. Brittany Garcia (@kingdomofsequins) is so fun! She always starts her stories with “Hey girl!” and just has a bubbly personality. I could definitely be friends with both of those ladies (and they are friends in real life!)
2 books I love: I took a deeper dive into books in Sunday’s “All About Books” post, and it’s difficult for me to choose two of my favorite books. That being said, Where the Crawdads Sing and Becoming Mrs. Lewis were the first two to pop into my mind.
What are two things you can tell me about yourself from this prompt?
Shew! It’s cold around here. I feel like winter really kicked it up a notch…but without the snow. *sigh* (I know my KC peeps can’t say the same…I saw all the pretty snow pics this week!)
Today, I’m sharing my “words for the year.” These are words I hope to keep in mind and focus on this year.
Per tradition, on New Year’s Eve, my friend had us draw three words at random.
Last year, my words were:
This year, my words are:
Faith:
Faith is such an important word because sometimes you just “have to have faith…” Faith that things will get easier. Faith things will get better. Faith that some things take time, etc. Sometimes I have to remind myself to “keep the faith” and “take one day at a time.”
Like I mentioned in yesterday’s post, over the past few years, I’ve been more intentional with my religious faith. I think being a parent and having inquisitive kids can do that to you…at least that was my experience. This year, I want to continue to include Bible studies into my daily routine and of course attend church regularly.
Forgiveness:
Thankfully, I don’t feel like forgiveness is a word I will need to focus on too much this year…whether it’s asking for forgiveness or receiving it.
Instead, I think I need to forgivemyself more. I can be my own worst critic. On any given day, I can feel like I didn’t do my best in the three most important parts of my life: being a mom, being a wife, being a teacher. I know none of us are perfect, and I need to remember that I can own up to mistakes and move on as well as just forgive myself for my shortcomings. Nobody is perfect.
Growth:
I’m a pretty reflective person which means I’m always in a growth mindset. What can I do differently? How can I be better?
As teachers, we have to complete a “Professional Growth Plan” every year. There are five domains with standards, and we rank ourselves by “ineffective,” “developing,” “accomplished,” and “exemplary” at the beginning and end of the year.
I won’t bore you with the details, but even after 22 years in education, I think it’s perfectly acceptable to be “developing” in certain areas. For example, “demonstrating knowledge of students.” Every year, I mark myself as “developing” in that area, but it’s a new year, with new students, so of course I will continue to get to know them throughout the year.
Most of my energy, rightfully so, goes to my family. Most nights when my head hits the pillow, I think about what I could have done differently as a parent, as a friend, as a wife. I’m not perfect, but I do really try my best on any given day. Of course, I fall short in some areas, but at least I take a moment to think about it and grow and learn from that experience or situation.
Cherish:
In church last week, we could pick up a star with a word on it to be our “word of the year” to reflect and pray on. I was handed my star at random, but the word on it is “cherish.”
Kind of like growth, I’m typically pretty aware of time, traditions, events, etc…and that I need to cherish them. I try really hard not to take things for granted. I would like to think that this year maybe I can slow down a bit and really savor/cherish events, both big and small, as they happen in my life.
I always say that I’m “forever a work in progress.” I guess we all are.
Enneagram:
I’m 5w6, and saw this fun post on Instagram (@maddiedoodle_)…& I think it fits me perfectly for 2024.
Well, in yesterday’s Share Our Livespost, I don’t think I added much since I’d shared that topic a time or two before.
Today, I’m sharing a “This or That” answering a few questions and sharing a bit more about myself.
This or That:
Early bird or Night owl
I’m definitely a morning girl. That doesn’t mean that I hop right out of bed, but I appreciate a quiet morning before a hectic day.
Smoothie or Soda
I’m a soda girl for sure. I love a Diet Coke…especially a fountain Diet Coke (with extra ice!) from McDonald’s or Chick-Fil-A
Sneakers or Heels
I’m definitely a sneakers girl. I’m glad that there are so many cute and stylish options. I even wear sneakers with dresses to school…especially in the fall.
Freckles or Dimples
I have a few freckles when I’m out in the sun. Red head/freckles run in the family. I guess I have dimples when I smile too.
East Coast or West Coast
Well, I’ve been to both, and if we are talking beaches, then I’m torn. I love both. If we are talking overall weather, then definitely west coast, southern California is a favorite.
Lefty or Righty
I’m a lefty…except in my (brief) softball days…I batted right handed.
Fun fact, in my family, my Gma, my mom, my aunt, and me are all left-handed. While I was hopeful to pass that trait on to Hadley, I got lucky and both Hayden and Hadley are left-handed. I think that’s pretty neat.
Middle part or Side part
I’m a side part girl. I don’t think I’m cool enough for middle part.
Sweet or Salty
I definitely have a sweet tooth. I’m not big on candy, but I love cookies, brownies, and cake.
Neutrals or Colorful
I definitely lean towards neutral colors…which probably says something about my personality. haha
Online shopping or In store shopping
Definitely online! That being said, I think I enjoy going in stores a bit more now because I mainly shop online. Even because I do grocery pick up, I don’t mind going into Kroger for a few things. I like to wander around Target or Home Goods when I have time.
Sunbathe or Get in the water
I hate being hot, but I’m a “toes in the sand with a book” kind of girl. I will get in the water to cool off.
Spontaneous or Planner
I don’t know how to be anything besides a planner! My “type A” self needs a plan…and a planner…and pens…
How was your weekend? We had a pretty good one that wasn’t too busy.
Did you catch my two posts this weekend?
This month, I’m participating in Bloganuary where I’m trying to write a daily post. I’m continuing with my own schedule, but I’m also using some of the WordPress prompts for topics too.
On Saturday, I wrote about gifts, and on Sunday I shared my recent Amazon purchases to link up with Tanya today.
Anyway, on to today’s post…
Today is our first Share Our Lives (formerly Not Just a Mom) link up of 2024. I’m happy to be back co-hosting this link up with these ladies:
This month’s topic is introductions and job’s you’ve had.
Introduction:
We did introductions last January too….and not much as changed for me.
I’m Jen:
I’m still…
a wife (married to Travis, and we will celebrate 19 years in June)
a mom (my boy/girl twins are now 14 years old)
a high school English teacher (this is my 22nd year in education. I do academic intervention now which I really enjoy)
pretty introverted and a homebody
a book lover (but fail at book clubs) and a dog lover
a beach and mountain view lover
an Enneagram 5w6
left-handed
I grew up in Kansas City, but have lived in Lexington, KY for almost 20 years
a KC Royals, KC Chiefs, and Missouri Tigers fan
Here are some other blog posts I’ve written sharing a bit more about myself:
I took a True Colors test this year, and I’m gold (planner) which means I’m loyalty driven, respect rules and authority, responsible, organized, and appreciative
Autumn is my favorite season.
I love traditions.
I need quiet time to start my morning.
I love my birthday, but I don’t need a lot of attention…haha
After almost two years, I’m on my third and (hopefully) final phase of Invisalign.
I love a Sunday afternoon nap.
I love “falling back” for daylight savings time, and I love a snow day.
I’ve had this blog for 4.5 years (will be 5 years at the end of the summer)
Here are some more recent posts I’ve written sharing more about myself:
I worked at dental/ortho office for a few years in high school and my freshman year of college.
I worked the front desk of my dorm sophomore and junior years of college.
I occasionally babysat.
I worked for Mizzou Athletics in the ticket office during my senior year of college and while I did my student teaching.
This is my 22nd year as a high school teacher.
Here are our topics this year. If you have a blog, we’d love for you to save the Share Our Lives graphics and link up with us on the second Monday of the month. We love reading other bloggers’ posts!
Today I’m sharing my first “Bloganuary” post. Yesterday’s WordPress topic was “what colleges have you attended?”
At first I thought this topic might be boring, but then I realized that I had a journey/story for each part of my college career.
University of Missouri:
University of Missouri (KC):
When I graduated high school, I was really uncertain about where I wanted to go or if I even wanted to leave home.
My “homebody” tendencies started early, and I wasn’t much of a “risk taker.” I was really comfortable living at home, working part-time at a dentist office, and sticking with my surroundings. Ultimately, I decided to stay home and attend UMKC which is a smaller branch of the University of Missouri system. Looking back, I still think this was the right decision for me. I was able to ease into college while being in the comfort of what I already knew at home and work.
That being said, I had always liked the idea of going to a bigger college, and in the spring of my freshman year, I applied to University of Missouri-Columbia. (MIZZOU).
University of Missouri (Columbia):
My sophomore-senior years were spent at MIZZOU. Again, the timing really worked well for me. I’m glad I waited to go until my sophomore year. I lived in the dorm that year, so I was able to experience that. I do wonder if I’d gone to MU my freshman year if I would have joined a sorority, but I did make some great friends living in Jones Hall!
I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. My mom was a middle school Language Arts teacher for over 30 years. Also, I loved to read and always had great English teachers. So, I never once changed my major. I was always going to be a high school English teacher. I couldn’t wrap my brain around working with elementary aged kids (they seem so needy…haha), and I just felt like older kids would be a great fit.
I graduated in four years with a B.S. Secondary Education: English (grades 9-12) in May 2002. I feel very fortunate that I entered adulthood debt free thanks to my parents paying for college (and I helped a bit financially by staying home the first year, earning a few college credits while in high school, and even managing the front desk of my dorm as a junior to have free room and board).
I loved CoMo, and stuck around one more year for my first year of teaching.
Rank 2: University of Missouri
I moved to Kentucky after my second year of teaching and started my first Master’s degree after teaching for three years. In Kentucky, the pay scale is by rank. So, teachers earn more every year with experience, but they also move on the pay scale with their rank. With a B.S., it’s Rank 3 pay. One Master’s degree is Rank 2, and then an additional Master’s gets Rank 1 pay. In my district, there is also Rank 1.2 (PhD).
Anyway, I knew I wanted to start on my Rank 2 before we had kids. I was living in Lexington, but the University of Missouri had an online Master’s with a focus in literacy. Literacy had always been something I was interested in. I also knew that having that focus could be of benefit to me as I grew as a professional. I started that program in the fall of 2005.
All of the courses were online, but I really enjoyed having the flexibility of the program and there was no commute! I think I typically took two classes each semester, but maybe I took three one summer?
In May 2008, I earned my M. Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, Focus: Literacy which got me my Rank 2.
I’m so thankful for that degree because right after that, I took a job as a Literacy Coach in my school building and really enjoyed that work.
Rank 1: University of Louisville
The Literacy Coach position came about because the district I was in was a part of a federal grant called Striving Readers. It was a three year grant with partners at the Collaborative for Teaching and Learning in Louisville and the University of Louisville.
As a part of the grant, I had the opportunity to earn a reading specialist degree which would give me my Rank 1. I delayed the start of this work because Travis and I had just had the kids.
Then, my school was able to add an additional year with the grant. Knowing that it was “now or never” and this degree would be paid for, I realized I should go ahead and take advantage of this opportunity. I started working on the degree when the kids were about a year old…I think!
That time period is a blur, and it was a lot of work…but much like my Rank 2, all the courses were online, and I had such great support from my mentors at CTL and U of L.
I enjoyed working on the courses and completing each Capstone. I’d much rather write a twenty page paper than take a test!
In May of 2012, I earned my M. Ed., Reading Specialist, May, 2012, Rank 1 through U of L.
Again, that degree is one of the main reasons I’m able to work as an interventionist today. Both of my Master’s degrees have really led me to wonderful opportunities, and I appreciate that I’ve been able to work in my school in a capacity besides as a traditional classroom teacher.
I know college isn’t for everyone, but I always say that no one can take away your education. Also, through the years, these degrees have enhanced my knowledge and expertise as well as allowed me to better support my family and my future.
So–those are the colleges I attended.
I’m still a big MIZZOU fan, but I can’t cheer for the U of L Cards in my house…haha
I will cheer for the CATS with the rest of the fam.
In one of the professional development sessions I attended at the start of the school year, we had to take a personality assessment.
Through the years, I’ve had administrators ask us to take various ones as a way for them to better understand their staff and as a prompt for us to take time for self-reflection.
Of course, you know I’ve taken the Enneagram test, and am a 5w6, and I think many of those characteristics hold true for me.
We were asked to take the True Colors personality test. After answering a series of questions, you find out “your” color.
Color Characteristics:
Blue (Feeler)– emotionally driven, seeks harmony in groups, enthusiastic, creative, sympathetic
I kind of thought I’d have a bit more green but I’m not surprised that I’m not orange or blue.
One of my school friends tends to run late, and she says, “It’s because I’m orange!” and we all just laugh.
Anyway, I do think it’s interesting to see other people’s results. Kind of like love languages and Enneagram types, I don’t hold a ton of stock in them, but I do think you can know people better when you understand their personality type too.
showmeandsweettea.com 