Today kicked my butt

The host teacher was out because of jury duty and I had a sub in the room. So, I was in charge of the class really- she's there to make sure I don't, you know, injure a child or something. The kids weren't horrible, but the talking out and talking over me was ridiculous! We only got half of Language Arts done. They bombed the Social Studies assignments. Which may be a testanment to my teaching of the lessons rather than the students abilities. We had a crazy schedule because of an assembly. And to top it off I sent a student home on the bus without a note from the parent. Luckily, that really was what he was supposed to do today. I was left feeling completely defeated. I feel better after talking to my host teacher on the phone today. Can I have a do-over?

State Fair fun

We had a good time at the State Fair and went to the Science Museum while we were there as well! Definitely not worth the money you spend. The food I tried was disappointing, though Jeff and London enjoyed theirs. I spun the wheel in the lotto tent and got to go in the money chamber. It was fake money. They give you lotto tickets. I didn't win anything. My favorite part was the Science Museum. I love doing stuff like that and we got free admission since we were at the fair. We rode only one ride since there were like 5 bucks a pop per ride per person! Loved it though and we're making plans for Holiday in the Park now. Stuff like amusement parks is stuff that Jeff and I have avoided and missed out on because of our weight. You don't realize how much you stop living until you start being able to live again. I've avoided amusement parks, water parks, sports, swimming, dancing, you name it. I loved swimming and laying out this summer at the in-laws pool. Next summer, I'll be laying out wherever, whenever. It's liberating. My summer I should be at my "I'm happy now" weight. It's surreal sometimes to realize. My next winter I will be 120. I say will be. I don't say should be. I don't say might be. I don't say want to be. I will be. It's a decision to live a certain way; to be the person I want to be. It's not a matter of trying. It's not a matter of whether or not I can get there. I can get there. It's a matter of will I or won't I. And I will.

Adventures in weight loss!

Half way there.....

I haven't written in qutie some time! I've been busy with school! And when I say school, I mean work... uh.... That's gonna get some getting used to. I'm in school and I work at a school, so it's confusing when I talk about school! I'm easily amused.

I've also been sick a lot. I posted on Facebook the irony that I find in it. I had to quit my job and loose my insurance to student teach, yet I'm now surrounded by germs in the classroom and more prone to illness! First, it was a flu-like illness. This time it was a cold turned Bronchitis! I'm sure I'll be sick lots more before my immune system bulks up.

I have 1 1/2 weeks left at this placement before I move on to the middle school placement. I am not looking forward to being at the middle school, but I am ready to become more involved in the special education aspect of it. My placement at the elementary school was in a general education room, but at hte middle school I'll be with the inclusion specialists. After nearly 2 months in the classroom, I've enjoyed the general education room better than I thought I would. However, I've also discovered that I still have a yearning for helping those students who need specialized one on one instruction.

In other news, we're going to the State Fair this weekend! I haven't been in like 9 years and Jeff has never been! Fried margarita here I come!

The light at the end of the tunnel

This week has been so exhausted I haven't even been able to think straight. Student teaching has been amazing so far but it take a lot out of you physically and mentally. I've also been working 3 nights a week and Saturday and Sunday. I turned in my notice at my job where I have worked for more than a decade and my last day will be this Monday. I'm not sure why I thought I'd actually be able work work half-time while I did my student teaching, but there is absolutely no way that would be possible. I haven't had any free time to do anything but school and work. I'll be playing catch up for a week or two and I can't wait to get back to a normal schedule. I'm celebrating next weekend with an "I quit my job" party and everyone is invited so contact me if you don't get the 411 on it.

My first classroom observation by my clinical supervisor will be next Thursday. I'm actually not nervous about it at all. I took over Reading instruction this week and will be adding writing instruction next week. I'm really excited about it and I'm ready. The school district actually does a lot of the curriculum planning for you so that helps. I have an awesome host teacher. She's one of those model teachers that you want to learn from. I'm blessed to have her mentor me and can't wait for what's to come next.

The Campbell's new Blog!

Hello! Welcome to the daily blog for the Campbell family! Inspired our friends, the Bishop's, I thought I'd create a blog to keep our friends and family update on our life! Of course we all have facebook, but I think this will be a good extension of that!

Here's a little re-cap of our recent happenings. I started student teaching on August 27th and am loving it! I will be student teaching for 4 months. My last day at my current job is September 13th.

Jeff is still looking for work since his lay off, so let us know if you hear of anything! We both started http://www.myfitnesspal.com/ five months ago and have been watching the pounds fall of. Jeff has lost a total of 52 pounds which includes some weight loss before we started the program and I have lost 44 pounds! We have a long way to go but are enjoying the journey.

London started 9th grade at the freshman center this year! He's taking French, Art, and Weight Training in addition to the basics, is going to join Student Council, and is thinking about Lacrosse.

I'll try to update often and add pictures as well!