#MTBoSBlaugust - Day 3 - To Do Lists

Can I just say that I love to-do lists?  I mean, like big puffy-heart loves!  My day never feels right until I have a to-do list going!

While I'm definitely one of those girls that can write a to-do list on anything.. tiny post it note, scrap of paper, back of a business card... I really like pretty to-do lists.  I usually find cute ones at the Target Dollar Spot, but I've been pretty sad at this year's selection and haven't purchased much at all in my beloved Dollar Spot!

But... I am totally loving my new ARC binder system and thought to myself... "Self, you could totally make a to-do list that matches your beautiful new teacher binder!!!"

(Full disclosure.. I tried to find a cute one on pinterest first, but no go :(

Anyway, here is the result of about 30 minutes of work this morning:

Isn't it just the cutest???  I made it two to a page, then punched it with my ARC punch and I'm good to go!

If you would like a copy, click here... you'll need the font Shadows Into Light as well

#MTBoSChallenge - Weekly Challenge - Week 17

Welcome to the #MTBoSChallenge! 

Each week there are two options:

• On Saturdays, you can choose to blog on a weekly prompt.  Go check out the awesome and amazing posts submitted this week at Middle School Math Rules.  No worries if you didn't blog yesterday, you can still submit your post using the linky at the bottom of her post.
• On Sundays, you can choose to blog a Sunday Summary of your week.  The idea for the Summary is to provide you a way to reflect on the past week and share what you are looking forward to this coming week.

Feel free to choose either option (or BOTH!), add it to the linky on the host page and don't forget to tweet it with the hashtag #MTBoSChallenge as well!

Now on to my post for the day...

My Sunday 3-2-1 Summary

3 recent purchases I've loved:

• Tights!  My wardrobe currently consists of way more dresses/skirts than pants.  I haven't worn "hose" since I was a kid with my church dresses, but I have to say that I am loving tights this year!  (Bonus.. there's a 30% off coupon on Cartwheel this week!)
• Ramen Noodle Cooker!  I honestly thought my dad was crazy when he told me about this invention.  Pretty much it's a rectangular pan that you put a brick of ramen noodles in, fill it up to the water line, cook for 4 minutes in the microwave, and you're done.  Yay for easy school lunches!
• Camis!  We've had a pretty chilly fall and I stocked up on cotton camis from Walmart for $2.97 each.  It's crazy how much warmth can come from a thin little tanktop thing!  I now wear them under every outfit! :)
  

2 things I accomplished this week:

• Lots of grading!  Grading is the bane of any teacher's existence, but I was able to whittle down my pile to where I just have a few projects left to go.  yay!
• My yearly observation!  My principal came in this week to observe me.  It wasn't my favorite lesson of all time, but it was okay.  :)   

1 goodbye:

Yesterday we had to say goodbye to our baby girl.  We got "Sasha" when she was 5 weeks old and hubby and I were newlyweds.  I was teaching 7th grade at the time and as every teacher knows, there are some names that you never want to name a child because of the memories it brings.  Sasha is one of those names for me, so the only people that knew her as Sasha were the people in the vet's office.  Her real name was ******** (Censored because this a family-friendly blog *grin*).  She was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism 2 years ago, so we knew her time would be limited, but when we took her to the vet yesterday, we were not prepared for the vet to tell us she had a huge mass in her abdomen.  As a result, we had to make a decision about what to do.  My baby girl wasn't a pretty kitty, but she was an amazing snuggler.  I'll miss her sleeping on my pillow with her deep purr that could put me to sleep within minutes.

#MTBoSChallenge - Weekly Summary - Week 16

Welcome to the #MTBoSChallenge! 

Each week there are two options:

• On Saturdays, you can choose to blog on a weekly prompt.  Go check out the awesome and amazing posts submitted this week at Middle School Math Rules.  No worries if you didn't blog yesterday, you can still submit your post using the linky at the bottom of her post.
• On Sundays, you can choose to blog a Sunday Summary of your week.  The idea for the Summary is to provide you a way to reflect on the past week and share what you are looking forward to this coming week.

Feel free to choose either option (or BOTH!), add it to the linky on the host page and don't forget to tweet it with the hashtag #MTBoSChallenge as well!

Now on to my post for the day...

My Sunday 3-2-1 Summary

3 goals for December:

• Exercise more!  I've figured out a few ways to get more steps in my day, so my goal is to get back to hitting 10K steps on a regular basis.  It will help me lose the couple of pounds gained this week, too! :)
• Wrap up the semester!  There are only 3 weeks left in the semester and I have a ton to get done before final exams.  
• Get my shopping done early! I'm a slight procrastinator when it comes to holiday shopping, so this year, I would really like to get it done well in advance. We'll see if it happens! :)
  

2 things I accomplished this week:

• Cleaned out my closet!  One of the things I really wanted to get done this week was to clean out my closet and take out the things that no longer fit.  While I was at it, I decided to inventory the clothes I have.  I have too many clothes... :(
• New cut and color!  After a family gathering this weekend, I saw the pictures and realized I really needed a haircut!  I went to my hairdresser and thankfully she had time for a cut and a color.  She chopped off about 3 inches (maybe more?) and gave me a new color job that I love! 

1 thing I'm thankful for today:

• My family!  This week was a time of fun, food, fellowship, and family.  I ate too much, laughed a lot, and in general, truly enjoyed my Thanksgiving break.  I hope all of you had a very restful break!

NaBloPoMo - Day 16 - Sunday Summary Week 14

Welcome to the #MTBoSChallenge! 

Each week there are two options:

• On Saturdays, you can choose to blog on a weekly prompt.  Go check out the awesome and amazing posts submitted this week at Middle School Math Rules.  No worries if you didn't blog yesterday, you can still submit your post using the linky at the bottom of her post.
• On Sundays, you can choose to blog a Sunday Summary of your week.  The idea for the Summary is to provide you a way to reflect on the past week and share what you are looking forward to this coming week.

Feel free to choose either option (or BOTH!), add it to the linky on the host page and don't forget to tweet it with the hashtag #MTBoSChallenge as well!

Now on to my post for the day...

My Sunday 3-2-1 Summary

3 things I'm excited about this week:

• The return of warmer weather!!  After a week of 35 degree days, I'm done with winter and ready for the return of higher temps.  By mid-week, we are supposed to be back in the 50s, which is MUCH closer to our typical November weather!
• Baking!!  I have some new recipes I want to try out before Thanksgiving.  That means that my coworkers will be reaping the benefits :)
• #EduRead of course!  Last week was such an awesome chat that I'm really looking forward to this week too!  Read the Storify of last week's convo:  Click here

2 things on my to-do list:

• Catch up on grading!  I gave a project last week and now I have 130 posters to grade... UGH! :)  On the positive side, they look really cool!  To top it off, my kids have a quiz this week too! :(
• Work on Making Thinking Visible!  I have fallen down the past few weeks on this one.  I really would like for someone to be able to walk into my room after hours and be able to see what all we have done.  Right now, it feels very generic in my room once the kids are gone. :(

1 thing I'm thankful for today:

• Snow!!  Today was the first snow of the season, which is way earlier than normal.  However, there is just something peaceful about watching the snow drift down and cover the ground.  Thankfully our ground temps are still warm, so it will go away soon! :)

NaBloPoMo - Day 9 - MTBosChallenge - Week 13

Welcome to the #MTBoSChallenge! 

Each week there are two options:

• On Saturdays, you can choose to blog on a weekly prompt.  Go check out the awesome and amazing posts submitted this week at Middle School Math Rules.  No worries if you didn't blog yesterday, you can still submit your post using the linky at the bottom of her post.
• On Sundays, you can choose to blog a Sunday Summary of your week.  The idea for the Summary is to provide you a way to reflect on the past week and share what you are looking forward to this coming week.

Feel free to choose either option (or BOTH!), add it to the linky on the host page and don't forget to tweet it with the hashtag #MTBoSChallenge as well!

Now on to my post for the day...

My Sunday 3-2-1 Summary

3 random thoughts in my head:

• NaBloPoMo is much easier than the July Blogging Challenge.  It's now day 9 and I'm still able to blog without wanting to throw in the towel.  Obviously, I have more to say during the school year than during the summer.  I want to use this month to help me reflect on my classroom and my practice. 
• This week totally sucked in a lot of ways.  I hate those weeks where you second guess every decision you made.  I need to remember to focus on the good things - my students and ignore some of the other junk that creates stress and hassle in my life.  I really don't like feeling like I'm one step away from letting everyone down.
• This is the time of year where I feel like I'm in a major rut.  I need to find a way to snap out of it.

2 things I'm excited about this week:

• #EduRead!  I think I've posted about #EduRead almost every day this week. :)  Please join us at 8pm Central on Wednesday to discuss The Highly Engaged Classroom by Marzano.
• Global Math Department!  Bob Lochel and I are presenting on Tuesday night about the stat standards in the CCSS.  Bob is a rockstar... you don't want to miss hearing him speak about awesome activities that you can use in your classroom!

1 thing I'm thankful for today:

• Weekends!  This has been a stressful year and I've really tried to take advantage of my weekend time to relax.  I end up going to school one of the days, but on the other day, I try to do my best to not think about school at all.  I love snuggling under the warm blankets on a chilly morning and being able to relax with a good book. :)

NaBloPoMo - Day 2 - #MTBoS Challenge - Week 12 - Sunday Summary

Welcome to the #MTBoSChallenge! 

Each week there are two options:

• On Saturdays, you can choose to blog on a weekly prompt.  Go check out the awesome and amazing posts submitted this week at Middle School Math Rules.  No worries if you didn't blog yesterday, you can still submit your post using the linky at the bottom of her post.
• On Sundays, you can choose to blog a Sunday Summary of your week.  The idea for the Summary is to provide you a way to reflect on the past week and share what you are looking forward to this coming week.

Feel free to choose either option (or BOTH!), add it to the linky on the host page and don't forget to tweet it with the hashtag #MTBoSChallenge as well!

Now on to my post for the day...

My Sunday 3-2-1 Summary

3 new Fall TV shows I'm enjoying:

• Scorpion - A group of highly intelligent people create a "think-tank" company that helps solve government problems. 
• Forever - A New York Medical Examiner who has been alive for 200 years. 
• Madam Secretary - Tea Leoni as the Secretary of State. 

2 things I'm excited about this week:

• Fall Back!  I love having the extra hour today.  I'm not crazy about the earlier sunset though. :(
• Math Teachers Circle!  'Nuff said!

1 thing I'm thankful for today:

• Fuzzy blankets!  Fall decided to finally arrive and after weeks of 70+ degree weather, we had our first freeze and daytime highs in the 50s this weekend.  Hubby and I haven't turned on the "real" heater yet since just two days ago, the a/c was running.  Instead we have opted for flannel pants and fuzzy blankets.  We purchased these amazing blankets from Sams Club a few weeks ago and I'm in LOVE!  Rush out and buy one.. it's so worth it! :)

#MTBoS Challenge - Week 7 - Sunday Summary

Welcome to the #MTBoSChallenge! 

Each week there are two options:

• On Saturdays, you can choose to blog on a weekly prompt.  This week's prompt is about setting goals for October.  Go check out the awesome and amazing posts submitted this week at Middle School Math Rules.  No worries if you didn't blog yesterday, you can still submit your post using the linky at the bottom of her post.
• On Sundays, you can choose to blog a Sunday Summary of your week.  The idea for the Summary is to provide you a way to reflect on the past week and share what you are looking forward to this coming week.

Feel free to choose either option (or BOTH!), add it to the linky on the host page and don't forget to tweet it with the hashtag #MTBoSChallenge as well!

Now on to my post for the day...

My Sunday 3-2-1 Summary

3 goals for October:

• Get caught up!  This school year so far has been fitting of a Dickens novel... It has been the "best of times" in many ways as I have some really awesome students and have had some really great teaching days.  However, it's also been the "worst of times" as I struggle to balance my new responsibilities and not let anything crash and burn as I learn to juggle all of the things I do.
• Redo my bedroom!  Years ago, we ripped up the carpet in our living areas and went with the concrete subfloor as the main flooring.  Hubs has decided he wants to do this in our bedroom as well, so there will be some home renovation projects coming up in the future weekends... (assuming goal #1 is met first).
• Read more!  I have some really great novels waiting for me on my Kindle.  I've neglected my enjoyment reading a lot this year and I want to spend some time focusing on things that relax me, such as reading.

2 things I'm proud of this week:

• My students!  We took our first test of the semester this week and I'm so happy with how well the students did.  I believe my kids are really taking this year's mantra of "The best way to learn is to DO." by heart and I often hear them comment about how class goes by so quickly, even though we learn a lot each day.
• My lessons!  I spent a bit more time on writing descriptions of data this week and I think it's going to pay off in the long run. 

1 fun purchase this week:

• Jewelry!  Last weekend, I wasn't feeling great, which is why there wasn't a Sunday Summary post.  While resting, I decided to browse ebay for some funky vintage jewelry and I found a great auction of about 50 vintage necklaces.  The box arrived on Thursday and I finally got it all sorted out yesterday.  I can't wait to wear some of them!

Submit your Sunday Summary here!








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#MTBoSChallenge - Week 5 - Sunday Summary

Welcome to the #MTBoSChallenge! 

Each week there are two options:

• On Saturdays, you can choose to blog on a weekly prompt.  This week's prompt is about the favorite review activities.  Go check out the awesome and amazing posts submitted this week at Middle School Math Rules.  No worries if you didn't blog yesterday, you can still submit your post using the linky at the bottom of her post.
• On Sundays, you can choose to blog a Sunday Summary of your week.  The idea for the Summary is to provide you a way to reflect on the past week and share what you are looking forward to this coming week.

Feel free to choose either option (or BOTH!), add it to the linky on the host page and don't forget to tweet it with the hashtag #MTBoSChallenge as well!

Now on to my post for the day...

My Sunday 3-2-1 Summary

3 things that made me smile this week:

• New Shoes!  Last weekend, I went to Wal-Mart (which is WAY out of the norm for me!) and ran across these fake Toms.  I've wanted a pair of leopard canvas shoes for awhile, so I was happy to have found them AND they're pretty comfy!   (Excuse the dirty floor.. I need to mop!)
  

• My friends!  One of my hallmates tweeted me last weekend to say she had purchased a gift for me.  She stopped me in the hall early this week to hold me to come to her room...
  

 

• My neighbors!  On Wednesday, I actually made it home during daylight hours (woohoo!), so hubby and I decided to walk to dinner.  On the way home, we took a longer route to burn off some of those calories!  On the walk, here's what I saw...

2 things I'm proud of this week:

• I feel like I have done a good job with "WICOR-izing" my classroom.  We did a Chalk Talk activity to review for a quiz and my kids really enjoyed it.  I love that every day I am using WICOR strategies to engage my students.

• I have made it a month with my 180blogging and only missed ONE day!  YAY!  This time last year, I had already missed several days... WIN!  Check out my 180blog here:  http://druinok180.blogspot.com/

1 thing I'm NOT looking forward to this week:

• This is my week of many meetings.  Lots of late nights in my future... :(

What is YOUR Sunday Summary?  Add it to the linky below!









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#MTBoSChallenge - Week 3 - Sunday Summary

Welcome to the #MTBoSChallenge! 

Each week there are two options:

• On Saturdays, you can choose to blog on a weekly prompt.  This week's prompt wants you to share classroom photos!  I love looking at other people's classrooms!  Go check out the awesome and amazing posts submitted this week at Middle School Math Rules.  No worries if you didn't blog yesterday, you can still submit your post using the linky at the bottom of her post.
• On Sundays, you can choose to blog a Sunday Summary of your week.  The idea for the Summary is to provide you a way to reflect on the past week and share what you are looking forward to this coming week.

Feel free to choose either option (or BOTH!), add it to the linky on the host page and don't forget to tweet it with the hashtag #MTBoSChallenge as well!

Now on to my post for the day...

My Sunday 3-2-1 Summary

3 things that happened this week:

• I figured out the basics of Canvas.. YAY!  Now to start tackling the bells and whistles.  Much thanks to @lbburke for her help!
• I finally found some clothes.. DOUBLE YAY!  I met my weight loss goal this week, which was exciting, but I was super happy to find some clothes!  After going from store to store to store last week with no results, I was so excited that I found some great stuff this weekend at Goodwill!  YAY for thrifting!
• I really enjoyed my classes this week.  I love listening to kids as they discuss while doing a Card Sort! 

2 things that I enjoyed this week that were not school related:

• My sister came into to town last weekend.  I rarely get a chance to see her because she lives in an RV and travels the USA working at nuclear power plants and such.  We went to dinner and had a grand ole time chatting and enjoying each other's company. 
• A student from last year came by to see me and bring me the book The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime.  She wanted me to read it because it had a lot of math in it and felt I would enjoy it.  I read it yesterday, it was quite interesting! 

1 thing I'm looking forward to this week:

• Our area Math Teacher Circle starts back up this week!  I get to spend Thursday evening doing math with @mathequalslove!  YAY! :)

What is YOUR Sunday Summary?  Add it to the linky below!










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#MTBoSChallenge - Week 2 - Sunday Summary

Welcome to the #MTBoSChallenge! 

Each week there are two options:

• On Saturdays, you can choose to blog on a weekly prompt.  This week's prompt asks about your favorite professional books.  Go check out the awesome and amazing posts submitted this week at Middle School Math Rules.  No worries if you didn't blog yesterday, you can still submit your post using the linky at the bottom of her post.
• On Sundays, you can choose to blog a Sunday Summary of your week.  The idea for the Summary is to provide you a way to reflect on the past week and share what you are looking forward to this coming week.

Feel free to choose either option (or BOTH!), add it to the linky on the host page and don't forget to tweet it with the hashtag #MTBoSChallenge as well!

Now on to my post for the day...

My Sunday 3-2-1 Summary

3 things that happened this week:

• Students arrived!  It was a great first week of school, although my feet and legs hurt!  #IBelieve it is going to be an AMAZING year!
• I LOVE my Exit Ticket Jar!  This was definitely a "win" for Made4Math!  While planning my lessons, I just flip through my Exit prompts to select one for the day.  It makes the integration of Exit Tickets sooooo easy!
• Week 1 of "WICOR-izing" my classroom was successful!  I was able to integrate writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading every day!  I am nervous that I won't be able to sustain this, but I'm going to try!

2 things on my to-do list:

• Shopping!  I have lost quite a bit of weight over the past 18 months, which means I don't have many clothes that fit!  (Sidenote.. where are your favorite places to shop on a frugal budget?  I've been really struggling to find things I like this year!)
• Setting up Canvas!  Our school went 1:1 and we adopted Canvas as our Learning Management System.  I haven't even touched it yet..  (Shh, don't tell my principal!)

1 thing I'm looking forward to this week:

• A four day weekend!  On Friday, we have a "Professional Day", which consists of our yearly Welcome Back Bash where each school in our district competes for the Spirit Stick.  We also have inspirational speakers and we award our yearly Vision of Excellence awards.  It's a great way to start the holiday weekend.

What is YOUR Sunday Summary?  Add it to the linky below!









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Introducing the #MTBoSChallenge

Remember my July goal?  If not, that's okay... I challenged myself to blog every day for a month.  I didn't quite make my goal, but I was pretty close.  As a result of the #July2014Challenge, the other bloggers that joined me asked about a school year challenge... the #MTBoSChallenge was created!

Your Challenge Should you Choose to Accept It...
Blog once a week during this school year!  That's it! :)  See how easy it is??

Each weekend, we will have two options:

• Option #1:  Saturday Weekly Prompt will be tweeted out using the hashtag #MTBoSChallenge.  You can choose to write a post on that prompt and then tweet your post with the hashtag #MTBoSChallenge and add it to the Saturday linky. 
• Option #2:  Sunday 3-2-1 Summary.  This option won't change from week to week, unlike the weekly prompt.  The idea for the Summary is to provide you a way to reflect on the past week and share what you are looking forward to this week.  The only expectation is that you follow the 3-2-1 format, but you get to choose what the 3-2-1 prompt parts are.  (I really hope that makes sense!)  Again, tweet your post with the hashtag #MTBoSChallenge and add it to the Sunday linky.

If you want to do BOTH options, that's totally okay too!

The first weekly prompt has been posted on Middle School Math Rules - Go check it out HERE

I really hope you decide to join us! :)