Saturday, June 1, 2013

Currently June (?!)

Oh, how I love to start the month with Farley's Currently over at Oh' Boy Fourth Grade -- especially when I actually remember that it's the start of the month and don't have that revelation about a week in. :)

Here we go...



Listening:  I got to see Sara Bareilles perform at a small Atlanta venue on my birthday a couple of weeks ago, and wow - can she ever sing! She's been in heavy rotation on my playlist ever since.

Loving: The first couple of weeks of summer vacation are always the best because it feels like there's so much free time ahead. A quick glance at my calendar would remind me that this summer is going to fly by very quickly, but for now, I'm thrilled to have a little breathing room before the hustle and bustle of another school year kicks in.

Thinking: Math is on my mind a lot right now. I'm finishing up my final project for my math endorsement (an algebra unit), and I'm joining multiple book studies about math-related books this summer. My students did very well overall on the year-end standardized tests, but I feel like I'm still scrambling to make sense of the best way to teach the Common Core. I need to figure out something that will allow me to differentiate more without creating oodles of additional work on my end. If anyone has the magic solution, please let me know.

Wanting: We bought a new desktop computer last year, and it was intended to be mostly for my school/blogging/TpT use. That worked for a little while, but my husband has slowly taken it over and claimed it as his. He's been working crazy hours (he's an attorney), and his work is often more deadline-oriented than mine, so I've given in. But now that I'm getting ready to start my doctorate, it might be time for us to give up on the idea of sharing a computer. I have a work laptop that I use sometimes, but it's got some crazy restrictions/configurations that limit the programs I can install, etc. For most people, it's not a big deal, but when you're a tech-geek like me, it's frustrating. So last week, I made a big pitch for me to get a new iMac desktop, and he agreed! There were some intense negotiations that went into the process, but in the end, we made a deal that we can both live with. I'm going to be responsible for generating the extra income to make the payments on it (we got it financed over 18 months), but between some tutoring jobs I'm taking and TeachersPayTeachers, I think I'll be able to swing it.

Now I just need to hold on for Monday when my precious new toy will arrive!

Needing: I need to get organized and prioritize what I need to accomplish this summer because there's no world in which I'll have time to tackle my ever-growing to-do list. I need to create some realistic goals with deadlines to keep myself reasonably on-task. I also need to cut out distractions like randomly checking Facebook or email or Twitter every 10 minutes.

3 Vacay Essentials - 1) Shade - I have the misfortune of being allergic to almost every type of sunscreen that exists -- including the ones that say they're hypoallergenic and made for sensitive skin. Put some of that sauce on me and stick me in the sun, and my body breaks out in a terrible, lobster-like swollen rash that is WAY worse than any sunburn I've ever had. So I stick to the shade as much as I can, and I visit my dermatologist every year to make sure that I'm not getting skin cancer. Not fun, I tell you.

2) Books - This used to be a huge ordeal before the advent of the Kindle. I like having lots of summer reading options, ya know?

3) Beverages - Hydration is important! And there's a whole slew of summer drinks that I could put on the list... But seriously, I've been drinking at least 64 oz of water each day of this vacation before I even touch anything else, so I think I'm doing well.

Big thanks to Farley for continuing to host this linky. Every month I find so many amazing blogs and learn lots about my fellow bloggers. If you aren't participating already, you should definitely link up!

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Have a great June, everyone!

18 comments:

  1. Congrats on the new computer! I am so jealous! I always just use my work laptop. With four kiddos I never get a moment on the desktop. I don't do well with sunscreen either. I am always in a big hat! Love your background paper and cute blog! I am your newest follower!
    Heidi

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    1. I understand -- one of the big negotiating points for the computer was that I would get a big enough screen so that my daughter could sit on my lap and watch Elmo videos on SesameStreet.com on one half without killing my productivity on the other half. I'm sure it's only a matter of time before she attempts to take it over completely.
      Thanks for leaving me a comment! I'm following you back.
      Alison

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  2. I remember calculating how many books I could fit in my suitcase and what clothes I could take out...Thank Goodness for the Kindle....100s of books at your fingertips!

    :) Kaitlyn
    Smiles and Sunshine

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    1. Ha - Me too! I also remember trying to figure out how many books I'd need to transfer into my backpack in order to get my suitcase within the weight limits. The perils of being a book lover!
      Thanks for commenting,
      Alison

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  3. Oh man...sorry to hear that you have to stick to the shade and can't use sunscreen...that must make vacation activities much more difficult! I burn easily so I can't imagine going out without sunscreen. I too need to prioritize our plans, it seems like each summer there's just absolutely no way that we'd ever be able to fit it all in, especially where my husband only gets two weeks over the summer...I just couldn't convince him to go back to school to become a teacher! lol Enjoy your new computer! =)
    cantmakethisstuffup-hmichaud.blogspot.com

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    1. It is definitely a bummer that spouses aren't given the same vacations we are. I think that would be the only selling point about the job that would appeal to my husband, though.
      Thanks for leaving me a comment!
      Alison

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  4. I am with you on the overly ambitious to-do list, and on being allergic to most sunscreens. The only one I can use without swelling up like a balloon and breaking out in blotches is Clinique - and it is a little expensive to slather on.

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    Replies
    1. I've never tried the Clinique one. I'll have to check that out. So far, the only one that I've found that I could use problem-free was one I found in Australia, and I've never been able to find it anywhere else. Sadly, I don't think that would fly as an excuse to go back to Australia.

      Thanks for commenting!
      Alison

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  5. Your blog is sooo super cute, I had to scroll down and wasn't surprised when I saw who designed it. I just got mine redesigned by Erika and her team...Love them! Enjoy your summer!
    xoxo
    Vicky
    Traditions, Laughter and Happily Ever After

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Vicky! I love so many of their designs, and yours is fabulous as well -- I just went to visit it and follow you back. :)

      Thanks for leaving the comment!
      Alison

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  6. Congrats on your new computer! I am glad I am not the only ADHD type who gets distracted from work with Facebook, Twitter, etc.

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    1. I'm actually thankful that those sites are blocked at work, otherwise my planning time could become a vortex of non-productivity. I'm seriously thinking about installing a program on my new computer to limit my interactions with those sites. It's an addiction...

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  7. Your blog is ADORABLE! I love the pink and gray and all the tech clipart :)! I am your newest follower and can't wait to check out some of your previous posts with tech integration ideas as I am a technology resource teacher!
    Sent From My iPad

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    1. Thanks so much for leaving the comment! I hope you're able to find useful things on my blog. I don't have any special background in technology -- I just love teaching with it.

      Alison

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  8. Your blog is so cute! Congrats on a new computer. I am hoping to make the switch to a Mac soon. I'm your newest follower.

    Kelly
    Thirsty Firsties

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    1. Thanks, Kelly! I'm on day 3 with the new iMac and it is awesome. I can't recommend it enough.

      Alison

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  9. Enjoyed reading your post! All the best to you in your math and organization quests for the summer. Love your blog design! Just found your blog today and am a new follower!

    Smiles,
    Sarah @ Hoots N Hollers

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by, Sarah! I appreciate your comment, and I'm off to check out your blog so I can follow you back!

      Alison

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