So, I decided to start my own 'teaching blog.'

                                 Your kidding.  Really?  A teaching blog?  That hasn't been done before...  

This might be the end of me.  I have a severe problem already. I have my list of blogs I check out weekly, plus Pinterest, Etsy, and a ton of other random sites...

then I copy the awesome links and add them to this bad boy:

This is the 'monster.'  It is a rather large Excel file where I keep all of the awesomeness I run across... while online.  It's getting out of control.  Mostly because I like to 'hunt' while consuming wine.  I l.o.v.e wine. 

Also, I guess I should mention that I am an American teacher on hiatus (sort of)... living in Switzerland.  That's right.  Switzerland.  Chocolate, cows, cheese, mountains, wine, European speedos, etc.  The weight gain is inevitable.

My husband and I will be here for about three years (began March 2011).  Prior to the move, I taught for two years then worked as my district's assessment coordinator.  Going from working full time to being domesticated has it's mental challenges.  I miss having my own ginormous classroom and being able to hang with teacher friends after school for happy hour.  Also, I have a group of former students and parents that I'm obsessed with and miss dearly.  We stay in touch, but I miss going for ice cream dates and dinners.  I miss a lot of things... :(   

I am an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher over here and a student myself... learning French (OMG I don't want to talk about it).  Actually, I should be called an IESYFL teacher.... 'Is English Seriously Your Fourth/Fifth Language?'  It's insane how many languages my students know.  I am fluent in one and can hold a 3yr old-ish conversation in French.  They make me feel like a 'stooopeeed American.' 

Anyway, I decided to start this site because I have so much crap on my computer (links, pictures, documents) and in my boxes of files, that I feel I need to share.  Also, since I'm not teaching full-time, I need to stay on 'my game.'  I don't want to move back and not know about all of the cool stuff.    

The site is very plain and simple because that's how my mind works.  I LOVE looking at all the cute blogs with the scrapbook paper backgrounds and cute graphics.  However, those are seriously some intimidating decisions for me.  I change my mind often... about everything.  Except my husband.  I'm keeping him.  I have self-diagnosed ADHD and my mind goes crazy when I look at all the cutesy stuff.  I find myself thinking about ducks, shoes, or other randomness.  I decided to keep it simple looking.  Maybe?

If you haven't noticed yet.  I'm slightly sarcastic and some would say 'crazy.'  That's ok.  This will probably be my longest post because I feel the need to explain myself.  I like to use lots of pictures and keep things short and sweet.

I also have a slight addiction to school supplies.  If I come across a sight like this...

A lot of things on here are amazing gems I've found elsewhere (I always give credit and links), but I'll post a lot of my stuff too.  Enjoy and hope you like!    


Ashley