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Coffee, Crayons and Kids. My Life.

November 1, 2013 by eatteachblog Leave a Comment

Hello from the airport! I’m just killing time until my flight boards in an hour. Security was a little over the top today because of what happened at LAX earlier this morning. I, for one, did not complain about the long wait. Being someone who already has so much anxiety at airports, the news from this morning did not help. My thoughts go out to those affected. Another incident. Another conversation about gun control. And ongoing debates of mental health vs. gun control. Just another day in the land of paranoia.

I, for one, have been trying to ignore all breaking news alerts about the LAX incident. At least for right now. I’ve found myself a little nook at one of the terminals and am trying to take deep breaths and not think about anything crazy.

When I got through security, I headed straight for the bookstore (instead of a bar. Thank you Xanax. Times have changed).

I probably didn’t need to buy more books. I’ve got plenty on my shelf that I haven’t read yet. It’s just SO. TEMPTING. I’m still reading How Children Succeed, but I think up next will be the new Cheryl Strayed book, Tiny Beautiful Things (Thank you Alyssa for the recommendation!).

In other HAPPY news as I try to avoid all the other unhappy, disheartening things all over the media —

Halloween – I clearly didn’t celebrate. I was in bed at 9:30PM after I baked some delicious banana bread. But my roomie carved a pumpkin – don’t you love our patio? 🙂

She’s the best! 🙂 We really stepped it up with decorations this year.

But the best part about Halloween was getting these pictures throughout the day.

I’m pretty confident that he’s the cutest crayon in the box.

My two loves have merged. You can now tweet a coffee. Yes, this is real. Yes, my life is complete.

My Kids. Today we had a “Peer Buddies” special lunch for some of our kiddos. We’re trying to pilot a new program – similar to Best Buddies – and we introduced the program to them today. To say they are excited would be an understatement. They felt really special that they were some of the few kids selected (~~90% of that excitement was probably because we got them pizza~~). I love, love, love them. <3

Jammin’ Like Marley

October 27, 2013 by eatteachblog 2 Comments

Hello from Monterey!

Yes, I know I have work bright and early tomorrow at 6:45AM, but it is IMPOSSIBLE for me to leave this child.

I thought having them close by would make it easier for me to say goodbye. But I just can’t do it – at least not while he’s awake. So I’m going to sneak out super early while he’s asleep! 🙂

This week at work has been SO super productive. The kids had the week off while we had data days and professional development days. On 1.5 of the days I worked from home. Which was wonderful. Because I’m the queen of distractions and losing focus at work. Ironic, I know. But it was nice to get things done without walkie talkies going off and people coming into the office to ask questions or just chit-chat.

It also allowed me to sneak out a little earlier to meet my former kiddos at the end of the day on Friday. I can’t believe they’re in HIGH SCHOOL. I miss them so much.

Don’t get me wrong. I love my new job and all the little kiddos I get to work with this year. But my Room 54 kids are so special to me – I couldn’t have asked for a better group of kids to get me through my first year of teaching. 🙂

On Saturday morning, I drove out to Monterey with a big package in tow.

He was super excited about his new present (or super angry at the Bruins for losing).

When baby fell asleep, Dad tried to steal his toy.

After this picture was taken, I proceeded to fall asleep on the couch at 8PM and drool all over my hands. I might have been tired. But with nearly 12 hours of sleep, I was refreshed and ready to go this morning.

We woke up and got some Starbucks.

We went to the farmers market.

We went to Target and Costco.

And we read. Lots.

I just finished reading Wild. The book was absolutely fabulous – I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone and everyone. It reminds me a lot of my UniCamp experience when we went on a 26-mile backpacking trip (except this girl went on an 1100-mile backpacking trip on the Pacific Crest Trail for MONTHS and she’s clearly way more hardcore). But a lot of the lessons and experiences and things she discovered by being “out in the wild” is something that is pretty relatable. Nature has a way of healing us. And Cheryl Strayed is able to get that message across in her writing.

Now I’m off to read the next book on my list!

Have a wonderful night and a happy Monday! 🙂

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Your Turn: Let’s chat! 🙂

What do you prefer: Work from Home or Work from Work?
Any fun Farmers Market finds this weekend?
What are you currently reading?

Work, Starbucks, Sissy, and Marathons

October 22, 2013 by eatteachblog 5 Comments

Hello! I’m alive. I always start my posts with, “I’m alive,” because I disappear for several weeks at a time. The problem is that I value my sleep way too much. So when I come home after a super long day, I could spend a half hour writing or a half hour in my bed. And my bed always wins.

Here’s what I’ve been up to:

Work. For a good 12-15 hours every day.

I absolutely adore the people I work with. I know I sound like a broken record, but it’s something I am so grateful for and something (other than the kids) that keeps me motivated and eager to wake up while it’s still dark outside.

We are also proud owners of a trampoline. The kids LOVE it.

Starbucks. Also, I recommend you follow “eatteachblog” on Snapchat if you want to get a Starbucks picture EVERY.MORNING. They are quite entertaining.

A few weeks ago, I noticed that Hunter Hunted was the Starbucks Pick of the Week! Hunter Hunted (formerly “Lady Danville” and even MORE formerly “Mikey G and Dan from Danville”) were friends of ours from UCLA and also the winners of Spring Sing. They are absolutely incredible and you should download all their music! 🙂

Sister visiting NorCal – Sissy had a conference in Palo Alto which means she got to hang out with me all weekend. It also happened to be my dad’s birthday so we sent him some NorCal love. He shot some fatherly love right back.

We went on hikes!

Sissy – Stanford Dish

And we drove to Monterey to visit the little munchkin.

And I learned how to play Texas Hold ‘Em (well…I learned how to lose all my chips).

Nike Women’s Marathon – I drove up to the city to watch Jen run the marathon. She kicked butt. And I cried 25 times. It’s such an emotional thing to watch. Everyone is so supportive and motivating. I loved it.

Now I’ve got brownies in the oven, The Voice on TV, and my comfy couch. Good night! 🙂

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LET’S CHAT! 🙂

What’s the last race you ran?
The last hike you hiked?
The last Starbucks drink you ordered?

Top 5 Things

October 2, 2013 by eatteachblog 5 Comments

Hello!

I’m HERE.

Surprise.

Typically, in the past, when I’ve gone silent on the blog, it’s because I was in a funk. And I was exhausted and stressed and anxious and tired and making unhealthy decisions and too embarrassed to own up to it.

That is not the case this time. I’ve just been busy. Living my life. #sorrynotsorry

In an effort to save time (because I’m a Grandma who needs to sleep) AND in an effort to spare you from reading ALL THE THINGS about my life, here is a list of 5 things that have brought me SO MUCH JOY over the past couple of weeks:

My job. It is exhausting. I am Pooped at the end of the day. With a capital P. But it is exhausting in a productive way. When things don’t work for our kids, our school leaders and school staff find ways to make things work. Even if it means throwing things out and starting over. We spend countless hours analyzing data to develop instructional groups. We actually have an RTI model that flags kiddos that need interventions. And on those afternoons after dismissal, when I’m feeling ridiculously tired and delirious, I look around at the staff and realize everybody feels the exact same way. Because EVERYBODY gives a shit about these kids. And EVERYBODY busts their butt every day to ensure that we are closing the achievement gap. One kiddo at a time.

Oh…and it definitely helps build our culture and community when we have fun incentives built into our schedule – like water fights at the end of the week! 😉

My roommate. I feel ridiculously lucky that we both needed roomies at the same time and our paths somehow crossed thanks to social media. She is the best, best, best. And I’m not just saying that because she kills the bees for me.
The love of my life.

And he keeps getting more adorable with every passing day.

The meditation class I joined through my community center. I have already seen incredible benefits and it’s only been three weeks. I’m a lot calmer, more mindful, and just happier overall. I can go into a ton of detail about this course, but I’ll save that for later. 🙂
Bootcamp. I signed up again! I needed something to force me to leave work at a decent hour. I may have regretted that decision a couple times last week when I could barely stand, let alone walk. My hips were sore for several days and I was approached by MANY students asking me (1) if I had to go to the bathroom or 2) if they should call Ms. Natalia because they were afraid I got hurt. Apparently it’s been a while since I’ve worked out those muscles. But I am loving the routine and the accountability of it all.
Thanks Bhabhi for the funny E-Card! 🙂

With that, I am off to bed.

I leave you with this incredible video. Can you tell I’m slightly obsessed?

Good night! 🙂

Bruins and Monterey Weekend

September 2, 2013 by eatteachblog 7 Comments

Every Friday after work, I tell myself I’m going to get a TON of work done over the weekend. And every Sunday night, I feel like I am further behind than I was on Friday.

Luckily, we had a 3-day weekend so I was able to have fun and get my work done too! I vote all weekends should be 3 days long. Who’s with me?

On Saturday, we went out to The Old Pro in Palo Alto to watch the Bruins kick off the season. It’s always super fun to be around other UCLA Alumni. Especially when we win! 😉

We finished off the night in Mountain View.

There are remnants of the stamp still on me. I shower, I promise.

We struggled a bit toward the end of the night because Julia’s key somehow slipped through a crack in the pavement. Luckily, we are super stealthy and managed to enter through the window (read: THEY managed to enter through the window. I went to go sleep in the backseat of Raul’s car. You can always count on me during difficult times).

I definitely needed the sleep because I ended up sleeping in until 10AM the following day. I don’t remember the last time I slept in so late, but my body is grateful for it.

After I woke up, I got ready to head to MONTEREY. I can’t believe that Tarun Bhaiya, Bhabhi, and Veer are HERE. They are HERE. To LIVE. In NorCal. PERMANENTLY.

Obviously I had to look my best to see them. So, naturally I kept the stamp on for decorative purposes. I also curled my hair with my straightener. I JUST bought a curling iron because I couldn’t figure out how to do the curling-thing, despite all my attempts and 5AM YouTube tutorials.

But the universe hates me and likes to laugh at me every time I hand over my paycheck to Target.

So, now I own both. But I think my straightener does a better job of curling my hair than my curling iron. Hrmph.

I hopped into the car, assuming I’d make it an hour.

The universe laughed at me again.

It ended up taking 3 hours with lovely Labor Day traffic.

But so completely worth it to see the Bajaj Juniors. =)

I drove straight to the deli where we were going to get sandwiches from. Our pick-up took a little bit longer than expected because the owner took a liking to Tarun Bhaiya and they are now best friends and plan on playing poker next week. He also handed over a huge slice of carrot cake as a way of welcoming them to the town. Um….I’m living in the wrong city, my friends.

We grabbed our lunch and went back to their temporary home – which is absolutely beautiful. It’s like a little cottage, right in the center of a vacation town. I know exactly where I’ll be hanging out for the next few weekends.

We quickly ate lunch, changed our clothes, and drove down toward the water to spend about an hour or so in the sand.

I can’t get over how wonderful it is to have them so close!

The best part was taking Veer into the sand. I think the texture of the sand against the bottom of his feet threw him off. He was really confused – especially when the water came splashing at his feet. But within seconds, he ended up LOVING it and dug his little feet in, over and over.

It was such a fun thing to see. I feel like adults take things for granted because of experience. Well, experience is overrated. Being young and new to everything is so much better.

We also walked by Carmel Ridge Winery – the place where we got Tarun Bhaiya and Bhabhi a wine club membership for his birthday. We stopped in for some tastings and walked out with two bottles to enjoy that night.

We put the baby to bed and enjoyed some Thai food and a bottle of Syrah.

This morning, I got some time alone with Veer for a morning walk. Which was HUGE because it’s pretty difficult for him to leave his mama and papa (rightly so – it’s pretty much impossible for me to leave them without feeling sad).

But today, as I left their house, I wasn’t nearly as sad as I have been in the past. Because, in case you haven’t gathered, they are my neighbors. And I get to see them all the time.

SO BLESSED! <3

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Let’s chat! 🙂

How was your long weekend?

Curly hair or straight hair?

Beach town or city gal/guy?

Highlights of the Weekend

August 26, 2013 by eatteachblog 4 Comments

This post is going to be in bullet-point form. Because it’s almost my bed time. And because everyone likes bullet points more than paragraphs. Don’t tell my students I said that.

Weekend Highlights

My family. Being at home with my family is always so bittersweet. I love getting to see them but it’s like a big tease because I only get a few days at a time – especially with Sister.

Being able to celebrate with the newlyweds – Sid and Jen. They are so perfect for each other and I feel lucky that I got to share that special moment with them and everyone who loves them.

My dad’s texts. I couldn’t take ~~shots of tequila~~ Xanax on my flight back from Orange County because I had to drive my car back home from the airport and be productive. That was not fun. It was the first time in a long time where I’d gone on a flight without some sort of crutch. Well, my friends, I need the crutch. I texted the family right when I landed. My dad’s response?

My new camera. I know, I didn’t really need it. Especially because the average life span of my cameras tends to be around the 6-7 month range.

A reminder that this kid right here is about to be my neighbor. In one week. Just one. Get ready for all the picture-happy posts that are about to come your way. A new camera and their move to Monterey all happening at once?! You’ve been warned.

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Let’s chat! =)

What’s one highlight from your weekend?

Happy Birthday Smushy

August 6, 2013 by eatteachblog 3 Comments

It is way past my bedtime. I know. But we just got back from Santa Cruz – we drove there to see Mike Love and Paula Fuga perform at Moe’s Alley.

They were the performers we saw at the Surfer Bar in Oahu 2 weeks ago. Just as amazing this time around, but Jen and I were a bit tired after a long day of PD, so we decided to leave during intermission.

So that made my “case of the Mondays” a little more bearable.

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In other, more important news, today is Smushy’s 2nd birthday.

Smushy is my nephew, Veer. And we call him Smushy because he used to be just that. A smush. He would just melt into your arms. And when he was super little, he would take a nap on your chest. And it’d feel like a smushy, squishy teeny human on top of you.

I can’t believe how much he has grown in such a short amount of time. He walks. He runs. He talks. He squeals. I won’t share the 10,000 pictures I actually do have of him. But I will show the few that caught my eye as I scrolled through my never-ending folder.

Newborn 🙂

Few weeks old

One month old

Despite the fact that they lived in New York for a year and spent this past year in Texas, I felt like I was there watching him grow into this little fully-functional human being. We witnessed each milestone. And my ridiculously large family was always connected in some way or another.

Our first Facetime as a family

In July of 2010, we lost our Nanu and it was one of the most challenging times our family has ever faced. Veer came into our lives exactly one month later. He was a beautiful gift. And it was him that helped us crawl out of the darkness we had been in. He united our family to an even greater degree.

The ultimate smush right here.

So smushy I thought I was going to break him.

Our little monkey

Touchdown

I could stare at this face all day.

Happy birthday to the little human who has changed my life. Who has brought me more happiness and joy than he will ever know. You’ve stolen my heart forever.

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What do you prefer: Work from Home or Work from Work?

Any fun Farmers Market finds this weekend?

What are you currently reading?

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LET’S CHAT! 🙂

What’s the last race you ran?

The last hike you hiked?

The last Starbucks drink you ordered?

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Let’s chat! 🙂

How was your long weekend?

Curly hair or straight hair?

Beach town or city gal/guy?

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Weekend Highlights

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What’s one highlight from your weekend?

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