Field Trip!

I survived and lost no child, so it was good!

Teaching:

Well today was the long awaited day for the grade one and two students! We had tried to do two other field trips but they had fallen through so this turned out to be our only field trip this year and the children were super excited!!

We went to a local regional park that is right on the ocean. The bus ride this morning may have been enough to warrant the excitement! We got there after a short drive and went directly into a GVRD Ranger program called Tiny Transformers. I was super impressed with this program! My students saw and touched two different types of crabs and learned the difference between male and female, how to pick them up safely, how to measure them and the basics of their life cycle. We had a bonus and saw a Harbour seal as we were coming off the pier. We then hit the beach and learned about barnacles – I learned a lot!!! We also got to look under rocks for crabs, etc.

We then entered the forest and got to go looking for land invertebrates, such as banana slugs, millipedes, centipedes, beetles, wood bugs, etc.

It was super cool, informative, well organized and nicely presented for my young students. I would definitely recommend the program and I know some parents were hoping they did birthday parties. Now that would be a cool birthday party!

After lunch, the rest of the day was spent between exploring another trail, playing on the playground, games on the field, and more exploring of the beach. We also had some students who took a break to colour ocean pictures.

The day ended with a fruit snack for each student. I highly recommend these as they contain no common allergens and are the one treat that the most children seem to like.

When asked later on, children in all four classes said they liked the crabs, seal and playground the best.

Exercise:

After school we had to quickly set up the stage and then we worked out. It was a simple tabata workout today, but it absolutely killed my legs!!

We did: plank with single arm reverse flies, single leg bench squats, swimmers/ bear crawls, sit-ups with punches/banded plank toe taps, single leg scooter board hamstring curls, banded jump squats/ plank Spider-Man’s, single leg bench lunge with dumbbell, dumbbell double crunch/hand release pushups.

I got through everything, but really feel like I’ve lost upper body strength lately. I suppose that will need to be a goal for summer!

I didn’t really want to, but I had a double boost so knew I needed to get out for my Squad Runner mission of 5km. I just kept thinking about Maureen who ran further yesterday and I’m hotter weather! I took her advice and took water even though it was a short run and I drank it all!!! My legs were killing me, especially my quads, but I ended up pushing myself as I came to within 22 seconds of beating my current 5km time. Ugh so close!!! Here I thought I’d die because of the heat and it actually turned out to be a really good run!

Shopping:

I made the mistake of stopping into the Natural Foods store while I was hungry as I was next door to buy a gift card for my classroom volunteer. Wow did I end up with a lot of foods I didn’t need! $59 to be exact!!!! I bought the vanilla almond milk by mistake and when I took a sip tonight, it now reminds me of a milkshake because it is so sweet! Note to self: AVOID!!!!!

Crafting:

After stretching and rolling I managed to finish last week’s rug square. Hopefully I can finish this week’s too and get caught up!

Knitting:

I’ve been dying to start a new project but wouldn’t let myself until I finished the rug square. Well tonight I casted on Composite I’m a bright yellow DK yarn from my stash. ( I am so glad Tracey taught me how to determine yarn weight)!!! It is a free pattern on Ravelry and I’m hoping to make quick progress!

Well I had no nap today, so I’m off to sleep!

Have fun!

AJ

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Hot

It has been so hot here (for us), that I just don’t feel like doing anything.

Reading:

Last night I finished another book, Lost in You by Jules Bennett. I guess that’s what I do in hot weather- read!

I have been wanting to read this book for so long, but perhaps that expectation for the better of me. I enjoyed the book and thought it was well written and concluded the series nicely, however, I found it too negative. Both of the main characters have major emotional issues and it’s a lot to take in and be book. I also found he didn’t explain his much before she fell for him, which seemed slightly unrealistic to me. Once again, I loved the family dynamic and the storyline surrounding that was great!

Teaching:

We never seem to have enough time! We wrote about Sports Day today for their memory books. We finished our printing books and the children got to take them home. Then this afternoon was the big excitement- we made ice cream! It was the conclusion to our matter unit where we turned a liquid into a solid, or at least we were supposed to. I don’t think we had enough salt on the ice so it didn’t work as well as it did on the weekend, but the children didn’t seem to care. They had fun:)

My co teacher shaking the extra bag we had.

Shopping:

After work we hit the teacher store to stock up on the items we need for September. We have found it’s nice to already have these items so we can get started right away.

I couldn’t believe they’ve discontinued my bee labels though:( What am I supposed to do now? It’s not like I’m going to change from being called Miss B any time soon!!! I am not great at making decisions, so it’s always made it easier at the store to just buy the bee option. It seems like owls have replaced them though:(

Exercise:

After a long nap, I went out for my forty minute mission tonight. I have to admit I ended up walking most of it- just too hot still to run!

Crafting:

Just sitting down to work on my rug square. It drives me nuts that I wasted that 1.5 hours sleeping when I could have been finishing last week’s square! I’ll just work on it now for a bit.

Have fun!

AJ

This or That?

Wow was it hot today!!!!

Teaching:

I actually managed to get a TOC today for a remedy day. I was kind of surprised since they often pull them to cover illness. My TOC was great though which left me with the question, was I going to do this or that?

I ended up getting my classroom library completely tidied, the field trip materials organized for Wednesday, and my PR cards done. It sure doesn’t sound like a lot when I write it down, but I really didn’t stop much today😏

After school I got to have a long talk with a little boy in my class who has been taking things that aren’t his! Ugh he even went into my desk and took stuff. I told him that since he had hurt our classroom community he now needed to help it. He’ll be staying in to do class jobs for the next three recesses and tomorrow I’m making him return all he took and apologize. It is going to be uncomfortable for him, but hopefully just enough to make him think before he takes what is not his!

The curriculum is such a tiny part of what I do everyday!

Shopping:

I went this evening to buy my students year end gifts. It was so difficult to decide between these two options!

I ended up going with the first option as it is similar to what my co teacher is giving her class. I have some items at school I can add to it.

Reading:

I’m only about 2/3 of the way through my book today, so no review yet on Lost In You by Jules Bennett. It’s the last book in a series I’m reading and so far, it’s not what I expected. I’ll let you know if that’s good or not once I finish!

I had a few moments at lunch to check NetGalley and I requested a few more books. It will be nice when I’m not so overwhelmed with books to read and can try out some new authors on there!

Well I’d better get reading!

Have fun!

AJ

I’m Okay With…

Exercise:

I got up this morning for my usual Sunday morning run, but none of my running buddies showed up:( I headed off for an easy 5km, but decided I’d run later in the day so I could do the Monday mission. Little did I know it would be our first truly hot day of the year.

I did get out this evening for my run, but it was pretty bad. I couldn’t figure out why I was having to walk so much until Lyndsay and Brady came by and she asked me how I was doing after my allergy incident Friday night. Aha no wonder my stomach was giving me troubles. I did get the 8km in but it took longer than expected and was much slower as well. Oh well, tomorrow will be a better run:)

Baking:

I grocery shopped this morning for the week, which meant I also needed to take stock of what was in the fridge. I discovered I still had rhubarb so I made this Rhubarb banana bread by Kim’s Cravings. I had a little slice this afternoon and it was good, not too sweet. I have decided I will take it to work tomorrow for the people there.

I also made up my chicken for the week too:)

This afternoon I tried out our science experiment. To end our unit on matter we are making ice cream with the children, but a couple have dairy allergies so I tried it out with my coconut milk. It worked great!

It didn’t hurt that I got a little taste of ice cream on this hot day:). Talk about easy too! 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla, 1/2tbsp sugar put in a smaller bag and then that bag is put inside a larger one containing salt and ice cubes. Shake for five minutes. I’ll have to remember to take the sprinkles for the children to put on top.

Crafting:

After my big nap this afternoon I h worked on my rug square. I think this is going to be the first week I don’t get a square done, but for some reason I’m okay with that🤣

House/ Shopping:

I finally got all of my laundry done. My washing machine drives me crazy as The short wash no longer works and I can only do two loads of laundry and then the third load never spins properly😖. I guess at some point I’m going to have to get a new set. I did get all my new clothes washed and put away and I had promised to show you what I bought with my mom last weekend.

I am trying to add more colour to my wardrobe and not just by classic basics. I’ve ended up with a very boring wardrobe. Of course, this goal is aided by the fact that I now have to shop mainly in the kids department. I giggle every time I think about the fact that I spent my entire childhood shopping in adults and now I’m spending my adulthood shopping in kids. I’m okay with this too😀

Reading:

I read the next book, Hot Response in a Shannon Stacey series I have been enjoying.

This is the fourth book in the Boston Fire series and I’ve enjoyed them all! I love how the secondary characters remain the same and feel like a family. The main characters are realistic and likeable and while the story features firefighting, it’s not so prominent that you feel like that’s all your reading about. It’s just a nice story.

I swear at some point I will get back to reading some good for me books, but I always go through this phase after report cards!

Well, that’s it for my day!

Have fun!

AJ

Number of the Day: 2

Well it didn’t go as planned, but was still okay:)

Exercise:

I was supposed to run something towards my required hour and fifteen minute mission this weekend, but my calves are still killing me, so I just walked for 1:20 and called it a day. Every time I think of exercising, I change my mind as I try to stand up🤣

House:

I have had two naps today and done two loads of laundry:)

Reading:

I have also read two books today.

I have read the entire Danvers series by Sydney Landon and was intrigued by this series that is a spinoff. I have not been at all disappointed. They are definitely beach worthy reads as they aren’t deep, but at times they are laugh out loud funny!

Well, I can’t believe I have not accomplished a thing today, but I’m going to go work on my rug in the hopes of changing that.

Have fun!

AJ

Sports Day

Oh how Sports Day has changed since I was a kid!

Exercise:

I started the day with a lovely, quiet run around the trail and park. I actually ran into my cousin in the park, but just shared a smile.

My calves are so tight and sore, but later I realized it was because of doing all the stairs yesterday! Oh well, obviously good for me! Glad I got this run in as that was my only exercise today.

Teaching:

I was supposed to get time in my classroom today while someone else took my class around, but that was nixed at 7:40. I can’t believe how angry I was about it! Oh well, I picked myself up, put a smile on my face and took the children around to the different stations. They were super awesome today behavior-wise which was a nice treat!

This afternoon we took it easy and watched Wallace and Gromit movies. I love those movies! They are great for kids and for adults and it’s the one movie where no one wants to go do something else. The women in my ring are awesome and gave me forty minutes in my room without my students so I could at least start the project I wanted to do. I got to box 20 of my library tidying before I ran out of stickers.

Socializing:

It way staff social tonight. It started with bowling.

Yes I was the only one there with Velcro shoes. I was really not doing great, but it was fun. I would recommend bowling for a staff party as it was casual, easy to mingle and visit, inspired lots of laughs and created a level playing field.

We then headed to Earls which was a bit chaotic. We started off with a really awkward table arrangement, so they finally moved us, and then it took forever to get our food, which explains no picture because I was starving by the time I got it.

I had discussed my gf/df options with the waitress and went with her suggestion of chicken tacos. Well, they brought one and it turned out not to be mine and then mine came out after everyone else had eaten, and wouldn’t you know it, I got sick:(. The girls at my table said I looked really ill, though I was trying to just sit quietly so I wouldn’t ruin the party. Afterwards I heard that the secretary had gotten two platters of the same thing down her end and hadn’t liked the taste of one of them- I bet you that was supposed to be mine as corn tortillas definitely taste different.

I think I’m going to go back to just having a garden salad with oil and vinegar dressing when I go out! I’ve had enough of this happening and whining about it! It’s too bad I just do love the taste of food and like to try new things. Guess I’ll have to save that for home!

Reading:

I finally finished my latest book, Bluestone and Vine by Donna Kauffman last night.

This is the story of Seth and Pippa. Seth is a newly minted vintner and Pippa is a world famous folk musician. They end up together in the small town of Blue Falls Hollow, Viginia and the rest is history.
This was an excellent read. I liked how the story centred on relationships, and not just the central romantic one. These relationships are all deep, well rounded and satisfying.
While the male lead is not my type physically, he is all one could want emotionally. He is strong, reliable, and honest.
The setting of this book is another of it’s strengths. The reader quickly falls in love with the people who inhabit this town. The old widower who doles out sage advice when he says anything. The community is wonderful and makes the reader wish she was there.
Finally, I really liked how the story was realistic. There was a slow build-up even with the strong chemistry present and there were problems, but there was also communication, so you don’t get all the pointless drama, but rather a lovely story.
I would recommend this book for anyone who likes small town romance, music or a man bun:)

It has been quite the day, so I’m off to bed with a book and my itchy, burning body.

Have fun!

AJ

A Good Plan

Just a normal day!

Teaching:

I finally had to ask my students today what would make them realize their behavior was inappropriate. We have come to the conclusion that three ticks after your name on the board and you have a detention. I’m hoping we don’t get to that as it’s also a detention for the teacher!!

We wrapped our Father’s Day gifts today. It was neat to teach the children such a simple, but necessary skill as wrapping a present. Most of them did well:)

We also practiced identifying the problem and solution in “The Three Bears”. They liked the puppet and storybook from my childhood better than the activity🤣

We also wrote about meeting our penpals yesterday.

All in all, an okay day:)

Oh and it ended with a lovely present of a box of tea from my student who’s last day is tomorrow. It was a lovely gesture and it has Lady Gray tea in it which I’ve been wanting to try!

Reading:

We had our last school Bookclub for the year after school. It was all boys! I’m thinking I should go around and talk to the grade two, three and four students and if they still remember in September, we can assume they’re interested in more than just the chips.

Exercise:

We can’t work out after school tomorrow so Lyndsay and I went over and did the stairs on the crunch four times. I have never done that before and I just realized that 437 times four means I did 1748 stairs, and then ran back to school up the hill! No wonder my legs were shakey!!! Lol I do a lot more with a buddy:)

Movie:

I have to admit I caved and watched a Hallmark movie before I came home tonight.

It was a nice movie. The girl left the boy to follow her dreams in LA. She comes home and they meet again. It’s the usual story, but I really liked the main actor and the secondary story was cute too. Definitely a happy movie and worth watching if you like Hallmark movies.

Reading:

I’m almost done

But I think I’ll go finish it off in a hot bath.

Have fun!

AJ

Excitement

It was just one event after another today!

Teaching:

It was quite the day with one exciting thing after another! We started with workout Wednesday and that finished with me handing out the ribbons for the track meet. I was all ready to check this whole event off my list when two students came to tell me they were missing a ribbon:(. Not sure what I’m going to do about this, but I’ll have to figure out something.

After recess my students got to go to the Kindergarten room for centres while the kindergarteners came for a visit to grade one. I think next year is going to be interesting, based on what I saw today (and yes please read that in a sarcastic tone of voice). We will see what happens, but it’s always fun to see how excited they are over having desks:)

This afternoon we had our pen pals come to visit. For all of third term my students have been writing weekly to a student in a grade one class at a neighboring school. They absolutely love doing this and today they got to meet the student they have been writing to. We did a buddy survey sheet, had a snack and played with a parachute. I think what my students liked best was holding up their buddy’s name like the chauffeurs at the airport🤣

It was quite a day and was rounded off by handing in my report cards this afternoon. So glad to see them finished, now maybe I can go back to living!

Exercise:

It was a 35 minute, super intense workout today. There were four tabata stations: squat with medicine ball press/ reverse plank, frog jumps/ plank jacks, power jacks with shoulder press/ plank, side plank/ reverse lunge with hop. In between each tabata however there was a band circuit of squat walks forward and back, squat with alternating side leg lift and then toe touches. I think I’m going to feel my butt tomorrow!!!! It went quick though and it was nice to be able to visit a bit:)

Reading:

All I’ve really wanted to do today is read my NetGalley book- Bluestone and Vine by Donna Kauffman. I am really enjoying it so far!

Knitting:

I finally got to some knitting this evening at knit night and finished my first project for the month. It is another Wee Speedy baby vest, but this one has a cute ruffle at the bottom, though I did plan on that ruffle being longer! It got rid of another skein from my stash though:). I really like the Wee Speedy pattern which is available for free on Ravelry. It knots up super quick and only takes one skein of chunky yarn:). I used the Bernat Softee Chunky. I wanted to put sleeves on it, but didn’t have enough yarn. Definitely a good pattern when you need a baby shower gift quickly!

The project has been entered into HPKCHC for the Charms class this month:)

Well I’m off for more reading!

Have fun!

AJ

One Step and Another

There was a definite lack of energy in my day!

Teaching:

We did our usual printing and phonics this morning. Followed it up with some art this afternoon. We finished our Father’s Day gift by making the buttons. Tomorrow we will decorate an envelope to put them all in. I was happy with how they turned out and only two children had to remake them because they didn’t listen and did them upside down.

After school my mom came up and gave me an honest review of my classroom. It needs work! Lately my house, my car and my classroom all seem to be a wreck:(. At least tonight we got a few things tidied up and better organized! I always love decluttering and organizing- maybe that’s the job I should have gotten:)

Exercise:

I was supposed to run this morning, but yet again I slept instead so I had to go out tonight for my 6km run. It started out slow and painful, but I got faster, though it didn’t feel that way!

At the end I ran into an old running buddy. It was nice to see her, I had forgotten how much I always enjoyed running with her!

Well I have to go read Lyndsay’s report cards as we switched today, then I can go back to sleeping, which seems to be all I do lately!

Have fun!

AJ

Freezing

I had a bad night after being a piglet at Bookclub so it was a tough morning.

Exercise:

I was supposed to get up at six for an 8km run, but instead I slept until 7am! This caused me to get absolutely no exercise today as I had a massage after school:(

Teaching:

The exciting things today were that we wrote summer bucket lists in Journals today. The children did very well, and I got quite the list going when I was giving them an example.

Their ideas gave me ideas and it was funny to hear how they really weren’t outlandish in their wishes- only one person said they wanted to go to Disneyland, everyone else was talking about water gun wars, parks, etc.

We spent the afternoon with three other classes doing more ADST. We had the children pair up and then decorate/colour a piece of paper on both sides. They then got to fold the paper into an airplane and take it outside to fly it. Again, the session went really well and the children were totally engaged!

It got really fun when the wind came up too.

Errands:

After my massage I grabbed my mom and dragged her along to Costco with me. Chores and errands are so much better with company! I didn’t buy anything for me- just the fruit snacks, ziploc bags and Lysol wipes I need for school. At least it’s done and I can quit trying to remember that I need to pick those things up.

Crafting:

I have done an hour on the rug tonight in the hopes of not having to do hours on it this weekend. I’m starting my second to last row so there may just be hope of finishing yet.

Reading:

I have started listening to a new book on LibriVox today. It is Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. I have the feeling I’ve read it before, but since I don’t remember it, it’s obviously good to listen to it again!

Well I’m off to bed super early as I’ve done nothing but yawn all day today!

Have fun!

AJ