Happy Wednesday! It’s the last Wednesday of August (and my first “official” day back to work) so I’m linking up with Sheaffer and Shay for a What’s Up Wednesday-Back to School Edition!
1. WHAT WE’RE EATING THIS WEEK:
Sunday: leftover pulled pork sandwiches (we went to a graduation party on Saturday and the hosts sent us home with lots of yummy leftovers!!)
Monday: Tacos
Tuesday: Leftovers
Wednesday: Pan fried pork chops with roasted veggies
Thursday: Meatloaf and salad
Friday: Mississippi pot roast with carrots and loaded mashed cauliflower
Saturday and Sunday: Not sure – I didn’t plan that far ahead!!
2. WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT:
One of my goals for the summer was to go through, organize, print and delete all the pictures on my phone. Apparently, I never delete a picture! #photooverload!! I loved looking back at my pictures from my Alaskan cruise from summer 2019! It was an amazing trip and I’m so glad that I was able to go. We went on the Norwegian Bliss and it was a beautiful ship. I definitely recommend adding this to your bucket list!
3. WHAT I’M LOVING:
Honestly, getting to do Professional Development virtually has been amazing! When teachers are going back to school, the last thing we want to do is sit through days of professional development! We want to be in our classrooms, preparing for our students. Getting to do PD virtually means I can listen and work at the same time! We even have the option of doing it from home or from our classrooms. PD on my couch, in my pajamas with my coffee? Yes, please!!
4. WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO:
Hubby has been working lots of overtime in August so we haven’t been able to do much of anything fun :insert sad face: I have been going in to my classroom a few hours each day to get things ready. Back in March of 2020 when schools shut down, I just shoved my things in all the places! Since we were remote all last year, nothing had been touched or organized! There has been a lot of purging and organizing these last few weeks.
5. WHAT I’M DREADING:
I’m super excited to get back into the classroom with students this year, but I have to admit I can’t help worrying about possible pandemic issues. I know lots of schools were open all year last year, but I can’t help but be worried. Kinders and firsties (all we have in our building) can be pretty germy!!
I am also dreading early wake ups and having to wear real pants again!!!
Seriously though, I’m dreading the August heat and working inside a building with no air conditioning!! It’s been HOT in Michigan! I’ll be praying for a nice cool fall!
6. WHAT I’M WORKING ON:
All the school things: bulletin boards, desk arrangements, lesson plans!
7. WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT:
Despite some worries, I am excited to get back into the classroom and TEACH. I’m excited to get back into routines. I’m excited that the bulk of my teaching doesn’t have to be done over a computer!
8. WHAT I’M WATCHING/READING:
Maybe not exciting to many, but I’m currently stuck on watching all the classroom set up videos on YouTube and teacher reels on Instagram! I’m so grateful for teachers that share so many great ideas!
9. WHAT I’M LISTENING TO:
Currently listening to my Cricut machine cutting all the words for my bulletin boards! I bought myself the Cricut Explore Air for Christmas and hadn’t messed with it, other than installing Design Studio on my computer, until now! I had a little trouble getting letters the way I needed them and I’m still learning, but it is awesome to have all the letters cut for me. (I’m not being very adventurous yet – just letters.) I can’t wait to get them put up tomorrow!
10. WHAT I’M WEARING:
All the shorts, t-shirts and ponytails! It is way too hot in our un-air conditioned building to worry about looking cute!
11. WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND:
On Friday, after I finish up any loose ends in the classroom, I will be taking Shelby for her back to school shopping. I usually take each girl and we have a one-on-one day together to get whatever they need for school.
On Saturday, I will be enjoying a little self-care and getting a pedicure.
On Sunday, I will be meal prepping for the very busy, very exhausting back to school week! You can check out my menu plan here. Luckily, my district is starting a week earlier than usual. The girls’ school and extracurriculars don’t start until the week after so I don’t have to worry about any of that!
12. WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH:
September will (hopefully) bring cooler temperatures and first graders who are settling in to our routines. These kiddos have never been in a classroom unless they did pre-school back before the world shut down. We have our work cut out for us this year!!
13. WHAT ELSE IS NEW:
That is it for now, friends. If you are so inclined, I appreciate any and all prayers and positive vibes for an amazing and healthy school year!