Sensory Stimulation: The Parts of the Pumpkin.

For the last two years, I have been working on my MA in Special Education. For one of my courses this semester [my final semester], I had to create a video, teaching a lesson of sorts. I decided to use a lesson that I taught in my student teaching placement. My students had severe disabilities, but that didn't stop us from having a great time while learning. I decided to create a sensory stimulation lesson, using a pumpkin. Its something that can be used throughout autumn, which means it can be utilized at any given point of the season. It can also be used for multiple grade + ability levels. I had originally planned to use it for a Halloween lesson, but the school was closed for over a week due to Sandy. A few simple changes made my lesson Thanksgiving friendly.

I couldn't figure out how to get the quality better than 480p [this was the first time I used iMovie], so I apologize for the quality. In the video, I mention themed playlists for the project. After you watch the video, feel free to browse the playlists I have up - there is one for circle time + one for Thanksgiving.

The Little Things.

This last week has been eye-opening + reflective. I started student teaching in a school for students with  severe [multiple] disabilities, my mother graduated from the business school she attended + I turned down the promotion I was offered at work. 

I knew my placement would be eye-opening, but I didn't realize how hard it would pull on my heartstrings. The staff is phenomenal - they get paid next to nothing to take care of these students. A Barista at Starbucks makes more per hour than these folks to - this bothers me so much, you have no idea. These folks aren't in it for the money, they do it because they want to make sure these children are safe + taken care of. This week has made me so much more grateful for everything. Driving in traffic doesn't bother me - its the perfect time to call my mom + chat. Waiting in line? Hey, I can walk. Not spending enough time with Erich? We are getting our education + working to make a better life for ourselves. Believe it or not, I have been less stressed about, well, everything, because of this experience. 

This week, my mom graduated from her program to become a medical assistant. This year was her first time going back to school in twenty-seven years. She spent hours studying, making flashcards + putting her all into this program. She never missed a day of classes + graduated with a 3.9 GPA. I am so proud of her - this was a totally foreign program for her + she passed with flying colors. My aunt + I attended her graduation + stopped at a local diner after the ceremony. It was a really nice evening. 

Last weekend, I was offered a job. I would receive a 35%+ pay increase, 40 hours [no weekends] + more responsibility. After my first two days in the classroom, I decided to turn the offer down. Why? Well, if I take the job, it would be impossible to go on teaching interviews, substitute, intern at the magazine, or even do work on the blog. If I want to spend a weekday afternoon off with some of the littles, I can. If I want to take a drive out east + take pictures of the leaves changing, its possible. I know I could use the money, but to be honest, I want to enjoy my life + those around me. I've said it before, but after Dom died, it was like a reality check. Money isn't everything. I'll eventually snag a killer job + pay my bills off. I'm not going to settle for something that isn't what I've worked for. 

Every night, I've been relaxing with a cup of tea + enjoying life, not stressing out about things I can't control. Even when I got sick in the middle of the week, I didn't worry about what I could + couldn't get done. I couldn't get to the gym, but I ate healthy + know that I will get back in a routine after the first week of student teaching. Usually, I would have freaked out about not being productive, but I have been productive, just in different areas. 

I hope that all of you have enjoyed your week. I am looking forward to apple + pumpkin picking next week with Erich. We have been attempting to go for the last three years, but I think it'll actually happen this year! 

Always a First Time for Everything.

Starting off a blog for the first time is rather awkward. Similar to the first day of school, or starting a new job. You stand there, wave awkwardly, and introduce yourself, hoping that the folks in front of you don't think you're the ultimate goober.

Hi, I'm Michele. 

There is usually a catalyst for people to embark on a new adventure or project. I have two. I am turning thirty this year, which, at the thought, is exciting and scary at the same time. The second reason was being fired from my job after nine and a half years. Believe it or not, the latter was far more traumatizing.

You are probably thinking, ooh, this should be good! In reality, its a pretty lame story. Long story short, I said something in hindsight, I probably should not have said. Even though my record was near impeccable, the customer is always right and will get what they want, no matter what. Pretty disheartening, huh? 

I am a fan of change, but only if I am prepared. I was not prepared for what happened. I cried for three days straight and didn't leave the house. When I finally left the house, it was to purchase pink semi-permanent hair dye. Odd? Kindof. Since I was a teenager, my remedy to any situation has never been to chop my hair off - it has been to dye it pink. Its not permanent and feeds my need for something outrageous.

Being fired was good thing, though. I got to spend my twenties working with friends and slowly (but surely) obtained my degree. I am a certified History teacher! Major downfall to this? I am having trouble finding a job, within my field and out in the retail world. Trying to find a job in January, after many businesses excess their holiday help, is brutal, to put it nicely.

Every day I am modifying my resume and creating cover letters. My computer desktop has been engulfed by Word documents within a matter of weeks. I wanted to start this blog weeks ago, but I was so sick of looking at the computer, that I pushed it to the wayside. 

My boyfriend, Erich, said that this was the best thing that could have happened to me. He has encouraged me to be creative and enjoy hobbies that I had put on the back burner. My creativity has consisted of nail art (which I'm pretty good at), doodling with colored pencils, playing an unhealthy amount of Scramble with Friends, experimenting in the kitchen, and spending far too much time browsing Pinterest. I must say, I did get many of my food ideas from here, so it wasn't a lost cause. Oh! I've also been taking pictures on my iPhone 4S (why carry a camera when you can do it with your phone?), which now litter my Instagram account. 

When speaking to one of my oldest friends (who also happened to shred my heart like pulled pork on more than one occasion - i'll save that for another blog entry), he told me to do something I've always wanted to do. Easier said than done. My ultimate dream job is to be a pop culture historian. I didn't major in History because I loved learning about  ancient cultures. I mean, that was a perk of the courses, but I really embarked on this degree because I love music dearly. I had wanted to pursue a job in the music industry, but a friend of mine told me that I had to be spineless to be in the industry. He was right. I was too trusting and naive for the industry.

So, to play it safe, like I always do, I decided to obtain a degree in education. I have always loved to help others, so this was a no-brainer. Teaching has been a fantastic experience. Difficult? Absolutely. Rewarding? Far greater than I ever imagined. I would love to be able to teach students and have them enjoy learning as much as I have, but there is still this part of me that wishes I could spend the rest of my days researching and interviewing individuals regarding popular culture, particularly music.

Hopes, dreams, and sob stories aside, this blog will be a conglomerate of interests - food, articles, photos, fashion, adventures, random stories and whatnot. 

Thank you for reading this rather largesse entry. Hopefully you'll stick around to see what else I have to say!

- Michele