Inspired

This evening my Science/Math professor inspired me so much that on the way home I wrote all my lesson plans for the rest of the week! I had been thinking about Katrina and what I could do, and I have many people on tap at the school who want to assist me in doing something. But, I really got inspired tonight when my professor did a lesson on Hurricane's and how they are formed and what not. So, with that, I thought how cool would that be to take into the tech lab. So that is where we are going the next few days. We are going to do a few web quests on Hurricane's and quite possibly Katrina. Everytime I turn on the news it gets worse. I really hope that this will turn the kids attention to bigger and brighter things! Wish me luck!! :)

Testing and Katrina

Started testing today with the kids, with our new online testing program. Went really well actually! I think that they got more out of it, than they normally would! So that is good! Just a long day though, I cannot wait to catch some good sleep tonight! I need a good nights sleep!












On a side note...I really feel for the people that have been hit hard by Katrina. I do hope that everyone is ok, and that people are able to get out safely! From what I have seen the damage really is terrible! I wish I could do something for all those people! The image I provided is from: http://www.9news.com

14'er Today!

Indy and I atop Mt. Evans!! We did it...or did we??

Scroll down for our Saga at 14, 258 feet!

Mt. Evans

For some reason, had the urge to go hiking today, however did not plan on the magnitude of trip that Indy and I had! At the last minute I decided that we needed to go hiking today, so off we went. Our first thoughts were to check out Squaw Mountain Ski Resort (that is set to reopen this year) which is outside of Idaho Springs, and not far from Echo Lake. So up we went. We got to Echo Lake looked at each other and decided to be adventurous, so up Mt Evans we went! Ok, so we were able to drive most of the way (which mind you, is scarier than Trail Ridge Road), and then we parked the car and only had a few hundred feet to summit Mt Evans! So we cheated! Oh well, it was BEAUTIFUL up there! I hope that you enjoy our pictures we had fun, but one of us was little unprepared and discovered really quickly that it was chilly, so once we committed, there was only a few minutes for some pictures and then back down, since the someone forgot his jacket!

Mountains

I feel like I have climbed and conquered the tallest peaks this week! I successfully made it through my first week of teaching. I feel pretty good about it, a few things I need to reflect upon, one of which being discipline which has never been my strongest point as a teacher. However, it only has been the first week, and I know that with time I will learn what works and what does not work, and what the needs of the kids are. I had a lot of fun this week and have had SO much support from the staff at the school! I really do feel at home, and like I am meant to be there! Well, have a SUPER weekend and I will see you all on monday! PS: The picture to the left today was taken in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado in July, 2005!

Avril Lavigne

"Who Knows?"

Yeah, yeahYeah-eah, yeahYeah-eah, yeah

Why do look so familiar

I could swear that I have seen your face before

I think I like that you seem sincere

I think I like to get to know you a little bit more

[Chorus]

I think there's something more, life's worth living for

Who knows what could happen.

Do what you do, just keep on laughing

One thing's true, there's always a brand new day

I'm gonna live today like it's my last day

Yeah, yeah, Yeah-eah, yeah, Yeah-eah, yeah

How do you always have an opinion

And how do you always find the best way to compromise

We don't need to have a reason

We don't need anything

We're just wasting time

I have been a big fan of Avril for quite some time, her music has always inspired me and made me relize that there is always a brand new day just around the corner! Not saying that life has been rough, its just a gentle reminder that even when times get frustrating its always nice to know that the the sun will come up tomorrow and its a brand new day, a clean slate to start over! Things this week have actually been really good, its only been the first week, and today is a brand new day! Till next time...:)

Serenity

I needed a reminder of what life is all about. As busy as life gets we often need a gentle reminder of what is most important in our lives, and how to have fun, kick back and take a break from the craziness of everyday living. With that said I came across this picture of some alpine flowers I took a couple weeks ago on top of the continental divide. We need to remember that if we do not take time for ourselves to relax we will eventually burn out. Being in the mountains is where I find my serenity. I am at peace up there, and that is where I go to clear my head and remind myself of the little things in life that mean the most to me. Enjoy the photo, and make sure to step back from time to time and remember the little things.

Metro State

Tonight marks the first day of my last year at Metro State! At the end of this school year I will have obtained my teaching license, my education minor and my bachelors in English! I will be starting tonight off with part II of a science class that I took part I of about 2 years ago! I will also be taking my final education class to get my certification! YAHOO! Yesterday was a long day, worked 12.5 hours! Yikes! Oh well, I only have to do that a few times each year, so that is ok with me, it was actually a lot of fun, and sparked a lot of ideas, so my mind instead of sleeping last night was going a million miles a minute! Oh well, no sleep for the weary! Have a GREAT day!! :)

Hawaiian Barbecue

Could not end the weekend without an update. Today was a good day, had a lazy morning which I found myself being rather unproductive. Met up with my friends this afternoon and stormed the mall, made not huge purchases, and then went to another friends down the street for a fish fry. It was super yummy! When I was with my other friends storming the mall we were supposed to go to L&L's, but since they went for breakfast I stopped by on the way home, since a meal will feed little ol' me for like a week! Its yummy, but they really need to make one closer to me, and for sure closer to my friend, I know he would love that!! Have a great night! :) PS: The image was courtesy: http://www.hawaiianbarbecue.com

Six Flags

Giddy Up! I made it through the first week! Had my very first class on Friday, and it was so great to see all the kids really getting into the all the new technology that our school has invested in over the summer! I cannot wait now for next week when I have even more classes! Its going to be so fun! Because I have worked so hard this week, I have decided to take a day and play! Some friends and I are headed to Six Flags today, to play and take a break from our routine lives! It should be a lot of fun, its even supposed to be a little on the cool side today which will be great! Have an EXTRAORDINARY weekend!! :)

First Day of School

So tomorrow marks the first official day of school. I cannot wait to see the kids and feed from their enthusiasm! I am a little nervous, but know that with all my planning, all my education and training that I will be ok. I worry, but I think every new teacher goes through that. It will be fun! I am so excited to be able to use all the new fun tools that are at my fingertips. Till next time...take care of yourselves...and...each other!

Just Another Day on my Journey

So today was not a great day. Today was not a bad day. Today was not a wonderful day. Today, was just today. Just a day that came and went. Got a lot done at work, am looking foreward to tomorrow and what is in store with some more trainings. Got off to a rough start, but is ending with a nice litte thunderstorm. Nothing better than the smell of fresh rain on a cool August afternoon. The picture to the right is courtesy of http://www.9news.com

Technology Classroom

Good Afternoon! Many people know that I just started my first teaching job, teaching Technology at an Elementary School in the Denver Metropolitan area. It has been A LOT of fun so far! I have been working with a GREAT group of people, and am SO excited for the year to begin and get kids in the classroom. I have been priveledged to start the year in a brand new classroom with new technology. There are so many tools at my finger tips, its unreal! Today we had our first staff meeting in my room, and it was so cool to see everyone there and for the most part everything working as well! Although, we REALLY need to get the air conditioning issues worked out, so it cools off in there! It can be a little toasty at times, but I know they are working on it, so I will be patient! The above picture is looking into the classroom from the door. The picture you see below is looking from the back corner to the front corner! Its going to be so much fun this year! I got to see a few former kids that I worked with last year, who love the room! I also had the best thing today...I had two parent volunteers come in and assist me with opening boxes, unpacking them and then repacking them with old stuff that was being sent back to the manufacturer! THEY ROCK! I am so greatful that even though school has yet to begin that I am getting parental involvement! It really is going to be a great year, and I cannot wait for it to begin and see their little craniums growing!

Yard Work

There is nothing like doing a little yard work, to spruce things up and make things look all neat and tidy. Not to mention that I enjoy doing it, lets my mind escape for a while from the craziness of life. Today was a nice day, the weather was awesome! Not too hot, and not too cold! Although its been CRAZY, we go from record heat to record cold in a matter of days, we have had the strangest weather here this summer! Oh well, its Colorado. If you don't like it, wait 5 minutes and I am sure it will change on ya! Where else can you see snow 12 months out of the year other that at the North and South Poles??? It was also a fine day to do some other chores around the house and just hang out in your pajama's! I am all ready for the week now! Bring it on!!! ;) PS: Can you tell that I love our pond? It has multiple pictures on my Blog. I often find myself sitting on the bench, listening to the calming flow of the water and admiring the fishies (the ones that are still among the living anyway) letting my mind escape from itself albeit only for a brief while!

Turtles and Tequila

Had a fairly busy day today! Some friends of mine Jack and Judy took me out for a belated birthday dinner where I met a fine glass of top shelf tequila, and this AWESOME turtle wall hanging. I am not sure where its going to find a home yet, whether it be at home or at school! I have ideas but so far not many of them have panned out! Today also marked my Grandpa's birthday! Its neat that we are both Leo's, I often see that we share many of the same traits of our common astrological sign! Adios!

The Skeleton Key

Ok, so a few of us went and saw 'The Skeleton Key' last night. I was expecting a scary jump out of my seat type movie, and instead I got a weird plot with an even more bizarre ending which caused many questions, and probably another trip to the theater so I can sort it all out. I give 3 out of 4 stars. Go check it out for yourselves or visit the following website for showtimes near you: http://www.moviewatcher.com/

Taste ot Western Welcome Week

Ok - so last night a few friends and I went to the taste of Western Welcome Week:

5TH ANNUAL TASTE OF

WWW & SILENT

AUCTION

Thursday, August 11, 2005, 5:30 PM

A Western Welcome Week Event
Featuring local restaurants and a variety of wines and beers - non-alcholic beverages available. Pre-Sale Tickets available at the WWW office 709 W. Littleton Blvd. and at County Line Liquors 181 W. County Line Rd by Albertsons. Spectacular silent auction!
IFCS Food Drive Event

Location:	Littleton Center Courtyard City of Littleton 2255 W. Berry Ave Littleton
Cost:	$15 per person in advance $20 per person at the door
Sponsor:	WWW, Vectra Bank, Aspen Grove, City of Littleton, Dish Network, Meadow Gold, Littleton Sertoma, Bud Select, County Line Liquors, and Taste Patrons
Contact:	WWW office
Phone:	303-794-4870

Had a good time, tried some great food, some great beers and had some great company! I think though this morning that I ate too much, oh well, thats what we were supposed to do, right!?!?!?

Littleton

Ok - As many people know I have been to many city council meetings in opposition of the development of a piece of property that I live nearby and work nearby. Well there is not a lot that I can do at this point other than express my opinions and share with others what is going on. Click on the following link for the latest proposal: http://www.littletonvillage.com/
The picture is an arial shot of the proposed development. The next meeting will be Monday August 15th at Littleton Hospital. I encourage all to attend to express their concerns.

Front Yard Pond

This is our front yard pond. This pond as well has fish in it, and plants! Building ponds has been a lot of fun this year!!

Backyard Pond

Ok, so like many people we too have gotten into Pond building. This is our pond this morning, it has been algae free now for almost a week, I swear its ALL in the Pads! Ever since I added the pad the algae has cleared up. I too had tried all the chemicals spending a small forture, but then got the advice to stop the chemicals (except for Stress Coat) for the fish, and just use the pads, and you know what...its working! This picture is of our newly remodeled back yard pond!

Glenwood Springs

Ok - So I used to live in Glenwood Springs, and still have many friends that live up there, and this picture was taken on August 6th, 2005 looking at the entire town from Explanation Point which can only be accessed by the Fairy Caves.

Pictures

So one of my new favorite things this last year is my new Nikon Digital Camera! I find myself ALWAYS taking pictures! I love to take pictures whereever I am! Its awesome! But, what can I say, I am gadget geek! This picture was taken as well in Rocky Mountain National Park in June, Its beautiful up there! And it was chilly at 13,000 feet!

Here is Me on my Journey through Life

Ok, So I am just beginning with this whole Blogging thing. New territory for me! This is going to be a place for me to show where I have been, and what I have done on my journey through this thing we all call life. I have a lot to share, so please make sure that your seatbelt is securley fastened, cause this is going to be a memorable ride!

The picture above is me at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado in June of 2005. I love being in the mountains, and find myself there whenever I get a free moment from the city life!