Back to school 2017

This year marks my 24th year of teaching. Most of the time, it certainly doesn't feel like it's been that long, more than half of my life in this career. I still love what I do most of the time, though I definitely get frustrated with the administrative aspect of things sometimes. I thought you might enjoy seeing a few of my back-to-school photos from this year.

First day of school selfie in my classroom

2nd day of school selfie with the bestie (she retired more than a year ago but has returned to sub for this first semester in the English department for a colleague who left suddenly right before school began this year)

Taking a shot of the bestie so she could update her Facebook account

My student photo bulletin board is in the works

Last weekend, football season opened with the Rafferty's Bowl; I'm happy to report that the Purples opened the season with a win on 8/19.

Ours was the only school system in the area in session for the eclipse of 8/21/17. Almost 1300 students and around 100 staff members headed out to the football stadium to witness the total eclipse. I took some pics with the bestie to commemorate the occasion.

It's been an exciting start to year 24, and I'm looking forward to a great year ahead for my students and me.

Utah Retreat in Photos

By the numbers:

Four flights alone - have I mentioned I love flying alone?

Two significant episodes of turbulence - I don't love that part so much

Six days away from home

Two cities I'd never visited before - Denver, Colorado and Salt Lake City, Utah

First ever ScrapGals Retreat

One super-sweet new Utah friend - J.E., it's you!

Four nights of little sleep because of the excitement

Three days of scrappy fun

Two fabulous scrapbook stores

A weekend full of yummy food and snacks - too many Cokes to mention! 

One silk kimono for the pajama crop

Too many personal dollars spent on scrappy goodness :0

Ten giveaways during the retreat

Three fun classes - one that I taught!

Zero actual scrapbooking completed

One watercolor straw technique attempted

Seven sketches drawn for my 100 days project

One autograph book finished

Hundreds of selfies taken

Dozens of new friends

Countless laughter

By the photos:         

(Totally honest admission - not all of these photos are mine; many of them were taken by women at the retreat. I just thought it'd be fun to post a bunch of them so y'all could see.) 

Our retreat in Nashville this October is already sold out, but we're considering three retreats next year. Tentatively, we're thinking late April, late July, and early October. Stay tuned for information about the locations and exact dates for ScrapGals retreats in 2018!