Where have I been?

WHOA. I've really been MIA for a while here.
These reflections are therapeutic and I should really keep up.
Why the long absence, you ask? Busy few months, I suppose. But that's not an excuse.

To keep you in the loop, and to keep myself updated for when I read these posts way down the road, Joey proposed!

We have a date and venue. Only a bazillion more things to do but we're trying to stay focused on just being engaged for now.
House hunting seems to be getting in the way of that "focus," but I'm kinda sorta enjoying the starter home search. We almost found a home this past weekend, but were out-bid. Or out-offered? Not sure what the proper lingo is here.

But, yeah, we'll keep looking.

In other news, Joe and his friend, Tom, started an inspiring-ly amazing business called Push Your Boundaries.
Check it out here!

Their work is all about motivating others. This seems to be exactly the type of message we need to be hearing nowadays.
Needless to say, they have put so much time and effort into this venture. Thanks for the inspiration, guys :)
And, in case you're wondering, their shirts and sweatshirts happen to be the softest and comfiest I've ever worn. On the weekends, I've been living in this one:

Teaching this year has also had me motivated. The second year has been completely different, in every possible way.It's true what they tell you. It gets better! One and a half years of lead teacher experience are behind me. "And that has made all the difference."
I'm excited to see what year three will bring.

This year's kindergarten class is energetic, adorably eager to learn, and has definitely kept me on my toes (in the best way.)

Teaching-wise, the most amazing thing I've done for myself this year is google these words: kindergarten blogs.
There are so many educators out there that are happy to share lesson ideas and classroom systems that they use. And teachers in every grade do this!
Yes, I know this was in the last post and I'm repeating myself here...but wanted to reiterate just how helpful teacher-blog creepin' has been.

One of my favorites is called Chalk Talk
Whenever I'm stuck or would like to spice up a unit or sight word lesson, this blog is the first I go to.
It's also a nice way to see how this teacher's year has unfolded in comparison to mine.

It would, of course, be nice to hear more about challenges other teachers are facing/their ideas and strategies, but since many of these blogs are public, getting this honest over the internet is not the brightest idea.
 
The next two months are going to be the busiest yet. Expect another long while until the next post.
Sayonara, for now.