2012 Here I Come!

Ahhhhh!!!!!!  Is it really already New Year's Eve???  Where did this year go!?!  Where did this break go!?!  I'm not ready for it to be over!  I can't believe I haven't blogged since the week before winter break began!  That week was insane {as you all well know} and I have done a pretty FABULOUS job of putting school out of my mind over the past 2 weeks.  I wouldn't have thought this was possible my first year of teaching (I think I was there 9 out of the 14 days we had off... YIKES!)  I did go up Tuesday to organize and rearrange my room... My theme for 2012 is "Less Mess"!  I have SOOOO much stuff [at home and at school] and I've been working on going through it and getting rid of stuff that "I may fit into this year." or that "I may need someday."  Sheesh!  Any great organizational {and cheap} tips would be greatly appreciated!

Okay... it's time for a little venting.  I also went up to the school yesterday and spent 8 hours putting together an "Evidence Binder".  What is an "Evidence Binder" you ask?  An "Evidence Binder" is a collection of papers and pictures to prove that I am a good teacher.  What?  You don't have to get observed? you say?  Oh no... I still get observed 3 informal observations and 1 formal observation per semester, by an administrator AND a peer evaluator (so 8 observations total PER SEMESTER!) because I'm in my first 3 years of teaching.  However, we've been told at my school that even if our observations went well, if we don't have evidence to prove that we are effective or highly effective we will be marked down.  ....I wish I was kidding.  I get that there are bad teachers out there.  I get that there is always room for improvement.... but this new assessment stuff is taking up SO much time and causing SO much stress.  I would MUCH, MUCH, MUCH rather be using this time to plan great lessons!  And to make things worse we were told about having to put this "Evidence Binder" together by January two days before break.  So pretty much we were given this as work for over our BREAK.  What!?!  Enough venting.

So.... I refuse to end this post on a negative note {this is a rewrite because I definitely ended this post on a negative note a few minutes ago... haha}.  I guess I could've kept that my little secret.  Oh well... So I wanted to end my post by making sure to tell you all HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!  And by listing 11 things I'm thankful for in 2011.  So here it goes (in no certain order):

1.  My AMAZING family {Don't know what I'd do without my Momma and Daddy or my cousin who doubles as one of my bestest friends}

2.  My friends... who can always turn a bad day around

3.  My wonderful boyfriend - He's always there for me no matter how stressed and crazy I get!

4.  My dog who loves me no matter what!  c:

5.  Lazy Rivers... great trip this summer!

6.  My relationship with God!

7.  My beautiful home

8.  My job... because no matter how much it stresses me out, I love those kiddos and at least I have one!

9.  My colleagues!  They are hands-down the best!  Great, uplifting people who I love and miss during breaks!

10.  Pinterest  <3

11.  My New Bloggy Friends!


I feel much better after ending on that note!  Hope everyone has a safe and fun New Years!