This = My Experience

I have a student observer...eeek!!!

2012-02-09T21:53:00.000-06:00

If you didn't know...I am a high school English teacher. I teach grades 7, 8, 11, and 12. Last year I also taught 10th and 9th. So, yeah, I have a pretty heavy load.

Anyway, last week my principal introduced me to a perky young lady and he informed me that she would be spending Wednesdays with me for the semester. She is a college student who plans to go into high school education, specifically English education. So, I politely said hello and that I would be happy to have her in my classroom.

Well, after that meeting last week, things got kind of busy, and I honestly forgot all about it. Crazy huh? How could I forget something like that?

Well, the week passed and yesterday morning she showed up eager and ready. She is wonderful, excited to learn, and eager to become a teacher. She is exactly what schools should want in a new teacher preparing to enter the field of education.

And....this makes me very nervous. I've never had someone sit and watch everything I am doing...and take notes. (Except for my principal when he does our performance evaluations) But this young lady, she is looking at me through a different lens than my principal does when he observes. She is looking at me as a role model for the profession....

I'm not a perfect teacher. I mean, I work hard and try my best, but I can only wonder what type of impression I'm making upon her. I hope she sees me as a positive example of educators. I hope I can share some helpful and useful knowledge. I'm just really nervous...really, really, nervous.

I'm sure everything will be great. I'm sure the semester will pass and she will learn so much more than I realize, or even more than she realizes. She will have to prepare and present at least two lessons during the semester as well as a few other "teacher" tasks. She seemed pleased when she left this week. She commented on the excellent behavior of the students, and how excited she was to be at our school. So, I hope this continues. I hope I provide her with information and an experience that will be valuable to her in the future.

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Button Swap

2012-02-04T14:34:00.000-06:00

Lately, I've seen a lot of small blogs doing button swaps.

I think this is a great way for small blogs to get a little bit of exposure.

So, I was wondering...

would anyone be interested in doing a free button swap with me?

I think this could be a fun way to meet new and interesting bloggers.

If you're interested.....

just shoot me an email and let me know.

SaraDBVerde@gmail.com

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Another weekend...

2012-02-04T13:06:00.001-06:00

Here we are...another great weekend, and more great hops.

So, link up and hop around a little bit.

You're sure to find some great reads!

A bit of this...A bit of that...

2012-01-28T22:03:00.000-06:00

The last few days nothing too terribly exciting has happened around here, nothing to merit its own post.

So, instead, I'm just going to mention several little things that I want to talk about today.

1. The husband and I went to see The Devil Inside tonight. It wasn't that we really wanted to see this particular movie, but considering what else was playing at our local theater, this was the most interesting choice. And, it was an excuse to have a date night (complete with dinner and everything). I mean, the topic and premise was interesting, but it didn't take either one of us long to re-think our choice.

So, in my opinion...this one is definitely a "wait till it's out on DVD" choice.

2. Got a couple of great new Scentsy scents this week. AMAZING!

3. I am super excited to be a sponsor of Rachele over at The Nearsighted Owl for the next month. Make sure to stop by and say hi.

4. I have been having a ton of fun on Picnik lately. It's been nice getting all the premium features for free. If you didn't know yet, Picnik will cease to be later this spring, until then all features are free!!!!
5. I can't wait to watch The River premiere in a couple of weeks. For some reason, I have high hopes for this show. I'm still searching for something to fill my Lost void, maybe this will be exactly what I'm looking for.

To watch the trailer, click here.

6. I have parent-teacher conferences this week at school. I never look forward to those, so any prayers, good vibes, anything you could send my way would be appreciated, especially late Thursday afternoon.
How about you guys, anything exciting happening?

That Friday Blog Hop and others...

2012-01-27T08:33:00.000-06:00

Linking up with Rebecca this week.

Hop on over and join the fun.

And...

make sure to visit these other great hops.

Rain, rain go away

2012-01-25T20:56:00.003-06:00

So, yeah, here in south Arkansas we have been getting beat to death with rain. This photo shows the little storm that decided to visit us today. We've had several of these the last few days. Usually, I love rain. There's nothing like sitting home, opening a window, and listening to the rain as you read a good book and enjoy a great cup of coffee.

But, I think I've had enough. I'm ready to see sunshine again.

Or, if I can't get any sunshine...how about just a little bit of winter weather. I mean, come on, since when is it supposed to be 60, 70, or even 80 degrees in January?

I'm beginning to get jealous of all you people living up north and getting all that snow.

Motivating Monday

2012-01-23T19:00:00.000-06:00

If you're like me, then it always helps to get a little motivation every now and then.

For those of us still trying to accomplish those New Year's goals, it's good to get a little pep talk to keep us going.

So, if you're one of those people that appreciates a few encouraging words...this is the post for you.

Happy Motivating Monday!

Have a productive week!

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The last one is my favorite! I really needed this today!

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

2012-01-22T13:13:00.001-06:00

Some of you may already know that I am currently a high school English teacher. I teach at a small, school in south Arkansas. This year I am teaching 7th, 8th, 11th, and 12th grade classes. In the past, I have taught 9th and 10th grade as well. This is my third year of teaching, and I have to say, I'm not the best I can be at my job. This is not for me.

So, for the past several months, I have been poking around, looking for a new job, sending out applications and resumes. And I'm happy to say, that, this week...I received a response from two of the positions that make me really excited.

In the next few weeks, I hoping, hoping, hoping for some great interviews and, hopefully, a brand new job that allows me demonstrate my best professional self!

I am so excited!

Wish me luck!

Motivating Monday

2012-01-16T17:58:00.001-06:00

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Oh yeah, one more thing...

Just so you know...I just got finished with an hour long walk with one of my besties!

Yay me!

Blog Hops

2012-01-14T00:52:00.001-06:00

This weekend I plan on spending some time hopping around looking for new and interesting blogs to read.

So, if you're looking for some new reading material as well, click over and check out these great hops.

If you find anything especially great or interesting, I love to hear about it.
Have a great, bloggy weekend!

10 Song Shuffle

2012-01-12T06:53:00.000-06:00

So, Rebecca over at Let Them Eat Cake has a great link-up going.

What you do is this...

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So, here we go with my 10...

1. Janie's Got a Gun - Aerosmith

2. Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain - Willie Nelson

3. I Believe in a Thing Called Love - The Darkness

4. Natural Mystic - Bob Marley

5. I Wanna Hold Your Hand - The Beatles

6. One of These Days - Cross Canadian Ragweed

7. Burn One Down - Ben Harper

8. You're Never Over - Eminem

9. I Get By (With a Little Help from My Friends) - The Beatles

10. Conquering Fools - OAR

I know, I know, kind of random huh??

How about you? I'd be super interested in seeing your 10, so make sure you link up!

Oh, How Pinteresting!

2012-01-11T21:05:00.000-06:00

Whoa! Look at me, two posts in one day! That hardly ever happens! Look at me being all kinds of productive.

But, I digress...

Here were are, another Wednesday, and another link-up with The Vintage Apple for ...

So, here are a few of my favorite pins this week...

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So, how about you guys? Any great pins this week? Please share!

January Birchbox

2012-01-11T20:18:00.002-06:00

Yay! My January Birchbox arrived on my door step today!

If you remember, I just signed up for Birchbox last month. I blogged about my first Birchbox here. And I went on and on about how much I loved everything I got last month.

So, when my January box arrived, I was super excited!

First of all, I love getting mail..the fun kind of mail, not bills and junk like that. Second of all, mail that comes in a package is ten times better. So when I see a box like this waiting for me...

...I get super duper excited!!!

So, I was even more thrilled about the fabulous samples for this month.

First of all, my favorite item this month is the lavender-gray Zoya nail polish! I love it!

The Juicy Couture perfume sample was also great.

My Birchbox also contained some great skin and eye care samples as well as a cute little package of granola that I hope tastes yummy!

So, if you haven't checked out Birchbox yet, you definitely should. It's such a great way to get new ideas and try new things.

If you do receive Birchbox, what are some of your favorite samples you've received?

Motivating Monday...maybe?

2012-01-09T21:25:00.001-06:00

With the start of a new year, like many others, I made new goals for myself. Also, like so many others, one of my major goals is to become more healthy, loose weight, and become happier with my body.

I know this is tough for me. I start out with the best of intentions, and I'll stick with things for a little while. I might even see a little success. But, eventually, healthy eating and weight loss becomes a little less of a priority. It is still something I want, but I am less motivated to work for it. Come on, I can't be the only one who does this!?!

So, I'm thinking about starting a new weekly post, something to help keep myself motivated and on the right track. I may include some healthy recipes, some motivational quotes, and other things to help myself stay positive. I might even hop on over to Picnik and make a cute little banner or button if this becomes a regular post.

What do you think? As a reader, do you think this would be something you would enjoy seeing? Or if you know of another blog that already does something like this as a regular feature, I love a link to it. Thoughts and feedback would be awesome.

So, for now, I'll leave you with this...

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Nothing Day

2012-01-07T18:04:00.000-06:00

Today is definitely a nothing day. I have done absolutely nothing. I can think of a million things that I need to do, but that's as far as I get.

I woke up at noon today. Then I played on Facebook and caught up on posts in my Google Reader. Then I watched TV for a little while and decided to take a nap. I mean, seriously! Who takes a nap after they have been awake for two hours? After I woke up, I returned a phone call from my mother. She wanted to know what I was doing tonight. Surprisingly, I told her that I was doing nothing. So,we set a movie date for tonight. We are going to see Sherlock Holmes. I hope it's good, I've heard positive things...

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My husband is working the night shift at his hospital right now. So, he also was asleep all day, and when he woke up, he just had time to get a shower and leave for work.It gets kind of lonely when he has to work several nights in a row.

I mean, I love my by myself time. I can enjoy my own company, but I also love being home with my husband. Sometimes I really don't like that he works night shifts.

On a completely different note...

In what universe is it supposed to be 70 degrees in January in Arkansas...southern Arkansas? Ridiculous! I haven't gotten to wear any of my winter clothes this year. I'm still walking around in short sleeves and flip flops.

So, to finish up...

What are you doing this weekend? Are having a nothing weekend as well or an eventful Saturday and Sunday?

100 Posts!

2012-01-05T15:56:00.001-06:00

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Woo Hoo!!!!

What else can I say?

100 POSTS!

For all my readers,

thanks for sharing in my life!

I appreciate you all and

I hope you stick around for another 100 posts!

Oh, How Pinteresting!

2012-01-04T22:02:00.001-06:00

Yeah, yeah, I know...

It's a little late in the day,

but I'm finally logging on to link up with...

And here are my favorite pins for the week...

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So, what about you?

Any favorite pins lately?

Please share...

Target Tuesday

2012-01-03T22:20:00.000-06:00

Today, for the first time, I found this great link up over at

Fabulous But Evil.

So, if this is new to you too,

head on over and check it out.

So, today, I'm sharing a few random Beatles items from Target that I have been eyeballing lately...

The Beatles Pint Glass Set of 4 - Assorted

The Beatles Series Pint Glass Set of 4

The Beatles Yellow Submarine Apron - Blue

Beatles Abbey Road Framed Print

Yeah, I love the Beatles!

How about you?

Do you love Target?

If so, hop on over and link up.

Faves From Santa

2012-01-02T21:36:00.000-06:00

Hey Yall!

Today, I'm linking up with

The Vintage Apple

and

Flip Flops & Pearls

for their super great link-up.

I am always grateful for all the fabulous people in my life...my husband, my family, and my friends.
And the time I was able to spend with them over the last couple of weeks was amazing.
As far as gifts go,this year I was easily satisfied.
My two favorite gifts were...

And...

The first photo is of the really amazing scarf I received from my mom. The lighting isn't that great, so it's kind of hard to see the lovely coloring in the scarf.,but there are some great blues and purples and grays in there...
The second photo is of the "Be Enchanted" perfume that I received from my husband.I hinted pretty strongly for this one...so, I'm glad he picked up on the hints. This is definitely my new fave from Bath and Body Works.
Although I received lots of wonderful gifts (clothes, iPad accessories, a super cute cupcake apron, etc...), these two were the ones that made me smile the most.
Thanks so much to my wonderful family for an amazing holiday!
How about you?Favorite gifts or favorite moments form you holiday?

Happy Blogoversary to Me

2012-01-01T05:27:00.000-06:00

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WOW!

I can't believe I've been here for two whole years!

For those of you that have been around for a while...

thanks for sticking with me.

For those of you who have joined me recently...

thanks for joining up.

I hope you stick around.

Hopefully...

there's much more to come in the future!

Robbie Burns and "Auld Lang Syne"

2011-12-31T17:46:00.000-06:00

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I absolutely love the poetry of Robert Burns.

He is one of my absolute favorite poets.

If you didn't know...

"Auld Lang Syne" is a poem that was written by Robert Burns in 1788.

Over time it became synonymous with New Year's celebrations.

It is also sung at funerals, graduations, or the ending of other occasions.

The phrase "Auld Lang Syne" actually translates to

"old, long since"

"long, long ago"

or more loosely...

"for the sake of old times."

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"Auld Lang Syne"

"Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne?

Chorus

For auld lang syne, my jo,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

And surely ye'll be your pint-stoup,
And surely I'll be mine;
And we'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
For auld, etc.

We twa hae run about the braes,
And pou'd the gowans fine;
But we've wander'd mony a weary fit,
Sin' auld lang syne.
For auld, etc.

We twa hae paidl'd in the burn,
Frae morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar'd.
Sin' auld lang syne.
For auld, etc.

And there's a hand, my trusty fiere!
And gie's a hand o' thine!
And we'll tak' a right gud-wellie waught,
For auld lang syne.
For auld, etc."

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Oh, How Pinteresting

2011-12-28T15:08:00.002-06:00

So, it's Wednesday, and I'm linking up with

The Vintage Apple

for...

These are a few of my favorite finds this week...

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What about you?
Find anything interesting lately?
Please share...

Tasty Tuesday

2011-12-27T15:42:00.000-06:00

Do you need yet another something tasty to try over the holidays?

I you're anything like me, you've probably eaten enough to last you till next year. After this weekend, I don't think I could eat another bite.

But, if you are open to some more tasty treats, you should definitely try this.

Homemade Butterfingers!

Click on the photo to hop over to the actual recipe.

I found this wonderful recipe over at The Salty Pineapple which is a great blog for recipes and crafts.

So, if you're looking for more tasty treats, link up to "Tasty Tuesday" at For the Love of Blogs.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T13:39:00.002-06:00

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Merry Christmas Eve to everyone! I've been seeing this Christmas quiz all over the place, and I thought today would be the perfect day to participate...

1. Eggnog or hot chocolate? Hot chocolate

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Wraps them

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Colored

4. Do you hang mistletoe? No..

5. When do you put your decorations up? Day after Thanksgiving.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? My grandma's Millionaires

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child? The year my little brother got a puppy for Christmas. He had no idea...and when he opened the box it jumped right out into his lap...

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I honestly don't remember...

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Sometimes...but mainly on Christmas Day

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? Our Christmas tree has colored lights and lots of keepsake ornaments from past Christmases

11. Snow! Love it or dread it? Love it...just wish we had more of it here in south Arkansas.

12. Can you ice skate? Yes, but not well

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? My engagement ring that my husband gave me for Christmas in 2008.

14. What’s the most important thing about the holidays for you? Spending time with family and friends.

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert? Four layer delight

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Supper at my grandma's on Christmas Day

17. What tops your tree? A star.

18. Which do you prefer: giving or receiving? Giving.. I love the look on someone's face when they receive a gift they truly love.

19. Candy canes: yuck or yummy? Yummy!

20. Favorite Christmas show? It's a Wonderful Life.

21. Saddest Christmas song? Blue Christmas

22. What is your favorite Christmas song? "O Holy Night" and "What Child is This?"

If you've filled this out put your link in the comments. I want to see what you have to say!

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Apparently, I know everything I need to know...

2011-12-21T12:10:00.000-06:00

Saw this on Pinterest.

Had to share.

Enjoy!

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