I was so inspired after reading Corey's blog (http://coreybrower.blogspot.com/) to start making a list of things I would like to do in my life before I die...
*Visit Hawaii and Alaska
*Own or operate my own school/ business.
*Go on a hot air balloon ride
*Go bungee jumping/ skydiving
*Camp in every MN state park.
*Work as a camp counselor for one summer.
*Travel outside the U.S.A.
*to be continued...
I found some great web site for more ideas...
http://brass612.tripod.com/cgi-bin/things.html
http://www.frankieroberto.com/101thingstodo/
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Friday, June 29, 2007
Sick Again...
Well, for the past two days I've suffered through another sinus infection. Damn!
I'm sick of being sick.
I'm sick of being sick.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Happy Father's Day!
Happy Father's Day to the best father and father-in-law ever. I am so lucky to have both of you in my life.
Dad B: You always know how to make me smile and I love that. You are a kind hearted person and you're always there to give a hug. I'm so happy to be part of your family.
It finally feels like summer!
I finished the first week of my new job on a good note. All of my curriculum training went well and I'm excited to get into the classroom and learn their daily routine.
The weather was absolutely beautiful! It was around 80 degrees, partly cloudy, and a cool breeze from off of the lake.
Saturday my dad took me for a ride in his new boat...holy crap does that thing fly across the water! He got it to go over 60 mph. I think this boat might be a little too fast for tubing behind now. ;) We did some fishing off of the dock and everyone caught some pretty decent bass. I love to fish for sun fish, so dad and Kathy showed us their secret spot...I only caught one, but everyone else did good.
Summit loved her first boat ride. Although, her second boat ride wasn't too much fun for her. I think it was a mixture of hot weather, eating lake foam along with leaves and sticks, and getting lots of exercise that caused her to get a little "sea sick" on the boat. Good thing I brought one of her towels with me...she threw up on the boat...poor Summit. All it took was a little water and some sleepy time and she was ready for another ride.
Corey and I started off our summer by taking a trip up to the family cabin with my dad and Kathy. (I figured it was the only way I would see my dad for Father's Day...he's up there every weekend.) It finally feels like summer...going to the cabin always does. My dad has had this cabin for a few years now, before this place he had a place on the other side of the lake, and before all of that my family would go up to the Spicer-New London area to stay with my dad's friend at his cabin. So this area really feels like a home away from home...my summers were spent here. I have to say...my dad picked the perfect area to have a cabin.
We arrived Friday night ready for some relaxation. Summit was so excited to go to a new place that I don't think she slowed down all weekend. We all tried to get her to swim on her own but had no success. She'd rather leap like a deer through the water than do the "doggie paddle". I tossed her off of the dock a couple of times and she swam to shore all on her own...the rest of the weekend she avoided me every time I was on the dock. (I think next time I better just jump in with her.)
The weather was absolutely beautiful! It was around 80 degrees, partly cloudy, and a cool breeze from off of the lake.
Saturday my dad took me for a ride in his new boat...holy crap does that thing fly across the water! He got it to go over 60 mph. I think this boat might be a little too fast for tubing behind now. ;) We did some fishing off of the dock and everyone caught some pretty decent bass. I love to fish for sun fish, so dad and Kathy showed us their secret spot...I only caught one, but everyone else did good.
Summit loved her first boat ride. Although, her second boat ride wasn't too much fun for her. I think it was a mixture of hot weather, eating lake foam along with leaves and sticks, and getting lots of exercise that caused her to get a little "sea sick" on the boat. Good thing I brought one of her towels with me...she threw up on the boat...poor Summit. All it took was a little water and some sleepy time and she was ready for another ride.
Summit loved to play with and lick all of the fish we caught. We think she thought of the cabin as "doggie heaven". She did really well in the two hour car ride to and from the cabin, for the most part she stayed near us when she was off of her leash, and she enjoyed her trip to see the weigh in at the sheep-head fishing contest that was being held on the lake. Corey and I both think that she'll do a great job on our camping trip to Bemidji State Park in July.
We ended our wonderful Father's Day weekend at the Brower's for dinner. Corey, his dad and his brothers enjoyed sorting through their grandpa's old fishing lures, while Nora, Jackie and I visited out on the deck. What a beautiful night!! This is definitely summer time weather.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Work is GREAT!!
Well, I have successfully completed three days of training for my new pre-k teaching position! I can now spend my days in the classroom with the kids and not studying curriculum books. I've already spent 20 hours going over the schools curriculum. It has been a lot of material to cover, but fun. This school is so well organized and the curriculum, even though it will take me a while to get use to, is really neat.
The summer program is low-key and we have 2-3 field trips a week. So, I've been trying my best, these last few days, already preparing for next school year.
Today we went to the History Museum. We split into groups and I was with the teacher I co-teach with...we took our kids to the "weather room" to study tornadoes. We even sat in on a simulation of a tornado...BAD MISTAKE! I think we have now traumatized many of the children in our group. We literally sat on a staged set decorated like a basement and the lights went out, thunder rumbled, lightning flashed, rain fell, and a tornado shook the whole place...STUPID MUSEUM GUIDE why would tell 4-5 year olds that this is cool. We left that part of the building with 2 kids screaming and crying and the rest with their eyes about popping out of their heads. Note: Never listen to the museum guides and take young children to watch a movie about tornadoes.
Tomorrow we go to the Children's Museum. I can only hope that there are NO Tornado movies there. ;)
The summer program is low-key and we have 2-3 field trips a week. So, I've been trying my best, these last few days, already preparing for next school year.
Today we went to the History Museum. We split into groups and I was with the teacher I co-teach with...we took our kids to the "weather room" to study tornadoes. We even sat in on a simulation of a tornado...BAD MISTAKE! I think we have now traumatized many of the children in our group. We literally sat on a staged set decorated like a basement and the lights went out, thunder rumbled, lightning flashed, rain fell, and a tornado shook the whole place...STUPID MUSEUM GUIDE why would tell 4-5 year olds that this is cool. We left that part of the building with 2 kids screaming and crying and the rest with their eyes about popping out of their heads. Note: Never listen to the museum guides and take young children to watch a movie about tornadoes.
Tomorrow we go to the Children's Museum. I can only hope that there are NO Tornado movies there. ;)
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Puppy Graduation
Summit received a... River Valley Veterinary Service
Dog School
CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITIONfor successfully completing
Pups 'R Us
June 12, 2007
We're so proud of you Summit!!
Saturday, June 09, 2007
NEW Job!
Yesterday I accepted a Pre-Kindergarten teacher position at the Primrose School of Savage. I'm really excited!
I love the school itself and their philosophy of teaching. They use a curriculum based on Balanced Learning, blending the two leading philosophies of teaching children. One of those philosophies endorses a child-initiated approach, in which children are free to explore their individual interest with teacher support. The other places a greater emphasis on teacher direction, where an established curriculum leads children along a consistent learning path.With the Balanced Learning approach, they combine the best of both philosophies. The particular interests of each child serve as the springboard to healthy social, emotional, physical and academic development, while teachers guide them to self assurance and prepare them for lifelong academic and social success.
I interviewed at the Eden Prairie school two weeks ago and was immediately impressed with their overall appearance. Unfortunately, they were not hiring for the summer, so I'd have to wait until fall. I then submitted my application and resume to the school in Savage, interviewed with them, and accepted the job.
There are so many good reasons for me to be working for this school...
(in no particular order)
*Benefits: The most important to me was finding a school that would offer me benefits. (yes, it's hard to believe, but the last school I was at did not.) This Primrose School offers a nice health and dental package and they're looking into starting a life insurance plan as well as a 401K for next year.
*New School: The Savage school opened September of 2006, so not only is the school in nice shape, but the teachers are new and around my age. I think it will be fun working with that group. Another plus is that the school is a few miles from my house. So my commute will be a piece of cake.
*Curriculum: This school uses the Houghton-Mifflin elementary curriculum, which is the same curriculum used in the public schools. It's great! When the children leave this school and enter into first grade they will be at the same level, if not better, as everyone else. Another thing about the curriculum is that we're given it! No more writing lesson plans, no more staying up late trying to come up with a related activity to go with my lesson, it's all given to me in this curriculum book! This will be so easy for me now, and I'm also able to expand with my creativity on each lesson at a non-stress level.
*Supplies: Everything that I want to use in the classroom is paid for by Primrose. If I see something that I could use, like decorations or a teaching tool to go with my lesson, I don't have to worry about using my own money to purchase these items. They even have a resource room where I can look through books or browse on the computer for teaching ideas. AWESOME!
*Very Professional: This is a private school, so I feel very "high-class", all teachers, staff and children are required to wear a uniform. I really don't mind that. Now I know what to wear everyday...I'll just have to keep up with the laundry. I really need to invest in lots of black, khaki, and navy blue pants now. We're given 2 polo shirts, with the company logo stitched on it, and a name badge. I'm sure I'll have to order more shirts soon. Appearance wise, I feel like I'll really stand out as a teacher now...I can't wait until I stand out with my talent and creativeness in the way I teach!
Another "professional" aspect is that I won't have to spend half of my time cleaning. I can really focus on the children...they hire a cleaning company to come in and clean after hours.
*Food: There is kitchen and a cook on hand throughout the day. She prepares all of the "healthy" snacks and lunches for the kids and to be good role models we eat the same snack and lunch with the kids...no additional fee for us. FREE FOOD! I've heard it's way better than public school lunches. Still, I can save so much money by eating lunch there. WhooHooo!
*Climbing the Ladder: At the Primrose Schools I'm able to move around with my position. With my qualifications I'm able to work in or move to any of the following...
Kindergarten: ages 5-6
Pre-Kindergarten: ages 4-5 (which is what I accepted)
Preschool: ages 3-4
Early Preschool: ages 2-3
I was told that, If I wanted to, I could eventually work up to an assistant director and/or director positions. I would need to take another 6 months of schooling to do that...but it wouldn't be that hard. I think I would be interested in something like that. I love teaching and working with kids as well as working in the administrative field. Having the best of both worlds would be ideal for me.
I love the school itself and their philosophy of teaching. They use a curriculum based on Balanced Learning, blending the two leading philosophies of teaching children. One of those philosophies endorses a child-initiated approach, in which children are free to explore their individual interest with teacher support. The other places a greater emphasis on teacher direction, where an established curriculum leads children along a consistent learning path.With the Balanced Learning approach, they combine the best of both philosophies. The particular interests of each child serve as the springboard to healthy social, emotional, physical and academic development, while teachers guide them to self assurance and prepare them for lifelong academic and social success.
I interviewed at the Eden Prairie school two weeks ago and was immediately impressed with their overall appearance. Unfortunately, they were not hiring for the summer, so I'd have to wait until fall. I then submitted my application and resume to the school in Savage, interviewed with them, and accepted the job.
There are so many good reasons for me to be working for this school...
(in no particular order)
*Benefits: The most important to me was finding a school that would offer me benefits. (yes, it's hard to believe, but the last school I was at did not.) This Primrose School offers a nice health and dental package and they're looking into starting a life insurance plan as well as a 401K for next year.
*New School: The Savage school opened September of 2006, so not only is the school in nice shape, but the teachers are new and around my age. I think it will be fun working with that group. Another plus is that the school is a few miles from my house. So my commute will be a piece of cake.
*Curriculum: This school uses the Houghton-Mifflin elementary curriculum, which is the same curriculum used in the public schools. It's great! When the children leave this school and enter into first grade they will be at the same level, if not better, as everyone else. Another thing about the curriculum is that we're given it! No more writing lesson plans, no more staying up late trying to come up with a related activity to go with my lesson, it's all given to me in this curriculum book! This will be so easy for me now, and I'm also able to expand with my creativity on each lesson at a non-stress level.
*Supplies: Everything that I want to use in the classroom is paid for by Primrose. If I see something that I could use, like decorations or a teaching tool to go with my lesson, I don't have to worry about using my own money to purchase these items. They even have a resource room where I can look through books or browse on the computer for teaching ideas. AWESOME!
*Very Professional: This is a private school, so I feel very "high-class", all teachers, staff and children are required to wear a uniform. I really don't mind that. Now I know what to wear everyday...I'll just have to keep up with the laundry. I really need to invest in lots of black, khaki, and navy blue pants now. We're given 2 polo shirts, with the company logo stitched on it, and a name badge. I'm sure I'll have to order more shirts soon. Appearance wise, I feel like I'll really stand out as a teacher now...I can't wait until I stand out with my talent and creativeness in the way I teach!
Another "professional" aspect is that I won't have to spend half of my time cleaning. I can really focus on the children...they hire a cleaning company to come in and clean after hours.
*Food: There is kitchen and a cook on hand throughout the day. She prepares all of the "healthy" snacks and lunches for the kids and to be good role models we eat the same snack and lunch with the kids...no additional fee for us. FREE FOOD! I've heard it's way better than public school lunches. Still, I can save so much money by eating lunch there. WhooHooo!
*Climbing the Ladder: At the Primrose Schools I'm able to move around with my position. With my qualifications I'm able to work in or move to any of the following...
Kindergarten: ages 5-6
Pre-Kindergarten: ages 4-5 (which is what I accepted)
Preschool: ages 3-4
Early Preschool: ages 2-3
I was told that, If I wanted to, I could eventually work up to an assistant director and/or director positions. I would need to take another 6 months of schooling to do that...but it wouldn't be that hard. I think I would be interested in something like that. I love teaching and working with kids as well as working in the administrative field. Having the best of both worlds would be ideal for me.
I'm really excited to start the next chapter of my career. I feel at this time I'm making the right choice accepting this position. I'm so glad that they decided to do a summer camp at this school. It's not as "routine" as the school year, but this way I can start in the summer...and have a relaxed and fun summer enjoying field trips and camp. When I continue in the fall I'll be so prepared and ready to get into the "school year routine."
I start my new job on Monday, June 11th with a week of training.
Wish me Luck on my new adventure!!
Friday, June 08, 2007
Nature Valley Granola Bars ROCK!
I've been addicted to Nature Valley Granola Bars lately. Here's what I found to be the best so far...
Nature Valley Crunchy:
*Vanilla Nut
*Oats n' Honey
*Peanut Butter
Nature Valley Chewy Trail Mix:
*Fruit & Nut
Nature Valley Sweet & Salty Nut:
*Peanut
*Cashew
*Almond
I can't wait to try the Nature Valley cereal, but every time we get it Corey finishes the box before I even try it.
Nature Valley Crunchy:
*Vanilla Nut
*Oats n' Honey
*Peanut Butter
Nature Valley Chewy Trail Mix:
*Fruit & Nut
Nature Valley Sweet & Salty Nut:
*Peanut
*Cashew
*Almond
I can't wait to try the Nature Valley cereal, but every time we get it Corey finishes the box before I even try it.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Today was a Better Day
I spent yesterday caring for a sick husband and a sick dog.
Corey stayed home to rest due to having a head cold and a constant cough. (Hopefully he gets better today...he leaves tonight to head up to my dad's cabin for a weekend fishing tournament.) I tried to get stuff done around the house but found myself being lazy and having to be quiet while Corey was resting.
However, Summit did keep me busy every hour. She must have ate something outside again or filled up on too many doggie treats from puppy class the night before, because she had diarrhea all day! She even threw up once. I couldn't even give her her heart worm pill because I was afraid she'd throw it up. Today has been better...I gave her a mixture of doggie food and rice last night and this morning. I guess the rice is suppose to coat her upset stomach. It seems to be working...now today she hasn't even gone #2. Ahhh!
Today, I spent most of my morning at Primrose School in Savage. (I had interviewed at the Primrose School in Eden Prairie last week and loved the school and whole program itself.) So I sent my info. to the Savage school and today I had an interview, toured the school, and spent some time in one of the preschool classrooms. It was fun! I'm suppose to here back from them tomorrow about the summer school position. Maybe this will carry on into the school year as well. Wish me Luck!
I'm trying to figure out if I want to have a garage sale tomorrow or not. I'm set up for it and I'll be home, but I have something going on at 10:00 and I don't want to hassle with moving Corey's JEEP back and forth. We'll see.
Corey stayed home to rest due to having a head cold and a constant cough. (Hopefully he gets better today...he leaves tonight to head up to my dad's cabin for a weekend fishing tournament.) I tried to get stuff done around the house but found myself being lazy and having to be quiet while Corey was resting.
However, Summit did keep me busy every hour. She must have ate something outside again or filled up on too many doggie treats from puppy class the night before, because she had diarrhea all day! She even threw up once. I couldn't even give her her heart worm pill because I was afraid she'd throw it up. Today has been better...I gave her a mixture of doggie food and rice last night and this morning. I guess the rice is suppose to coat her upset stomach. It seems to be working...now today she hasn't even gone #2. Ahhh!
Today, I spent most of my morning at Primrose School in Savage. (I had interviewed at the Primrose School in Eden Prairie last week and loved the school and whole program itself.) So I sent my info. to the Savage school and today I had an interview, toured the school, and spent some time in one of the preschool classrooms. It was fun! I'm suppose to here back from them tomorrow about the summer school position. Maybe this will carry on into the school year as well. Wish me Luck!
I'm trying to figure out if I want to have a garage sale tomorrow or not. I'm set up for it and I'll be home, but I have something going on at 10:00 and I don't want to hassle with moving Corey's JEEP back and forth. We'll see.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Random Picture
We went to Colorado for our Honeymoon, and for two nights we camped at Lone Duck Campground. It was awesome and COLD! (Great campground and people...I'd definitely go back.) The owners of the place had a couple kids and the guy built this for them. I just had to sit in it and go for a ride. I'm thinking that Corey might have to build one of these someday when we have kids. :)Tuesday, June 05, 2007
"Melanie Time"
I officially started my first week of "Melanie Time".
I ended the school year on a good note. I had another preschool graduation, this time in Prior Lake, on Friday. I cried throughout the whole thing. It just amazed me how much the kids I taught have grown. My boss and coworkers surprised me with flowers and cards during the graduation ceremony. I was speechless and a little embarrassed standing on the stage looking out at all of the parents, friends and family members looking back at me and waiting for me to say something.
My weekend was busy. Corey and I had a mini garage sale on Sat. We didn't do too bad...we sold a lot of little stuff. I figured now that I'm home this week I could have the garage sale again on Thurs. or Fri. depending on the weather.
Sat. evening we spent it with our friends, celebrating Pete's B-day. It was nice to relax and visit with friends. Sunday, Corey and I prepared a BBQ for my dad, Kathy, and my aunt and uncle. We all seemed to have a good time. Corey was a master at the grill, while I cooked up some potatoes and made a couple salads. My attempt at making "Rocky Road Bars" was a thumbs down. They tasted good, but the marshmallows in it were so sticky it stuck to every ones teeth. I'll have to work on that recipe.
I was fortunate to spend Monday evening with my cousin, Laura Lee. She flew into town for a business meeting and we decided to meet up for dinner. Of course she made a stop at the house to have some puppy play time with Summit. We ended up chatting the whole night. I felt bad when she left at 1:00 am because I didn't have to get up for work and she had to get up for a meeting. (I hope you made it on time for your meeting, Laura Lee. I had such a great time visiting with you.)
Tonight I'm looking forward to Summit's puppy class. She's done so well at learning everything so quickly. Next week is her last class, then we can move her from puppy kindergarten to Level 1 obedience.
I've done a lot of job searching as well. I'm still looking to find something for the summer, but I think I'll continue to enjoy some "Melanie Time" the rest of this week.
I plan on organizing my craft room again. On Friday I brought home all of my teaching supplies and I have to figure out where to store it all. I think it's time to clean out the closet again and add more junk to my garage sale.
I ended the school year on a good note. I had another preschool graduation, this time in Prior Lake, on Friday. I cried throughout the whole thing. It just amazed me how much the kids I taught have grown. My boss and coworkers surprised me with flowers and cards during the graduation ceremony. I was speechless and a little embarrassed standing on the stage looking out at all of the parents, friends and family members looking back at me and waiting for me to say something.
My weekend was busy. Corey and I had a mini garage sale on Sat. We didn't do too bad...we sold a lot of little stuff. I figured now that I'm home this week I could have the garage sale again on Thurs. or Fri. depending on the weather.
Sat. evening we spent it with our friends, celebrating Pete's B-day. It was nice to relax and visit with friends. Sunday, Corey and I prepared a BBQ for my dad, Kathy, and my aunt and uncle. We all seemed to have a good time. Corey was a master at the grill, while I cooked up some potatoes and made a couple salads. My attempt at making "Rocky Road Bars" was a thumbs down. They tasted good, but the marshmallows in it were so sticky it stuck to every ones teeth. I'll have to work on that recipe.
I was fortunate to spend Monday evening with my cousin, Laura Lee. She flew into town for a business meeting and we decided to meet up for dinner. Of course she made a stop at the house to have some puppy play time with Summit. We ended up chatting the whole night. I felt bad when she left at 1:00 am because I didn't have to get up for work and she had to get up for a meeting. (I hope you made it on time for your meeting, Laura Lee. I had such a great time visiting with you.)
Tonight I'm looking forward to Summit's puppy class. She's done so well at learning everything so quickly. Next week is her last class, then we can move her from puppy kindergarten to Level 1 obedience.
I've done a lot of job searching as well. I'm still looking to find something for the summer, but I think I'll continue to enjoy some "Melanie Time" the rest of this week.
I plan on organizing my craft room again. On Friday I brought home all of my teaching supplies and I have to figure out where to store it all. I think it's time to clean out the closet again and add more junk to my garage sale.
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