5.30.2015

Summer is just beginning

This is my first summer as a teacher. I did it. I survived two months of craziness for the end of the year and now I get to start putting together my own classroom. I have keys and was able to move everything over today.

I'm going to be a real teacher at Suncrest Elementary School this coming school year. We have tons of fantastic things ordered and its going to be so fun to set up and get together. And then at this moment I become terrified. I'm going to be in charge. I'm going to be the one running the show - training everyone - making sure it all goes smoothly and I don't accidentally break the rules of everything that is special education.

I'm officially a grown up.

And... so is Robert.
He got his job offer on Friday and will be doing Custom Web Design at Boostability - working full time on salary.

When did we get so big and old?

When did life turn into this? When did we get so grown up that we have all these responsibilities and yet get to have a say in so much?

The summer is beginning and soon enough I'll be in the classroom setting up each day - trying to change it just how it fits me. Its all mine.

Life is ours!

4.26.2015

She believed she could, so she did.


As of lately, this has been the wallpaper on my phone and become my own personal motivation.

I had so many BIG goals for this year and I'm just checking things off as I go.



I graduated back in December and will be walking this Friday with Rob. I finished school! Rob graduated school! We'll graduate together :) I'm so proud of him - we've put in a lot of work and its going to be weird to not have to worry about it anymore!




I got a teaching job and started teaching. Although I'm just sharing a classroom for now, I'll have my own classroom at Suncrest Elementary in Orem. Although its intimidating I've learned so much already. I can't wait to do things my way in my own classroom.




I completely updated an old rocking chair I got from my aunt. I took it apart, stained it super dark, and reupholstered it. I love how it turned out and will take it to my classroom next year and then use it for when I have babies someday. :)



Also this weekend, I ran a half marathon. This was a huge accomplishment for me. Six months ago I couldn't even run a block - and I went 13.1 miles! I went with my amazing aunts: Angi, Kinna, & Brandi - Brandi's sister Tiffany - Leah - & Sydney joined to watch since she bailed out on me!

It was an amazing experience and although I thought I would never do it again I'm now looking at others nearby to sign up for. I felt so accomplished and was so proud of myself to be able to say I did it.

Early Morning before the race
Immediately after crossing the finish line with Kinna
The group after we all finished!
I just hoped to finish before the 3 1/2 hour cut off... I made it!

3.14.2015

New Adventures

Life has flown by and I feel like I have no control over anything.

Back in January, I thought I might be able to get a teaching position. They had told me there would be one and it ended up falling through. Once I got that news I was a little heartbroken. I didn't even get the shot to try.

But I knew Maggie would be leaving and I would have a full time job taking care of the class. 

Maggie has been gone since the middle of January and had her babies on February 19th. 
I've loved being able to have the experience of what its like to run a classroom without the full responsibility of all lesson plans yet. She's due to come back the beginning of April.

Well a few weeks ago I got an email from the district saying they would have two positions opening up for special education preschool teachers. I had been debating what to do - finally after talking to Rob & a few others I knew I couldn't deny my career. I applied. It was breaking my heart though, knowing I would leave my students without someone who really knew the class.

It took a while for them to call for an interview - so I began to think maybe I was a good enough candidate for right now. They must have had enough certified teachers apply. 

Finally, last Friday afternoon I got a call for an interview. 

Wednesday I was so sick and just wasn't feeling well. I seriously considered calling in (good thing I didn't, since both my para's weren't there!). I knew I could fight through it and just take things easy so I somehow made it through the day.

I went to my interview that afternoon and although I was extremely nervous I just had a feeling of everything was out of my hands. I didn't feel like I really wanted it at that point. I was there walking through the steps but I didn't want to leave my junior high students high and dry before Maggie got back.

I came home and crashed and wasn't able to really even feel anything towards the job. I was just too sick. They had mentioned they were wanting to fill the position ASAP to get someone working. I told them I was willing to leave if I got the job and that I had been warning the school it might come - I needed to take steps to my own career.

Friday, while still at school I got the call. They were "unofficially, but officially" giving me the job. They weren't done doing the paperwork to have me sign but they were 100% sure it was going to work and they wanted me. But, my teacher leader from the junior high requested I not leave until Maggie returns.

Although I am anxious to get started and be a teacher, I was glad and relieved that I would be able to stay for the end of year testing, end of the term, and transitioning at the school. I will stay at Mountain Ridge until April 3rd. I'll have a week off for Spring Break and then I'll start at Sharon Elementary School on April 11th. It still seems surreal but I will be able to sign all the paperwork and make everything official this next week. 

I am a teacher. 
I am going to have a classroom. 

For now, I'll be sharing a classroom and get trained with a teacher who is already in the room. Then next school year I'll get my own classroom at another school in South Orem probably. 

Everything just fell into place. Out of the two positions, I got the one in Orem. I am able to finish up my work with my current students. I will be able to train under a great teacher to get to know everything prior to being out on my own. 

I'm a little nervous still but am so excited to begin my adventures as a special education preschool teacher!!!

1.01.2015

Running Running Running

I was in a really good groove... I ran my race and I was ready to stay on top of it.

Then I lost it. I just keep feeling like I'm too busy and I don't have time.
I need to make time.


So I finally got Rob on my side to help motivate me.
Okay, so I'm a week in. But I've been running or doing weights every day.

My half marathon is 114 days away from today. Ummm... 4 1/2 months seems crazy to go from where I'm at now to being able to run 13.1 miles.

But I'm going to do it.

I want to do it!


I used to not even be able to run 1/4 of a mile. I'm consistently running around 3 miles each day with a long run on the weekends. Of course - a lot of my training has been on the treadmill [or all of it]. So its not quite as realistic but I will use it until its warm enough to head outside.

I never thought I would be able to run 3 miles without stopping! Even letting myself get out of shape and having to get back in hasn't been as bad this time.

Its a lot of work and I don't want to have to go through it again. I'm determined to keep going so that I can finish my half marathon. I just need to make it in under 3 hours.

I probably won't ever do another one again - talk to me after the race.

Rob's words are that its not natural to run even more than one mile and I'm crazy. So I have to motivate him to motivate me to run.

My hope would be that when school starts back up I can wake up just a little bit early to run. I like my sleep though and it hasn't happened yet.

12.06.2014

Real teachers need real websites

I've created a lot of resources that I plan on using in my classroom - whenever I get it.

Sharing things on a blog was okay - but its so much more convenient on one website that is my very own.

Come on over and check out www.MissBrylie.com to see different things I've created, how I will keep my classroom organized and ways to manage your classroom as well.


11.29.2014

First Race

I got to see Allex - who works at OFC where the race was hosted
I officially ran my first race. I ran it!

Okay, so I didn't run the whole thing. I stopped a few times to walk... but I ran it!

I did a 4 mile run on Thanksgiving morning and made it in 44:24. It may not be the fastest ever - but its my own personal record from my "training" that I've been lacking on. My dream goal was do it in less an 45:00

It felt so good to get out there and do it. I wasn't even the last one in!

I think this helped give me the confidence I needed to know I can keep running. I made it and didn't die - even though it was cold.

So now I just need to get in a good rhythm of a schedule and then off I can go.

Umm. Wait.. What?!

So I had given up hope that I would get a classroom this school year and just put it in the back of my mind that I could get one, hopefully, in the fall.

Then I got an email from someone at the district.

They're opening a new classroom starting just after Christmas Break in January.

Of course, my first thought was that if they were expanding and needing a new classroom that it would probably not be close to home. I would have to really travel to get to it.

Then she said it would be in South Orem.
Um.. I live in Orem!

So then I started getting in contact with USU to make sure I would be able to get into the program.
Yep. They do it all the time - it would just take 2 1/2 years to do it instead of the traditional 2.

So now I'm preparing like crazy in case I actually get it.


I still have to interview. I still have to go up against teachers who are already certified.

But I'm hoping my 6+ years of experience can help set me apart. Hopefully.


So this Thanksgiving Break I've worked on creating and printing and sewing a calendar set, made a visual schedule (with a million options so I'm sure to have everything), and gathered some toys and things that would be helpful in my classroom. I also am in the process of making Rob help me perfect my resume & cover letter.

I want the job so badly and I feel like I'm so close but so far away. It terrifies me though that in a month I could have my own classroom. I'll be leaving the world of aides and actually be in charge.


I think the hardest thing for me that I had to do was let Maggie know. If I get this job I wouldn't be able to be her long term substitute. Of course this news came after I was all ready to be hired at any moment by the subbing company.
She's been supportive though and there to answer questions. It wasn't until after I told her that I was able to actually get excited about it.

So now in the next week I'll hopefully get all applied and interview soon.
Then I'll have two weeks over Christmas Break to get a classroom all ready to go.

[Two weeks is not enough time! Ahhh!]

11.01.2014

Half Marathon

Its official.

I have always hated running. Never could do it or get into it. Emily really helped me push to get into it and now I don't hate it quite as much.

I really love being able to say at the end of the day that I ran without stopping for __ miles.

I love it!


So I running a 4 mile run for Thanksgiving and by April I hope to be in shape enough because I'm running a half-marathon with my aunt and cousin.  I'm a little terrified.


I never thought I would want to run 13.1 miles. I never thought I would want to run 2 miles.

But the idea of completing it makes me feel so excited for my future self. I can do hard things!

Rob says I'm crazy and no one should ever want to run that far. But you know what - I want to!


I have a training plan in place and a couple motivators to keep me going. I no longer am worrying about how my body looks because I just feel better - I have more endurance to do more things.

April 25th will be here so fast but I will be ready and WILL run 13.1 miles in under 3 hours (or I don't get to finish or get a medal!). I will do it!

Goals

These were my goals for 2014.

Its officially November. How am I doing now that year is close to over?

ehhhhh....

1: Work out 4 times a week: I was horrible with this - up until the last month or so. I've been running usually 3+ days a week and have been motivated and excited to do more.

2: Run a 5k: I participated in 2 this spring but walked the majority of them. They each took me about 45 minutes walking. I really wanted to run a 5k. I will be running a 4 miler (just over a 5k) on Thanksgiving morning with Emily - so hopefully this will be successful.

3: Hike Mount Baldy: We tried - and never made it. But I did hike Angels Landing so maybe that counts? I still really want to do Baldy though ... maybe before it snows like crazy I still can?!

4: Eat Healthier: I definitely didn't start the year out great. I did pretty good for a while but have fallen back into not counting. I don't think I'm terribly over where I should be, but definitely over.

5: Drink 90 ounces of water a day: School days I do really good at this - but when I'm just hanging out around the house I am not so great at it. I get headaches very easily and if I could stay on top of drinking water I don't think I would get them nearly as much.

6: Only eat out once a week: Failure. I think a typically week Rob and I go out to eat at least twice. Its hard to keepup on having other things around to eat and its just so much easier to go out. We're usually going to winco to get some pre-made food in the deli so its better than like Wendy's, but I still have time to improve!

7: Be in bed no later than 11:00: I'm also slacking at this - Its hard to get to bed early when I come home and nap - then I end up not tired to go to sleep and just have formed a really bad cycle.

8: Don't sleep in past 11:00: so this may seem pathetic for a goal - but if I don't set an alarm, I do not wake up before like 1:00 in the afternoon. Seriously. I have actually done really good at this though! There have been a few times I've snoozed my alarm to 11:30 but for the most part I'm never still in bed past 11:00.

9: Make a budget every month: I started the year off great with this. It really helped me to see where I could be saving money - but slowly stopped throughout the summer when I made more money. Now I'm back to not having as much because of having to manage classes as well  and should get back into it but it kinda depresses me to look at it all.

10: Put 10% of money into savings: I was really good with this until the school year started. I have a hard time making it month to month without having to pull from savings right now because of my lack of hours. I know I could probably still make things work with being 10% less but I forget to take it out first and then just feel like I need that extra money for gas or something. Two more months and I can get more realistic with this.

11: Read one book for fun a month: I read a few new books this year but had a hard time getting into anything I really enjoyed. Any suggestions for me?!

12: Graduate: I'm on the track - two more months and I'm DONE!

13: Be Happy: This year has definitely made things a little rocky between my parents divorcing and having to sell the house. I have my moments of just wanting to curl into a ball but for the most part I feel I've been a happier person.


I'm starting to think of new goals for next year already and how I can help myself actually achieve them. I need to be more accountable and look at them often so I can remember where I want to be.

10.19.2014

I'm a runner?

So I don't know when it becomes official - when I can officially say I have become a runner.

I started out running twice a week with my "sister-in-law" Emily. She'd been going for a while before and it was kind of intimidating to me that she's already been going and I definitely needed to stop and walk a lot more. Luckily she's so sweet and is willing to let me walk and even walks with me [even though I remind her she can keep running].
With her we run about two miles and we get done in about 22-23 minutes. That's pretty good for a girl who has never really ran before. We definitely were a lot slower starting out but I'm getting further and further without having to walk. My goal this next time is to make it a mile.

My biggest issue is not being able to breathe - I have the energy and motivation to keep going but just can't breathe. Breathing is kind of important... if you didn't know that!

Rob's parents also recently invested in a pretty high tech treadmill - like very high tech. It has motivated me to run while Rob's playing a game or something. Each day I've worked up for running longer and further. I've been able to run about a mile and a half on it without having to walk [just at a measly 4.8 pace... but still!]

Its getting more and more motivating to keep going. Although it definitely is easier for me on the treadmill I want to be able to run a 5k by the end of the year. I set a resolution to do a 5k this year and I did two! But I walked most of them so now I'm modifying my goal to run one - like really run one!

I think the easiest part about the treadmill is watching a show/movie [currently, I'm watching The Big Bang Theory] so it distracts me from thinking over and over again "I hate running - this is stupid. I want to stop!"


But as of today I made it to 3 miles (only walking about .4 miles total!) - got off to cool down and felt like I could get back on and go more. I'm trying to be careful to not over do it but I'm starting to enjoy it. Now I just need to get to enjoy it outside more and be able to go further outside. Then I can succeed at my 5k dreams!