It's been a while.

I've been slacking.
Two months too late but figured the posts must go on.

So it's here. Beautiful, glorious, and so far even more amazing than I ever dreamed possible. SUMMER. (May be a slight exaggeration, but that's okay.)
I do miss the kiddos. And the sweet gifts and letters (from parents AND students) made my very first last week of school a truly memorable one.

Reflecting back on your first year of teaching is easier said than done. That might be because there's so much to say. I'm not really sure where to begin.
I was told before September that the year would fly. Not gonna lie, it didn't exactly zoom on by. There were weeks, sometimes days, that truly felt like they'd never end.
I'd be lying to you (or as one of my munchkins would call it, "fibbing") if I said that it wasn't a tough year.

Well, let's see.
I...
Was more tired than I think I've ever been (physically and mentally). Learned to hate traffic and rubber neckers like it was a second job. HATCHED ADORABLE CHICKS. Did not eat enough at school and ate WAY too much once I finally made it home. Learned and laughed with 11 amazing and hilarious kindergartners. Have grown more and more grateful for my mom by the minute. Found some fun ways to spice up my lessons on pinterest. Discovered that an obscene amount of caffeine helps obliterate migraines. Created and recreated my first classroom. Made it through (and even enjoyed) field trips. Unpacked and repacked my room thanks to help from some wonderful people. Still can't cook but have slowly taken on baking. Learned that kids love listening (or at least are really good at pretending they're listening) to personal anecdotes. Survived my first year of teaching.