I think this is has been a record for the amount of time that's passed since I've blogged. If you've followed my posts over the last couple of years, you know that even since I've been home, I've made an effort to post one or two things over a couple months span of time; however, that clearly hasn't happened since this past February!
You also know that I enjoy these posts and I enjoy that I still, to this very day, have people telling me that they enjoyed reading this throughout my time in Alaska, heck, I enjoy going back and reading all my posts. It's like a scrapbook I have over those couple years. New people I meet that ask me about Alaska, I tell them they can come check out my blog and read all about my time and my experiences. Some of my 5th graders last year even read some of my posts because they saw pictures I brought in and had to know more!
With that being said, I'll give you a small, quick, condensed version of my life since last February for all of you that care and may still be checking this... ;)
I spent last November through May in a 5th grade classroom at an awesome elementary school in the district that I grew up in and I loved it! Those kids stole my heart just as most do and we had a great year. I left them with their original teacher with about three weeks of school left and I did a few day to day subbing jobs here and there around my district. I was able to be back in their classroom on the last day of school to see them off to their summer and give them a big hug before they left for 6th grade!! It was great.
Summer came and things got busy, fast! I had interviews and applications to send out and a whole lot of free time to enjoy with friends and family. I can honestly say that this summer was one of the best summers I've ever had. I may have even made a trip across the country...... but that's for another post when I have all my pictures to attach. ;) Hopefully soon!
I ended up getting a job back at the same elementary school here in 2nd grade and I am VERY excited to start this new journey in a different grade. I've got a camping theme classroom going on and someone even told me it looked like I was channeling Alaska in my room. Hey, that's what I was going for. I guess it's just in my blood now. :)
I've got some pictures to attach for you to see!
There it is - it's a panoramic photo so it's a little off but it gives you an idea!
Bonfires are my favorite so I wanted to bring that into the classroom. What better way than to put it in my reading corner? :)
I know you're all wondering about Macy! Well, she's doing GREAT! She is healthy and happy as ever. She loves being able to run free and do laps around my parent's backyard and just be able to go. Other than walks, she's never on the leash like she was in Alaska. She listens so well and she's VERY spoiled by her grandma and grandpa. ;) She often even gets her own little plate after dinner..... with that being said, she's gained some weight and filled out a bit since we've been in the lower 48! Can you imagine? I'm actually working on getting her paw print tattooed on my foot soon. Some people may not agree with that but her and I have a bond/relationship that they may not understand and one that I will never have with another dog. She is MY first dog, my kids gave her to me and she's been my best friend since I got her. She was who I came home to everyday after school and she's who was with me while I was stuck in Chicago for 4 days. Her and I have been through a whole lot from one side of the country to the other and I am forever grateful that I have her! She's a crazy nut but I sure do love her.
I've gotten to spend time with BOTH sets of grandparents who I am so fortunate to have. They each help me in more ways than they can even imagine.
We're missing a few in this picture but this group has made this summer the best one yet and they're a constant reminder of how lucky I am.
Mace has spent A LOT of time floating in the pool this summer.... rough life huh? She loves her raft and often would just float around while we were hanging in and around the pool. She's even gotten to the point where she knows how to get up and down the ladder on her own. She's too cute for her own good. Although, we're both ready for cooler weather.
KASIE came to visit while she was in PA!! Her and I often say we're so glad our path's crossed a couple years back and they led me to Alaska and now here we are. I don't know what I'd do without her friendship! You'll hear more about her again when I post about my trip that I took..... stay tuned. :)
Well..... that one's sideways and I don't know how to fix it but you get it. :)
I also bought a kayak this summer and have used it numerous times! I love it and so does Mace. In the future (at this point, probably next summer) I'm going to attempt to take her with me but I have a feeling this girl will not stay in the kayak because she'll want to get out and play in the water the entire time... we'll see how that goes!
School starts tomorrow and as I'm sitting here while I'm supposed to be planning for the week, I needed to take a mental break and after talking to my gram, I figured it was time for a new post. But with that being said and you all filled in now (again, whoever may still be following this) I'll get back to planning for tomorrow and this first week of 2nd GRADE! :)
Check back because I promise I'll post about my trip soon. :)
