Expanding

It's summer so that means time to relax and get some projects done.  There is no summer school for SJ this summer (beyond excited, you can understand if you have ever had the pleasures of summer school).  The summer so far has been living up to expectations.  My online classes are going wonderfully, learning lots of wonderful new stuff, "meeting" new people, and create wonderful new products.  I have a new blog dedicated to talking about the world of educational technology.  It even has its own domain (huge thank you to MacPro!), you can find it at http://edtechu.org/  I have been working on creating a website all about me (professionally) in hopes of spreading my word and name.  Did a photo shoot last week (again, huge thank you MacPro!) for the pic of me on the new website.  Done tons of reading both professionally and personally, bought a new camera, and have even enjoyed my dock! Overall I would give summer '10 an A+ so far!

Enjoy ~SJ

It's 11 p.m.

.... and my lunch is packed, the crate is filled with all of my school books that came home for summer vacation, my "Big Paper" that was supposed to be done - isn't, things have been checked off my summer to-do list, and as of tonight there is a new shed in my driveway. Although tonight marks the end of summer as so many of the other River Valley Bloggers have commented via Facebook and their blogs, tonight also marks the beginning of a new year. Years have always begun for me in September and end in June, July and August are there own separate months. So let's raise our glass of pink lemonade and toast to another wonderful summer, I can't wait to play again next summer, but until then there are many more adventures to be had.

Enjoy ~SJ

And Cue The Fat Lady!

We have been able to hear the Fat Lady warming up for weeks now through the halls of school. I think she entered the building about a month ago when the 8th graders (Kermit and I) went on the three day trip to New York City. Her warm ups intensified when I could say to myself "That is the last new topic I have to teach", or "This is the last homework, quiz, or test assignment I have to grade", she was almost ready for her final note last week when I could say "My grades are done!" Yesterday was the last day for the students and although the students got to hear the Fat Lady, the staff only caught a glimpse of her since we have a workshop day today. Our district tradition is to have a school wide staff lunch and the Superintendent acknowledges those who have been teaching for specific milestones, or are retiring. I anticipate hearing the Fat Lady hit her final note after this lunch.

So, please cue the Fat Lady soon so that we can start our much anticipated and deserved summer vacation.

Enjoy ~SJ

As a side note, the phrase "It ain't over 'til the fat lady sings" was coined by Ralph Carpenter during a Red Raiders, Texas Tech basketball game in 1976.

First Day....

Summer vacation is officially over. The coffee is in the travel mug instead of a regular mug and the alarm was set way too early. My classroom is ready, all my stuff is unpacked, the bulletin boards are up, and my lesson plans are done for the week. I'm ready for the first day!

Enjoy ~SJ

Good Reads!

My summer has been marked with a lot of high points; berries, motorcycle rides, swimming, hikes, The Music Man, camping, and family just to name a few. One of the things that I look forward to the most every summer is idle afternoons (mornings and nights) of doing nothing but reading. This summer has been a banner summer when it comes to reading. I just rediscovered a great website for sharing books and even added a new little widget to the left-hand side of my blog. (If you are reading this in Google Reader you must check it out). The website is called Good Reads, and basically it allows you to share with your network of friends books that you have read, your rating, books you are reading, as well as books you want to read. It has been a great night of adding books to my "bookshelf", as well as looking through friends lists and adding books to my "to-read" shelf. All I have to say is that my friends have read an impressive list of books, and I am excited to read many of their suggestions. Feel free to request a friendship with me once you set up an account!

Enjoy ~SJ

Have No Fear....

SJ is here! (Cue theme music here) No folks I have not forgotten about my blogging "responsibilities", I have just gotten a little swamped with summer stuff. The Music Man and I took a motorcycle permit course over the weekend, we are now traveling the roads on two wheels. Summer school is wrapping up this week, and that means that maybe I can get started on my summer "to-do" list which does not involve anything to do with school - pure sumer time fun!

Enjoy ~SJ

Summer Time

Summer is the perfect season to lounge around and read all day long, and I have been taking advantage of it. For me, a perfect summer day includes waking up late, making coffee, and reading in different locations around the house. This summer has been perfect so far when it comes to reading. I have moved past Sophie Kinsella for the moment. A few days ago a read a biography on Houdini, Escape! The Story of the Great Houdini. Currently I am reading The Zookeepers Wife which I heard about on NPR a few months back. It is true story about a woman who lives in Warsaw during WWII and she and her husband run a zoo. In the end they protect over 300 Jewish people in and around the zoo.

Time for the second cup of coffee and the new reading location.

Enjoy ~SJ

Thank You Mother Nature!

Well it seems that Mother Nature and I are on better terms now. She blessed us all with a beautiful summer weekend, with high temperatures above 90! I spent a lot of my weekend down by the water swimming, reading, and visiting with the neighbors. I also went on a rather large scooter ride, traveling over 60 miles, not bad for less than half a gallon of gas! While enjoying the summer like weather, I kept reminding myself that this is the pay off for all those afternoons shoveling the never ending mounds of snow. Thank you Mother Nature for rewarding the Mainer's with a perfect weekend, after our very long winter.

Enjoy ~SJ