It has been just under two weeks since I wrote last.
To be honest, I have started a number of posts since then. The time to finish a post has been pretty limited recently for a number of reasons. The intensity of Institute increased the closer to the end I got and the number of responsibilities outside of Institute grew as well. I found myself spending my off time finding an apartment, and insurance, and electricity, and internet, and furniture, and supplies for my first year. The time for reflection has been minimal at best.
I need to make writing a priority. I need to decompress from the endless to-do list that will only continue to flood my mind as the school year truly begins. I did buy an agenda today so I'm hopeful that this tool will only make the year easier to navigate and my time easier to manage. I am still lacking a note-taking journal for training, planning, meetings, and all the other things I will need to write down, but I have one in mind.
In the past two weeks I have experienced quite a few things. Some of them have been great and others, not so much. My coach got me to try coffee one day before a lesson. It was intense. Corps members were asking how I had become so energetic. I enjoyed the experience, but when I found myself bouncing in place at 7pm that night, I decided coffee was just not for me. I will stick to my lightly caffeinated teas or drink my coffees decaf from now on.
Adult life is quickly catching up with me and I find myself less than enthused as some of its components. Literally everything I purchase ever needs insurance. Insurance is expensive. Buying things is not fun. Bills are cool. Except not really. Shopping for furniture for an entire apartment is completely overwhelming. Also, everything cost money. Money does not come easy. And do not even get me started on taxes...
Institute is coming to an end very quickly. There is less than 24 hours left and my feelings could not be anymore mixed. On the one hand, this was all very stressful and intense. On the other hand, I am about to dive head first into a full school year where I responsible for the learning of children. I would be lying if I said that I am not still nervous about this journey I am embarking on. Also, add an extra layer of being a Master's degree student to the mix and suddenly I feel like a deer in headlights. I specifically remember telling myself that I would not be getting a Master's Degree for a few years. Well life laughed boldly at my statement and here I am.
The due dates are starting to build up. The intensity is real but I am committed to staying proactive. I want to put off going into survival mode for as long as possible. I want to stay as far ahead for as long as I possibly can. If you have any suggestions, whether you have worked as a teacher or not, please let me know! I want all the help I can get.
I will be returning to Austin this weekend for a brief visit and to pick up the remainder of my belongings that did not make it to Dallas the first time. I would also love any suggestions for furniture procurement. Is it best to finance or buy outright? Any special location you recommend? Any brand? Texture? Color? Item? I have a running list but I know it is incomplete. If there is anything you see that is missing, please let me know so I'm not struggling to survive in my apartment because I forgot something crazy obvious like toilet paper or a washer.
Couch (sleeper, but not futon). TV stand (bedroom and living room). Bed frame. Mattress. Desk. Bookcase. Dresser. Dining table. Dining chairs. Patio table. Patio chairs. Loveseat/chair. Computer chair. Washer. Dyer.
Toilet paper. Paper towels. Plates. Bowls. Cups. Silverware. Cookware. Cooking utensils. Laundry detergent. Dish detergent. Printer. Toaster. Lamp. Fan.
I am also unsure of the things I will need for my classroom. I am a fifth grade science teacher. Any ideas that you have are welcome and appreciated. I will be reviewing my TEKS soon to see what topics I'll be teaching. There are also non-content related items that I am sure are important for any classroom. So please let me know what pops into your mind when you hear the phrase "classroom essentials". I would really love the help!!!
I am going to find a day to just sit down and not do anything. It will feel amazing. I will be proud of myself!
To be honest, I have started a number of posts since then. The time to finish a post has been pretty limited recently for a number of reasons. The intensity of Institute increased the closer to the end I got and the number of responsibilities outside of Institute grew as well. I found myself spending my off time finding an apartment, and insurance, and electricity, and internet, and furniture, and supplies for my first year. The time for reflection has been minimal at best.
I need to make writing a priority. I need to decompress from the endless to-do list that will only continue to flood my mind as the school year truly begins. I did buy an agenda today so I'm hopeful that this tool will only make the year easier to navigate and my time easier to manage. I am still lacking a note-taking journal for training, planning, meetings, and all the other things I will need to write down, but I have one in mind.
In the past two weeks I have experienced quite a few things. Some of them have been great and others, not so much. My coach got me to try coffee one day before a lesson. It was intense. Corps members were asking how I had become so energetic. I enjoyed the experience, but when I found myself bouncing in place at 7pm that night, I decided coffee was just not for me. I will stick to my lightly caffeinated teas or drink my coffees decaf from now on.
Adult life is quickly catching up with me and I find myself less than enthused as some of its components. Literally everything I purchase ever needs insurance. Insurance is expensive. Buying things is not fun. Bills are cool. Except not really. Shopping for furniture for an entire apartment is completely overwhelming. Also, everything cost money. Money does not come easy. And do not even get me started on taxes...
Institute is coming to an end very quickly. There is less than 24 hours left and my feelings could not be anymore mixed. On the one hand, this was all very stressful and intense. On the other hand, I am about to dive head first into a full school year where I responsible for the learning of children. I would be lying if I said that I am not still nervous about this journey I am embarking on. Also, add an extra layer of being a Master's degree student to the mix and suddenly I feel like a deer in headlights. I specifically remember telling myself that I would not be getting a Master's Degree for a few years. Well life laughed boldly at my statement and here I am.
The due dates are starting to build up. The intensity is real but I am committed to staying proactive. I want to put off going into survival mode for as long as possible. I want to stay as far ahead for as long as I possibly can. If you have any suggestions, whether you have worked as a teacher or not, please let me know! I want all the help I can get.
I will be returning to Austin this weekend for a brief visit and to pick up the remainder of my belongings that did not make it to Dallas the first time. I would also love any suggestions for furniture procurement. Is it best to finance or buy outright? Any special location you recommend? Any brand? Texture? Color? Item? I have a running list but I know it is incomplete. If there is anything you see that is missing, please let me know so I'm not struggling to survive in my apartment because I forgot something crazy obvious like toilet paper or a washer.
Couch (sleeper, but not futon). TV stand (bedroom and living room). Bed frame. Mattress. Desk. Bookcase. Dresser. Dining table. Dining chairs. Patio table. Patio chairs. Loveseat/chair. Computer chair. Washer. Dyer.
Toilet paper. Paper towels. Plates. Bowls. Cups. Silverware. Cookware. Cooking utensils. Laundry detergent. Dish detergent. Printer. Toaster. Lamp. Fan.
I am also unsure of the things I will need for my classroom. I am a fifth grade science teacher. Any ideas that you have are welcome and appreciated. I will be reviewing my TEKS soon to see what topics I'll be teaching. There are also non-content related items that I am sure are important for any classroom. So please let me know what pops into your mind when you hear the phrase "classroom essentials". I would really love the help!!!
I am going to find a day to just sit down and not do anything. It will feel amazing. I will be proud of myself!
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