Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Hello! How is your week going? Mine is going. I am slowly getting more into a routine. I have not been back to my classroom since that second day. I am finding I like the ability to teach from home. Plus, we have crazy long breaks between live classes and it seems to make more sense to do some chores and work from home where it is more comfortable, you know?

I would say I have been loving the kimono for the last week.

Olive shorts, olive shirt, kimono with olive and pink flowers.

This was a weekend outfit. I am looking for the perfect wide leg cropped. These are not it. I sent these back to QVC – They were Lisa Rinna pants! Real Housewives, anyone? Anyone have an idea for me for what I am looking for?

Look at this lovely kimono outfit. Um, she is 5 foot ten inches according to the article in Southern Living!

Another day, another kimono.

Another day, another kimono.

I have also worn some of my swing dresses with kimono over.

What have you been wearing lately?

Amy

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

I have mixed feelings about writing this post. It makes me incredibly sad. I guess I want to remember this time in my life, though? And, maybe this will also help some parents and other teachers out there? Anyway, let’s jump right in. You can take a pass today if you want to! Ha!

First, a little back story. I started teaching when there was NO INTERNET! I even remember my first school still had a mimeograph machine – I think we called it – the thing that made the purple copies of my childhood – ooooh the smell of that fresh purple ink. I am also the girl that sniffed her markers and put glue all over her hands so she could peel it off. So satisfying. Maybe I should do the glue thing now for self-care?

Anyhoo, don’t judge. This is my 27th year and the new methods and technologies I have learned in that time period is simply mind boggling. I remember using a typewriter for my handouts my first year because I didn’t have a home computer. I can remember thinking how bizarre it was that I was given such a big job at age 22 and absolutely no resources. I had to buy my own everything or take handmedowns from other teachers.

I have some strong thoughts and you may or may not agree with me. I am also going to be talking about high school level – the only level I know as a teacher. Good teaching has not changed. There – I said it. I still use some of the methods I learned as a student teacher. Kids have not changed. There – I said that, too. In the 90s they passed notes and now they send Snapchats or group texts. They are the same content, though, for the most part.

High school kids want teachers that care about them. In fact, they can’t learn until they know that the teacher cares and they can’t respect a teacher unless the teacher shows them respect, too. They don’t want to be talked down to. And, we shouldn’t. Teens today are smart, sensitive, compassionate, creative, funny, and so much more. If you don’t believe this you shouldn’t be teaching high school. Now, there are a few tough kids. I have been cussed out and I have been made to cry – only once and it was in the bathroom. I have had to have a pretty thick skin. I have also made the point to many a colleague that women have to be tougher than men in this gig. Some things kids will try with a female teacher and not with a male teacher.

I also think that maybe the tenants of teaching a language may have stayed the same – you still need to be immersed in the language. You still need to memorize things. You still need a community to speak with and who will listen to you.

Our first experience with distance learning in April and May was pretty basic. We could hold live classes or Q and A sessions but we couldn’t make it mandatory and there was no school schedule. We mainly posted 3 things a week for kids to do for our class.

This time around, we have a set schedule. We have a 7 period day and the kids go to 4 classes one day and the other 3 the next day and then they do it again. So they will meet with each class twice a week.

During our 2 weeks of training so many apps, platforms, websites, and ideas were being thrown at us. My colleagues were spending 8 hours making a Bitmoji classroom. I was intrigued and I was listening but it didn’t feel like me. In fact, it was really stressing me out.

I knew that I wanted to use Zoom so I could see all their faces at once. I teach Spanish III and AP so I wanted an interactive and communicative virtual class. I am really lucky that my district is letting us teach from our classroom or home and they are really letting us decide how to teach. I love that autonomy.

I decided to try to teach as much like we were in person as possible and to keep as many of my routines and traditions as possible. We are currently supposed to go back October 6, but most of us don’t see that happening. We think it may be January or February at the earliest.

I actually had a great first week. I would say I taught old school style using new tech. I called roll and had them pick a Spanish name. I had them write on paper to answer their daily journal question and then some volunteered to read. I had them do a mini presentation of objects that represent them. They were willing to turn cameras on and speak. I showed a short video clip by sharing my screen. I posted handouts on Google Classroom.

Once I decided to be me/do me/ teach my way I was more at peace. Teaching is really an art form and we don’t all have the same style – nor should we.

The best thing was getting to “meet” many of their pets. We always talk about pets during the school year but I’ve never gotten to actually see so many! The worst thing was not getting to see each other face to face, ask about summer, compliment them, talk to them one on one, and feel that energy that a new school year brings.

I had almost perfect attendance! I have to keep my live sessions engaging and worth their time. We still are being very sensitive about equity – some may not have WIFI or devices and we can’t really penalize a student.

So, the teaching part and the student part was great!

Here is what was not so great….

We were told we could use Zoom or Google Meet (we are using Google Classroom so Google Meet is a part of this and flows really well with it but it has some limitations). I chose Zoom for day one. At the end of the day we were told we had to use Google Meet. I switched to Google Meet for day two. At the end of day two, we were told we had to switch to Microsoft Teams by Monday. We had a few students in a few schools that shared links and went to classes that weren’t their and did bad things or showed bad things on camera. So, a few bad apples are ruining the whole bunch.

Microsoft Teams is the worst of the three I have tried in my opinion. On certain devices, you cannot see more than 9 faces. I have classes that range from 22-31 kids.

Whew – I am tired! I’m sure I forgot something! Let me know if you have any questions in the comments. I would love to hear from other teachers!

Amy

Monday, August 31, 2020

Hello all! Can you believe September is tomorrow? I have mixed feelings. I think we all thought life could maybe be a bit normal by September and it is really not, is it?

I am linking up today with Heather, Tanya and many more here.

I have a post coming to you tomorrow on my experience as a teacher trying to do virtual teaching – if you are interested – but, this is a photo of what I did Friday after at 4:00 p.m. after another surprise training that should not have been needed. I have my sangria with a splash of ginger ale, my book, and a fan on me. I set my sangria down and fell asleep! It was lovely.

Shortly after this it started raining so I ordered Panera soup and half a sandwich for Tom and I and we watched the telly. Now I am back on the same level as Tom on Fridays and understand why he is fine to stay home! I did not drive my car anywhere on Friday. I think I had two days like that last week – Tuesday and Friday.

Saturday morning I was up early. I decided to hit the Farmer’s Market earlier than I did a couple of weeks ago. Two weeks ago I arrived at 8:30 and it was packed. This time I was ready to arrive at 8:00. I couldn’t believe how many people beat me!

The one I go to is in a church parking lot. There are also booths with jewelry, honey, kettle corn, flowers, beer, wine, and other cool things.

I had a nice time and this was my haul:

watermelon, kettle corn for Tom, white wine for me, corn, zucchini, cucumber, tomato, and a pimento cheese biscuit.

I also stopped by Walgreen’s to get my son’s Europe trip pictures developed. His trip was last November but I recently thought I should get his memory card out of our nice camera because he had mentioned admiring my photo albums. I had a coupon code and printed all 600 photos for him. I thought he could do something with them on his semester break.

I also picked up two fall magazines – my guilty pleasure.

I cleaned and did some school work and then had a snack on the patio. I love Triscuits! Do you like them? I once saw a meme that said “Triscuits – For those people who have always wondered what wicker tasted like”. I firmly believe they taste better than wicker.

I made a trip to Target after that to check out the Magnolia fall stuff. I wasn’t a big fan. Or, my store didn’t have much to see. I need to go to TJ Maxx and Home Goods. My fall decor is not doing it for me anymore and I really want to try to clean out my seasonal bins and donate what doesn’t fit my taste.

Saturday evening we had one of our couple friends over and I moved my early fall apple decor outside to the patio. We had bourbon slushies and food from a Cuban/Spanish restaurant.

I put my white hydrangeas and twine apples on the table. I also got mustard colored placemats at Target.

I went to pick up the food.

We had guacamole with plantain chips.

salad, short rib flat bread, ham croquettes, fish and pork tacos, and spicy potatoes. We took everything outside and just passed it. I also made a chocolate chip cookie and served it with ice cream for dessert. You can see it on the left below. I took the break and bake cookie dough and just pressed it in my pan and baked it. Yum!

We turned on our patio lights and stayed outside talking until almost 10! That is quite a record for us. It was so nice.

Sunday morning was sweatshirt weather and I took my coffee and book to the patio. I finished Eliza Starts a Rumor and I liked it. It was deeper than I expected. The writing style was a bit choppy but I do recommend.

I think this is my next book. I have so many library books right now. I really should return some.

And, Sunday was back to work to get ready for the week. I like to work on Sunday morning so that I can feel more free the rest of the day. I also went to the grocery and came home and put Dr. Pepper pulled pork in the crock pot.

Then, we went out on the boat for a bit and it was really nice. Tom and I enjoyed pulled pork sandwiches, half a baked potato and slaw for dinner.

What was the highlight of your weekend?

Amy

Friday, August 28, 2020

Fridays sure do mean more now! I am linking up with Andrea, etc. right here!

Well, that was rude of me not to let you know I was not posting yesterday. Will you forgive me? I have a really good reason that involved teaching in a pandemic. I am planning a post for next week to tell you how it’s going if you are interested!

O.k. – here are some things that made me smile this week.

Hub and I started watching two shows together in the evenings. We watched Cougar Town when it was on live t.v. but it’s been so long. It is really funny but Jules is Monica from Friends!

We watch one episode of Cougar Town and then one episode of The World’s Toughest Race.

My lonely classroom. I went in on Monday and cleaned and arranged. I taught from my room the first two days.

And, I set up a home classroom and taught from here yesterday and I am teaching from here today, too.

Last week I went to Trader Joe’s and got some white hydrangeas. I will dry them out and still use them when they die. They are so pretty.

Yum! I tried these, too. I like the mini ice cream cones better.

Back to school supplies, amiright? This is really good. It’s in a weird rubber bottle. Maybe it’s made for boating! I have been adding a bit of Diet Canada Dry for fizz. Yum!

I also went in Kirkland’s last week and forgot to tell you. So much cute stuff for fall! You must go in one if you can!

I put the hydrangeas in a pitcher on the mantel.

What a beautiful sunset one morning this week.

What were your favorites this week?

Amy

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

I am trying to get back to outfit pictures! Current goal: to wear all of my summer stuff and do some purging!

I got dressed up to get my hair done Saturday. I love my MIA sandal clogs, my fun flouncy Matilda Jane pants, and…

I wore an orange silk blouse that I have had forever from a consignment store. The shirt and pants were both thrifted!

I can use my the mirror in a boy bedroom now. I decided to wear a swing dress and tropical kimono to go to the Cuban place Saturday night.

Monday work day I wore my Target Universal Thread olive shorts, Old Navy floral blouse, and an old cardigan.

First day of school outfit. I found this dress for $10 at Old Navy Monday after work and I had been eyeing it earlier this summer so I went for it!

What have you been wearing lately?

Amy

Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Today is my first day of school – virtually! I will have 3 classes today and I am planning on going live from my actual classroom so they can see it! Please send good vibes for my technology functioning!

So, the first grocery trip I made after dropping the boys off was two days later on a Sunday morning. I went in and shopped myself because it was very early. I thought I would hardly spend anything – Nope! It was $170! I think I had let a lot of things run out and I needed vitamins and some bigger ticket items. Oh well.

One of my 2020 goals was less food waste. I would give myself a B- maybe on my ability to use up all food – still working on it.

One night Tom had leftover spaghetti sauce with meat – I did make him fresh angel hair (his preferred) to go with it.

And I made myself my cacio e pepe from my post here.

For my breakfasts since the boys left home I started up my standard breakfast again.

Tom really wanted this dinner because it had been awhile – fish sticks, mac and cheese and peas.

We had a mid week patio meal and I had a delicious grilled cheese with peach jam and green apples.

Tom had a chicken BLT.

I made burrito bowls one night.

and grilled cheese and tomato soup one night.

I hope to do more entree salads and soups in the empty nest. It will take some getting used to. I also think some nights we will have different things to use up leftovers or because of preferences.

Any ideas for empty nest cooking?

Amy

Monday, August 24, 2020

How was your weekend? I hope it was good! I am linking up today with Heather, Tanya and others here.

I did a bit of work in the morning Friday (it was a day off for me because it was a flex day that I had already worked) and then met my friend at the Christmas Morning Cafe. Only their outdoor space is open right now. We waited in line, ordered, and then found an outdoor table. They had Christmas music playing.

We both ordered the crepes and they were good!

I had a library appointment to pick up this book. It’s good so far!

Then, that evening after Tom came home from work one of our favorite bands was playing at Bearno’s By the Bay – a pizza place at a marina. It drizzled a bit but we hung in there and it was fine.

We ordered the chicken barbecue pizza and it was really good.

We lasted until about 8:30 and had a really nice time. We felt safe and were distanced away from others.

I got some happy mail – my Pioneer Woman magazine came!

Saturday morning was hair day! I put on some clog sandals and fun pants and this was me waiting at the door to get my temperature checked.

I got new color and quite a bit cut off. I always feel so awkward taking selfies.

Saturday afternoon was kind of dreary. Tom went paddleboarding and I started watching The Lost Husband on Netflix (I read the book a few years ago). I was a bit sad on Saturday because of my empty nest. I did o.k. through the week probably because I was really busy, but I guess weekends will be different.

We had made plans a few weeks ago to try a new Cuban restaurant with our friends so I was excited about that.

This was the first time since before mid-March that I have gotten this close to them and we just got close for the photo.

The chocolate cigar dessert was amazing. They brought a cigar box out and opened the box and it was smoking inside. The cigar was about the size of a banana and it was chocolate mousse with hard chocolate shell on top and it was accompanied by some coffee flavored ice cream. We cut off a piece for everyone. We had to eat inside since it was raining and I would’ve preferred outside but we were spread out quite a bit.

Sunday was a lazy day. I did some school work, did some reading for pleasure, went to the grocery, and watched some t.v.

We start school on tomorrow – virtually. Today is our last teacher prep day. I don’t really feel ready, but I guess I am. I am still deciding whether to teach from home or from my empty classroom. I think I will try going in this week and see how it goes. I have a lot to do today!

What was your weekend highlight?

What do you have going on this week?

Hope you have a good Monday – only one more in August and then it will be September!

Amy

Friday, August 21, 2020

Happy Friday! I am linking up today with Andrea, etc. right here.

How was your week? My head is spinning! I had my second and final week of training before school starts virtually on Tuesday. We have one more teacher day on Monday. the training was from home, although you could go in to the building if you filled out an online form and followed protocol. I chose to stay at home for the training. It’s hard to believe how tired you can be from working at home. My eyes hurt from all the screen time. I am getting closer to being ready for Tuesday but my head is spinning from all the platforms and apps and Chrome extensions. I plan to choose my favorite and keep it simple. I will be teaching each class twice a week live virtually and then giving 2-3 more assignments to be done independently.

I polish my nails with OPI Cajun Shrimp this week. It’s such a great summer color.

I had one more of these left in my fridge – you guys it’s so good for fall! Cider Boys Grand Mimosa Apple Orange Hard Cider. It tastes so much like an actual mimosa and it’s cool and crisp and refreshing. Remember – September is for all things apple! I found mine at Total Wine.

I finished Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover. I think I had already read this but it’s been 6 years. A couple of things annoyed me, but overall I really enjoyed it and it was a quick read. I would recommend. I am a Colleen Hoover fan.

I started this. It appears to be quirky and interesting. See, I’m still taking time for pleasure reading. I just cannot work all day long. I need time to myself as well.

This smells amazing! I have come to realize that I love all things eucalyptus. I even like saying “eucalyptus”. At the bottom it says “fragrances as beautiful as Bath & Body Works” – ha! No you didn’t, Suave!

Did anyone else see this? September 22 is the official start of fall. I know I’m not the only one excited but it comes with a caveat. What will life look like by then? Will all the college kids be home again? Will all K-12 be virtual? Will there be football and chili and Halloween? It’s too much to think about, right?

Speaking of fall, we had some super nice evenings this week. Tuesday night had a real fall feel to it and I put out some apples and my new Glade apple candle. I read and drank some red wine. I don’t want to wish away the warmth but it was a nice treat.

Both of these packs of Amazon masks appear to be well made. I have washed them all and put a tiny bit of peppermint essential oil on the inside. I was told that would help with breathing and peppermint is a natural antiseptic. I have put each one in a baggie for the boys because my plan is for them to have enough to get them through 2 weeks without doing laundry. Click on the photos and it will take you to Amazon.

These bars are so good! I may have mentioned them in the past but I thought with back to school here you may be interested in these.

Sadly, we have had many restaurants close their doors in my city since March. One of those restaurants has become “Christmas Morning Cafe”. I have heard that they serve everything on Christmas dishes and many of the menu items are red and green. How fun is that?

I am still trying to drink a gallon of water a day and I still haven’t quite gotten there. I do feel great with increased water intake, though.

What were your favorites this week? I would love to hear!

Amy

Thursday, August 20, 2020

This post was originally posted on 8/1/19. I hope you find it timely and helpful! Come back tomorrow for a new Friday Favorites!

This is the month that many of us dread.  It is our hottest month and it’s just plain BUSY.  There’s so much to prepare and it’s time to change routines which is always hard no matter what your age!  

One of the things I’m doing to prepare is making a “back to school meals” list on my computer.  These meals will be super easy for the most part and still pretty much summer meals.  I will add the chili, soups, and more fall type foods later.  Having a list helps me immensely.  When I’m making my grocery list I seem to forget every meal I’ve ever made.  I’m hoping my list will help you, too.   My list is based on what my family will eat and you may have to slightly adjust.  

But, first, how about an easy recipe?  

Turkey Sausage Alfredo

This sausage is precooked so you don’t have to do this step, but I like to brown it in a skillet or you could also do the oven if you want.  Boil your penne while you are doing this.  

Put those two things together and now it’s time for the sauce.  

I used the same pan for my sauce because i thought it would add extra flavor.  You can start with a new skillet if you’d rather.  Just make a simple alfredo sauce.  I melted 3 T. butter and then added about 3/4 cup cream, brought it to a boil, then simmered for maybe 10 minutes.  Add garlic powder, salt, pepper, and I also added a bit of cajun seasoning.  I also threw in a bit of mozzarella cheese, but I don’t think I will do that next time.  It really didn’t need it.  

Pour the sauce over the penne and sausage and sprinkle a bit of parmesan and you are done!  You guys, this tastes like something you would order at a restaurant.  It’s really good.  Feel free to use andouille sausage or another type of sausage.  

When I went to my friend’s house last week she bought a bottle of already made sangria, and simply added her own fruit and gingerale and it was some of the best sangria I’ve ever had.  So easy!  

Yum!  

O.k., moving on to other meal ideas…One thing that worked for me last year was to have themes – Monday pasta, Tuesday Mexican, Wednesday chicken, etc.  Another thing that I did last year was to cook two meals on Monday night and Wednesday night and that way on our late nights – 6:30 arrival at home on Tuesday and Thursday and it was simply just heat and eat.  I will have that same schedule this year so I am going to shoot for that again. I will tend to make spaghetti and taco meat at the same time.  I start cooking around 5:30 and dinner is ready at 6:15 on Mondays and Wednesdays.  

Tip:  I run my dishwasher while I’m cooking dinner and the boys unload right after dinner and then reload.  We have been doing this for a few years and the system works well for us.  

The other thing I do is take out on one weeknight a week most weeks and then cook one of the two weekend nights at home when I have more time to make a nice meal.  I am also creating a computer list of our take out options.  And, of course, I will be doing online grocery shopping and pick up!  Game changer in the busy fall!  

Disclaimer:  I don’t own an Instapot nor do I want another gadget right now and I mostly use the crockpot on weekends.  I feel that I’m gone too long during the weekdays and all the crockpot meat ends up being overcooked or all tasting the same.  Maybe it’s me but that’s how I feel.  

Back to School Meals:  (For me, I will sub out rice for cauliflower rice, turn things into a salad, easy swaps like that)

Frozen orange chicken (we like Costco’s the best), rice, broccoli

Frozen fish (panko tilapia from Costco), okra (roasted on sheet pan), little red potatoes(boiled or roasted on sheet pan)

Ham (slices that are fairly thick), mashed potatoes(can be ready made), green beans (canned)

Prepared BBQ, Texas Toast, baked beans, side salad (prepared mix)

Spaghetti

Tacos, rice 

Taco Salad with Doritos

Southwest Bowl (Andrea from Momfessionals) (search my blog and you will find it!)

Mexican Lasagna (search my blog)

Fettucine Alfredo with chicken (use above recipe but sub chicken and fettucine noodles)

Bacon Alfredo (this is from Grace and Love Blog but I have also posted it here!)  

Hot sub sandwiches, frozen potato wedges or fries, green salad

Baked Ziti

Hawaiian ham and swiss sliders, chips, salad

Faux Thanksgiving – thick cut turkey from deli, Stove Top stuffing, green beans

What are you go to back to school meals?  Let’s help each other out!  I’m so happy that we start on a Wednesday this year so I will get to ease into the routine.  

Thanks for reading!

Amy 

 

 

 

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

I thought we should chat today – let’s pretend we are at a coffee shop holding our lattes and just chatting, mkay? The only difference is that I will be the only one chatting! Just kidding – I would love to hear what you would chat about in the comments!

Do you have a favorite mask? I don’t even want to know how much I have now spent on masks. I am like Goldilocks with my masks! The ear straps have to be comfortable, the material has to be breathable, but not too breathable so that it doesn’t work, the mask can’t go in my mouth while I’m wearing it, the mask can’t come up too high blocking my vision… ugh! Also, I want to make sure my boys have enough masks to go two weeks without washing them – so like 14. Because, boys! I ordered some more plain black ones from Amazon. My mom is also sending them one at their new college addresses. What about you? Please tell me others are just as picky!

As you are reading this we are on day six as empty nesters. Has our routine changed? Not one bit! Ha! We are doing o.k. with it but I have a feeling we will really start missing them soon.

I really like having the house a bit cleaner. Is that wrong?

I can feel a touch of fall in the air! Of course the year we don’t have to physically go to school in my district it is super pleasant in late August! Normally I am the grossest thing after a day at school. It’s hot and sticky in the morning and after school and oftentimes our old AC doesn’t work quite well enough yet.

I never thought I would have the chance to work from home with my job as a teacher. I mentioned this in the spring, but I will mention it again. I am going to enjoy this ability while I have it because there are lots of nice things about working from home.

I want to go to the movie theater so badly! I think there are some old movies playing at our favorite theater but Tom and I want to see a new release and they seem to be waiting on those! We love the movies and really miss going. I think the last time we went was in January? Should I put all that saved money towards a new expensive pair of shoes? If we went to just one movie a month pre-pandemic (including snacks of course) that would’ve been $150!

I could shop the Nordstrom sale yesterday at 9:30 a.m. as a non-card holder. I looked at the site and was just meh. Is it just me or does everything look the same as it did in 2019? So, I saved more money! Girl math!

I’m already thinking of all the dinners I want to make my boys when they come home. I know, I know. But, I’ve been cooking for them for 18 years!

I would like the newest iphone for the better camera. Anyone have the most recent iphone? I keep my phones until they die. I think mine usually last four years.

I love to type. I am a big nerd for saying that. I was so obsessed when I first learned to type in 9th grade that everything I read I would “pretend type”. O.k., that is really weird and I probably wouldn’t say that if we were having coffee.

Did you know that we aren’t supposed to space two times after a period anymore? Um, I can’t help it and I’m going to continue. See? See? Can you tell the difference?

I’ve pretty much stopped watching the news. I just know I can’t handle it now. I really want to break up with Facebook and Instagram but I can’t seem to. There is a lot of good on Facebook and Instagram. I am part of a college parent Facebook group for the boys’ college that is really helping me and some of my students are messaging me on Instagram that they are excited to see me – virtually!

I hope you enjoyed having coffee with me! I appreciate you joining me!

Amy