Thoughts On My First Week of Teaching

Thoughts On My First Week of Teaching

Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Dress: Thrifted (Vintage) | Shoes: Thrifted | Purse: c/o Gamiss | Earrings: Target

Well, I survived my first week of school as a teacher!!! To be honest I don't think it really hit me till Tuesday, then Wednesday I hit a wall of tiredness and Friday was officially the shortest day ever! Needless to say, my first week in the classroom as a teacher was nothing like I expected it to be and everything I hoped it would be:)

For two weeks I had been counting down the days till the first day of school when I would finally get to meet my students, and the Thursday before the first day (when I got my class rosters) it all started to get a little more real because I could put names to my classes. 

The first day seemed like a whirlwind! All my class periods went by so fast and it was all I could do to take in all the many faces, names, personalities, and abilities that walked through my door. After Monday I got into more of a routine as I got used to the daily schedule and slowly got to know each class better and each student more specifically. 

Within our school district we are always encouraged to take the first week to build relationships, so my first week of teaching was spent getting to know my students, doing icebreakers, practicing teamwork, and getting to know different aspects of my students and each one of my classes. 

What I learned and realized:

I've always heard teachers say that when you start teaching you will be the tiredest you have ever been, and apart from many other things, I can definitely agree that is true! While I might wake up at 4:45 am every morning its not necessarily the early mornings that get me (I have become more of a morning person), but rather the busy schedule and 24/7 energy! My personality and personality weaknesses as an Introvert have definitely been challenged since starting my job and I think it is more so my "Introverted" personality that causes me to feel EXHAUSTED when I get home every day....it's not that I am necessarily tired, but more so that I feel drained (which is understandable considering the environment that I work in). But I've heard it gets better so here's to pressing forward! 

I've never drank this much coffee every day (well except for when I was student teaching). I now have two cups of coffee before 7:20 am every morning and some days make another cup around 10:00 am with the Keurig I have in my classroom:)

I don't think I have ever talked this much in my life!!! I went from talking maybe 2 hours total a day to talking close to 6 hours every day... that has been something to get used to. I don't mind talking in front of my classes, in fact I become a completely different person when placed in a teaching role (very animated and loud) and I haven't actually felt myself start to shrink into my "Introvert Shell" while teaching (now when I am with other co-workers that can be a different story). 

Building relationships with your students is soooo important! While I have definitely only skimmed the surface of each of my students personalities, I can see, going into the second week, just how vital everything I did the first week was in creating the class atmospheres that exist currently. I also love that I had my students create their own class values, because they have actually started to keep each other accountable to behaving well in class, so I am curious to see how that continues to go:) 

High Schoolers are awesome, crazy, & at times a mystery but I love the variety of personalities I have in my class every day and the variety of students ranging from athletes, band members, color guard, student council and more! 

I can without a doubt say that my first week of teaching was probably one of the most CHALLENGING things I have done in my life (even more than my RA job in college), probably because it's just me & my students and I am in charge and the go to person.  However, despite all of the craziness and at times overwhelming "to do" list it has been amazing! At times it still seems like a dream and at other times it seems like I am simply doing what I was always meant to do, but whatever my daily feeling I can't wait to see what else this adventure has in store!

Outfit Details: 

So this isn't an outfit that I taught in, but a fun summer outfit a wore a few weeks back. I picked up this dress at the thrift store because it reminded me of Jessica Day from New Girl, which considering she is a teacher, and at times an unconventional one at that I can't help but look to her for "teacher style" inspiration:) 

- Madison

I've Got Sunshine On A Cloudy Day

I've Got Sunshine On A Cloudy Day

Friday, September 1, 2017

Dress: Made 

Shoes: Old Navy (old)

Purse: Vintage

Belt: Vintage

Earrings: Vintage

It feels like FOREVER since I have posted something on the blog! Student teaching has definitely put my life in a while different gear work and time wise. Oddly enough however, I have actually had the entire week off, but blogging just didn't seem like a top priority with everything else going on.
If you keep up with the news you might have heard about Hurricane Harvey that hit the coast of Texas and Houston. Thankfully my family and I didn't have any damage from the storm, but sadly we know a number of people who lost their homes.

Seeing the destruction that hit Houston and other towns was heartbreaking and seeing the number of people who lost their homes and all their possessions made me realize how fortunate and abundantly blessed I am. While it almost seems horrible to realize that my family and I were spared while others lost so much, it gave us an opportunity to go out into our community to volunteer, pick up supplies for local shelters, and help those who were hit hard by the storm.

Despite the horrible events and aftermath of a disaster such as a hurricane, it has been AMAZING to see people come together and lend a helping hand, financial support, supplies, and prayer....often times for complete strangers. Even more incredible, is that in the midst of a divided nation whether it be in regards to government, religion, or anything else, people were willing to drop everything, forget about their differences and help one another. Sometimes it takes storms (physical and metaphorical) to teach us lessons and pull our focus off of ourselves and instead focus on others and the world around us. Even amidst this devastating destruction, my hope for the American people has truly been restored this week! Yes, there is still much to recover from and our country is still divided, but if the events of Hurricane Harvey have taught me anything it is that people still care for their neighbors and for complete strangers, and above anything there is still HOPE!

I pray that in the aftermath of this storm and in the midst of Houston and other towns recovering and rebuilding, that people will hold onto that hope and that it will become our focus every day!

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In regards to this outfit, these pictures were actually taken back in June (I know....why has it taken me this long to share them)! However, this is definitely one of my FAVORITE sheet dresses.....yes, you heard me right, I said sheet dresses because I do in fact have 7 dresses (all my favorites) made out of sheets (see here, here, here, and here). I don't always wear things that are fully, cheerfully colorful but this dress reminds me of a lollipop and I LOVE it! Plus it's ridiculously comfortable and cool and twirly so:) I decided that with color comes color and paired it with a cheerful bouquet of flowers from Trader Joe's (who doesn't love their flowers), heels from old navy, vintage clip on earrings, and this colorful embroidered vintage purse. Plus an pop of pink lipstick and a milkmaid braid (which my hair is long enough to do now) didn't hurt either!

-Madison

All The Colors

All The Colors

Monday, June 27, 2016

Dress: Thrifted (Talbots)

Shoes: Marshalls (Steve Madden)

Sunnies: Five Below

Bag: Borrowed From a Friend

**Pictures By My Sister Taylor**

I think BOLD and crazy colors are my new favorite thing for summer! My wardrobe is such a random mix of styles, silhouettes, prints, and colors that its completely impossible to pinpoint what I like the most. Sometimes I am all for simple plain earthy tones, sometimes I am all for prints, and other times it is all about the colors! Oh.....and don't even get me started on eras of fashion.....that's a whole nother ballgame. However, to me, summer is truly about the POPS of color that we bring out of our wardrobe and add to the sunny (and hot) days. Therefore, when I think of summer and vibrant colors this candy colored dress is a "dream come true". 

I found this dress at Goodwill last week and fell in love with it when I saw it on the hanger! I immediately thought of the 1960's when I saw the silhouette, colors, and fabric and started dreaming up where I would wear it and with what. To say that this dress is perfect in every way is an understatement, but it truly is perfect! Not to mention that the dress is Talbots, which always happens to be a brand that I buy most often at thrift stores for their classic and timeless styles. While this is most definitely a style that came out in the last couple of years from Talbots, it seems as though it were pulled straight from the 60's and to be honest the 60's seem to be my style muse for the summer (we shall see where that takes me). 

It seems like every summer I make a plan of finding a cotton/spandex dress that is simple and easy to throw on for busy days or when I am in a hurry. Often times however, the dresses fall short as they are of a poor quality or appear way to modern and not classic enough for me. Needless to say, this dress is the complete opposite of all the downsides I have run into before and I am so in LOVE with it. Not only is it so dreamily comfortable, but it is also a sturdy quality which means I don't have to wear a tank top underneath so "hello no heat stroke in the summer humidity!"

While this ensemble would have been perfected by my oversized floral 1960's cat eye style sunnies (left at home) and a head scarf (because you have to keep your hair safe from the wind) I think this look is the first of many to come out of this dress!

I hope all of you lovely readers are having a wonderful summer so far! Let me know what you have been up to in the comments below:)

Do you have a perfect dress to throw on for busy days?

Are colors a main part of your summer wardrobe?

What do you think of the 1960's?

-Madison

The Colors of The Sun

The Colors of The Sun

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Skirt: Minnie's Menagerie (vintage)

Shirt: Thrifted (Anthropologie)

Belt: Minnie's Menagerie (Vintage)

Shoes:Thrifted 

Necklace: Icings

**Pictures by me & Betsy my Camera**

I might not venture outside for long periods of time as often as I should because life tends to get a bit crazy and I often sacrifice time being outdoors exploring for homework, To Do lists, and other such busy work. However, there is always a mystery and magic that the outdoors exudes in its rustling trees, sprouting plants, many crisp colors, and wildlife all around. The times I do get a free chance to venture outside (especially into the less populated and wooded areas) my mind immediately becomes a buzz of daydreams and I almost feel transported to a fairytale, or what I would more recognizably consider an "Anne" moment..........because we all know Anne and her imagination, especially with the outdoors. 

Maybe it is the silence with the songs and whispers of the forest, or maybe its the beauty in the life and flowers around me, but being in nature fills me with a since of warmth and inspiration that makes me want to sit down and write a novel or lie down in the grass and bask in the sun's warm rays for a nap (though I would wake up red as a tomato). 

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I am pretty sure my ankles were scratched up and my shoes filled with grass and seeds by the time I was done snapping these pictures, but it was completely worth it and this ensemble combination made everything even better and vibrant! 

Apparently this shirt is from Anthropologie.....who knew! I thrifted this shirt back around spring break and immediately fell in love with the color, print, and feel of the fabric (what is better than a lemon printed rayon blouse...nothing!). Then, come to find out this same shirt is worn by Riley in the TV show Baby Daddy (for any of you familiar with that show) and then while searching for its origin for this post, I find out its from Anthropoligie! Therefore, I now have one clothing piece from Anthropologie and I thrifted it for $4.....I would call that a steal and a treasure. 

A few years ago I hardly wore any yellow and now my closet has a number of pieces colored like the sun, including four yellow themed sundresses all made out of sheets! I have heard it said that while yellow is supposed to make you feel vibrant and energized it can often make one feel irritated......I however don't hold a negative view towards the color what so ever as it reminds me of the sun and its glistening rays! 

Apparently blue and yellow pair quite nicely together as I quickly threw this outfit together while running late to work, but it turned out fabulous and I think this combo will be on repeat this summer :) 

Do you like the color yellow or do you have any yellow pieces in your closet? 

Ever thrifted anthropologie for a steal? 

What are your feelings towards the outdoors?

-Madison

//Bramblewood Thrifted// Day 3: Colors of Spring

//Bramblewood Thrifted// Day 3: Colors of Spring

Sunday, March 13, 2016

Dress: Thrifted (Brooks Brothers)
Sweater: Thrifted (The Limited)
Shoes: Payless (Old)
Earrings: Target

Welcome to day #3 of the Bramblewood Thrifted blog event! I hope that you all are basking in the glory and beauty of God's majestic creation today as the birds sing his praises and the sun warms the earth.

Since both of the ensembles I have done so far with this event have been on a more neutral and basic side I thought I would liven things up a bit with some cheery spring colors (but really I just grabbed this out of my closet in a hurry). As I mentioned in my previous post, I was able to do a bit of thrifting over spring break...yippie....and as a result of that this dress was one of my finds! 

I was very excited when I found this dress on the rack but even more excited that it actually fit me. I seem to always go for button up/collared shirts and dresses in the spring and summer, therefore this dress was perfect. I loved how simple it was (apparently I am on a simplicity kick) but it was also super classic. Because of the cut and color I feel like I can do a lot with this dress as well as make it versatile for multiple decades. This sweater on the other hand is a thrifted piece and is my go to in the spring because apparently the color seems to go with nearly every one of my dresses (which is odd since the color is a weird hue). I like to find short sleeve sweaters to wear with my spring dresses because there are a lot of days that I just don't feel comfortable wearing a dress without sleeves. 

All in all this look is pretty basic. I didn't even wear a necklace with it, only a pair of pearl earrings. However, I look forwards to playing with more combos when it comes to this dress of the spring and summer. Oh......and if you are wondering I did get my hair cut! It is much....much shorter than it was before (it might actually be the shortest I have ever had it) but so far it am liking how easy it is:) 

That is all for now lovely readers! Tomorrow (Monday) is a bonus day for the blog event and with focus on an thrifted outfit that is vintage or vintage inspired so here's to hoping I manage to get some pictures taken Monday morning. 

-Madison