The Good Ole Days

During middle school and high school my passion was marching band. I belonged to a marching band called Spirit of Sunnyvale. We were really good and we travelled all over the western US and Canada and were crowned "World Champions."

At the time, marching band was the most important thing in my life. It gave me a sense of belonging, it taught me discipline, determination, and perseverance. In so many ways it shaped who I am today. Over the summer, we had a reunion parade. I went to watch and it was really great to see the group of people who were closest to me growing up.

* What are you passionate about?

* What do you do now that helped you become or will help you become a better person? Why?

The Last Hoorah

Today I went to the 49er game at Levi Stadium with my son. I took this picture during half time. We had a really great time. To top it all off, the 49ers won! It doesn't get better than that, especially when you consider the season they had. I gave the tickets to the game to my son as a Christmas present, and lucky for me, he wanted to take me to the game.
Overall, this has been a great holiday break. I got a lot of rest, I spent a lot of time with my kids, and I took some time out for myself...and I really needed it. I can't say that there is anything that I wanted to do, but didn't get finished this break (except a little spring cleaning that didn't make the short list), but I will say that this game was the highlight of my vacation.

What was the highlight of your vacation?
What did you want to do, but didn't get done?

Welcome Back!

It's that time of year again. Time to get ready to go back to school. I went to Costco today. I think that everyone in Fremont and possibly Milpitas, Newark and San Jose, had the same idea. Costco was INSANE. It took hours to get through the crowds and the lines. While I was there, I saw kids reluctantly pushing carts and mindlessly adding snacks to the cart.

For me, I actually love being at school. I love the kids and I love teaching. So, while I'm a little sad to be moving back into the fast-paced world of work, I am also looking forward to going back to school.

Here is my top ten reasons to be excited to go back to school:

10. No more sitting in front of the TV for me or my daughter, Aiya. We both have to get back to work.
9. Taco Wednesday
8. I get to see how much everyone has grown
7. Spring is just around the corner
6. The 5th Wave opens next weekend
5. My kids also go back to school (Being a full time mom is exhausting)
4. We are moving into the 2nd semester. I love the 2nd semester curriculum
3. Daily Blogging
2. 20% projects are starting soon.
1. The sooner we get back to school, the sooner we will get to summer. :)

So why are you looking forward to getting back to school?
What are you going to miss from vacation?

Today is the start of a brand new year. To me, the new year is like a fresh start. I make a little time to take inventory of my life and look for ways that I can not only improve me, but can improve the lives of those around me. 

This blog is a project, inspired by Linda Yollis' Picture a Day Challenge, that I am beginning with my students to take a picture and write something every day. Yes, weekends count.

The rules are simple:
* Take/use an interesting photo - Your photo can be recent or older. It can be related to school or not. Fridays will be reserved for a 20 Time photo.
* Tell us where the photo came from - Did you take it? Did someone else?
* Write something to go along with the photo - You could tell a story about the photo or something else that is on your mind related to the photo.

* End with a Question - Get your readers thinking about your post. These question should help to start a discussion in your comments section.
* Write every day and have fun - You will look back on this at the end of 2016 and remember what was going on daily.

So this year I have three goals for myself. 

1. I want to spend more time with my family this year. 

2. Read more for pleasure

3. Get more regular feedback from students

So for the new year, I challenge you to start writing. You may find it to be really rewarding.

What are your goals, personally and academically, for the new year?