So far...

          January is nearly half gone. My work sample should be a nice solid draft by now, but it's not. I'm struggling with it. I've had a few issues with it. However, I'm feeling better about it as a whole right now, I just have lots to do with it still.
         Originally I wrote a rationale for my second work sample topic (American Revolution) instead of my first. Oops. So then I wrote one for a work sample/unit on Earth and space. As I was writing I was really concerned my topic was too vague. Indeed, it was. So back to the drawing board I went. Now, my topic is the solar system. I have a nice outline of my lessons, and I'm excited about it. Sadly, there's still much to write. Not surprising considering a work sample is huge! I've got a bit over a week to get it into a good looking draft. I'm nervous about it, but I know I'll make it happen. I'm very excited to teach it though!
         In my personal life, it's been kinda of an eventful weekend. My little sister left for her semester abroad in Senegal on Saturday. She got to Dakar, the capital of Senegal, this morning and she should have met her host family by now. I'm really going to miss her, but I'm so excited for her to go on such a fun adventure! I got to see both of my best friends this weekend. One came over with her husband from Madras, and the other drove the 30 minutes from Clackamas. We went out to breakfast, played games, went shopping, got haircuts, and got some wonderful pedicures. It was a weekend full of so much laughter and fun. I'm so thankful for both of those ladies :) It was definitely the pick me up I needed to get through the rest of my work sample.
         Now to get through the rest of my work sample! As much as I love my students I'm really hoping for a snow day tomorrow. I need to get so much work done, and I don't think they'd be disappointed about having a snow day. Everyone do a snow dance for me tonight!
         

My Poem

I originally wrote this poem in the fall of 2011, in my undergraduate Learning Communities class. During the summer of 2012, I edited this poem for my graduate Learning Communities class. It is supposed to describe who I am and where I come from. Poetry is not something that comes easily to me, but I think this poem gives a realistic glimpse into my life and childhood. I hope you enjoy it! 

July 2012

Where I am From

I am from a place where white is the color less frequently seen.

I am the descendant of the Preston name. From Michael, who is from Jud.

I am from Mormons who founded cities.

My roots grow from fields of mint and bales of hay. From juniper as far as one can see.

This is where I am from.

We scrub the floors on our hands and knees and fight over who must vacuum the hardwood.

I am from lunchtime in the secret spot, sailboat races and sunburns.

Where I come from there are games of Scrabble and charades, and a cat with a crooked tail.

I am from “fend for yourself” nights.

I grew from tights and leotards, bobby pins and buns.

I am from ballet shoes and softball cleats. Dance recitals and All-Star games.

From horseback rides through drive-thru windows and racing lawnmowers at dusk

From mudding, guns, and long summer nights riding shotgun in trucks.

I am from tubas, trombones, and bass guitars.

I am from a house where the horrific noise of a newly learned instrument is the favorite sound of my band teacher father.

I’ll always remember, “Have I ever told you how much I love you?” I can never hear that enough.

I am from “No matter where you go, there you are.”