Quarter 1

End of Quarter 1:

I planned on giving everyone updates once a quarter, like report cards.  I've learned however, you readers are just like most parents and would prefer updates much more often than that.

School is going well.  My class is made up of 15 boys and 8 girls.  Overall, my class is wonderful.  I have the typical 1st grade behaviors as well as a few that usually don't take place to as much extent until closer to 5th grade.  I guess that just means we have room for improvements, right?  It's almost Thanksgiving break already!  It's amazing how fast time goes by.  I didn't have to throw any clocks, but one would think I had thrown all of those I own.

I'm setting into BRF quite nicely.  I like my apartment and everything has it's place.  I still need to work on the cleanliness factor but I've got time :)  I'm still loving IKEA to fill my place with things that I probably don't need.  I've also gotten back into sewing.  I am thinking a new sewing machine for Christmas would be good though, hint hint, wink wink, Momma!

Not only am I settling in, but so is Sally!!! She loves her new home and is thrilled that she's the only critter roaming the floors.  Lately, she's even been eyeing up the walls, as long as she isn't making friends with the spiders, I don't mind.  She has found her favorite spot to sit.  It's underneath my bungee chair in my bedroom.  I'm not sure what's so great about that spot but I know that it has to do with the chair.  If I move the chair, her spot moves too.

I currently feel as though my writing is like a 1st graders so I'm going to call it quits early.

-i hv bin reding so mch frst grad riting latle i can tip it.-
(I have been reading so much first grade writing lately, I can type it.)

Sincerely,
Lauren Lou Lemon

P.S. My name relates to an activity from Guidance today...read the book Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon.

First Day :)

Hey Readers,

I know it's been a while but I wanted to update you on what's been going on lately.  First off, The move went well.  I got everything moved in and Sally O'Mally is enjoying being back with me again.  For the summer she didn't have me around much and she was beaten up by other cats.  Now, she's being her silly self again instead of hiding in the basement ceiling.  She's actually sitting on me now, as I lay here and type this.  In fact, I can't see my computer screen, she's in the way.  All of those cat owners out there know exactly what I'm talking about.

Anyway, I have basically everything unpacked but I don't want to put pictures up on the wall yet due to not knowing if I'm going to have to move again...due to carpet/smell/allergy issues.  I really want the pictures up though, I think it will make my place seem more like home.

I went grocery shopping for the first time while living in BRF.  We shall see how long $98.54 worth of groceries lasts me....and guests I have over :)

My classroom looks great!  My co-teacher, Katie, and I worked hard to get it all set up before parents and students came to meet us last week for benchmarks. Benchmarks are basically reading tests that help teachers to determine what reading level a child is at.  Anyway, I have wonderful readers in my class.  Oh, and a little red headed girl who reminds me of myself...go figure.

The first day of school went wonderfully.  Team teaching seems to make things feel easier.  Yes, it has its disadvantages:  having to find a specific time to do planning and making sure the other person is okay with moving anything in the room, as simple as a tissue box.  However, a double teacher classroom has double the eyes to watch the room, double the ears to listen, to tattling, of course, and double the hands to give high fives for a job well done.  Overall, I think it's a good setup.

My kiddos get to go to the library tomorrow....and go on the computers, this should be interesting. Anyway, as long as my kiddos do as well as they did on day one, we'll be good to go!

Okay, so this mini-story isn't job or apartment related but it is Sally related.  So, she's sitting above my head on the pillow.  I had my hand above my head and she was licking my finger.  She was going at this for about a minute with no breaks, literally, you'd think she would have to swallow.  Anyway, I know it sounds gross, but I pulled her tongue....yeah, picture that.  Anyway, her reaction was hilarious! Her little nose scrunched up and her eyes squinted.  Do you ever wish your eyes were cameras?  Well, this was one of those moments.

Alright readers, I've had a lovely first day of 1st grade but it needs to come to an end.  "Merry School Day to all, and to all a good night."

Love,
Lauren

EXCITED!!!!

Dear Readers,

I know that some of you have been long time readers/followers.  Due to this, I thought I would update you all on what has been going on.

Where shall I start?  I got up this morning, did some cleaning, did some crafts, took a shower and am now waiting for the bathroom to be free again so I can get my hair-goo so my hair doesn't turn into a twister.  When that finally happens, I'm going to...What?  That's not what you wanted to hear about?  Job?  What job?  Just let me keep going.  Anyway, so after my hair is goo'd and I'm ready for the day, I'm headed to the cities, IKEA more precisely.  I'm going to get stuff for my new apartment/townhouse...thinger that I know I don't have yet but I'm planning on viewing tomorrow.  No matter which place I end up liking I will need the basic things to fill and decorate with.  You know what I mean, a shower curtain, bathroom shelf, things like that.

Huh?  Why am I moving?  Because this one night, at Band Camp, I was talking to this guy on the phone and he was telling me that where I live now is haunted and it made me scared.  So I'm moving to Black River Falls.  Okay, since we all know that is not really the case, here's the real story.  I was busy calling different school districts to find out when applications would be reviewed and interviews would be taking place.  I was on the phone with a school about an hour northeast of the twin cities, then 'beep-beep' I had an incoming call.  I was finished asking questions about the Pre-K position northeast of the cites so I switched to the other call.  It happened to be the principal at a school I had previously interviewed for.  Long story short, he offered me the job!!!!!!  NO!  I did not turn it down, I will be a 1st Grade Teacher in Black River Falls!!!!!  It is soon to be determined if I will be team-teaching or not. It would interesting to do so and it would present yet another new challenge, but yes, I'm up for it!

So, I've been working on preparing stuff for my classroom no matter what the teaching (team-teach, or not) situation would be.  Other than that, I'm just pumped to view places to live tomorrow and find stuff to fill my new place with today!  You know I will, considering the last few times I've been to IKEA I have had to stop myself from getting things I didn't know when I'd use or if I'd be able to, ever, but now I can enjoy the shopping trip even more!!!!

Much Love,
Lauren

Interviews.

Dear Readers,
As some of you know I had an interview at a school near Hayward, last week.  I thought it went well.  Do you think I heard from it yet?  Actually, I did.  I am sorry to say I didn't get it.  I do however know the person who did get it.  As sad as I was when I found out she got the position, I am happy for her.
I am now looking forward to two interviews this week!  I'm pumped!!! Both interviews are within an hour of where I want to be so I think I'd be okay with either location so far.
Love Always,
Lauren

Excited!

Dear Readers,

I had a phone interview!! It is for in WI but I'm still really excited about it.  I will know by the holiday if I have an interview with the panel.  I really don't have anymore updates regarding a job.  For those of you who are curious, I have 44 applications out in WI alone.

Okay, so I'm in Ohio and going to Cedar Point tomorrow.  I'm beyond excited!! You've never been there?  Seriously, you've never heard of it?!!??! GOOGLE IT!!! It's the best place ever..well, in the U.S.A. 

Much <3

Lauren

Not What You Would Like to Hear.

Several of you have been asking about my job prospects.  I have applied to locations in Florida and interviewed there almost 2 weeks ago, hopefully I will hear something soon.  I have also applied to multiple locations in Wisconsin. I know I said I didn't want to be back here but things have changed and my perspectives are broadening.  No, I don't really have anything else to update you with.  Honestly, I can't figure out why I'm posting this. Yes, I understand that people want to be "in the know" with what's going on with me but that doesn't mean that I want the whole world to know about what I'm up to.  Yes, there are some people who I think should be able to know what new prospects I have for my future but I don't think everyone is entitled to that.  Therefore, it would be my guess that you will not be getting updates as much as you'd like.  

I'm trying to figure out how to attach my Alaska blog to this one but I haven't quite figured that out yet. For now, here's the link. ----- yoloalaska.blogspot.com

Enjoy your day.

Lauren

Time For Packing

Alright guys, so some of you know that this will be a continuation of my previous blog.  I tired to get into my AK one but I can't so I am using my official personal e-mail now for this blog so it should not change.  My previous blog was www.yoloalaska.blogspot.com for those of you who are interested in viewing that one.  For those of you just starting out reading my blog, I'll give you a little background.

I did my first year of teaching early childhood during the 2012-2013 school year.  I wasn't in a place you know, well, most likely.  I was in Shishmaref, AK.  It's north of Nome and has between 600-700 people in the village.  Shishmaref is an island of about 7 miles long by 2 miles wide.  This distance though is much larger than the livable area, which is more along the lines of 2 miles by 1 mile.  My remote location also had no plumbing.  I had to transport the water to my house for my showers and use a honey bucket (which is not 'sweet smelling' at all.)  Anyway, I resigned after my first year there.  I loved my students and the people but the distance was too far away for me. 

I'm from WI.  I love traveling but AK was too much of a treck home, time wise as well as money wise. I am not sure what I'm going to end up doing this next school year but i'm working on figuring that out.  
Many people were sad that I hadn't updated my last blog so I thought I'd start fresh on here.  Although, on some level I really don't understand how it should be my responsibility to update people, I mean, my life isn't everyone's business, right?  

I'll just say this, "If you're a creeper, please ignore this blog.  There is no need for you to be reading this.  I mean it, stop....right now."  Alright, so I know that's really not going to stop a creeper from following my blog but it's worth a shot I suppose.  

Anyway, as for now regarding my future, in teaching, and life I suppose, I'll unpack my bags from AK, get rid of the bunny boots and -60F spirits and pack for the times ahead.  

Have a great night everyone!!! - and enjoy your day tomorrow :)

Much Love,
Lauren