Life of the Party

      Yeah, I will express my opinion, and many of you will not agree with it. I'm okay with  that because everyone is entitled to have their own opinions. So here goes nothing...     I believe in allowing extra credit  submissions but with limitations. The kids have to complete the regular assigned work first. All extra credit assignments are hard! It's meant to be challenging and to add to our current field of study. It is ALWAYS on grade level and requires 30 or minutes to complete. It is not completed in class. Students cannot ask for extra credit if they did not put forth an effort in the original project.     Effort matters more to me than anything else. Students cannot simply pull a 50 up to passing with out really putting in the work to get there. I always allow students to ask questions and to receive help, but I will not complete their extra credit for my students.      We have had trainings in the past that discourag...

   Some days are longer than others. My day doesn't always end with getting to go home. Somedays I have to take trips out of state to deliver goats and pick up chickens. 100 chickens may not seem like a lot to some people, but man... having to catch them by hand makes it seem more like one thousand.  It's amazing how close we live to two different state lines. I can be in a different state within a hour. I was sad so see my last little billy leave, but I know it what happens. After getting lost countless times, we finally arrived in time to see the buyer's set up. I loved her barn and she was the most nicest granny I have ever met. She even offered for us to stay with her for the night.  I only wanted a few chickens, but here we are with 100. What am I going to do with all of these eggs? I guess I'll be doing a LOT of cooking in the near future. Any ideas? Please send them my way. 

      As Spring slowly makes her way over the mountains, we can see the new life she brings with her. This time of year is always busy with new projects and welcoming new life. Today, I'm thankful for clean air to breathe and the sounds coming from my small farm.     The ground has just started breaking as my tulip bulbs are pushing their way to sunlight. I can see the small green stems struggling to make their way up. I'm so excited to see the array of colors this year. I bought some Red Deaths to plant along with purple just before the first snow. The color of the Red Deaths is more of a dark blood red and I couldn't believe I found them in Asheville.      I have two broody chickens sitting on eggs and I'm patently waiting for them to hatch. Baby chicks are always my favorite to watch. Mama our hateful hen has always been the best mom. She will even adopt other orphan chicks. She no longer lays eggs of her own, but she will "adopt" any egg place...

  Well, the hype was not worth the trip. I was very disappointed in the food, smell, and overall experience. We were greeted by a very overstimulated hostess that couldn't get her phone out of her face. She was posting things on Snap Chat (I could tell because of the failure sounds) She seemed somewhat annoyed that she had to seat us and stop playing. Our waitress was super sweet and deserves so much praise thrown her way!       I will say that our pimento cheese dip was to die for. It was absolutely amazing and I would highly suggest ordering it. My husband's steak was a massive let down. He loves a good steak and for him to not eat what he ordered is unheard of. At the price of $30 I expect the food to be warm and tasty. He didn't eat any of his side vegetables and his mash potatoes were super cold.      I had order the Cowboy tacos. The smell of fish was so overwhelming that I became sick. I had ordered the chicken version, but it smelled like ...

      I'm not sure what my opinion is of this establishment, but the workers are beyond friendly and extremely accommodating. Taylor had a massive blowout and a worker allowed me to use the employee bathroom downstairs to clean her up. The regular public restrooms are up stairs. I was beyond thankful!     The bear exhibit seems somewhat sad. I felt so sorry for the two young sun bears begging for food in the small enclosure. It's hard to give a valid opinion of a business when they have both good and bad aspects. We don't go and seek out zoos, but we were already in the store. My husband had seen a sign for Pandora and he wanted to go in. He bought a charm as a gift and seen the bear sign.      I would give the bear zoo a 3 out of five stars just because it was so small.  The bears need more room. I would give the store front and staff a 5 out of 5. 

      All people who live in wooded areas will experience a raccoon A.K.A trash panda. Let's talk about my experience this morning. It was an epic adventure and I almost died. I'm not even kidding!      I heard something outside, so I grabbed my gun and made my way to the porch. I didn't immediately see or hear anything once I got outside. I slipped on my yard shoes and walked out toward the cars. I was just  stealthy ask I was creeping along the rock path. We have several motion lights around the yard and to my surprise none them were on. I as rounded the corner of the house the back light came on.      There, a few feet in front of me, was a raccoon. Not just any  raccoon, but one with a gnarly story to tell. He has went through some major trauma in the past. He had whole places of fur missing and scarred skin poking out. He did not retreat but instead chased me. Yes, before you ask, I did run. He stopped once the brighter light o...

      It's a scary time to be living in Western North Carolina. I'm praying for rain to come our way. This morning I saw the blazing fire in the dark. The dread that filled me was overly consuming. I pulled my car off the road to get a good look at it and call it in. With no rain and high winds the raging fires are moving fast and people are having to be evacuated. This time of year stresses me out the most.      I fear for my home, safety, family, and the safety of my animals. If we had to leave I wouldn't be able to transport all of my goats with me, which really saddens me. I didn't even start thinking about it until this morning. I guess I would set them free and try to take as many of them with me as possible. Hopefully, I will not have to cross that bridge anytime soon.      We have been warned for days to NOT burn or have an open flame. The news has overly stressed the situation and yet there are still fires that pop up.    ...

    Once again, I would like to brag on my school's book club. We are able to gain cultural CEU's while reading Native American written books. Each book selection has been incredibly captivating and this book was of the same caliber. Amanda Peters out did herself the heat breaking story of a girl stolen. I loved how the author wove the story of brother and sister's perspectives of how being taken shapes their lives.      I had this downloaded on Audible and I had a paper copy. I think I enjoyed listening to the book more than concrete reading it this time. The narration was on point!    Now back to the Covenant series!

      Sometimes we grow bored with the path we have chosen. I do not regret the time I have had in teaching, but I am considering a career shift in the near future. Teacher burn out is real and right now I think I'm in the thick of it.      Researching different jobs is so exhausting. I'm still unsure if I want to leave this behind. Maybe a curriculum shift is just want I need? I loved teaching ELA in the past, so maybe I should seek out a position in that area? Novels, short stories, and vocabulary building used to be my jam. I miss the good days of deep diving in to EOG prep as well.      Mom guilt also has me so stressed out and plays a major role in my everyday life. My commute is over an hour away, so maybe moving closer would ease the stress. I could even go back to school for a different  career entirely. I would love to finish my Natural Resource Management degree. The only reason I didn't finish it the first time was becaus...

      I have enjoyed this book from the opening scene. The authors have built such an incredible story that keeps you guessing the whole way. I would give this book a 5 out of 5 rating! I loved that each character had a distinct voice, which my mental imagery explore! I never had to struggle to keep up with the different character point of views. Justine's character was my favorite and I would love to hear more about her tragic life!      Everyone is a suspect, but several widows will find the truth and put their friendship to the test. Their unlikely friendship makes for one amazing book! 

      Sickness has hit our household like a tornado. I'm the only one who has zero symptoms, so I guess I should consider myself lucky. So far my husband has pretty much lived in the restroom. He cannot keep anything down. My toddler's low grade fever has persisted over three days.        This is no joke! I cannot believe how it has broke down my husband. He is never one to complain or even act like he isn't feeling well. His moto is always, "fake it until you make." I'm cleaning like a crazy person each day when I get home. Maybe my immune system will hold out and fight off this sickness. I'm exposed to it every day at work and I think that has been a benefit for my body.  I have currently bought over 10 cans of lysol to spray all the door handles. Hopefully, this will work. 

      In today's modern world you may think there is no need for map skills. I would be inclined to have a similar opinion, well at least that was until I was faced with yesterday's adventure. The directory at the outlets in Pigeon Forge is insane. The map key was not updated to the new symbols represented on the actual map. 

      Let's talk about hay. Man.... this stuff is expensive, but it's also needed during the winter months. The prices of our local provider continues to climb. Everything seems to be experiencing inflation! At this rate we may just eat our goats and call it even, lol.      I was totally joking. I don't think I could eat any of my goats. I hope the kudzu starts to sprout soon, because it really cuts down on my hay bill. 

  There is absolutely nothing like a long relaxing drive, especially, across the Blue Ridge Parkway. As the somewhat storm clouds hovered in, I took a few moments to drink in the view. I love these mountains and I could imagine living anywhere else.  I would highly suggest taking the long route and take in the breathtaking views. The road isn't always busy and there are mulitple places to stop and hike. After the deadly storms from this past weekend, I expected the road to be closed, but to my surprise they were fully open.         My child refuses to ride in the car for more than thirty minutes at a time. I'm thankful for all the pull off areas! She loves to make the random stops as well.    I cannot wait until Spring break so I can go on day trips across the mountain. We usually pack a picnic and make a whole day of it. 

 Dove's book has a slow moving plot and doesn't really reach a climatic event until the last few chapters. I spent most of my time wishing the book would just "move on." I think the lack of a back story also made this book not reach its full potential.  I would rate this book a 3.5 out of 5. I know that seems like a harsh rating. I quickly devoured this book just to be done with it. I still want to know the full story about Quinn and how or why she died. I understand she was murdered, but why was she in that situation in the first place?      This book selection was from our monthly book club at work. There were so many high praises online, but it just didn't live up to the hype. I do like the strong female lead! Her outlook on life was somewhat dismal though. I should have listened to it on Audible. Maybe the dramatization of someone else reading it could have made it better?  

       Luck? No, I'm not lucky by no means. Some family members kids were collecting money for their end of year trip by selling raffle tickets for an Apple Watch. It was just a dollar for each ticket and I had two dollars in my pocket. So, I took the chance and bought the tickets. It supports my niece's trip and I might get something out of it too.         Oh and I did! I won a new Apple Watch. I'm super impressed with everything this small item has to offer. From heart rate readings to step counting. I can receive and send text messages from my wrist. It's a SE model, not that I know a lot of differences between them. I love to smooth sleek design and white band that came with it. I also read that it is water proof, but we are NOT testing that feature out anytime soon. I can pick watch faces that fit my needs for the day. I'm in absolute love with this new gadget. This type of technology seems like it could be addictive.     ...

      I cannot believe this school year has passed by so quickly. Each year my students complete a modern day propaganda poster project in my class. I provide examples, a detailed rubric, and a self assessment. Students do a walk through gallery where they analyze one peer's project. This usually is completed in a Google form. Their critique is only seem by me, so each student doesn't feel too targeted.      I was really blown away by their work this year. Some of the topics are already a hot spot in media, but the topic was still important to my middle schoolers. Each year this project provides me with a glimpse of what they are thinking. 

    She left me with a cliffhanger with this latest book. I want to know what happens with Alex! So many missing details was reviled during the last few chapters that I have already sought out the next book! I would rate this book a 4.2. As always Armentrout has out done herself with the internal dialogue of Alex. I just cannot get enough! The only reason I would not rate this book with all five stars is because, she has left our other main character out. I want to know Seth's side of the story, or at least what is happening to him. 

    This morning started out like all the others, monotonous. Nothing out of the ordinary happened until I reached the boundary. This over vivd sunrise was there to greet me, so I decided to share it with you.      It's mornings and sights like this that make me long for early morning fishing trips with my grandpa. We used to be up before 5 AM to prep our secret fishing hole along the creek bank. "You always wanted to slip in before the fish could see," my grandpa would explain. "They are smarter than you can imagine." I remember him inspecting my fishing outfit before climbing into his overly tall truck. If you wore white he would make you change clothes.      The long hike to our fishing spot was always an adventure. I was always nervous about the flashlights dying before day break.  Batteries only lasted so long. I cherish these memories as an adult and often have dreams of fishing. I miss my grandfather beyond measure. He was the rock of ...

      You will never hear me say that I dislike two hour delays. I'm always appreciative of that extra time to sleep. This morning's drive was even extra special because I got to stop for breakfast and read for a bit in my car. Yes, it is a luxury to have that time.      We had a two hour delay due to the 1A basketball championship games. They are being held so far away from home that our kids aren't getting home until after 2AM. I will always praise the school I work for when it comes to supporting our kids. 

      This book was a breath of fresh air in the series. One reason that contributes to this change is the book's perspective switching from Alex to Ayden. I loved hearing his outlook and feelings of what was happening. I cannot help but think about how the whole story would be so much better if completely written from his perspective. I would rate this book a 5 out of 5. 

      NC teacher license renewal is always stressful. It might just be a "me thing." We have several years to obtain all of our CEU credits, but I still worry that I didn't get enough. It's important to gain new knowledge in each area. Everything is constantly changing in education that being updated is vital! New ideas along with new teaching jargon is always altering itself.      My goal is to one day have a career status  license where I do not have to constantly renew!

 I know Spring is near because our kidding season has begun. I thought I'd share some images of first baby of the season. Meet Button, a feisty young lady who is ready for some cuddle time. Snowflake's first kidding season was a success!  Button had one of the largest birth weights we have ever had. Weighing in at 3lbs, she is more than perfect! I don't know if you can tell or not, but she has ferocious blue  eyes with the personality to match. Hopefully I can talk my husband into keeping her! 1 She has shown no fear and will climb up into your lap. Her mother has the same loving nature.        Snowflake has been a part of our herd for a few years, but has never had babies. We have always assumed she was sterile. She's my baby, so she got to stay and be a field ornament. She usually stays super fat, so I never even expected her to be pregnant.       She will receive her CD&T shots sometime this week. I know I shouldn't get too attach...

      Everything that could go wrong did this week. I'm exhausted and cannot seem to even find the energy to move. I  have camped out here on the couch today trying my best to rest up.   Monday : I forgot my classroom keys twice. The first time I had to turn around and return home to grab them off the table. The second time I forgot them in my car and couldn't get into my classroom. I walked all the way out to my car only to return to my classroom because I left my car keys on my desk. While feeding the goats I remembered that I had left their vitamins on the table. I walked back to the house only to discover they were in my pocket all along. Tuesday : My work computer prompted me to change my password. What an adventure that was? I used one that I thought I could simply recall, but it turns out I had accidentally put a period in there too. Thankful is an understatement when it comes to the IT crew. He was able to reset it within minutes. During lunch I dumped m...

    This author has truly hooked me as a reader. I have currently and quickly finished the first few books, but Deity has brought a whole new level of society into the picture of Alex's world where Gods freely interact with Pures and Halves. I would suggest that this book receive a 4.5 in rating. The narration is killing me to my core with the "male" voices. She does an amazing job with all the female leads, but her male voice is hard to listen to. I would suggest that they get an actual male to read those parts in the future. I cannot wait to read/ listen to what happens next to Alex. 

      We fail at just doing the bare minimum. Teachers feel the need to always push the limits of time and their sanity to make lessons work. Arrive at any school early and you will see teacher's cars. This also goes for late afternoons. We provide so much more than instruction.       We fail at just being teachers. We are nurses, social workers, SEL helpers, specialists, listening ears, and chaos wranglers. Teachers do not just simply teach their content and move on. There is so much more to the occupation. I gave out 4 bandaids today just to make my middle schoolers feel better about VERY small paper cuts. I even make sure they have "cool" ones with designs. By the way... if it's anything other than a paper cut I send them to the nurse. I keep a stash of female products too just in case they need them.                

      I think overall I'm really disappointed that this is the last book in the Covenant series. I want the story to continue and to see what the future holds for our main characters, Alex and Aiden.      I would rate this book a 5 out of a 5. My rating is based on the plot progression, as well as, character analysis. I fell in love with this story from the very beginning and to have it just end leaves me wanting more. I know they end up together, but I want to know more!!!!     Armentrout has a true passion for writing and my teens love this book series. It has allowed me the opportunity to share in the love of reading and being able to hold book conversations with them. I heard a rumor that there is a spin off set of books that continue the story of Seth. I WILL be looking into this possible spin off.      I guess I'm off to find my next big series to devour! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated and welcomed. 

 5. To experience true love.     I'm not sure if I can truly mark this as done. I know what it feel like so I highlighted through it. #5 is so complicated and really hard to elaborate on. I think she did  experience true love. She met an older guy and had a small moment with him.      I know she would have still been my best friend and here experiencing everything with me. There isn't a doubt in my mind that she would have not achieved this item on her bucket list.  6. To save a life.      She did save a life and didn't even know that she did. She saved my life more than once. As a teen I made very poor choices and wanted to escape my home life. Ashley was always the one who set me straight first. I loved her boldness and her utter honesty. I don't know where I would be in life with out our last phone call. She told me she was tired, but she could still kick my a** and quitting school wasn't an option. When she died, I knew I had to...

3. Experience College     I didn't really know what I wanted to do after high school, but I knew I wanted to go to college. I was the first in my family to graduate high school and the first go to college. I almost dropped out a month into my college experience, but Ashley was there. She threatened to kick my butt if I dropped out. She said " one of us should get to do this. If I live long enough, I will watch you walk." She didn't get to see that day. Sadly she passed midway through my first semester. To say I was sad would be an understatement. Total devastation surrounded me.  I kept going and I'm glad that I didn't give up. 4. Feel Important to someone.      My own bucket list included travel, dream jobs, and success. Her list was to simply live and that has always humbled me. I have finally fulfilled this portion. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I'm important to my daughter. I'm here safe space. I fought like crazy to bring her into this wo...

      Bucket lists used to be a big thing. In high school I remember having to sit in Honors English III making a bucket list. I didn't know then how significant that list would be in my life. I wonder if our teacher knew we would use this list to plan out our lives.  Well, at least it was  important to me. Her class was everything that school year. I have whole journal entries about the novels, projects, and daily work that we completed.      One of my best friends didn't make it into the honors class due to health issues. She was forever having to miss school for health related appointments and treatments. I tried not to ask too many questions. Privacy in these situations is key. I think our mutual respect for each other was why she was my best friend. She always accepted me for who I was. I never had to hide anything from her. We shared our bucket lists at lunch and she was super morbid.      "If I live," she kept saying. Her lis...

      I don't know about you, but having special requests seem unrealistic in the real world without some special monetary input. So, here goes nothing.      We have had a special request to make sure our hounds are super quiet during a specific time due to a ceremony being held on the adjacent property. This "request" was made via mail (not stamped) placed in our mailbox. We live in the middle of nowhere. 1/2 of our property is surrounded by forest service land. I have lived here my whole life and as outsiders move in things change.      I keep my hounds put up so there will not be issues with livestock and out of the respect I have for my life long neighbors. They have occasionally got loose and I promptly retrieved them. This has only happened maybe once in the past year. The nerve of someone to ask me to keep them quiet is ridiculous especially considering their labordoddle has killed my livestock. I no longer put up with such behaviors a...