REFLECTIONS FROM "THE FACTORY"

With 2016 already off and runnin', it seems only fitting to take a little walk down memory lane and celebrate all 2015 had to offer.  As I sit back and examine all of my reflections, it is clear to see that it was indeed a great one. But, then again . . . aren't they all?  (Yes, I am feeling a bit mushy and thankful for each and every day at the moment.)  

On that note, here's a little peek at those meaningful moments from 2015 and a handful of other random thoughts.  This post is probably much more for me than for you, but there could be a few fun tidbits about me that you didn't know as well as an idea or two that you could run with (look toward the end of this post for these).  So, without blabbering on for a moment more, here are my 2015 Reflections . . . 

BEST BUDS
When do you get the opportunity to job share for a year with one of your best friends on the planet?  I learned so much from my friend during our 2014-2015 run. And, I must admit, that not a day goes by this year that I don't wish we were still at it . . . TOGETHER.  

You're one in a million, Court.

WHOLE 30 LIFESTYLE
Thanks to a a whole lot of support from Rachelle Smith and Erica Bohrer, I jumped into the Whole 30 Challenge for my first time last January.  I wanted to quit after about 36 hours, but I managed to get over the "hump" and stick with it.  This was the BEST decision that I made last year as my food habits carried throughout the whole year.  I have a tricky tummy that has been through four surgeries.  Being grain free, dairy free, corn free, bean free, and processed sugar free has proven to be an absolute LIFE SAVER.  If you have digestion issues or lack energy, I urge you to take the challenge.  It's difficult as all get out, but once you get all of the "gunk" out of your system, you will feel absolutely amazing. The honey and I start a strict round on 01/03/16.  


CONFERENCE SEASON
I had the opportunity to share oodles of my math ideas at two workshops this year.  My goal with each session was to provide as many game/activity ideas as possible in my 75 minute time slot.  I always get a kick out of meeting other teachers and sharing my "out of the box" ideas on ways to make math meaningful for the little guys.  These conferences also mean seeing scads of my favorite bloggy buddies.  

I will be attending both of these conferences again this year, so if you live in California and are interested in a jam-packed session with easy to implement STANDARDS-BASED math ideas, look me up.  If you saw me last year . . . I am dishing out brand new activities :)

• PK1 Conference (01/18 in Santa Clara, CA) 
• K-1st Grade Presentation
• Session A04 - 75 Minutes
• So Cal Kinder Conference (03/04 in Pasadena, CA) 
• 1st Grade Pre-Conference Breakout Presentations
• AM Session P06 - 3 hours
• PM Session P12 - 3 Hours

NEW ADDITIONS
I became a mom . . . twice.  Well, to fur babes that is :)  When our sweet stray cat lovin' neighbor passed away, we took in two of her kitties.  OK Kitty and Henry quickly became my special boys.  

THE KOO KOO BOYS
Speaking of boys, I was lucky enough to land a very special visit for my school last year.  The Koo Koo Kangaroo Boys came and put on a show for our campus. The kids were beside themselves . . . and let's face it . . . I was too.  

NEW BEGINNINGS
Many tears and sleepless nights in the spring led me to a huge decision. Yep. I decided to leave my elementary school. After nearly a decade of service on this campus, I opted for a school a bit closer to home with a different feel.  This was one of the most difficult choices in my life, but it proved to be right on point. Not a day goes by that I don't miss my old school -- the way that it used to function and the amazing people who helped make it tick.  However, I couldn't be happier at my new "home away from home."

My last "look back" before I drove away.
#thanksevergreen

THE FINAL CELEBRATION
The people are a GIGANTIC part of what made my last school so amazing.  We had a final celebration that last day together in June.  Nothing like going on a Pub Crawl with all of your co-workers. We even had oodles of door prizes that you would ONLY understand if you worked at the school. It was a night filled with laughs and shenanigans. If your campus doesn't have an end of the year celebration, I strongly urge you to plan one.  It doesn't have to be over the top or wild like a crawl . . . just a little get together to celebrate each other and a job well done :) 

My girls . . . sigh.
I miss them so much.

CLASSROOM CREATION
A new school means a new classroom.  OMGOSH, people.  I was in there nearly every day this summer making the room mine.  From paint and furniture to organizing and planning, I labored to make Room 18 a special place for students and for me.

I might be a messy painter. 

OMGOSH . . . so much valuable crap. 

It was so worth the the hours and hours of work.
I heart how Room 18 turned out.

THE TPT EXPERIENCE
How many of you attended the TPT Conference last year?  It was a doozie for sure . . . so many good ideas were shared and amazing relationships were fostered during this awesome Vegas run.  The 2016 Conference is already in the planning stages and it's going to be in Florida this year.  If you haven't been before, let me say that it is WELL WORTH your time.  The networking and ideas shared are worth their weight in gold.

My marketing presentation panel.
These people have such AMAZING ideas! 

My partners in crime - Susan Jones & Melissa Kozerski

Blogger Meet Up Planners
Blog Hoppin' Crew 

My favorite moment . . . chatting it up with the CEO :)
We share a random NorCal connection.

SAYING GOODBYE
The week before school started, I lost my beloved cat.  Lou was just shy of turning 12.  She was crabby as all get out, but we had an understanding that it was always on "her terms."  In those 11.75 years together she saw me through 3 less than stellar boyfriends, 4 moves, a career change, and a wonderful marriage.  Thanks for the memories sweet girl . . . you will forever be my office mascot.  

THE LEARNING CURVE
NO ONE told me that switching schools was going to be like my first year teaching.  GOOD HEAVENS, people!  Have any of your changed schools and felt a similar chaos?  The learning curve is massive as the kids come in at such different places and the systems are oh so different.  Again, I am not complaining and I am so happy with my move, but I am working my bum off to keep up this year.  

That one time during the first week at my new school . . .
when I went back to work for two hours after dinner.
In my PJs no less :) 

Notes for days during that first month.

FAVORITE POST
Writing is hands down my FAVORITE subject to teach. For those of you that don't know, I majored in journalism/public relations and worked in the field for 5 years before realizing that teaching was my true calling.  However, this love of writing has stayed with me over the years.  Teaching my students to enjoy the process has become one of my major goals ever year.  With this said, I poured my heart and soul into a two-part post about teaching writing to primary kiddos.  Click on the button below to read this 2015 fave.

FAVORITE CREATION 
My favorite creation last year was Alphabet Moves.  I teamed up with my father (Ron Brown of Intelli-Tunes) to generate a professionally recorded song-based packet that takes letter sound practice to a whole new level. It's perfect for TK, Kinder, and the beginning of 1st.  

What is this all about, you ask?  Well, each letter of the alphabet gets a short little tune (like 1.30-1:45).  The kids listen for words that contain the correct letter sound and complete the appropriate movement. Oh, and you don't have to come up with the movement or tell your babes how it works.  As each song begins, the movements are given orally to the students.  Once the voice finishes and the music starts, kiddos turn on their listening ears and start moving. It looks like this . . . 

  

Wanna take a sample of this with you today?  Click on the image below to try one of the tunes out with your crew.  

A LOOK AHEAD
As I take my first few steps into the New Year, it seems fitting to reflect a bit on where I am going.  I have been a bit quiet as of late.  It sounds crazy but, I haven't felt like I have had much to say. {If you know me or have met me, you know that I am loud and can talk your ear off.} My goal as we get rolling this year is to find that voice again and fall into a manageable schedule that allows me to find balance between my "first job," the blog world, and my home life. 

In addition to sorting out life balance, I will be making some rather large decisions this year.  From a pending spring surgery (Endometriosis SUCKS - this will be my 5th date with the knife) and work choices that align to my stupid health issues to decisions about IVF and whether to pursue motherhood, there is a lot in the cards in 2016. Who knew my 36th chapter would be slated to be so climactic?  All I have to say is, BRING IT. I so am ready to start this adventure. 

ONE LITTLE WORD FOR 2016

Be sure you hop on over and check out the linky party or maybe even join in the fun with a post of your own.  Thanks for taking the time to visit me.  I will be back again tomorrow with some goodies for our first week back.  Big hugs and Merry 2016 to you.