A New Beginning...

December 31, 2013

I'm so excited!  My first blog!  I have been inspired to start my first blog because of the fantastic people I work with at Merton School.  They are an innovative bunch with lots of enthusiasm and great ideas.  Furthermore, I have been asked by our principal (@posickj) to answer 11 questions in conjunction with his achievement of the "Sunshine Award" from Matt Renwick @ReadByExample.


#1.  What is your favorite thing to do with your family?

I enjoy vacationing, playing games, and going out to eat with my wonderful husband and two awesome boys!


#2.  If you could be anyone other than yourself, who would that be?

Right now I would have to say Aaron Craft, a member of the Ohio State Buckeye Basketball team.  I've read so many articles about him, not to mention I follow his roommates on twitter, and he is just one of those all around great guys.  Not only is he a fantastic athlete out on the court but he is a stellar human being on all fronts.  Character is a big deal to me and his character is strong, hard working, selfless, and kind!  A winner in my book.


#3.  What one thing are you most proud of?

I am most proud of my boys.  Logan is 13 and Cameron is 11.  They are both turning into such fine young men.  I wish I could stop time, because they are growing up way too fast!  I look at their baby pictures and my heart just melts.  


#4.  If you could change one thing about education, what would it be and why?

I would do the least amount of required standardized testing and not one stitch more.  I want to use my time creating, collaborating, connecting, and communicating with my students!  They are so much more than a test score. P.S.  If I had a magic wand, I would make all of the Debbie Downers into "Positive Polly's!"  


#5.  When you have one hour to yourself, what do you like to do?

I enjoy going to the outlet mall, swimming, and love, love, love going out to dinner with girlfriends!


#6.  If you could visit any place in the world, where would you go and why?

This is easy...hands down:  Hawaii!  I've always wanted to go there!  The warmth, the beauty, the beaches!  My husband and I are hoping to go there next year for our 20th wedding anniversary!  Stay tuned!


#7.  If you won the lottery today, what would be the first thing you did?

I would surround myself with really smart people so that I would make good decisions on how to spend, share, and save the money.


#8.  If you could start your own school from scratch, what would be the three things you must have to make sure the students are successful?

I would want the students to have an enthusiastic teacher in front of them who is constantly willing to learn new things, a computer (duh!), and a principal who fosters the awesome feeling that each and every student and staff member matter within the walls of his/her school.


#9.  What book(s) are you reading now and why?

I am reading "The Autistic Brain" by Temple Grandin and "The Reason I Jump" by Naoki Higashida.  My son was diagnosed with Autism (PDD/NOS) at 15 months so I try to "gobble up" all I can about this most fascinating disorder. So far they are both excellent books.  I had the honor and privilege of meeting Temple Grandin a couple of years ago.


#10.  How would your friends describe you?

I hope they would say that I am happy, smiley, someone they can count on and a person who loves to dance!  :)


#11.  How many pairs of shoes do you own?

I have very wide and short feet...so shoes are not my friend.  I have a difficult time finding ones that work for me.  I have basic pairs that get me by each season.  When I find something that fits, I buy it in every color.  Now, had you asked me about handbags, that would have been a different story!  :)




~ Happy New Year's Eve from snowy Wisconsin.  Looking forward to more blogging and connecting in 2014!