We have furniture!!!

I came back from a wonderful Thanksgiving break to find FURNITURE!!!! And ARTWORK on the wall!!! And a mini Christmas tree! It's almost too much to handle. No more standing at the counter to eat meals. No more sitting on our laptops on the floor. We are real adults now!! 

We have a mask that Lydie's sister made in our laundry area. Kind of random, but nice!

We have a place to eat!!!!! (Flowers courtesy of Edwin) Note the wonderful Advent calendar on the wall! 

A couch!!! 

Musings

Here are a few musings:

Yesterday I didn't teach, because the Spanish teachers were administering Interim Assessments to kids with modifications (oral administration, etc). I finished testing at about 11, and had the rest of the day free to work/plan. I plugged away in my cubicle for most of the afternoon.... and at the end of the day, realized what a great day it was! It was great for the obvious reason of not begin completely exhausted from dealing with children all day... but it made me think! My personality type (therefore me) prefers to work mostly alone, in a quiet environment. I had more energy last night, and even made a wonderful dinner (chicken parm with veggies). It made me think that maybe after this 2 year deal, I should pursue a career that would meld better with my personality. I do like teaching.... some days.... and I like kids.... most days.... (I promise, I don't think that is a lie) but it would be so nice to not have a job that completely poops me out!

On another note.... today I took one of my certification exams. It went pretty well- I feel much better about it than I did about the History exam, and Lord knows I passed that, so things might be okay :) It felt good to use my brain. I don't feel like teaching challenges me mentally as much as emotionally/physically. Hmm.... what to do with my life..... back to the age-old question :)

Can't wait to see y'all this weekend! Yee haww

More exams

P.S. The teaching certification people finally caught up with me, and I am now signed up to take exams this week to continue on the path to becoming a "highly qualified teacher". Wednesday I take the Early Childhood-4th grade Generalist exam, which I am taking the day off for. On Thursday I am taking the 4-8 Generalist exam at 5:00 (after work). Phew!!! Keep me in your prayers please, that I have extra energy that day!

I don't want to grow up...

...I'm a Toys R Us kid?! Maybe not. However, I did have a pretty grown-up weekend.

1. I signed up for car insurance!!!

2. I got my car inspected so I can get Texas license plates. (eek)

3. Lydie (my roommate) and I bought a couch!

I guess I'm an adult now.

In other more exciting news, I'm coming home to Wisconsin in 6 days! Woo hoo!! Can't wait to see all of your shining faces and gobble down some turkey. I am still in partial disbelief that it is almost Thanksgiving... I got sunburned yesterday manning the inflatable obstacle course at our school's Harvest Fest, and it was 90 degrees out. Strange. I went to the mall today though and Santa was there... so I guess maybe Christmas is just around the corner!

Castle!

I didn't get a pic of the castle on that last set of wedding pics- 

Halloween in Houston!

I got to see family 2 weekends in a row!!! What a treat! Seeing everyone has been keeping me going... and actually made "Black-tober" go by quick (apparently October is the worst month for teachers. Who know- I thought they were all like this?!). Pics from our weekend in Houston for Sandra's wedding!

Wisconsin trip!

It was beyond wonderful to go home to Wisconsin. It was SO great to see family and friends... and it even made me miss Wisconsin itself. The leaves were beautiful colors, the air was crisp and it finally felt like fall! Here are some pics of family=Brady time/wedding: