When in Rome (SOLSC 25/31)

 

As much as I love postcards, they really don’t do anything the justice of what it looks like in person.  I think that has been most true in Rome.

Everything is so much bigger and brighter in person; everything is SO much more crowded.

I have to squeeze through and it is so easy to lose sight of people.  Luckily, despite my own “short” comings we do have some tall people in our group.

The worst spot yesterday was the Trevi Fountain.  I knew we needed to toss some coins in per the myth, but I almost didn’t because of the small mob of people surrounding it.

But my mom plunged in and I knew to follow.  Before I knew it we were directly in front of Neptune and I was digging some coins out of my purse.

One to return.  Two to find love.  I noticed no one threw in the third for marriage.

After we emerged from the crowd, I muttered: “If I return to Rome, it will be through the airport on my way back to Venice!”

Fortunately, Unfortunately (SOLSC 12/31)

The weekend seems like a good time to test out some of the styles that other blogs have used.  Yesterday, I used the "Currently" format.  Today, I was inspired to try out the fortunately/unfortunately format I first saw on Joyous Thought's blog.

Fortunately, the flowers and trees are starting to flourish.  Unfortunately, my allergies have responded in kind.  Fortunately, I started taking my allergy medicine early this year and that has helped a lot!

Fortunately, the days are getting warmer and brighter.  Unfortunately, I have to sacrifice an hour of my sleep to enjoy the daylight. Fortunately, I have coffee. 

Fortunately, this also means I have one week until Spring Break starts.  Unfortunately, I have A LOT I need to get done before I can enjoy it. Because fortunately, I am finally living one of my dreams and going to Italy for Spring Break (and a few days after)!  

Unfortunately, those few days after mean I have to have sub plans ready long before they are due.

Fortunately, those sub plans don't have to be complicated; it is the time of year where my senior English students are nearly done and AP exam season is just around the corner.  Unfortunately, AP exam season is just around the corner.

Fortunately, I am of the belief that everything will work out as it should!

Morning Routes (SOLSC 9/31)

Follow me from the parking lot to my classroom for my morning route/routine! 

I park my car sometime between 7:05 am and 7:25 am and make sure my podcast pauses correctly -- I don't want to miss out on the thrilling moments of Critical Role or The Magnus Archives.  If I'm playing music, I may linger a bit longer and let the song finish -- getting me excited for the day ahead.

I step out, gathering my things to bring inside: my large tote bag that carries my keys, lunch, my notebook, pens, and a planner.  On a good day I remember to toss my phone into the bag.  On a bad day I leave my phone perched in its holder and waiting for me to come back in 10-15 minutes before students arrive. On a really good day I bring Starbucks for myself or donuts for my colleagues.

Sometimes I get to the door at the same time as Ms. Gray or Mr. Rice.  Other times it's just me and the sound of a nearby mourning dove crying hello. The leaves are still gone from the nearby tree and I pause before stepping inside. Can I spot her in the branches today?  

I should count how many steps from the door to my classroom.  I pass five doors on my left and three doors on my right before reaching my room.

I have a bright pink desk lamp on a shelf near the door that is turned on first.  I set my tote bag down behind my desk and then make a circuit of the room to turn on each and every lamp.  Overhead lights are the bane of my students' existence even with the blue sky light coverings I put over them.  I move from lamp to lamp, but pause when I reach the other classroom door.  This door faces my neighbor's room and makes for a quick exit.  

I open my door, step over to hers, and shout merrily as I step into her room, "Good Mor--."

She is not there and my shoulders immediately slump: disappointed.  My neighboring teacher friend is not there, but I did spy her truck in the parking lot, so at least I don't have to worry about her.  I return to my own room, closing the door behind me, and continue lighting the lamps.

Before students arrive at 7:50 am, I make sure to start my coffee, check my email, tweak the agenda for the day and make last minute copies because I won't get a chance to do any of that again until lunch.

What's your morning route to your classroom like?