It's March...Wow!!

Hello Everyone,

I cannot believe that it is March already!!  How time flies.  In a month, it will be one year since I have graduated from COLLEGE.  Whatt??  That's so crazy to think about.  So much has happened in one year.

I am having a challenging, but extremely knowledgeable first year of teaching.  I went from a 6th grade math/science position to a 5th/6th combo class teaching all subjects.  I have a lovely group of kids, but, boy, are they facing challenges in their lives.  Each one of them has a story, and I am continuing to enjoy getting to know all of them.  The dreaded FCAT is coming up on April 15, and is over the course of 2 weeks.  My kids (and me) will surely be drained once that time period comes to an end.  It's sad how much emphasis is put on one stupid test.  I'm trying my best to keep the kids and myself calm, even through all the curveballs thrown at us from the district and such.

I'll be starting an adult tennis clinic next Monday night...I'm pumped about that!!  This week, I've been staying at my coworkers house (Elaine) in Palm Coast because my poor car had to get some work done.  I've been putting 60 miles a day on it, 300 a week...so it's definitely taken a toll on the wallet, and the smooth operation of the car in general.  I'm very grateful to have Elaine because she's been like my mother for these past couple of days which is awesome.

When I get back to my humble abode in St. Augustine, it's back to the gym grind.  I feel a little sluggish since I haven't been working out.  Who would have thought that?!?!  I'm also really excited because this weekend, my former roommates Ashley and Angie are coming to town to visit.  I haven't seen them in a while, so it'll be great to catch up with them :)

Spring Break is March 25-29 for me...I'll be in Miami for part of

The start of senior year

Hey everyone!

Here I am writing to you all as a SENIOR in college.  Hard to believe
for me too, oh how the time has gone by quickly.  I got back to St.
Augustine on the 22nd of August and had a week and a half before
school started to just hang and enjoy time with friends.  It has been
wonderful...I love it here.  I started classes yesterday and they went
great.  Classes are going to be a lot of work, but I'm ready for the
challenge.  I love all of my professors...they are going to make the
classes interesting.

I have been to 4 out of my 5 classes.  I am taking tennis (which I am
really excited about), curriculum (learning about law and ethics in
the classroom), classroom management, methods of the arts (how to
teach kids about art and music and drama).  I haven't been to my
professional development class (where I put my portfolio of all my
work over the last 4 years together), which is on Monday.  I only have
20 hours of practicum this semester which is nice.  I'm looking
forward to this semester though.

In other news, I've lost 25 pounds...am continuing to go to Weight
Watchers here in St. Augustine.  I actually got a friend to come with
me which I am thrilled about.  I have been running every day even
through the ridiculous heat.  It's hard in college...but people have
noticed which is motivating.

I hope things are going well with all of you...I miss my gym crew at
Pinecrest...and my Jew crew at Beth Am!!  Much love to you guys.

xooxxo,
Hannah