Category: Reflections & Lifestyle

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Reflections & Lifestyle

Teacher Musings

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Being a teacher is challenging and amazing at the same time! I am sharing some teacher musings with you today.

Stuff My Students Say…

1. “Even though you are really old; probably too old to have kids of your own, I think you’d make a good mom!”
(Such a wonderful back-handed compliment. Also, I am only 35… how old do they think I am?!?!?!?)

2. S1: “I am bored”
    S2: (without missing a beat) “She’s not our cruise director!”
    Me: *turns around with a completely caught off guard look on my face*
    S2: (with a wink and finger guns) “My mom’s a teacher; I got you!”

3. “Morning, Mrs. Teacher, do I have some facts about cheese for you!”
(This was literally the first thing this kid said to me as he walked into the school; we had never talked about cheese before that –but we did for the next 15 minutes. Gotta say, he should host a podcast! It was AMAZING! Also, he has no idea that I  LOVE cheese)

Hacks…

1. Wordle Warm Up/Reward
Capitalizing on the popularity of this site/game; we start our ELA period with the Wordle. If we are too chaotic during the day (three strikes) we don’t get to play the next day. OR, in non-ELA classes, you can also create your own with Wordles using key vocabulary from the unit you are studying. Each time you introduce a new word, get the kids to write down the definition, come up with an example, an ‘anti-example’ and draw a visual. They can create a master vocab list to study off of throughout the unit.

2. Hall Pass
Our students are notorious for LONG bathroom breaks; they just love to wander the halls. So now they have to carry around something large and seasonal. Example: a pumpkin in October, a sled in December, a pot of “gold” in March, etc. They hate it, but we enjoy it.

3. Getting Rid of Annoying YouTube Distractions
I don’t know which genius to thank for this; or even if I am super late to the game on this one, but; if you add a hyphen to the YouTube link (ex: yout-ube), students will be able to view the video without being interrupted by advertisements or get distracted by the inappropriate or extraneous video suggestions.

Latest TPT Buy…
The Princess Bride Movie Guide Activities & Answer Key
*I made the questions from the quiz into a Kahoot and the top three players got movie candy to enjoy during the next movie we watched in Film Studies. The kids LOVED making their own Fire Swamp Signs and creating a Miracle Max inspired recipe.

Rewarding Story…

I try to bring economics to life for my students; we do a scarcity activity with food; in the hopes that they take only enough for themselves to ensure that everyone gets some; recognizing that the amount of our resource (the food) is limited, why it may be limited and what is the best way to achieve public good (cooperation or individualism). Sometimes we play Monopoly and discuss capitalism, rules and regulations in the economy, consumer fairness, supply & demand, competition, pros and cons of monopolies. Yesterday, we wrapped up our Monopoly game and a kid who really struggles, yelled out to everyone: “SOCIAL IS THE BEST CLASS.” Watching the kids play really warmed my heart. Everyone was engaged, having fun, learning (even though they won’t admit it) and even kids who had conflicts with each other were able to forget them and  come together and connect. It’s always nice when a lesson works as you intend.  

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Health & Beauty Reflections & Lifestyle

Daylight Savings Time: Coping With It

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The clocks are changing March 13. In October 2021, we got to vote on a referendum question concerning Daylight Savings Time; however, nothing has been acted on with regard to it –so we continue to fall back and spring forward, even though this messes with our circadian rhythm.

If you are like me and find the transition in the spring more difficult than the one in the fall; here are some helpful tips.

1. Ease into it…
-Start the transition 10-15 minutes earlier (6-4 days) leading up to DLS
-Start DLS on Saturday instead of Sunday; this gives you a full day to live in your new reality

2. Consistency is key…
-I was able to figure out my optimum sleep window by tracking my sleep schedule and level of restedness on the Weight Watchers I app. I go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time every day –EVEN ON WEEKENDS! Obviously, things come up but I adhere pretty strictly to it.

3. On the dreaded DLS Sunday…
-And this may be a tough pill to swallow…wake up at your set time (RESTED OR NOT) and don’t nap (unless that is part of your pre-existing routine)

4. It’s all about the lighting…
-Natural over artificial because sunlight helps to reset our internal clocks. Enjoy the beauty of the sun; inside your home and outside!

5. Exercising…
-Try to exercise outside if possible. You don’t have to go hard core, simply taking a walk in the evening after dinner is super beneficial not only for digestion but also your sleep schedule. 

6. Disconnect…
-Put your phones, computers, tablets away! It is highly recommended that you be free of screens for at least 2 hours prior to bed. If you like to watch TV before bed or even in bed; DON’T! It is highly recommended that you turn off the TV at least an hour before bed.

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Food & Drink Reflections & Lifestyle

Weight Watchers Journey & Top Recipes

A friend of mine said that she was feeling, “rather fluffy” lately. She had tried a few weight loss programs and apps with little to no success. She had gotten an ad for Weight Watchers. We all know that when you have a support system / when you have a buddy doing a program, a course or whatever it may be, with you; everyone is more successful. So I signed up too! We have been doing it for about a month.

I have a long history with dieting and unhealthy eating habits and disordered eating. I have tried a million different things to lose weight or keep it down. But I must say I really like this program/app and I have made some much more positive food and health choices since using it. I haven’t weighed myself because I tend to fixate on the numbers and then develop some bad habits.

Why do I like WW?

-I like being rewarded for eating extra vegetables, drinking water, eating breakfast each day, exercise, etc
-Being points based rather than calorie based I am eating quality food rather than empty calories
-I like that it isn’t too restrictive; the zero points for favourites and fruits and veggies means that I can eat when I am hungry instead of starving myself. It really encourages smart food choices
-There are so many yummy recipes, pre-logged foods on the site I am not at a loss for food to eat
-My sleep pattern has gotten so much better since I have tracked it
-I drink at least 1750 mls of water a day; prior to starting WW I couldn’t remember the last time I had had water because I was drinking so much pop, juice and coffee
-Since I only have 23 points per day; I am really focused on not drinking my points so I basically don’t drink anymore
-You can also buy snack foods, equipment and other items to support your journey through the app
-Since WW is an established program there is so much support, tips, inspiration, recipes, out there online
Overall, this app has changed my mindset towards food; whether or not I drop weight, I feel better because I am treating my body much better.

I have found a TON of recipes that I absolutely love and I wanted to share them with you. If you are thinking about joining this is what you could be eating guilt free!

Breakfast
Everything Bagels (made with the 2 Ingredient Dough)
Avocado Toast
Blueberry Almond Oatmeal
No Sugar Added Blueberry Muffin

Snack
Fudgy Chocolate Cookies


Lunch
Tuscan Sausage & Bean Stew
Olive Garden Salad
Marinated Cucumber & Melon Salad
Quinoa Salad with Corn & Peppers
Greek Chicken Bowl


Dinner
Italian Sheet Pan Chicken
Hawaiian Sheet Pan Chicken
Chicken Sausage & Mushroom Pasta
Garlic Thyme Chicken with Cauliflower
One Pot Pasta with Cauliflower, Potatoes & Olives

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Reflections & Lifestyle

Teacher Musings

Being a teacher is challenging and amazing at the same time! I am sharing some teacher musings with you today.

Stuff My Students Say…

1. “I feel bad for your husband… you nag an awful lot!”
(I asked him twice to put his phone away)

2.  “You know, I think we should have another PD Day, who can I talk to about that?”
(Sometimes you just need a four day week, right?)

3.  S1: “So you’re telling me, that you had to write when you were in school –by like hand, with like paper and a pen??”

S2: “No, she had to use a stone tablet and chisel, like on the Flinstones!”
(Partial commentary in class to my request to take out a pen and paper for the lesson because the chromebooks weren’t charged)

Hacks…

1. Dollar Store shower curtains (or table clothes) as bulletin board covers
–>I love this because they are inexpensive so you can cover large areas and change them up frequently without depleting your classroom decor budget. Since plastic shower curtains/ tablecloths are more durable than paper lining they can be re-used and of course are so easy to wipe down when things get messy.

2. New Spin on Exit Slips
–>Teenagers are tricky; communicating can be difficult. Typically “exit slips” have focused on lesson content, but this new version broadens the scope: “I WISH MY TEACHER KNEW…” Students can and will tell you so much –it is a great way for them to vent, ask questions, tell you information you need to know, ask for help, etc.

3. Chromebook Colour Coding
–>Our chromebook cart can look like an octopus lives in it; the cords are EVERYWHERE; it’s annoying for kids and teachers. Putting a bit of coloured tape on the chromebook, slot and cord can ensure that the right cord goes to the right chromebook and that the right chromebook goes in the right spot. And let’s face it, life is better with colour!

Latest TPT Buy…
Colour Theory Collaborative Monet Inspired Mural
*My students (junior & senior high) love colouring; it’s fun and relaxing; they enjoy putting the finished sheets together into the mural format to decorate our classroom.

Rewarding Story…
We did our Parent-Teacher Interviews (PTIs) by phone this year because of COVID. I had so many booked and I was just really exhausted; pandemic teaching is really tough! We seemed to be getting dealt a lot of blows; a lot of additional traumas leading up to the PTIs. Midway through the evening of making calls, I was really starting to feel like I just couldn’t do it any more –I just wanted to have a bit of a cry and take a nap. I pushed through because rescheduling the ones I had left would have taken me longer than just simply making the calls. I dialed the number of, let’s call her, Mrs. Smith….

Me: Hi Mrs. Smith, I’m calling from the school; you requested an interview with me. So I am just touching base with you.

Mrs. Smith: Hi! You’re on speaker by the way. I only requested this interview to tell you that I appreciate everything you are doing for the boys and to thank you for all your hard work –it hasn’t been easy but I see you, I see all the work you do. I hope you have a wonderful evening.

That phone call filled my “bucket” and allowed me to be a better teacher because I was renewed. I wasn’t expecting that. I also noticed that her kids were making an effort in class to “see” and acknowledge their peers; spreading kindness in the classroom.

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Entertainment Food & Drink Reflections & Lifestyle

Best Of 2021

We all thought that 2021 was going to be better than 2020 –it just had to be. I endeavoured to find the good among all the bad, the calm among the chaos, the happiness among the devastation. Today, as we put 2021 to bed and prepare to wake up to; and welcome 2022, I wanted to share my highlight reel (so to speak) with you. 

January 2021
I enjoy ice fishing; however, the frigid temperatures really make it tough to want to leave my cozy home and reading spot by the fire. But, I braved the wintery conditions and landed quite a few chunky Whitefish.

February 2021
Teachers’ Convention; although it was online –I spent a wonderful few days in the city with an incredible friend and colleague soaking up sage teacher advice, strategies and knowledge from educational gurus and a plethora of inspiring presenters, while staying in the lap of luxury.

March 2021
After FOUR months of being kept apart by work and the pandemic; I was able to reunite with my best friend for the ultimate girls’ weekend. Complete with margaritas and movies, breakfast at Pip, a trip down memory lane (walking around the very campus were we became best friends) and of course you guessed it… charcuterie.

April 2021
At this point in time, school was getting pretty tense –numbers were rising province wide; we were all tired and stressed, the kids were getting sick and we were faced with shutting down in the face of personnel shortages. The sweetest standout moment was when my husband came home with “JUST BECAUSE” flowers. I remember the moment vividly.

May 2021
I turned 35! And my husband gave into my obsession with bird watching and built me the ultimate bird condo.

June 2021
5 years of wedded bliss!

July 2021 & August 2021
My summertime freedom/fun was cut VERY short after I fell and broke my ankle –I had to have emergency surgery to have a plate and five screws put in. This is a bittersweet highlight because although it was painful and scary, I got to spend a lot of quality time with my AMAZING family. I don’t think there is anything more special and more important in life than family. Another highlight: THE OLYMPICS!

September 2021
Return to normalcy! We went back to in-person teaching (at first without masks… but that quickly changed) AND I ditched my crutches, my aircast boot and started walking on my own and driving!

October 2021
Fancy AF weekend with my best friend complete with charcuterie, shopping and a six course tasting menu at Butternut Tree. Also, discovered two new wines from Sperling Vineyards (Speritz Pet Nat & Ruby Pet Nat)

November 2021
Midterm break –a well deserved rest after many crises and report cards. A week to myself to focus on self-care. Reading, movie watching, sleeping-in, catching up on much neglected chores (which caused me great anxiety), sipping on wine, and spending time with equally exhausted teacher friends.

December 2021
A return to ‘normal’ Christmas –all the family; feasting, exchanging gifts and simply just appreciating that we were all together once again.

What about you? What were your highlights?

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Reflections & Lifestyle

World Kindness Day

This year, November 13th is World Kindness Day. As a teacher we endeavour to inspire in our students the power of kindness. We want them to grow up to be successful but above all we want them to grow up to be KIND HUMAN BEINGS. We stress to them that, ‘kindness makes the world go round.’

Here are some great sites and resources to help you celebrate this year…

Inspire Kindness
-You can find your complete guide to World Kindness Day, ways to participate, resources for both schools & businesses

Random Acts of Kindness Foundation
-You can find quotes, videos and a blog to get your inspired, sign up to become a RAKtivist and of course resources for educators

Scholastic
-An article for parents about 6 easy ways to encourage kindness in children

Kind Canada
-This is a “not-for-profit organization that inspires and engages all Canadians to purposefully include kindness in their daily lives, support charitable causes and enhance the well-being of others”

Penguin Random House
-A list of the best books on kindness

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Health & Beauty Reflections & Lifestyle

World Mental Health Day…

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is fast approaching; Sunday October 10th! As per the World Health Organization (WHO), the “overall objective is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. [It] provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.”

I’d like to share with you some resources that I have found helpful.

  1. Reid Health suggests preforming 9 daily activities to maintain mental health
  2. Tracking your mood over the year with, Year in Pixels
  3. The Positivity Kit: Instant Happiness on Every Page
  4. Listen to a well intentioned podcast focused on mental health and wellness
  5. Keep a gratitude journal; write down three things each day that gave you joy, went well or you are grateful for. I enjoyed going back at the end of the year and reviewing all the good things that happened.
  6. . Winters can be tough; so try an indoor garden
  7. Colouring!
  8. Reading! Not only for pleasure but also reading about mental health and wellness is really eye opening. It allows you to understand yourself, others and puts a lot of thing into perspective.
  9. Make use of one of the many mental health apps
  10. Nourish Your Brain with food

    As always, remember, you are NOT alone, if you are struggling, please seek help! There is no shame or weakness in asking for help. You can access mental health supports (in Canada) HERE.

    We can all be a light for someone; if you are not struggling; you can make a difference in someone’s day, week, month and life –don’t be afraid to offer help or check in with the people in your life. Let’s keep the dialogue on mental health and wellness open and ongoing! Reduce the stigma!
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Reflections & Lifestyle

Suicide Prevention Day

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I remember getting the phone call.
I remember the person on the other end telling me that our beloved committed suicided.
I remember my heart pounding, my ears ringing.
I remember hanging up.
I remember throwing my phone across the kitchen and sinking down to the floor.
I remember the tears flooding down my face.
I remember going to work the next day and breaking the news to others.
I remember their screams and their sobs.
I remember the funeral.
I remember spending the rest of the year picking up the pieces of broken people left behind.
I remember realizing that none of us would ever be the same.

Far too many people commit suicide to escape the pain.
Far too many people are left behind with the pain.

World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10!

The Canadian Association of Suicide Prevention is one organization that seeks to unite people in 50 countries under the auspices of promoting the understanding of suicide, and to aid in the goal of a world without suicide. If you click on this link (and I sincerely hope that you do); you can find out about the online event that the CASP is hosting, called, “Creating Hope Through Action.” In addition to toolkits available in a plethora of languages. You can also find WAYS TO GIVE.

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Reflections & Lifestyle

International Day of Charity

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September 5th is the International Day of Charity. This day was established by the United Nations in honor of Mother Teresa. It was established to raise awareness and encourage people to become active global citizens by helping others; whether this manifests itself in the form of donating supplies, money, skills or time. As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have said, “we can all live a life of service. Service is universal.” Any contribution great or smaller is one step closer to a brighter future. 

Sometimes it can be difficult to know who to donate to/support. A fantastic resource to help research the best rated charities is Charity Watch. This site assigns a grade to each charity, specifies the amount that is spent on programs relative to overhead and the amount spent to raise money (increment of $100).

A helpful source for Canadian specific charities is: Charity Intelligence Canada. This site also assigns a grade to each charity, outlines financial transparency, demonstrated impact, the need for funding and the cents that go to the cause. I used this site to choose the organizations I wanted to highlight.

This year, I am choosing to donate to five charities; ideally I would also like to volunteer my time; however, with remaining pandemic restrictions and still recovering from my accident that isn’t possible. 

1. War Child Canada
2. Canadian Foodgrains Bank
3. Aunt Leah’s Place
4. First Book Canada
5. Indian Residential School Society

How do you plan on celebrating today?

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Reflections & Lifestyle

Summer Recap & Reflections

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I had been looking forward to the summer for a very long time; basically the second we went back to work in September, I was already counting down the days. I know that sounds bad; but teaching in a pandemic really sucked.

We had gone into closure in March 2020; and stayed closed for the remainder of the semester at this time we were encouraged to work from home and minimize time spent in the school. We adapted very quickly to online teaching. Then we went back to in-person learning in September 2020 with a ton of restrictions and safety protocols. It was necessary but it was hell for us and for the students. We shifted to online learning for four weeks at the end of November; but we were mandated to be in the school building. As numbers continued to climb we were precariously skirting the line of online learning again… and we ended up having to quarantine, ran out of subs and were forced into closure a week before the province implemented a two week closure and shift to online learning once again.

Needless to say everyone was exhausted. As teachers, we were among the last to get vaccinated… which in itself caused a lot of stress.

You can understand why I was looking forward to summer after the topsy-turvy school year.

My summer started off with me catching up on some much needed sleep and chores and looking after the dog, who had surgery to removed a few hygromas on his elbow. I was looking forward to spending lots of time in the garden and breaking in my new greenhouse. And of course, reading! We planned a camping trip so we could do a little fly-fishing and I could “nerd out” at a few historic sites in the area. I managed to catch a fish and almost make it to the historic, Fort MacLeod… but eleven days into my summer; I fell and broke my ankle and required emergency surgery. It ended our camping trip immediately.

So, my summer has consisted of sitting on the couch, watching the Olympics, reading Wilbur Smith novels, prepping materials for the upcoming school year and doctors appointments.

BUT… I have been so incredibly touched by the love and care that my family and friends have given to me. They have looked after me and the dog, got groceries, did the chores I couldn’t do, driven me to appointments and so much more! I am so lucky to have the family and friends that I have. I don’t know how I will ever be able to repay them!