I can't believe this quarter is nearly over. It's has gone quickly, however, I feel so much more prepared to do my student teaching.. now, I just have to get all my assignments done this for this week. Then, then I'll be home-free, or camp-free.
This past weekend, I went home for my sister's high school graduation. It was neat to see her accomplishments and to see the young men and women Amy and her friends have become. Commencement ceremony went well. Saturday we got everything ready for Amy's graduation party. We cleaned the house, planted flowers, mulched and mowed. Finally, yesterday, her party happened. It was great to see everyone at her party and the food was delicious.
Overall, it was really neat to see all the support she received from friends, family and community members.
Now, that this last blog post is complete, I'll be moving to the next item on my mile-long to do list...
Praying for sanity...
Monday, May 30, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Almost Unbelievable
As I sit here, overwhelmed about all I have to get finished before next week, I can't help but think about life.
3 years ago, I was about to graduate high school. I was worried about how I would wear my hair, practicing my speech and if I would be able to walk in my shoes.
I learned a lot of lessons that one night. On graduation night, I learned that I shouldn't pass slow moving vehicles. I learned that when you get pulled over for speeding by a state patrol, the worst feeling (besides all the people driving past you to get to the ceremony) is when that darn slow moving vehicle runs right past you. Stupid mocking hay wagon.
I can't believe it's been three years. Tomorrow night, my sister will graduate high school. She will begin the next phase of her life. It brings tears to my eyes when I think about all our times together growing up. We shared a room and it was ALWAYS messy. However, it was alway's Amy's fault. (Don't believe me, just ask my mom.) I think about us playing barbies, playing house, and playing school. I remember when we would play "farm" with my brothers. I remember dressing Amy and Joe up and them "getting married." I look back and smile on the times we played in our cattle water trough swimming pool, went on bike rides and played in the sandbox. Even now as I type this I'm listening to the sound track of Pocahontas, one of our very favorite movies.
As I go back, I see how our relationship grew and developed over the years. We were best friends when we were little, then we fought a lot. Then, as time went on we became closer. We would send funny texts during family reunions, laugh about everything and recite movie quotes. We would chat on myspace, which now has become facebook and more recently twitter. Our relationship has grown from playing barbies and house to encouraging each other toward success. We began as sisters and best friends, then hated each other, and now, I'd say we're back to the best friend stage.
I'm so proud of all she has accomplished, and will accomplish!
3 years ago, I was about to graduate high school. I was worried about how I would wear my hair, practicing my speech and if I would be able to walk in my shoes.
I learned a lot of lessons that one night. On graduation night, I learned that I shouldn't pass slow moving vehicles. I learned that when you get pulled over for speeding by a state patrol, the worst feeling (besides all the people driving past you to get to the ceremony) is when that darn slow moving vehicle runs right past you. Stupid mocking hay wagon.
I can't believe it's been three years. Tomorrow night, my sister will graduate high school. She will begin the next phase of her life. It brings tears to my eyes when I think about all our times together growing up. We shared a room and it was ALWAYS messy. However, it was alway's Amy's fault. (Don't believe me, just ask my mom.) I think about us playing barbies, playing house, and playing school. I remember when we would play "farm" with my brothers. I remember dressing Amy and Joe up and them "getting married." I look back and smile on the times we played in our cattle water trough swimming pool, went on bike rides and played in the sandbox. Even now as I type this I'm listening to the sound track of Pocahontas, one of our very favorite movies.
As I go back, I see how our relationship grew and developed over the years. We were best friends when we were little, then we fought a lot. Then, as time went on we became closer. We would send funny texts during family reunions, laugh about everything and recite movie quotes. We would chat on myspace, which now has become facebook and more recently twitter. Our relationship has grown from playing barbies and house to encouraging each other toward success. We began as sisters and best friends, then hated each other, and now, I'd say we're back to the best friend stage.
I'm so proud of all she has accomplished, and will accomplish!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Twitter, Facebook and Blogs... Oh My!
Twitter Account...Check!
Facebook Account...Check!
Old Myspace Account...Check!
StumbleUpon Account...Check!
BlogSpot Account...Check!
Weebly Account...Check!
Gmail Account... Check!
Buckeyemail Account... Check!
Skype Account...Check!
Is your head spinning? Mine is!
If I totalled up all the time I spent on these silly websites, I think I would be appalled. I could spend that time working out, and maybe lost that twenty pounds I've been hoping to. I could cook, I could clean, I could visit with friends, or God-forbid, I could do my homework and get ahead on assignments.
However, social networking has grown ridiculously. I remember back in elementary it started with ICQ and AOL Messenger, then MSN Messenger. When will it end? Now we each have cell phones, with a constant ... hold on, let me answer this text message... okay, where was I? Oh yes, we have a constant connection with the world. Texting, phone calls, words with friends (Are those people really your friends? Do you know them?) Smart Phones remind us that we are only a few wavelengths away from everything.
The last few summers have been a reminder that I can live without technology. Working at FFA Camp has become a passion of mine. Although it is late nights, early mornings, demanding situations, last minute changes in plans, silly campers, injured campers, frustrating moments, stress levels beyond belief, tornado watches, thunderstorms... it is the greatest job on earth!
However, technology is umm.. interesting at camp. I've always had electricity (thank God!) but the internet is completely different. Having high-speed internet at home and on campus has spoiled me, to say the least. Camp has satellite internet. Camp shares satellite internet. Therefore, we only can use so much band-with per 30 days, and when the clouds are covering... no internet. To add to my already ruining dependence on technology, there is no Sprint cell service on camp property. Last summer, if I was able, I could turn my phone at about a 45' angle on my front right bedpost with the antenna toward the window and be able to receive text messages. I also had to have it plugged into the charger. Sometimes...if I stood my phone up on its side I could get a text. However, I was never able to send texts. I suppose walkie-talkie's filled that void for me. Rest assured, I could be reached on those nearly anywhere!
So, as I sit here looking out the window, yearning to be laying in the sunlight, I'm actually here at work, on my computer. (Well, the computer I share with lots of other people, but for now, it's mine.) My realization of dependence on technology is nearly overwhelming. Between all the internet accounts I have, and my phone, my car is super smart (except that my darn keyfob doesn't work), I'm surrounded constantly by internet, cell phones, computers, I-pods, phones.... I am looking more and more forward to camp so that I can just BE. Just be.
Technology, best thing to ever happen, sometimes the worst thing.
Now... time to check stumble upon and look at those wedding pic's of my friend Amanda...
Facebook Account...Check!
Old Myspace Account...Check!
StumbleUpon Account...Check!
BlogSpot Account...Check!
Weebly Account...Check!
Gmail Account... Check!
Buckeyemail Account... Check!
Skype Account...Check!
Is your head spinning? Mine is!
If I totalled up all the time I spent on these silly websites, I think I would be appalled. I could spend that time working out, and maybe lost that twenty pounds I've been hoping to. I could cook, I could clean, I could visit with friends, or God-forbid, I could do my homework and get ahead on assignments.
However, social networking has grown ridiculously. I remember back in elementary it started with ICQ and AOL Messenger, then MSN Messenger. When will it end? Now we each have cell phones, with a constant ... hold on, let me answer this text message... okay, where was I? Oh yes, we have a constant connection with the world. Texting, phone calls, words with friends (Are those people really your friends? Do you know them?) Smart Phones remind us that we are only a few wavelengths away from everything.
The last few summers have been a reminder that I can live without technology. Working at FFA Camp has become a passion of mine. Although it is late nights, early mornings, demanding situations, last minute changes in plans, silly campers, injured campers, frustrating moments, stress levels beyond belief, tornado watches, thunderstorms... it is the greatest job on earth!
However, technology is umm.. interesting at camp. I've always had electricity (thank God!) but the internet is completely different. Having high-speed internet at home and on campus has spoiled me, to say the least. Camp has satellite internet. Camp shares satellite internet. Therefore, we only can use so much band-with per 30 days, and when the clouds are covering... no internet. To add to my already ruining dependence on technology, there is no Sprint cell service on camp property. Last summer, if I was able, I could turn my phone at about a 45' angle on my front right bedpost with the antenna toward the window and be able to receive text messages. I also had to have it plugged into the charger. Sometimes...if I stood my phone up on its side I could get a text. However, I was never able to send texts. I suppose walkie-talkie's filled that void for me. Rest assured, I could be reached on those nearly anywhere!
So, as I sit here looking out the window, yearning to be laying in the sunlight, I'm actually here at work, on my computer. (Well, the computer I share with lots of other people, but for now, it's mine.) My realization of dependence on technology is nearly overwhelming. Between all the internet accounts I have, and my phone, my car is super smart (except that my darn keyfob doesn't work), I'm surrounded constantly by internet, cell phones, computers, I-pods, phones.... I am looking more and more forward to camp so that I can just BE. Just be.
Technology, best thing to ever happen, sometimes the worst thing.
Now... time to check stumble upon and look at those wedding pic's of my friend Amanda...
Monday, May 23, 2011
The Ultimate Experience
FFA Camp Staff.
Pure Awesomeness.
The fun begins on June 6th.
This past weekend I went to FFA Camp with the other staffers for our final weekend of planning before camp begins! I'm really excited! We stayed in the new retreat center. It is just fabulous. (Other than bottoming out my car did on the way up there.) We then did some team building exercises (including blindfolds and mousetraps) and then finalized the schedule for camp.
Sunday Morning we started by seeing what is left of the nature center. It is amazing the destruction that fire can leave on an area. Hopefully it will all be cleaned up by time camp begins in two weeks.
Over all, camp will be great! I'm excited and can't wait to get started! <3 FFA Camp!
Pure Awesomeness.
The fun begins on June 6th.
This past weekend I went to FFA Camp with the other staffers for our final weekend of planning before camp begins! I'm really excited! We stayed in the new retreat center. It is just fabulous. (Other than bottoming out my car did on the way up there.) We then did some team building exercises (including blindfolds and mousetraps) and then finalized the schedule for camp.
Sunday Morning we started by seeing what is left of the nature center. It is amazing the destruction that fire can leave on an area. Hopefully it will all be cleaned up by time camp begins in two weeks.
Over all, camp will be great! I'm excited and can't wait to get started! <3 FFA Camp!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Scarlet and Gray Ag Day
Friday I was one of the lucky individuals who led a group of 5th graders around campus learning about different areas of agriculture.
The first class we went to was Chocolate Science. Here the students tasted White, Milk and Dark Chocolate and learned about cacao bean pods and how chocolate is made.
Our next session was the canulated cow. Students were able to feel the inside of the rumen of a live cow and feel and smell the rumen fluid and other contents. Students looked, felt, and smelt the feedstuffs used to feed dairy cattle, and were even able to look at a slide of rumen contents under a microscope.
One poor little boy was hit when the cow (Brownie) coughed and rumen fluid went all over him. He was not interested in feeling the rumen after that. No worries though, we got him cleaned up and right back into the session.
At the end of the session, the students learned about dairy products and how Ohio plays a role in the industry. Brownie took it upon herself to cough again causing the plug to fly out and even more students to be hit with small particles of rumen fluid.
Thank goodness there wasn't a third time to "charm" us with the insides of the rumen!
We then went to a session in the 4-H center on 4-H where the students performed a simple experiment in the area of food science. They learned about dehydrated foods and how they aid in our society.
Our group then ate lunch, and headed back over to Ag Campus. Students were in a session about bacteria and contamination relating to food safety.
Finally, our students went to the entemology lab where they saw walking sticks from Australia and the United States, as well as beetles, scorpions and even a trantula.
Overall, it was a great day and I'm thankful that teachers and students are interested to know about agriculture. One boy said on his way to the bus, "This is the best field trip EVER!"
I think that pretty much sums up the difference we can make through agriculture and education!
The first class we went to was Chocolate Science. Here the students tasted White, Milk and Dark Chocolate and learned about cacao bean pods and how chocolate is made.
Our next session was the canulated cow. Students were able to feel the inside of the rumen of a live cow and feel and smell the rumen fluid and other contents. Students looked, felt, and smelt the feedstuffs used to feed dairy cattle, and were even able to look at a slide of rumen contents under a microscope.
One poor little boy was hit when the cow (Brownie) coughed and rumen fluid went all over him. He was not interested in feeling the rumen after that. No worries though, we got him cleaned up and right back into the session.
At the end of the session, the students learned about dairy products and how Ohio plays a role in the industry. Brownie took it upon herself to cough again causing the plug to fly out and even more students to be hit with small particles of rumen fluid.
Thank goodness there wasn't a third time to "charm" us with the insides of the rumen!
We then went to a session in the 4-H center on 4-H where the students performed a simple experiment in the area of food science. They learned about dehydrated foods and how they aid in our society.
Our group then ate lunch, and headed back over to Ag Campus. Students were in a session about bacteria and contamination relating to food safety.
Finally, our students went to the entemology lab where they saw walking sticks from Australia and the United States, as well as beetles, scorpions and even a trantula.
Overall, it was a great day and I'm thankful that teachers and students are interested to know about agriculture. One boy said on his way to the bus, "This is the best field trip EVER!"
I think that pretty much sums up the difference we can make through agriculture and education!
Rain Rain, Go Away...
I was so thankful for the chance to make it home this past weekend. However, the dreary gray skies were only a reminder that it is May 15th and my Dad has yet to put one corn or soybean seed in the ground. I like to think of farming as a game of risk. A farmer buys land, takes out loans to purchase machinery, chemicals, nitrogen, and seeds with the hope that the harvest will pay enough to cover costs as well as provide enough money to survive for the next year.
People who don't have that direct connection to farming don't realize the risk farmers take everyday. One day could be the difference of a successful crop. Spraying too close to rain could end up costing the farmer twice as much, therefore cutting into profits.
And beginning to plant almost 500 acres during the middle of May... that's risky business. Not only does that signal numerous late nights (or nights with NO sleep) but it could also signal ruts in the ground causing erosion as well as many other detrimental facts. On a video I recently saw on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joUggaD6Mr0 highlights that farmers have to be "Part agronomist, conservationist, meteorologist, economist and ALL optimist." It also highlights, "To succeed at farming, a thousand things have to go right. Failure usually requires only one thing to go wrong."
Pretty interesting thought, eh?
I'm thankful that I have been privileged enough to grow up and have a deep appreciation and passion for farming and the agricultural industry.
People who don't have that direct connection to farming don't realize the risk farmers take everyday. One day could be the difference of a successful crop. Spraying too close to rain could end up costing the farmer twice as much, therefore cutting into profits.
And beginning to plant almost 500 acres during the middle of May... that's risky business. Not only does that signal numerous late nights (or nights with NO sleep) but it could also signal ruts in the ground causing erosion as well as many other detrimental facts. On a video I recently saw on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joUggaD6Mr0 highlights that farmers have to be "Part agronomist, conservationist, meteorologist, economist and ALL optimist." It also highlights, "To succeed at farming, a thousand things have to go right. Failure usually requires only one thing to go wrong."
Pretty interesting thought, eh?
I'm thankful that I have been privileged enough to grow up and have a deep appreciation and passion for farming and the agricultural industry.
Technology and Teaching
Throughout the last 8 weeks, we have been writing lesson plans. We've also heard the phrase, "Work smarter not harder," numerous times. I'm not sure what it was like to be a teacher back before the convenience of the internet. I do know now, that sharing lesson plans and ideas falls perfectly into the "work smarter not harder" phrase. Just last night while working on a lesson plan for today, I stumbled upon numerous web sites like www.ideas4ag-ed.com. This site has many lesson plans, ideas, units, quizzes, all that agricultural educators have developed or compiled.
What a GREAT resource! I'm thankful that technology has allowed us to have resources at our fingertips!
What a GREAT resource! I'm thankful that technology has allowed us to have resources at our fingertips!
Monday, May 16, 2011
E-Moments
Last week in Methods of Teaching, we learned about engaging moments or E-Moments. Engaging moments provide students a way to learn and engage in the material. My partner Beth and I had "Bob the Weatherman." During our E-moment, students worked in groups to develop an idea and then presented their idea to the class as a "Weather Report." They highlighted the "affected areas," (who would be affected by their idea) showed the "Doppler Radar," (the long term effects) and overall just had fun with it.
Probably one of my favorite E-moments is the "Bob Dylan Moment." During this, Matt Elsass and Meghan McHenry created a song to remember parts of the engine. It was priceless. To make this come to life, they changed the words of "Wild Thing..." At a wedding reception this past weekend, the song "Wild Thing" came on, and I sang "Valve Spring... you make my engine sing, you make everything run smooooothly."
One more credential to E-Moments and that they DO work!
Probably one of my favorite E-moments is the "Bob Dylan Moment." During this, Matt Elsass and Meghan McHenry created a song to remember parts of the engine. It was priceless. To make this come to life, they changed the words of "Wild Thing..." At a wedding reception this past weekend, the song "Wild Thing" came on, and I sang "Valve Spring... you make my engine sing, you make everything run smooooothly."
One more credential to E-Moments and that they DO work!
Random Conversations
Saturday morning I took my little sisters to swim lessons at the YMCA. I wasn't allowed to swim, so I went to the hot tub and struck up a random conversation with a guy named Brian. He told me about his family and throughout our conversation, I learned that his son has a learning disability. The education system has failed his son. He has refused to allow his son to have an IEP. When an IEP was written up, it wanted to curve his grades, not make him do better. He struggles with reading, therefore struggles in every other subject.
While hearing this story, I became very upset. How can we, as educators, ensure this does not happen? They are looking to put him in a co-op program in a construction area. I tried to get my foot in the door and tell him about agricultural education and how the hands on learning could be a benefit for his son. I hope he looks into it.
While I am passionate and believe in education, I realize that the system has flaws. What can I do to help every student succeed? This the question I intend to have posted in my classroom one day to remind me of my career. It's not just teaching students about agriculture, it's pushing them to succeed and learn on their own. It's about giving them the tools they need to accomplish their goals.
While hearing this story, I became very upset. How can we, as educators, ensure this does not happen? They are looking to put him in a co-op program in a construction area. I tried to get my foot in the door and tell him about agricultural education and how the hands on learning could be a benefit for his son. I hope he looks into it.
While I am passionate and believe in education, I realize that the system has flaws. What can I do to help every student succeed? This the question I intend to have posted in my classroom one day to remind me of my career. It's not just teaching students about agriculture, it's pushing them to succeed and learn on their own. It's about giving them the tools they need to accomplish their goals.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
State FFA Convention
Tomorrow marks the start of the 83rd Ohio FFA Convention. I had the opportunity to attend convention every year with my chapter. I enjoyed listening to the speakers, staying in hotels and all of the fun activities we would do while in Columbus. However the year that sticks out the most, is my senior year convention in 2008.
I remember it like it was yesterday. I was the only senior on the trip and I was running for state office. The first session was fine, I listened and was attentive but the only thing I could think about was what would happen when they announced the ballot. At the end of that session, they announced the ballot. I was a nervous wreck. My name was announced as a candidate for State FFA Treasurer! I was so excited!
I don't remember the question I answered, I don't remember much of being backstage, but what I do remember is that level of excitement.
The rest of the day and the next day were a blur. I was just going through the motions. When it came time for the last session, I was losing it. My stomach was churning and in my throat. I've never had those same emotions since. I was sitting between my parents, holding my Mom's hand.
Then, it came time to announce the new officers. I had to tell myself to breathe. I was sitting there. I can close my eyes and I'm right back in that situation. I'm sitting there, eyes closed, leaning over. I was so nervous.
They called my name as State FFA Treasurer! I jumped up, hugged my parents, breathed a sigh of relief, hugged my advisor and headed to the stage.
Friday evening, there will be 16 members sitting in the audience at convention waiting to hear their names called. They will have the same feelings of relief as I did. I can't wait to see the excitement on their faces!
I remember it like it was yesterday. I was the only senior on the trip and I was running for state office. The first session was fine, I listened and was attentive but the only thing I could think about was what would happen when they announced the ballot. At the end of that session, they announced the ballot. I was a nervous wreck. My name was announced as a candidate for State FFA Treasurer! I was so excited!
I don't remember the question I answered, I don't remember much of being backstage, but what I do remember is that level of excitement.
The rest of the day and the next day were a blur. I was just going through the motions. When it came time for the last session, I was losing it. My stomach was churning and in my throat. I've never had those same emotions since. I was sitting between my parents, holding my Mom's hand.
Then, it came time to announce the new officers. I had to tell myself to breathe. I was sitting there. I can close my eyes and I'm right back in that situation. I'm sitting there, eyes closed, leaning over. I was so nervous.
They called my name as State FFA Treasurer! I jumped up, hugged my parents, breathed a sigh of relief, hugged my advisor and headed to the stage.
Friday evening, there will be 16 members sitting in the audience at convention waiting to hear their names called. They will have the same feelings of relief as I did. I can't wait to see the excitement on their faces!
Watering Plants
Today at work, Trina asked me to water the large plant in her office. What should have been a five minute watering job turned into a 25 minute cleaning job. Things learned today:
- Don't put more than one full container of water into the plant barrel.
- The bottom pan has a crack (or more) somewhere.
- Recycling bins make great water catchers.
- Waterfall sounds are relaxing.
- Too much water makes Trina's office smell like a forest.
- Don't waste time getting paper towels, just pop the whole roll out of the dispenser and bring to the office. Much more efficient.
I think it's going to be one of those days!
Inspiration
Albert Einstein said, "Everybody is a genius. But if you only judge a fish by his ability to climb a tree, it will spend its whole life thinking it's stupid."
This quote, the more I think about it, applies to nearly every aspect of life. Whether in the classroom, meeting someone new, or encouraging someone to accomplish their goals, it still applies.
My first thought when I read this quote was how can I apply this in the classroom. When thinking about my future, I will have lots of different kinds of students. I will have students with different, backgrounds, home life, experiences, interests, ethnicities, IQ levels, motivation levels, learning styles... the list goes on and on. I HAVE to look at each student and tell them that they are special and they will make a difference, they will be successful! I can't judge their ability to climb trees, I have to look at their strengths and judge them on what they can do.
In thinking about this quote, it applies to meeting someone new. If we assume that they are a genius in something, and our conversation is like a game to discover their sweet spot, find out what makes them move, I think that we would have much more meaningful conversations.
Can anyone else think of ways that this quote might apply to other areas of life?
Sara
This quote, the more I think about it, applies to nearly every aspect of life. Whether in the classroom, meeting someone new, or encouraging someone to accomplish their goals, it still applies.
My first thought when I read this quote was how can I apply this in the classroom. When thinking about my future, I will have lots of different kinds of students. I will have students with different, backgrounds, home life, experiences, interests, ethnicities, IQ levels, motivation levels, learning styles... the list goes on and on. I HAVE to look at each student and tell them that they are special and they will make a difference, they will be successful! I can't judge their ability to climb trees, I have to look at their strengths and judge them on what they can do.
In thinking about this quote, it applies to meeting someone new. If we assume that they are a genius in something, and our conversation is like a game to discover their sweet spot, find out what makes them move, I think that we would have much more meaningful conversations.
Can anyone else think of ways that this quote might apply to other areas of life?
Sara
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