New Year's Resolutions

I'm new to this whole linky party thing, but after reading SpurDog's blog post the other day, I was inspired! I know I'm behind the eight-ball (seeing as how it's January 1st), but it's never too late to make resolutions.

Technology

I'm very lucky to work in a school system where technology is a huge priority. Every teacher has his/her own Mac laptop, and each classroom is equipped with several desktop computers, as well as a Smartboard. As a result, I've been forced to become tech-savvy! In the new year, though, I'd like to become more proficient with Adobe Photoshop; KShaf has taught me some of the tricks of the trade, but I know that there is a lot still to learn. Also, the idea of creating my own fonts intrigues me, so maybe that's something I'll teach myself to do.

Organization

I always considered myself to be a fairly organized person. Then, I had kids. I've had to "let go" of a lot of my controlling tendencies; I still try, however, to stay as organized as possible (without going overboard). One thing that really helps me in the classroom (and I got the idea from SpurDog, so, thanks!) is to use binder clips labeled with the following: "To Copy," "To File," "To Return," and "To Grade." I am able to transport my (gobs and gobs of) papers from school to home, and I am always able to find what I'm looking for. 

Professional Growth

This year, I've been asked by my administrator to serve in several professional development capacities. I am part of my school's CARE team, and I've been participating in my county's Courageous Conversations. This is an opportunity that has had both professional and personal impacts; I have found that, through these conversations, I have begun to look at race and its role in today's classroom in a different way. 

Down Time

Down time? What's that? School and home keep me incredibly busy, and as a result, down time is not something that is easy to come by! I usually end up turning on Bravo in the evening, thus allowing my brain to atrophy for awhile. In the new year, I am going to try to turn off the television and read books on my Kindle more! I just downloaded Last Night at Chateau Marmont, by Lauren Weisberger.

Fitness

Last July, I started running (after getting a glimpse of my post-baby behind in the mirror), using the Couch to 5K app on my iPhone. I wasn't entirely sure that I'd be able to commit to it (exercise has never been a favorite activity of mine), but after convincing KShaf to buy me a new pair of running shoes, I kind of had to make a go of it (or KShaf would never let me live it down!). I started slowly and worked my way up to running two 5Ks last fall. In the new year, I'd like to try running a 10K, or (if I'm feeling really cocky) maybe even a half-marathon? The St. Michaels Running Festival is coming up in May, and in my opinion, any race that ends with beer is a race worth running.

Last night, we went here to eat with KShaf's friends. They had an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet, and believe me when I say that we got our money's worth! Deedle ate scallops, oyster fritters, steamed shrimp, prime rib, snow crab legs, and crab imperial. He is going to be an expensive date one day! We came home, put the kids to bed, got our PJs on, and watched "A Few Good Men." I was asleep before 10:00, and KShaf wasn't far behind. Now, that's the way to end the year!

Happy 2013!