This past week at work was extremely trying and the hardest work week of my career so far. Lots of my students are going through some life changes which leads to new and elevated behaviors in the classroom. This week, I had my room turned upside down four times and followed one student about a half mile from our school campus along with my administrator. In between these incidences, I was putting out little fires here and there. At the end of the week my assistants and I wanted to forget that the week ever happened. But instead we made some plans in place to make this upcoming week better. Here’s hoping for a better week.

In order to help reduce my stress level, Adam and I headed over to Black Butte Ranch to meet up with my parents for a weekend of relaxation. We spent two nights in beautiful central Oregon, enjoying the warm days and cool nights. We did lots of sleeping, relaxing, eating and doing nothing…and it was wonderful. We could have used another in Black Butte, but alas, our vacation had to come to an end. Now I am back and ready to start a new week. I am hopeful this week will dramatically improve.

PS-Roommate found…Adam will be moving in.

This past weekend was a family filled weekend with both my family and Adam’s family. We are in the fortunate situation where our families live close to each other (Portland and Salem), so during one weekend we can easily spend time with both families.

On Friday night we drove up to Portland to have dinner at the Ring Side with my parents. The restaurant is a family favorite and is special because it is the location where my dad proposed to my mom. For me, it’s a great place for succulent steaks and delectable onion rings. We all had a delicious meal with some fantastic wine. If you are ever in Portland and in a mood for a fabulous steak, I would highly suggest you visit the Ring Side.

Saturday morning we woke up and headed out to…. the Lego store. Yes, the Lego store. We had never been to the Lego store before so a trip was in order. I stocked up on new Legos for my classroom, as my students are highly reinforced by those little colored connecting blocks. Nothing makes you feel more like a kid again than a whole store full of toys. With purchases in hand, we headed south to the Woodburn Company Stores. Every time I go those outlet stores there seems to be more and more stores to explore. The goal was to get new work clothes…mission accomplished.

We continued our drive down south to Salem to Adam’s parents. We relaxed on their back patio with the gorgeous hills in the background and had a wonderful homemade dinner. After dinner, we played games and built with Legos. Adam and I make a mean Pictionary team, so if anyone wants to challenge us, we are game. On Sunday we had a leisurely morning and then headed back to Eugene. The weekend was wonderfully enjoyable and it was good to spend time with both families.

Roommate wanted to share 3 bedroom/2 bath ~1600 square foot house. Looking for a mid/late 20s professional or graduate student who is quiet, respectful, responsible and friendly. Rent is $400 per month (plus utilities) for one bedroom, a bathroom (to also be used as guest bathroom) parking spot in the garage, garage storage and a nice kitchen with month-to-month lease. Dogs are negotiable, but no cats. Room is available in early November.

If you or someone you know is interested, please let me know.

This past weekend was one of those perfectly balanced weekends of activities and relaxation. After being incredibly busy with sorority recruitment the past weekend, I was ready to relax during the weekend.

On Friday, Adam’s mom headed down from Salem to Eugene for the day. While I was working, they spent some mother-son time together. After I was done with work, we headed out to King Estate for some wine tasting and a yummy meal. I had never been out to King Estate and the setting is spectacular. I think a return trip may be in order soon. I seem to be doing lots of wine tasting lately…and I love it!

Saturday was pretty lazy in the morning…just the way I like it. In the afternoon we headed out to Lone Pine Farms to get our pumpkins. With two perfectly picked pumpkins, we headed home for a quick nap before the duck game vs UCLA. I bundled up in long underwear, a hat and gloves as the evening games tend to get a bit chilly. The game did not go as I planned, as I expected the ducks to play much better…oh well. The game picked up in the second half, as did we with our much needed hot chocolates. With a duck victory, we headed home.

Sunday morning was lazy…which is typical. Later that day I headed to the sorority to celebrate our house director’s 10 years anniversary at the chapter. She has been with the sorority for 10 years and has done a fantastic job. She was a very important person to me when I was in the chapter, and she still continues to be a support for the women today. After the event, I watched one of my students play in his 3 v 3 soccer game. It’s so funny to watch ‘kick and chase’ soccer. Just makes me smile to think that used to be me. The evening finished with my own soccer game. I didn’t play all that well, but there will always be more games.

The next few weekends ahead of me will be excursions to Portland/Salem and Black Butte, so stay tuned….

Since school started I feel that I have not had much time to sit down and just relax. The month of September is always busy for any teacher and I was no exception. I have some students with fairly significant needs which provides me a challenge in my job to help my students learn academically as well as behaviorally and emotionally. Work continues to go well overall and when people ask how work is my response is ‘busy’.

Probably what makes September even crazier is my involvement as a sorority advisor on campus. Last weekend, I spent many hours at the chapter house helping the women through fall formal recruitment. Although the hours were long and I became really stressed from my volunteering, all turned out well and the hard work paid off.

Now I feel that life is settling down a bit more. I now have my weekends back, I am not staying as late after school, I am spending more time relaxing and I am loving life more and more everyday. Life is good. I just need to remember every once and a while to breathe!