5 for Friday: Spring Break Ramblings

Happy Good Friday!

Hope everyone had a fantastic week!

It's Spring Break here - the most wonderful week of the year :)

Because my travel plans were a bust, I'm enjoying a staycation here in Baltimore. Probably a good idea because 1) there was a lot on my plate I needed to tackle and 2) our sunny spot in Florida wasn't too warm this week! I'm sure it will be perfect when I land in Tampa less than 3 weeks from now (woot!woot!)

Although I've been ridiculously busy, I've also LEARNED a lot about myself by being mostly alone this week. Here's the scoop 

(& I'm cleverly linking this up with Five for Friday!):

1. I'm just not meant to work at home long-term! It kills me to admit this, because I DREAM of researching, blogging, and writing curriculum full-time most days. But it just takes a week to realize I may not be cut out for it. The upside? I've stayed very disciplined and focused on work. The downside? Oh my goodness, I swear I've eaten twice my weight every day! Maybe it's the extra time at the gym? Hope so, but doubtful.

2. Speaking of the gym, I've kept to my usual training schedule, plus popped into 4 (and counting) spin classes. One was an old favorite haunt I used to go to before my school changed hours and the rest were all new-to-me classes. So much fun! I'm heading back tonight for a Happy Hour hip-hop spin. 

A pal brought me Peeps this morning!

3. I finally found the trigger for my online shopping habit! 

School-related stress (duh)

Sound familiar? Since I've been out for a few days, I haven't even thought about purchasing from TPT (who's writing this post?!?). Did you happen to see the amazing stats from Teachers Pay Teachers? Sales from April 2014 were up 120% from last April. You're welcome - that was me! Not sales, but purchases. It was all stress shopping that I was justifying because it was "for the children." This is not to say that I haven't been shopping this week, but it's been at normal rates and "controlled." 

PS: I did just treat myself & signed up for Stitch Fix! I'm trying not to get my hopes up, but I am really excited for my first fix!

Speaking of style...I need to find some! I spend literally 55 hours at school every week and at least another 20 working on something for school at home. I do make it to the gym every day, but that's the only "me" time I'm having. I don't get out to shop too much, but know that I need to be doing (much) better. Glasses and a pony tail (with a cute headband) has been way too easy lately. I follow lindsey @ thepleatedpoppy on Bloglovin' and Instagram - super inspiring! I've also been intrigued by her weekly linky. I wonder if committing to this would be the motivation I need to spend a few extra minutes on myself! Does anyone have any other advice? It's a little tough when your days are in front of 6-7 year olds who love you (or not) regardless of what you look like and most weekend nights have been all about sleeping! But there's no excuse for turning into my mom (no offense Mom, I love you!). It's time for a little tough love to step it up a bit! If you have a source of inspiration to share that helps you, please let me know!

4. I've been plowing through projects this week! Last weekend I was in Philly for the outstanding CEC convention. I attended several "game-changer" sessions, including one on Autism. I loved it so much that I asked the presenters for the publishing information of their book. They were so gracious and shared that they were about to present on a follow-up topic. I attended and then WON the door prize - this book!

Next, I cleaned out the basement and scheduled a huge donation pick-up (whew!). Then I got busy on my presentation. I started it during all our snow days the past few months and I FINISHED it this week! It will still need to be tweaked and then I'll practice, practice, practice, but the PowerPoint and handouts are done! I'm presenting at this in July, but our first deadlines are this month! I can't share too much yet, but here's a sneak peek slide from my presentation (topic: Student Data Notebooks). 

I realize that doesn't provide too much info...please stop by later for the entire PPT!

I just finished it yesterday, so today I'm going to try my best to relax. I'm still all about Whole 30 and dug out this to reread and get my head back in the game. If you've read it & love it as much as I do, please leave a comment so we can chat! Thank you!

5. Lastly, I've barely given my blog a thought this week and my plans to completely organize my Dropbox (all that clipart!) failed. Hopefully a second wind will kick in soon and I'll get it all done! Until then, here's a few more pics from the past week:

I know it's not a great pic, but I ♥ Philadelphia! 2 colleagues and I were there last weekend for the convention and stayed right next to Reading Terminal Market (wow!) - such a great area of the city!

  I had to stop and snap a picture on my walk to dinner. 

I still cannot get over the scenery here!

This was my halfway point of my 1st long outdoor run of the season (ouch!). There was a Privateer Fest in Fells Point - a place that never fails for great people-watching!

I also snuck in some very reasonable shopping trips! The mint green shoes are at Target - go get them! I picked up the three chevron scarves to lighten up my mostly neutral wardrobe - they were only $10 apiece!

How did you spend your Spring Break? Please leave a comment - I'd love to hear from you! I'll be back soon with some new teaching ideas to share!