A Look Back at 2010

We've all had one of those days. You know what I'm talking about. Those, I hate my life, self-deprecating attitude, woe is me, wah wah wah days. And I also know that it's the holidays, so I should be happy and merry and blah blah blah. Nevertheless, today I had one of those days. 


I'm not sharing this for a pity party, unless you want to throw me a party, in which case I like devil's food cake with cream cheese frosting and white wine, but because it's really caused me to think. After spending nearly a week at home with my parents, coming home to my empty apartment in a town I still don't quite know that I like, just didn't feel right. To be completely honest, the thought of driving to Madison when I leave Green Bay to go "home" still feels completely foreign to me. I'm pretty sure my car wants to go on autopilot straight down Hwy . 43 to Milwaukee to exit on 94, drive past Miller Park, and take that double exit toward Brookfield and head right into Waukesha. However, there's quite a hiccup there. I no longer live in Waukesha. 


I've got to make peace with the fact that I am really quite "homeless." Now, I have a lovely apartment and I really do enjoy it, but I don't feel like I have a place that I live where I can truly be at home. That got me to thinking that maybe I need to fix that in the new year. That thought meant that I really need to change my down in the dumps attitude. In truth, it doesn't suit me well and was starting to annoy even myself. I was trying to think of something positive about living here, and while the juries still out on that particular thought, I did start to think of all the good things I have going for me. There are a lot, but sometimes I lose a little perspective. 

So with the goal of gaining a little perspective and getting my act together to enjoy the rest of my winter break,  here are some great things that happened to me in 2010. I've included words and pictures for your reading pleasure. 

I student taught at two great schools and learned a TON about what it takes to be a teacher. 

I started drinking beer! A major accomplishment for my stomach and my wallet.

I saw Phil Vassar in concert THREE times! Can't wait for this summer. 

Made the very first food trip to Ohio and Chicago. We ate awesome food, saw great places, and met new people. Like my new friend Dave! 

It was the 2nd Annual Zoo and Booze. Sadly the best picture I had of the whole event was of our lunch. 

I babysat for my two little buddies-Alden and Caiden. I also learned not to call Alden "porkchop" because "He's a TIGER!"

It was a family reunion year. We all had to wear the same colors, but Team Carole took it one step further with matching yellow shirts. Uncle Danny and Amanda visited as well, which is always a big deal. 

I was a bridesmaid for the first time in my cousin Julie's wedding. Don't Chris and I look snazzy?

My brother surprised me and came to my graduation from Carroll. -- I couldn't find the pictures from that, but the wedding was the same weekend. and we look much better here anyway. 

Wedding No. 2-Lindsey's wedding. We were affectionately know as "that table" and "the wild table." Definitely fitting of this motley crew. 

Made a few visits to Illinois. This one was for Sara's 25th Birthday. 

I got a job. My amazing 135 students have taught me that even when you're 12, the Lorax might be the coolest guy ever. 

I cut 11 inches off my hair to donate to Locks of Love. 

Spent time with another few friends for their 25th birthdays. Aren't we cute? 

All in all, despite a lot of changes, 2010 was a pretty spectacular year. 2011 can only have better things in store right? Well, that is once I put my big girl pants back on and go make it happen. 

90s Television

Though my birthday is in September, I got my very first December birthday present from my brother last week. He got me season four of Boy Meets World. This made me exceptionally happy. I have always been a big fan of 90s television sitcoms, Boy Meets World being tops among any you might be able to name. I am sure it works out that most people are nostalgic for the shows that were on when they were growing up, but Boy Meets World holds a particularly special place in my heart. 

I can remember very vividly when I was little the spectacle that TGIF was. There was something completely magical about the lineup of TV shows that was on Friday nights on ABC. Part of the reason it was such a spectacular ordeal was that I got to stay up an HOUR after my bedtime on Friday nights to watch TV. In the eyes of any small child this was akin to giving me a gigantic ice cream sundae. A whole extra hour of TV was about all I could think to wish for. I would snuggle up in my jammies and sit on the living room floor to watch all the great shows. Family Matters, Full House, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Boy Meets World, Sister Sister, and Hanging with Mister Cooper are the ones that come to mind right away. Then, of course, there were the shows that really didn't hang around for more than an episode or two like My Brother's Keeper and Teen Angel. Somehow eating a bowl of grapes also tends to sneak into my TGIF memories, but perhaps that's just because I really like grapes. 

No matter how touching the episode of Full House or how much I laughed at whatever predicament Urkel got himself into or how cute I thought Harvey Kinkle was, there is something about Boy Meets World that makes me want to watch the series over and over again. Having just finished the fourth season in three days, I feel I am at excellent authority to tell you all the reasons it's great. 

1. Friendship- The bond between Cory, Topanga, and Shawn is something worth envying. They were the best of friends who were always there for one another. You can't help but laugh at all the ridiculous antics of the best friends Cory and Shawn, or realize that love doesn't really exist like it did between Cory and Topanga. I'm quite certain as a teen my friends and all had to come to terms with the fact that our standard for love was unattainable. Love like Cory and Topanga's just didn't exist outside the realm of television magic. 

2. Feeeeeeeeny- Who didn't want Mr. Feeny to be their teacher? I mean really. The man was amazing and he was always there. Middle school, high school, college, the man followed them everywhere. Though that might sound a little creepy, it was really very sweet. And besides, who didn't want to be able to do the Feeny call? 

3. Wholesome - The show was all about family values. It wasn't in your face like on 7th Heaven or Full House either. It wasn't cheesy or sappy. It was honest and real, but it was a show that the family could watch together. There was no overt sexuality, swearing, or drug use. Though at times the topics of drugs, alcohol, and sex were brought up, it was in a responsible and purposeful matter. For example, the subject of sex was typically brought up in reference to Cory and Topanga not having it. And when they finally did go the distance, they were married! Not to sound like a prude, I'm certainly not, but it's nice to watch a show that has values and sticks to them. 

4. HILARIOUS- Now this might just be me, but I seriously find the show hilarious. I was watching an episode last night and laughing out loud. One of my all time favorite episodes involves older brother Eric as hermit Plays with Squirrels. In fact, Eric might just be my favorite character. 

5. Great One Liners- Underpants. Enough said. 

With so many amazing attributes to such a great show, its really too bad it's almost impossible to catch on reruns. I'm so glad it's finally been released to DVD. It took far, far too long.  

Reading-It's fun. You should do it too!

I love to read. It seems like a pretty simple statement. But I feel like I hear more and more often from my peers how much they dislike reading. This bothers me. Reading is AMAZING! No. Really. I'm serious. If you disagree with me you should probably consider that you are actually reading right now. It may not be a book, but it is reading. Sorry to surprise you. Please don't stop reading on principle. I take it back. You're not really reading. You're just...um...staring at information. 

Anyway, reading. It's great! You can transport yourself to a lot of really amazing places and worlds. You can completely escape yourself and your surroundings. As a kid I don't think I was ever without a book in my hands. I really couldn't read fast enough. I found series after series in which I would immerse myself. There were times where I thought I was going to wear out my library card, or my library bag! I'm sure there were countless times I was told by a librarian that I was not allowed to check out so many books. As a little girl, I think I made a conscientious effort to make sure I never told a kid they couldn't read something, having had adults say things like that to me. Hearing someone say I couldn't read something only wanted me to read it more.

As an adult, I've stopped reading as often as I had when I was young. I haven't stopped reading all together. I still read probably a handful of books each year. However, when I compare that to the summer I read 10,000 pages, three to four books pales in comparison. I've made all the regular excuses. I've got required reading for school, papers to grade, friends to visit, television to watch, I need to go the store, the gym, the insert appropriate location here. But really, in the end it's just a bunch of excuses. That being said, my goal for the new year is to read more books. I know that a "SMART" goal requires me to quantify how many books I'm going to read and by when, but I don't feel like I can. I feel like the best way for me to accomplish my goal is to just hold myself accountable for reading things I enjoy, and I can also allow for life to get in the way. 

Today, I finished reading a book I started yesterday. I can't remember how long it's been since I've completed a book in a day or so, but today I was completely sucked into this book. And, I was able to sit down and do nothing but be swallowed up by the story. The book is called The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and if you haven't read it you should. Seriously. It is a beautifully written book about a world that takes place in the future. In this world, the United States no longer exists and has been taken over by another more punitive government. There are twelve districts and each year the government chooses one boy and one girl from each district to fight to the death in the hunger games. This story is part of a three part series following a girl in her fight during the hunger games. After I finished this book, I immediately regretted the fact that I didn't have the next book in the series, Catching Fire, sitting just beside me. 

I really can't wait to read the next book in the series. I have a new stack of books at home to read, and am bringing my books back to my apartment from my parents place as well. There are a bunch in that pile that I either haven't read or want to reread. Hopefully all of this will help keep me on track to read more in the new year. And besides all that I can give you stunning book recommendations! Or not, but at least I know that anyone who managed to read this long, can't hate to read. 

Expect the Unexpected

The Christmas season is upon us, and for me that typically means I have one thing in which to look forward. Lots of time to spend with friends and family. This year in particular, I can't wait to spend time with my family. My brother joined the Air Force last year, and he wasn't home for Christmas. Being that there are only two of us in our family, when one sibling isn't there for a holiday it definitely feels wrong. All that is different this year though because my brother is home. Quite literally just arrived at my parents house and surprised my mom. Her gasping scream over the phone when he walked in the door made me feel like I was there with them. 


There's a downside to all of this though. This afternoon he called to tell me that his three week leave has been cut short. When he was driving through Chicago he got a call to tell him he needs to report to work on Monday morning. He's being deployed to Korea. Needless to say, I was more than shocked to find out the week I was to spend with my brother has now been cut short to only four days. 


It seems that far too often I'm blindsided by the unexpected events in life. I'm pretty sure for me 2010 was nothing but unexpected surprises. But there is something beautiful in that too. My favorite quote is "Life is not measured in the numbers of breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away." I try to remember that and know that everything happens for a reason. So far in life, I can honestly say that I truly believe that. 2010 alone has brought some very meaningful changes to my life. 


I started out the year student teaching and working at Applebees. Though the job was a pain and in general made me pretty grumpy and hate life, I met some amazing people. I had some incredible coworkers to laugh and joke with and met some amazing customers. Like Regular Joe from Vegas, who would come in an b.s. with me while he would eat his lunch and drink an ice tea; Dave and Carol, whose order I had memorized and always wanted to know what was happening in my life; Rick, who was great company, an amazing tipper, and always there with an off color joke; or the man, who through a variety of small talk, I discovered grew up in the same neighborhood as my father. In addition, though I wouldn't have realized it, I've learned some very valuable skills that apply to teaching. As a lunch supervisor, I have no issue watching sixth graders eat, which is incredibly disgusting by the way. I can go all day without going to the bathroom because seriously, who has the time? And, I don't mind repeating myself all day. Ok, that's a lie, I do mind, but it doesn't bother me as much as it would have two years ago. 


My student teaching experiences were awesome, and ultimately led me to get the position I hold today. That was probably the most shocking turn of events in 2010. Getting a teaching job, and having to move to a completely different part of the state with about a split second to consider the entire decision was by far one of the most unbelievable things I've done. It's not as though I really had much choice in the matter. Staying at the bee and working for a barely minimum wage job as a server/bartender or getting a full time job where someone was going to give me a salary and benefits to do something I love. Not much room to choose. I'm definitely still adjusting to living in a new place without my very tightly knit and carefully crafted support system with me and within reach at all times. However, I know that in the end this was definitely the best thing that I could have done all year--also the most life changing. 


Though I've often said it, I think this year has been the first time I've ever really lived the idea of things happening for a reason. I've met people that have touched me. I've dated people who have not only broken me down but also lifted me up. People who have been in my life to support me at just the right times, and then let me go when I was strong enough to support myself. I've taken risks and made mistakes. I've closed my eyes and jumped when I wasn't sure what was below me. I've realized who my true friends are and which ones I can let go. I can only hope that the next year provides as many amazing opportunities as this one. I really do enjoy the surprises. After all, the best thing to expect is the unexpected. That way you're never disappointed. 

Practice What You Preach

I was sitting in a professional development meeting today learning about different things that I could be doing in my classroom to effectively teach my students. One of the things our session facilitator talked about was not expecting students to do something you wouldn't do as an adult. I realized that as a Language Arts teacher I expect my students to be writers, and tell them that good writers write. However, it's not something I'm doing myself.

That's when I realized that I need to be writing more regularly. I decided, after some unintentional encouragement from a good friend *cough* *cough* Molly *cough*, that I would start up my own blog. I'm really not sure what sort of musings I will post here. But I figured that if I am going to tell my students to practice writing, I should do the same.

 Something our facilitator said that really stuck with me today was that we expect things of our kids that we would never do ourselves. Never in my adult life have I read a great book and then made a mobile about it or completed a vocabulary worksheet. I have however, had a meaningful conversation with that book with a friend. That got me thinking that there has to be a way to make my students learning more concrete. I try to make what my students are learning applicable to what they are writing about, but I really want to try and make their writing applicable too. Good writers write. Good readers read. Now it's time to put my money where my mouth is. I am telling all of you reading this, probably only two of you I'm sure, that I will make it my personal goal to read and write more. You can hold me accountable here on The Daily Dubs.