It’s a snow day. No school for me. I don’t think that closing school was necessary, but I won’t complain. Spending the day on the couch!

Snow day FTW!

I know I always say it, but life is busy. Don’t have time for long posts, so here is an update of the past few weeks….

-Had a good Halloween at home. Carved pumpkins with Heidi, Derek, little Veronica and Harrison.
-EMT classes still going well. Lots of learning about the body…which is pretty awesome. I’m kicking butt at learning all the practical skills.
-Fire district is going well. I don’t get to respond as much with my busy schedule. However, I did take my oath as an EMS responder and received my badge. This doesn’t change any of my responsibilities but now I can vote in association matter and I get to wear a cool uniform.
-Wedding planning goes on. Did engagement photos, picked out a dress, working on “Save the Dates” and registering.
-Saw new Harry Potter movie

I’m sure there is more but my brain is can think right now…

In the midst of our crazy busy life, Adam and I got away for a Halloween party. It was actually the first time we ever dressed up together. It was fun to have a night out with some of our friends…but man, we are too old to stay out late. Oh the pangs of getting old!

Here is help with the costumes:
Dr. Pepper, a member of Team Zissou (from the movie Life Acquatic), Billy Madison, Veronica Vaughn (Billy Madison’s love interest), Kei$ha (pop singer) and the TV time out guy!

Today I am not at work because it’s a budget reduction day. While I am not disappointed with the day off, I am frustrated for my students who are forced to stay home because school budgets are being cut. This is one more day of instruction lost where kids should be in the classroom learning. With budgets getting tighter and tighter, more teachers, staff, resources and days will need to be cut. This breaks my heart. Right now is a tough time to be a teacher. It’s scary to think what its going to take losing to realize that schools need more funding.

We were lucky enough to attend the Oregon vs Stanford game this weekend (thanks Dad). The game was a roller coaster of emotions, but the Ducks pulled out a great win! Go DUCKS!

Today I started back to school as a student. The last time I attended a college class was over four years ago. I’m not a huge fan of college, but I am excited to be starting my EMT program. Monday night was the first class (from 6-10pm…yikes, so late). While we didn’t get into skills and lecture, I have a good feeling about my professor and class. This will be an exciting but challenging six months, but I am ready to push myself to learn something new.

Of course our first night was filled with the ice breaker of all 48 people in the program introducing themselves. We talked about plans, readings, expectations, etc. and learned about the history of the EMS systems. I was surprised to learn that the EMS system has only been around for the past 50 years. We have come a long way in 50 years…for example the first defibrillator weighed 46 pounds! The field of emergency is quickly changing and evolving as medical advances and technology continues to improve.

So much to know, so much to learn, so excited to do so.

This past weekend, Adam and I camped on probably the last nice weekend of the summer. We headed out to Odell Lake, which is 75 miles south east of Eugene just past Willamette Pass ski area. Adam and I arrived Friday night with more friends arriving later that night and the next day. We were the only ones at the camp grounds, so we had total privacy and silence between laughter with friends, cooking yummy meals and dogs playing. On Saturday we rented a pontoon boat and headed out to the lake. The water was clear and blue…perfect for boating. We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing by the lake with a book and good friends. It was the perfect weekend before Adam and I start a crazy year of work, classes and internships.

That is all…

It’s hard to believe this is my fifth year teaching. My classroom is quite different this year. I have 10 students, 8 of which are new incoming kinders. Normally kindergartners come in and need lots of redirection as they concept of sitting in their seat and raising their hands is completely foreign. Today I was surprised that all 8 of my new little ones were very receptive to many basic school concepts, and they responded very well to my positive behavior supports in my class. My staff and I were pleasantly surprised. Here’s hoping this good behavior continues…

I spent all last week preparing my classroom for a busy year. I am starting out with 10 students, 8 of which are new incoming kindergartners. 10 is a pretty high start number for me as I am usually use to about 7 or 8. It’s going to be a busy and challenging year, but I am excited to be challenged! Here’s hoping that between work, wedding planning and EMT classes. I will be able to stay afloat!