Book #5: The Reason I Jump

If I never accomplish my goal of reading 50 books this year or even if I do this will be one of my favorite reasons I chose this goal. This book blew my mind. It was written by a 13 year old boy who has autism who is nonverbal. In it he details his daily struggles, his dreams, his writing skills which are translated letter by letter by a teacher. This book was worth every minute not because I work with children who have autism but because my perception of children with autism has depeened. I used to work with a nonverbal student who I always knew was brighter than people had claimed she was and this book reaffirms what happens when we place judgments or biases on people regarding their IQ score or their communication level... Sometimes we are severely mistaken.... And, I am very grateful for that. 

Definitely worth a read even if you know no one with autism it will enlighten you.

Hayleigh's 100lb Celebration!!

Last Friday quite a few ladies and Phil gathered to celebrate the awesomeness that is Hayleigh and her astounding pound loss of 100lbs! We gathered at our old home La Cocina. Hay and I used to eat there every week to this day I know exactly what she used to get. So after almost a year of no jumbo margaritas she finally got to enjoy one! The staff at the restaurant didn't even recognize her because of all the weight loss. I had a great time and ate fairly well because I am still working on weight loss efforts... :)

Hayleigh has been using weight watchers and working out regularly. She sticks to the program and tracks everything and pushes herself to strive for more every week. Truly an inspiration! I asked her last week when weight watchers was going to make her a poster for the meetings....maybe someday soon. Hayleigh and I have been friends for almost two years and I am so proud of her accomplishments. She has been an inspiration to me to look at what I am eating and to live a happier life. I am so proud of her and cannot wait to celebrate more and more of the amazing goals so has yet to accomplish. Yay!

The new semester begins...

This semester is off to a great start. I am teaching one class with my bestie Hayleigh which is so exciting. It has been awesome to work with her and see what a talented teacher she is. She has the perfect balance of serious, slightly playful, and warm. Our students so far are doing a really great job. It is quite a large class but thankfully we are getting through it together. I can't wait to continue working through out the semester together and learn what I can from her. <3

My other classes are off to a great start as well. I have put into place some new ideas as well as some new books to use with the class including "7 Habits for Highly Effective Teens." I loved the book and am hoping the students will learn to use the strategies as they need them in their life. I also use "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff for Teens" which by far is their favorite because I created a worksheet that goes with each one of the headers so we do a small activity after each one. I like both of these books because it makes for great transition from school to work which I am always looking for and it allows for great discussion in class about what they want from their life and how to get there.

Book 2 out of 50: 7 Habits for Highly Effective Teens

Book 2, I finished in a day... Mainly because I am using parts of it in my class and wanted to get it finished before the new semester starts. This book is great! I wish it had been around when I was a teenager because it had great tips on just coping with being a teenager and how to improve your lives. 

I am looking forward to using it in my classroom. I especially like that some of the materials I could relate to as an adult maybe I am acting like a teenager? :)

Any other teachers have books that they love to use with students?

Coffee Corner

My new favorite addition to our teeny apartment is our coffee corner with the Keurig machine which is one of the best inventions ever. Every day I have a cup of coffee or tea in just a few seconds. Amazing!

Our apartment is coming together nicely and these little organized additions make our life so much easier. Bliss. The corner features a mug from Hayleigh, mug from NCCAT, and lobster photo from Christmas. 

Spartacus Restaurant: Greek Awesomeness!

Phil and I used a Living Social Deal to try this restaurant which was a few months back and now we have been 3 times. The deal is still going on too! The pita is absolutely delicious and you can tell that it is homemade. The greek salad which is my favorite is so good and has lots of feta cheese on it. Ever since joining weight watchers feta cheese has been one of my go to's because it is lower in calories than other cheeses. On Friday evenings, they have a belly dancer perform which is entertaining to watch. This is definitely one of Phil and I's favorite places when we are craving greek food. Try it for yourself!

Do you have any suggestions for greek recipes at home? Or local greek restaurants?

NCCAT photos and of course awesomeness!

Building my base pair.

Putting it all together.

Proudly showing off our model of the double helix.

I finally found some awesome pictures from my time at NCCAT. I love this organization so much that I could probably just blog about it all day long. The experiences and learning that I recieve there are remarkable. I am engaged as a learner and educator. I meet and connect with educators who love the field they are in and I bring back to my students a feeling of renewed love of learning that I cannot put a price on. I hope that I continue to be able to participate in NCCAT seminars for as long as I am a teacher. It is truly my favorite professional development. And, I was lucky enough to earn a scholarship for my classroom from the partnership that they have formed with the Belk Foundation. Yippee!

How do you recieve professional development at your workplace? Have you been able to go to NCCAT? How was your experience?

The 3 Boys

Flowers from Phil.

Oliver and Lewie

Lewie trying to get his smell on my sea bag.

My favorite photo of Lewie. He really loves to rub on people's bags. 

I have three new boys in my life... Two are cats... No worries. Phil and I have just begun dating two months ago but already I feel like these men are a large part of my life. His cats Lewie and Oliver have unique personalities much like my super adorable, nerdy, goofy and slightly weird boyfriend. 

Oliver will shower with you...a cat, that loves water. So weird! Afterwards, you will see water paw prints all through the apartment. And, he meows...a lot! Like, constantly. It is actually really funny (well now that I can't hear him it is.) 

Lewie on the other hand is shy and runs away when people come through the door. He doesn't fall for evil toys like laser pointers.  Lewie is sweet and will lay in Phil's lap for hours but he sheds way too much fur for me. I typically wear black and that is a huge mistake around 2 cats. Lint rollers have become my new best friend. 

Lazy Sundays

Sliders and chicken nachos.

Beer sampler from Big Boss Brewing Co.

Phil excited to eat NACHOS!

Sushi boat: first one.

Lazy Sundays are my favorite. Last weekend, Phil and I decided to venture out to JD's Tavern in Apex which my friend Elizabeth from NCCAT introduced me too. They have the best nachos.... I mean the best nachos in the entire world! I have tried both the chicken and chili nachos and even though I really like chili their chicken nachos are out of this world. Definitely worth a try if you are in the area. 

Phil and I also decided to try a sampler from Big Boss Brewing Company. We really enjoyed their Blonde and Sack Time; both lighter beers but didn't like their IPA. Although both of us do not like IPA's. The sampler was only $4 which I thought was a steal so if you just want a light drink; give it a shot.

Then for dinner, we met Beth and Adam for sushi at Sushi Love in Durham. I had never been there before and it didn't disappoint. I always love buy one get one free sushi rolls! We ordered enough sushi to receive a boat and I was some excited hence the photo. The sushi was delicious! I ordered sunset roll which has sliced lemon on top. It had a little too much lemon but still is one of my favorite rolls. We liked this place so much that we went again this past Friday.