Elf on the Shelf?

Well it's December, otherwise known as the month that my Newsfeed is chock full of pictures of little elf dolls swimming in pools of marshmallows and making snow angels in flour. Oh, joy.

This morning my students came back from Thanksgiving break all abuzz about their elves. One asked me if we were going to have an elf in our classroom; I looked at her like she had 3 heads.

Elf on the Shelf? I just don't get it, you guys.

I know that many of you are thinking, "Just wait until you have kids of your own." Well, I hate to break it to you, but at this rate, we might be waiting forever. Furthermore, I'm not convinced that having a child of my own would help this situation.

First of all, the elf creeps me out. There, I said it. Also, the thing that really gets me is that this disturbing dude is supposed to be "watching" (yikes) the children to make sure they behave, but meanwhile he's wreaking havoc all over the house. Huh?

Thank goodness there was no elf on any shelf at our house when my siblings and I were little. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have slept a wink that month for fear that the elf would come in my room and murder me. My brother would have made it his mission to knock the elf down from whatever shelf on which he may have been perched. My sister would have constantly questioned the rest of us as to where the elf really came from and just how it got into our house. Sounds magical, doesn't it?

Bless those of you dedicated parents out there who have committed to the Elf on the Shelf tradition. I know your children love it, and that's why you do it.

But I also know that I'm going to rest easier this holiday season with shelves that are elf-free.

It's the Most Movie Time of the Year

Raise your hand if you think Christmas movies are the best kind of movies. 

Exactly.

You can all put your hands down now.

Once my tree is up, it's officially time to let the film fun begin. I'd seriously be content curled up on my couch, for the next 25 days, watching the following Christmas movies:

The Holiday: This is on my TV as I type, and let me just say, it probably won't be the last time that it's on my TV in the coming weeks. I absolutely love it. Jude Law's character is precious, but each time I watch it, I can't help hoping I'll meet someone like Jack Black's character one day. The scene in the video store does it to me every time. Hilarious & sweet.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: It's really all about the music in this one, people. A favorite as long as I've been able to remember having favorites.

Love Actually: I love how all of the characters' story lines intertwine. It makes me want to move to London. Hugh Grant's dance break is my fave. Also, how precious is the stepfather/stepson relationship? 

Elf: "Did you hear that?" "Buddy the Elf, what's your favorite color?" "You look very purply today." "Smiling's my favorite." "Santa! I know him!" I could go on all day. Love. Love. Love.

Home Alone: "Keep the change, ya filthy animal."

Mickey's Christmas Carol: As far as I'm concerned, this is the best version of A Christmas Carol that exists. Probably because it's the first version I saw, but still, it's a classic. Tiny Tim (looking like Mickey's mini me, mind you) and his little crutch really stuck with me.

Christmas Vacation: Oh, Clark, and his crazy family. It just doesn't get better than the squirrel scene.

Jingle All The Way: This was pretty much on repeat in our house when I was growing up. My little sister loved it. And my brother and I grew to love quoting it. Our favorite: Arnold saying "I'm gonna wrap some chains around you". Don't ask me why. It just made us crack up-and still does to this day. Also, Sinbad, you guys. Sinbad.

Miracle on 34th Street: As far as the classics go, I'd take this movie any day over White Christmas or It's a Wonderful Life. No offense to the others, I just like this one best. I think the characters were way ahead of their time, what with the successful single mother and all.

Claymation Christmas: Two words: California Raisins. A special shout out to my friend Deanna for bringing this tradition back to my life. 

Just Friends: "I swear! By the moon, and the stars in the sky..." I could watch this movie any time of the year (and I do), and laugh out loud as much as I did the first time I saw it. "I'm busy!"

So, who's ready to call in sick tomorrow and have a movie marathon? 

But seriously, here's to the official start of the holiday season, and the films that get us in the spirit! What are your must-see Christmas movies?

A Thankful List

Are you familiar with HuffPost Good News? As it says on their Facebook page, HuffPost is "a section from the editors of The Huffington Post that [shines] a much-needed spotlight on what's inspiring, what's positive, what's working." I recommend you check it out; it's certainly way more uplifting than the 5:00 News.

At any rate, I read an article on HuffPost the other day about how to start your day off on a positive note. As opposed to hitting the snooze button 7 times or worrying about what awaits you at the office, it suggested that you begin your day by thinking about what you are thankful for.

I liked the idea. Simple, but I could see how it could quickly have a profound positive impact on one's outlook. So on Tuesday morning, when Justin Timberlake's "Suit and Tie" stirred me from my slumber (Is there a better way to start the day?), I rubbed my eyes, grabbed my phone, fired up the Notes app, and just started listing all the things I am thankful for. Here is what came to mind:

family

friends

sunshine
my warm bed
music
travel
Louisville
my condo
cheeseburgers
my iPhone
health
my team
my sense of humor
Coke
my independence
sleep
chocolate
my car

I could have gone on, but it was time to get ready for work, and besides, I felt like I'd hit the highlights. I listed them in no particular order, though I find it hilarious (and par for the course) that "cheeseburgers" came to my mind before "health". Also, I'd like to note that I have a love/hate relationship with Coke, in that I hate that I love it so much. 

Anyways, I think this is a practice I'd like to keep up. Reflecting about what I'm thankful for everyday, not just on Thanksgiving, seems like the best way to start, and for that matter, end my day. 

I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving and I want you to know how thankful I am to you for reading my little blog! In fact, I'll be sure to add that to my next list.

8 Random Things

So have you all seen the "[Insert number here] Things About Me" on Facebook? I had seen several of my friends post lists like these over the past week, but didn't know what it was all about. Then I saw that my friend Jenny had posted one, and after it made me laugh out loud, I "liked" it. A few minutes later, she told me I had the number 8. 
Ah, now I see how this works.

Well, I'm certainly not one to pass up a writing opportunity. Here's what I came up with:

1. I love solitude, but hate to go places by myself.
2. I find out what is going on in the world from Twitter & Late Night with Jimmy Fallon because I think the real news is too depressing.
3. I have never eaten a salad. In fact, anyone who says they like lettuce is questionable to me.
4. I despise when people try to tell me what to do.
5. I'm pretty sure my computer and phone both hate me for the amount of music & photos I have on them. 
6. I am an extrovert, but I turn into the queen of awkwardness around any guy I deem cute.
7. I tend to think of funny things whenever it's silent and I'm not supposed to laugh, causing my shoulders to shake uncontrollably, which inevitably makes me laugh even more.
8. I am happiest when my immediate family is all together.

A random list, a fun exercise. Go ahead and give it a shot. You have my permission to write as many things as you want.

Teaching Is...

Today I came across a blogpost called "The Hardest Job Everyone Thinks They Can Do" by Dennis Hong. Before I even read it, I knew it was about teaching. After I read it, I thought, this guy gets it. 

Considering I've spent this entire rainy Sunday in my sweatpants, still recovering from 2 weeks of conferences and report cards, I needed to read this today.

Teacher or not, I suggest you read the entire piece. These are the lines that really resonated with me:

"Teaching is understanding how the human brain processes information and preparing lessons with this understanding in mind.

Teaching is simultaneously instilling in a child the belief that she can accomplish anything she wants while admonishing her for producing shoddy work.

Teaching is offering a sympathetic ear while maintaining a stern voice.

Teaching is being both a role model and a mentor to someone who may have neither at home, and may not be looking for either.

You can’t measure inspiration by a child’s test scores. You can’t measure inspiration by a child’s grades. You measure inspiration 25 years later when that hot-shot doctor, or lawyer, or entrepreneur thanks her fourth-grade teacher for having faith in her and encouraging her to pursue her dreams."

Amen!

And don't even get me started on test scores. 

It's late, and I need to get to bed so that I can get up at 5:45 and get ready to inspire my students.

Friday Photos 32: Falling for Fall Break

After a brief hiatus, Friday Photos are back, just in time to celebrate my love for everything Fall Break. Beginning last Friday, this Fall Break has been a relaxing reminder of the sweet freedom of Summer. I managed to use my freedom wisely, by cleaning out three bags of clothes & shoes to donate, clearing off months of mail to reveal the top of my dining room table, and transferring 15 years of CDs from their cases to one tidy binder.
In addition to vacuuming my floors for the first time in an I'm-too-embarrassed-to-actually-admit-it amount of time, I also managed to squeeze in a lil' bit of fun this week. I give you exhibits A-H:

Cheers to Fall Break, Courtney's birthday, taquitos, and low tolerance levels at Mussel & Burger Bar!

I actually got to do brunch & lunch (like other working adults), including this trip to Wild Eggs with my precious niece.

Courtney and I went for a stroll at the Anchorage Loop, which turned out to be a deer-watching walk. Shh! Bambi's trying to eat.

I met the fam over at little sis' new house to help hang blinds, and by "hang blinds" I mean "take pictures of my adorable McNugget".

I'm still not completely over the loss that the Cards suffered to UCF, but Ruthie and I had fun anyway. And boy did I own that Snuggie.

Clearly, the goal was to soak up as much McNugget time as possible. Mission accomplished. 

She's getting so big! Climbing up stairs & going down the slides like a boss.

I considered going to St. Louis to catch game 3 of the World Series, but after peeping the price tag for tickets on Stub Hub, I decided cheering the Cardinals on from the comfort of my couch would do just fine. Beat Boston!

After years of eyeing a mirrored nightstand at Pottery Barn, I thanked my lucky stars above that I waited so long to buy it when Mom and I came upon this beauty at Home Goods. Not only is it a more modern take on the piece I originally wanted, it was also $250 cheaper. Score.

Dear Fall Break,

Thank you for saving my sanity. I love you. Come back soon.

Sincerely, 

Jackie

The Write Stuff

Though I've always felt called to be a teacher, it's no secret that I'd also love to be a writer. Recently, I was fortunate enough to be able to bring the two vocations together.

Back in May, I saw an advertisement via the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Facebook page for an opportunity to submit an article to Educational Horizons Magazine. They were looking for topics that pertain to new teachers for their "Teacher's Toolkit" spread. 

So, just for the fun of it (nerd alert), I wrote an article focused on ways to connect with students' families--a topic I wish I would have had more information on when I was a new teacher. My friends Ruthie and Joey (who are both great teachers & writers themselves) graciously proofread my little article, and with their votes of confidence, I sent it off, and headed to the lake to officially kick off summer break.

Fast forward to July when I got word from the editor of Educational Horizons that they wanted to publish my article in their October/November issue! Confetti! 

But the celebrating didn't end there. A few weeks later, their editor contacted me with a (paid) opportunity to host a webinar related to the topic of my article, sponsored by the magazine. So, I thought about it for a fraction of a second, and then said YES.

Now, I'm not gonna lie, after the initial excitement died down, I did freak out a little bit. The thought of teachers from all across the country listening to me speak was a tad intimidating to say the least. But my friends and coworkers hyped me up with their encouraging words, and on September 25th, I lead my very first webinar. Despite my nerves, I think it went well. 

You can find a recording of my webinar, "Connecting With Families" under Past Webinars here: http://pilambda.org/benefits/webinars/

This weekend I was delighted to open my mailbox and find the October/November issue of Educational Horizons with my article published inside!

You can read my article online for free until the end of October here: http://pilambda.org/horizons/connecting-with-families/

I'm so grateful to Educational Horizons for giving me my first chance to have my writing printed in a national publication, and to lead my very first webinar. I'm also so appreciative of the support from my family and friends along the way. 

Here's hoping this is the first of many writing opportunities to come.