3 people, 2 days, 10 + trash bags, 5 donation boxes, and 1 recycling trip later I am packed. It's amazing how you can minimize your life every time you move. Each move makes me less sentimental when I realize these "REALLY IMPORTANT" papers I wrote for college and stuffed animals from every trip to Disney World haven't seen the light of day for 2 years. What was I thinking? I'm going to read my capstone case analysis papers for fun? Trash.
On my last day of work, after sobbing in my car, my hands were slick and I was hungry. So I went to Raising Canes to stuff my arteries with fried comfort. Opening the door to Cane's I dropped my blackberry, delivering the fatal blow to a phone with only a half working screen. None of the buttons worked, then the screen gave out entirely.
I drove to the nearest verizon store, held out my blackberry and said "I want an iphone." So I bought and iphone, and it is crack. Pure crack. My internet will be out until the 16th so it was perfect timing. No, I don't care the iphone 5 is about to drop. I wasn't going to spend money on a temp phone just to wait it out. I lived with a blackberry from 2006 till now, this is a serious upgrade.
I move on Thursday and today is grEIGHT goodbye happy hour and TFA farewell dinner at Fogo de Chao. It'll be a rough but fun afternoon.
XOXO,
HK
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Friday, June 3, 2011
Last Day To Feel The FORCE
My heart is breaking.
Yesterday was my last day with kids, and today is my last day as a teacher. I cried multiple times yesterday, but did my best not to do it in front of my kiddos. They signed a frame for me, and I can only read their notes one at a time, or I start to lose it. Saying goodbye to the staff is even worse. I moved to Houston knowing only a handful of people. My school has become like a family to me. I don't even know how to begin to say goodbye.
I know I should finish packing up my room, and checking out. However I've got 2 hours to wait on transferring my itunes, so I figured I'd blog a bit.
This school has changed me in so many positive ways. I'm stronger, more disciplined. I also know how to have a life, and let little things go when they don't really matter. I'm more compassionate, more in tune with how to listen. I can't list all the things I've learned from all of the amazing people here. The family can never be re-created, however I sincerely hope I can find a similar feeling soon.
Yesterday, we has Iron Chef YPG. The secret ingrediant was pineapple. We had $50 and a convection oven and anything we could get from home. Team grEIGHT made:
-pineapple mango salsa
-pineapple crazy dip
- pineapple stuffed jalapeno popper wrapped in bacon ( YUM)
- pineapple teriakyi chicken skewers
- pineapple orange smoothie
With a combination of team work, culinary skill, and presentation we WON! 8,8,8, gooooooo grEIGHT!
I better get back to packing my car and saying goodbye. I don't think I'm going to make it through without some tears.
-HK
Yesterday was my last day with kids, and today is my last day as a teacher. I cried multiple times yesterday, but did my best not to do it in front of my kiddos. They signed a frame for me, and I can only read their notes one at a time, or I start to lose it. Saying goodbye to the staff is even worse. I moved to Houston knowing only a handful of people. My school has become like a family to me. I don't even know how to begin to say goodbye.
I know I should finish packing up my room, and checking out. However I've got 2 hours to wait on transferring my itunes, so I figured I'd blog a bit.
This school has changed me in so many positive ways. I'm stronger, more disciplined. I also know how to have a life, and let little things go when they don't really matter. I'm more compassionate, more in tune with how to listen. I can't list all the things I've learned from all of the amazing people here. The family can never be re-created, however I sincerely hope I can find a similar feeling soon.
Yesterday, we has Iron Chef YPG. The secret ingrediant was pineapple. We had $50 and a convection oven and anything we could get from home. Team grEIGHT made:
-pineapple mango salsa
-pineapple crazy dip
- pineapple stuffed jalapeno popper wrapped in bacon ( YUM)
- pineapple teriakyi chicken skewers
- pineapple orange smoothie
With a combination of team work, culinary skill, and presentation we WON! 8,8,8, gooooooo grEIGHT!
-HK
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
67 8th graders, 7 teachers, and 5 days
Look, I run half marathons. I do WDW in the heat of July. I eat babies for breakfast.
And let me tell you none of it prepares you for 8th grade spring trip.
Last year, Ms. Kinkade's Manatees were rock 'em sock 'em robots awesome. Straight lines, very few metro mishaps, and positive attitudes. Kinkade's Kangaroos ( tag line "let's bounce") were lovely...however the exact opposite. They got it together at the end, but not after babysitting sick ones, and preparing for awkward parent phone calls with others. We had a great time, even if I still can't wear my shoes because I'm sure that's some sort of public health hazard. We're talking 7 AM -10:30 PM walking in Houston-like heat and humidity.
All minor complaints aside, our kids were the best behaved there. The nonsense I saw from kids twice their age was just plain sad. I worry about the future of our nation sometimes, hopefully my kids will run everything.
HIGHLIGHTS!
FDR Memorial
grEIGHT ( minus K Norv)
Aunt Susan and Uncle Tim
Sculpture garden
LION CUBS A THE ZOO!!!! ( I almost switched one of my kids for a cub. No one would ever notice)
Nationals Game with the Kangaroos
Impending Doom
Kangaroos at the Capitol
Fancy Kangaroos- Let's Bounce
One week till moving day!
XOXO,
HK
And let me tell you none of it prepares you for 8th grade spring trip.
Last year, Ms. Kinkade's Manatees were rock 'em sock 'em robots awesome. Straight lines, very few metro mishaps, and positive attitudes. Kinkade's Kangaroos ( tag line "let's bounce") were lovely...however the exact opposite. They got it together at the end, but not after babysitting sick ones, and preparing for awkward parent phone calls with others. We had a great time, even if I still can't wear my shoes because I'm sure that's some sort of public health hazard. We're talking 7 AM -10:30 PM walking in Houston-like heat and humidity.
All minor complaints aside, our kids were the best behaved there. The nonsense I saw from kids twice their age was just plain sad. I worry about the future of our nation sometimes, hopefully my kids will run everything.
HIGHLIGHTS!
FDR Memorial
XOXO,
HK
Sunday, May 22, 2011
What Letting Go Looks Like
I was so fortunate to be invited to one of my student's dance recitals. My parents were in town so I convinced them to come with me. After an hour of tedious ballet ( not hating on ballet, you know I love it), it was time for my student to shine. Dance jargon aside, her number was hands down the BEST. When she was on stage I saw her let go. She is such a smart, funny, quiet, reserved young woman. I rarely see her cut loose and get out of her shell. On stage, I saw her let it all out and give in. I have never been so proud. She was amazing. Through tears, I just couldn't stop thinking about how blessed I was to have this student touch my life.
I miss having that outlet in my life. The time in my week when I could just let go and be part of the music. Running is a good substitute. It is quiet, and intense, and requires mental focus. I just don't feel that abandon, that joy.
My students have taught me so many lessons about life and about myself. I want to think that wonderful student for one more thing she taught me this year...sometimes you need to let go. On the verge of the move, and a new career, and a new life, I can't wait to find a new outlet where I can do that. Thanks kid.
-HK
I miss having that outlet in my life. The time in my week when I could just let go and be part of the music. Running is a good substitute. It is quiet, and intense, and requires mental focus. I just don't feel that abandon, that joy.
My students have taught me so many lessons about life and about myself. I want to think that wonderful student for one more thing she taught me this year...sometimes you need to let go. On the verge of the move, and a new career, and a new life, I can't wait to find a new outlet where I can do that. Thanks kid.
-HK
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
The Next Chapter
To spare you from a lengthy blog entry about my plans for next year, I drafted a list of things that should reveal what most of you already know.
It's that time of year again, when teachers are asked; "So what's the plan for next year?"
My reply:
1.) I am joining a skeeball league under the name "Rolling Probable Cause" (don't steal it). If you're interested in joining my team, please let me know. Our shirts will be legendary.
2.) Attending my first ACL with a Sunday ticket. Which, OF COURSE, I bought just for Randy Newman, screw the rest, I love you Randy.
3.) Start wearing make-up every day and stop recycling the same 5 outfits every week because it is all I have time to clean. Seriously, if I wear the pink shirt and silver shrug on Tuesdays instead of Thursdays puts my students’ chi in a bad place.
4.) Putting claw caps on my cat that can't resist shredding my couch regardless of how many sprays I buy or scratching things I buy her. Oh, and I'm buying a new couch.
5.) Riding the MetroRail. Shelia is a gas whore.
6.) Wine video conferencing with KO while watching Greys.
7.) Pluckers Trivia. This is one of the only things you can do to profit off of years of obscure music, television, and film I was submitted to at a young age. No seriously, ask me about Zulu. I will school you.
8.) Watching the 101X Summer Cinema Series. Movie #3 is TMNT. I waited in a line around the block in 1990 to see it in theatres as a screaming 5 years old. I will camp out a spot as early as it takes to see it on the big screen again. Also, Leonardo is better than your favorite turtle. There, I said it.
If the list wasn't enough for you, I'm moving back to ATX! I'll be returning to my marketing roots at an AMAZING company. I will miss my school, my kids, and endless personal rewards that come from teaching. It wasn't an easy decision, but as June 10th gets closer, I know more and more it was the right one.
I made the bridge to TFA Alumna at the Alumni Induction last week. It was very clear, my time in the Corps is almost over, but there is a critical part I have to play in supporting the movement and education reform. I plan to do my part telling my student's stories and supporting reform with my vote. I will continue to participate however I can in supporting our students facing a world where quality education is still a privilege, when it should be a right.
XOXO,
HK
It's that time of year again, when teachers are asked; "So what's the plan for next year?"
My reply:
1.) I am joining a skeeball league under the name "Rolling Probable Cause" (don't steal it). If you're interested in joining my team, please let me know. Our shirts will be legendary.
2.) Attending my first ACL with a Sunday ticket. Which, OF COURSE, I bought just for Randy Newman, screw the rest, I love you Randy.
3.) Start wearing make-up every day and stop recycling the same 5 outfits every week because it is all I have time to clean. Seriously, if I wear the pink shirt and silver shrug on Tuesdays instead of Thursdays puts my students’ chi in a bad place.
4.) Putting claw caps on my cat that can't resist shredding my couch regardless of how many sprays I buy or scratching things I buy her. Oh, and I'm buying a new couch.
5.) Riding the MetroRail. Shelia is a gas whore.
6.) Wine video conferencing with KO while watching Greys.
7.) Pluckers Trivia. This is one of the only things you can do to profit off of years of obscure music, television, and film I was submitted to at a young age. No seriously, ask me about Zulu. I will school you.
8.) Watching the 101X Summer Cinema Series. Movie #3 is TMNT. I waited in a line around the block in 1990 to see it in theatres as a screaming 5 years old. I will camp out a spot as early as it takes to see it on the big screen again. Also, Leonardo is better than your favorite turtle. There, I said it.
If the list wasn't enough for you, I'm moving back to ATX! I'll be returning to my marketing roots at an AMAZING company. I will miss my school, my kids, and endless personal rewards that come from teaching. It wasn't an easy decision, but as June 10th gets closer, I know more and more it was the right one.
I made the bridge to TFA Alumna at the Alumni Induction last week. It was very clear, my time in the Corps is almost over, but there is a critical part I have to play in supporting the movement and education reform. I plan to do my part telling my student's stories and supporting reform with my vote. I will continue to participate however I can in supporting our students facing a world where quality education is still a privilege, when it should be a right.
XOXO,
HK
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Jeans Kill Cancer
I cannot believe it! My school helped me sponsor a "Jean's Day" during cancer awareness week, Students could donate a dollar and staff could donate 5 dollars to wear jeans for a day. In one day our generous students and staff raised $464.91! I was floored by the support and I still believe how much we raised together. Huge shout out to my school directors who had the idea to involve the kids!
Also, check out my fundraising website! I have to mail in the check from the school so those donations aren't up to date.
Race training is going well too. Week 1 under my belt and it looks like a 2:30 is totally possible. I ran 30 minutes at race pace Tuesday, a timed mile at 9:30 then 25 minutes jogging on Thursday, and a 3 mile run in under 30 minutes on Saturday.
It's nice to see things going so well!
HK
Also, check out my fundraising website! I have to mail in the check from the school so those donations aren't up to date.
Race training is going well too. Week 1 under my belt and it looks like a 2:30 is totally possible. I ran 30 minutes at race pace Tuesday, a timed mile at 9:30 then 25 minutes jogging on Thursday, and a 3 mile run in under 30 minutes on Saturday.
It's nice to see things going so well!
HK
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Things are just wonderful...oh and my dad is too!
I may be a bad blogger, but I am living a wonderful life. Things are going so well I can't even begin to explain. However, I WILL highlight this AMAZING Tobin James Petite Sirah I am currently enjoying. My James Gang wine club shipment came in a while ago and I am just over the moon with it. When I returned from my last trip to Paso, I couldn't help but reflect on the wonderful opportunity I have to volunteer at the winery every spring break. The people are amazing and I get to enter this wonderful world of wining and dining for two days. Look the wine is great ( scratch that: amazing), the area is the most beautiful, working the event is so much fun, but being around the people and spending time with my family is what makes it so memorable. I hope to be out there for many years to come.
In other news I decided to take the HUGE leap, and run for a foundation for my next half marathon. I'll be running the Disneyland Half Marathon in support of the Lazarex Cancer Foundation. I'm so excited I could burst! To drive my feet ( and my fundraising) to the finish line, I wanted to pick an inspiration. And I picked...
My Dad! Not only a cancer survivor, but the reason I laced up my shoes for my first half marathon. He was the original reason I started running half marathons and the ONLY reason I finished my first one. So this time, it's all for you Darth! Can't wait to cross the finish line in Anaheim with you!
Lots of other news to come but wine and my dad kind of go together so let's leave it with that!
XOXO,
HK
In other news I decided to take the HUGE leap, and run for a foundation for my next half marathon. I'll be running the Disneyland Half Marathon in support of the Lazarex Cancer Foundation. I'm so excited I could burst! To drive my feet ( and my fundraising) to the finish line, I wanted to pick an inspiration. And I picked...
My Dad! Not only a cancer survivor, but the reason I laced up my shoes for my first half marathon. He was the original reason I started running half marathons and the ONLY reason I finished my first one. So this time, it's all for you Darth! Can't wait to cross the finish line in Anaheim with you!
Lots of other news to come but wine and my dad kind of go together so let's leave it with that!
XOXO,
HK
Sometimes two isn't enough
About Me
- hugsNstuff
- The life and times of a former Teach For America Corps Member restarting my life in Austin. Surviving on too much coffee, good friends, idealism, red wine, and a healthy dose of annoyance.