A One Month Re-cap.

Sitting here on a Saturday night bored out of my skull. Of course I could easily eliminate that boredom by doing something productive, like cleaning, or putting together our new china cabinet, or entering my inventory into Pink Office finally. But, still, I sit here on the couch, bored. Then again, I think boredom is a little under-rated. Its nice to relax and do nothing. Watching Palladia at the moment, kicked back with Facebook up, and a riveting game of Words With Friends- with my husband who's sitting in the same room- hmmmm. I am enjoying a nice class of my favorite Chianti, and I think I'm going to suggest a movie. Comedy of course.

Its been a month since I started tutoring at the middle school. I AM LOVING IT. Its very rewarding. But, also exhausting. I'm tutoring 8 periods a day, 3 days a week, and I am beat by the end of the day. But, its also a phenomenal feeling to know I'm helping students every day.  I've done a bit of subbing as well. Friday I had the opportunity, for the first time since graduating, to teach at an elementary school. I subbed resource at K-3 at one school in the morning, and then went to another for FAC, which is an self contained classroom for moderate to severe disabilities. I discovered two things. One- that I do not want my moderate-severe endorsement. Two- that I belong in an elementary resource room. Well, I already knew the second, but it was indeed confirmed. I know that I can't be choosy now though, with the state of education. I'll take what I can get, and I will enjoy it. But, I know if I don't find resource elementary to start, I will be looking forward to it until I do. If I can't be in an elementary room, I hope I end up at my middle school. Referring to the one at which I  am currently tutoring, and where I did my second stint of student teaching. The kids and staff are wonderful, and I already feel so at home.

In other news- I haven't lost any more weight, but, I haven't been trying. I'm hoping to get my motivation back soon. Jeff has been doing great and is looking great. I'm so proud of him. I'm looking forward to the start of summer. I'm ready to get active again!

London is not doing so well in school these days. We had an ARD meeting and he will be given a Section 504 plan. That means he needs a little bit of support at school, but we're hoping its enough to help, without putting him back in Special Education. He's definitely struggling to keep up with the demands of high school. Boy he's growing up. He's not my little boy anymore. He's all teenager. But, he's a good kid, and trying hard to get his grades up. He's decided to forgo extra-curricular activities so that he can concentrate on this classes.  He still wants to be a Police Officer and still wants to go to Sam Houston State or A&M.

My Mary Kay business is doing great! I added a new team member. She's wonderful! Registered for Career conference in April and I'm ready for our Cadillac walk across the stage! Two more days and I'll know if I'm going as a Senior Consultant or a Red Jacket!

Okay, I think that's all I have to update for now. I'll try to post more often. 

The Board of Trustees of Western Governors University, upon the recommendation of the faculty, has conferred upon Leanne Tahirih Campbell the degree of Bachelor of Arts Special Education

That's what it says on the piece of paper that arrived in the mail today! I'm finally done. Well, that's not entirely true. We're never really done are we? I am still waiting on my teaching certification to process for Utah. Then, I have to go through the lengthy process of transferring it to Texas, and will still have to take the Texas certification exam. Then, I have try and find a permanent teaching position. I however, am employed, as of today. I was hired on as a part-time tutor with my kiddos I just left at the middle school. I'll sub the other two days per week. I'm so excited to start my new career tomorrow morning!

Christmas 2010

 Jeffery lookin' good

 The stockings hung with care.

 We're expert fudge makers now! 

 Me, post-Christmas haircut and highlights

 Santa Bread!

 The tree Christmas morning

Christmas dinner

A New Year. A New Me.

1/1/11 begins a new journey for our family. I am officially done with school, or nearly anyways, and will embark on the daunting task of finding a teaching job. The process of getting my certification transferred to Texas alone, is going to stressful. The competition for teaching positions is brutal. My only solace is that I have impressive recommendations, and a dual certification, which includes special education. Hopefully, I will have steady sub work while I search. If I don't find a permanent position this spring, I'll be working at Sylvan Learning Center, or something of the like, over the summer. I may be doing that regardless. We were lucky Jeff found a job when he did, but it'd be nice if it had benefits, and perhaps paid a bit more. There are definitely more expenses than there is income at this current moment. So, this year will hopefully be a year of great gains. I will be graduating and becoming a certified teacher. Jeff will be finishing, or nearing the end of his schooling, as well. London will be finishing his last year at the Freshman center, and moving on to the ENORMOUS high school. I feel like it's all held together with a string right now, but there's no looking back.

At the same time, this year will be a year of great losses. Weight loss that is. I stalled out this fall on weight loss, while Jeff moved full steam ahead. I actually gained 8 pounds and am quite perturbed. Today is day one of getting back on track with www.myfitnesspal.com and counting every calorie that goes into my mouth. It becomes very frustrating, having to log every single thing you eat. However, I have learned, that if I do not, I will indeed eat too much. It becomes all to easy to say "Just one more" or "I'll be good tomorrow". I guess I just love food too much. It's the Italian in me... or maybe the Polish! Either way, This girl loves to eat! Jeffery on the other hand, is doing wonderfully. He's hit the 75 pound mark and looks fantastic! We both have quite the journey ahead of us, but I know we will be successful! My new goal is to lose 45 pounds by June 1st and Jeff's is 40 pounds. My 120 pound final goal weight has been pushed back, but, I know I can do it by the end of the year! It will help that we are getting an elliptical machine, for free, from some friends of ours!!! I am so grateful to them for their generosity! We just have to get it moved from their house to ours! I will be on that thing daily, burning off the fat!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve/Day! Hoping for a spectacular 2011 for all!

Less than four weeks to go...

I've got less than 4 weeks until I'm done student teaching and graduated. I have a TON of homework to do and it's stressful. I have to put together a Teacher Work Sample (TWS), which is a 2-4 week unit with a pre-, post-, and formative assessment plan, aligned with state standards, lesson goals, and lesson objectives. Plus, I still have all my regular duties at the school and other homework assignments to finish. It's scary, because I've only got 4 weeks left, so I've only got one shot to get this TWS right. Two days in and I'm already having to change around lesson plans. Pray we get everything done before Christmas break so I can get my post-assessment in!!!

On a positive note, I'm pretty sure I'll get most of my work done by Christmas break, and then I get 2 weeks off!!! There once was a time when I thought this day would never come, now my student teaching is flying by and it's almost over. I'm looking forward to having more time with my family and friends. I can't wait until I have time to read a book for pleasure. I'm excited about investing more time into my Mary Kay business. And maybe, I'll finally be able to relax.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Welcome to the family Lily

We have a new addition to the Campbell family. Lily is another Springer mix and just as adorable as our Laddie. Lily is trying hard to make friends with her new brother, but, Laddie is still wondering when our house-guest is going to be leaving! I think he'll come around. What's not to love. She's adorable!