I'm Technically Speaking

Day 27 of 30 days of blogging. I am almost to the end of the 30 days!! I'm going to be honest, my brain is tired and not focusing too well today - this tooth ordeal has got me all messed up! So,  I will share a couple things that I've run across that I'm thinking on..... Happy Friday :)

Day 26 of 30 of blogging. The tongue... Have you ever paused to consider all your tongue does? Me either! Until recently.... Tuesday when I had my tooth pulled, the doc accidentally cut my tongue in the process. I feel EVERY movement and notice every muscle...talking, drinking, eating (well drink-eating)...swallowing. It makes you realize how intricately and beautifully made our bodies are. How much our body fights to right/heal itself. It also makes me think about the words that we speak and the power of the tongue. Each word that I speak lately is more noticeable to me. Maybe it is a good reminder to use my words to encourage :) To make the tongue muscle work worth it. Couldn't resist to end with this.... Need a some healing time before I can do that again! Enjoy the little things!

Day 25 of 30 days of blogging. Having a tooth removed takes a lot out of you! It has wiped me out!!

Day 24 of 30 days of blogging. Today I come to you from my couch in my house. (Usually, I am in my office.) I have a dental appointment today and will "enjoy" the day off. For now, I'm enjoying puppy snuggles and putting some words onto the page. This pup has found a spot that I didn't know that I had in my heart.  I've had pets and dogs before. Even some that we acquired at a young/pup stage. When we bought Oscar, we had a moment of "what did we do", "did we just make a very expensive mistake"?  Remember, past experiences.  But this little guy....he might have stolen my heart right away.   Oscar snuggles and loves being close to us.  He can be crazy and run through the house.  He will play "where is..." with my youngest as she hides behind a chair or couch. He has learned tricks and LOVE treats. He has been the perfect addition.  He's amazed me, as I've stayed home sick before and worrie...

Day 23 of 30 days of blogging. I had good and challenging conversation with my GoogleIE Coach yesterday. She is an amazing person and I am thankful for her being in my life. She is just one of the many additional support team that I added through the Google Innovator academy. They push me. And I need that.... I can get REALLY comfortable in my comfort zone. To truly innovate...it takes us out of that zone. It can be new learning. Hard learning....brain hurting Learning in new ways (via mass sticky notes) But it is learning with a tremendous support system. Coach and team Mentor Academy fellows Other academy fellows I just have to use them. Not try to do it all myself and on my own. I have a tendency to want to fail privately. But they are a safety net. I feel that my conversation with my coach, got my focus back where it should be. I think I've been focusing on the wrong things...distracted by and almost drowning in the muck. Losing sight of lifelines arou...

Day 21 of 30 days of blogging. Ahh, the weekend! I was r-e-a-d-y for it. Lately the weeks have been long and tiring. Tiring - emotionally and physically. I feel often as I'm riding a rollercoaster of those up and down moments. One moment, on top and things are looking up...the next you see the downward turn coming. Thankfully along the way there have been "God hugs" to remind me that He has got it all in His hands. Today was this post on social media that I ran across....

Day 20 or 30 days of blogging. You'll note that I didn't publish day 19. When I started this journey I thought I would publish every day...but really writing and reflecting was the ultimate goal. And sometimes those thoughts need to remain more private. I will share this reflection from yesterday, as it seems to sum up where I am at this point... I don't feel as burned out, but I don't feel as burned in as I'd like either. Not too bad of a place to be. I can see the progress that I've made. Steps in the right direction (although sometimes those steps are forward and backward). And I see that I still need/have work to complete. Which if I'm honest...when do we not have that? I want to always be looking to improve and learn. Believe. My word for this year. Already I see that it will be a good one for this year. Especially believing in myself.

Day 18 of 30 days of blogging. This morning the white page is staring back at me. Words are not formulating... Oh, thoughts are swirling around. Almost too many thoughts swirling. There is a lot going on in my district and my life. So many changes within the district could affect my life in different ways. And I'm a planner! I don't do well with unknown and potential change...at least not with out details :) It is a fine balance of letting go, taking action, etc. I might need to spend more time with my vision and vision board. I still find it hard to "see" what 3, 5, or 10 years could look like or what I'd like it to be. Time to maybe go a little more private with my thoughts and do some quiet time. And that's what I think I will do with the rest of my "day 18" blog time.

Day 17 of 30 days of blogging. I am READY to dig back into the Burned-in study! Chapter 8 - Never Settle (Now that you've started, never go back to that place. EVER.) I had to snicker a little as I begin to read this morning...because I'm wondering how to not sink back into the burnout again. And then the next thing the chapter says is this.... "The only thing that stands between you and your goals is you and your monthly, weekly, and daily actions." Yep. The answer that I really didn't want to hear. It is on me. Like many things in life, I'd like an easy solution. Maybe one that doesn't require a lot of me?! This is going to take work...still... Yes. I think I knew that too. I'm ready to move forward. I've learned quite a bit through this process. I've also learned that there are others who are in the same boat as I am...and talking about where I am is equally helpful to them as me. What now? My 30 days are not over! Maybe s...

Day 16 of 30 days of blogging. The last few posts have been hard to get posted. So much seems to be going on right now. Today I am sitting in a classroom in Hillsboro, awaiting my presentation time. I love presenting about both of the things that I am about to share. But I'm finding myself so torn with wanting to be here. My girls are off of school and home...I'd love to be home (still in jammies). There is a teacher luncheon back home that they will be announcing the teacher of the year representatives for the district...and I'd like to be there as well to cheer on my friends and colleagues. I've left my only colleague (18yo) as the only person...besides our company/director. Can you hear it? I do. A sense of feeling like I need to do all and be all. I committed to this. But I'd be fibbing if I told you that I didn't think about a lot of excuses to get myself out of it. Headache, other commitments,..... And I really like what I'm about to sha...

Day 15 of 30 days of blogging! I'm halfway there! The last two days have been created...just posted a day later (confession). This process of blogging has been so good. I love my scheduled time, but also battle for it. A battle worth the fight...as I've noticed a change for the better.

Day 14 of 30 days of blogging. Today I come to you from the hair salon. My youngest is getting her hair done. She has lots of hair...long and thick. The kind that might make some jealous. She’s getting it thinned. Something that is foreign to my hair. But it got me thinking... Sometimes we need to do the same. Thin out...and for me it’s been thinning what I worry about that’s beyond my control. Just like her thinning of her hair will help the hair be more manageable...life is more manageable when we thin out the worry items.

I’m claiming a snow day for day 13. We always need a day off!

12 of 30 days of blogging Can you tell that I am ignoring the Burned-in book? Yes, schedule adjustments for dental appointments and other factors haven't helped. But.... The next chapter is Determine Your Long Term Goals. That's kind of big. And a HUGE question mark in my life right now. AND probably why I really should dig into the chapter, yet don't want to at the same time. Where do I want to see myself in 3, 5, and 10 years? Make a plan to get there?.... As I read through the chapter, it all sounds familiar, and then I remember that I recently listened to a Burned-In Podcast that followed this chapter. And I've actually completed most of these steps... Step 1: Big Dreams Braindump - What do you want for yourself? Dream BIG! Step 2: What has gone well in the last year/2 years? Step 3: What DIDN’T go well? Step 4: What will you say, “YES!” to? Step 5: What will you say, “Heck, NO.” to this year? Step 6: What are your Professional Goals this year? 3 yea...

11 of 30 days of blogging I heard a song on the radio this morning by Sidewalk Prophets called Smile .  The words caught me this morning.... Lost your way, lost your cool Then you straight up lost your mind Tried so hard to stay ahead But you keep falling behind Life is gonna pull you down Make it hard to see But a little change in your point of view Could be just what you need There's always a reason To always choose joy There's something deeper That the world can't destroy Smile, when you think you can't Smile, get up and dance Smile, there's a bigger plan The storm only lasts for a while So smile Happiness is wonderful But it doesn't stick around Walkin' on sunshine Then here come the clouds You can laugh or you can cry When it all falls apart But I believe the more you laugh The more you heal the heart There's always a reason To always choose joy There's something deeper That the world can't destroy… (Source...

Day 10 of 30 days blogging. Today I’m blogging with you from the dentist chair. Not really the prime choice for a blog spot, but I’m thankful for the technology that allows for it. I’d planned to dig in more to the Burned-In book, but a achy tooth thought otherwise. I’ve learned to listen to the aches...most of them. Of course some I put off longer than others. Especially if dealing with it means sitting in a dental chair or what I perceive as a negative result. It’s true also as I “deal” with my burnout. There is an ache that burnout brings...just a different ache. It took time to identify the source and then time to face it. Just like my tooth...oh I knew what it was, but making the phone call to the dentist to face what’s going on is another matter! And here I sit. Paper napkin around my neck. More aches from the needed X-ray. Knowing that probably the solution isn’t going to be what I want to hear...pulling it. Isn’t there truth in that as well?! Don’t we have to pull...

Day 8 of 30 days of blogging. I'm tired. I could probably benefit from a nap....or a longer weekend ;) I don't want to go to work tomorrow. Is it possible that trying to stay positive is exhausting? The week ahead seems daunting. It seems like it is the season I'm in. Winter. Cold, dreary, slick.... It makes me want to find my blanket and bed down for the winter...hibernate. I'm burned out. I admit it. A work in progress!

Day 9 of 30 days of blogging. Have you ever had a weekend that exhausts more than refreshes? That is how I would describe my weekend. Now here comes another week. Before the negative thoughts/feelings begin to sink in.... I'd better dig back into the Burned-in chapter. Chapter 5: Extend Your Reach and Possibilities "Extending our reach and possibilities has more to do with allowing ourselves the space to think, dream, plan and get connected with ourselves than trying to get more connected with others. But that's not to say that you shouldn't be working on extending your reach to new people who can influence you to make some much needed changes to your current reality." I have to say that when I first read the title to this chapter that the focus would be on connecting with others. And I tend to get caught up with the social connectedness as well. Those connections are important and I do learn as a result of those connections. However, I don't kno...

Day 7 of 30 days of blogging. One week of blogging! It has been the best challenge!! It hasn't been easy, but getting it scheduled into my calendar for every morning has made a huge difference. Each work morning, I start my day with a reflection/blogging time. I close my door, listen to some soft music, and reflect/blog. Of course, weekends are different and harder. However, having it in my calendar again is what prompts the posting. It also helps that I'm enjoying the process and seeing the power of reflecting and sharing. I've even had some feedback: Thank you friends! I couldn't do it without you!! The smiles, conversations, words of encouragement, prayers...have encouraged me. And they have allowed me to continue the circle of smiles.  The situation around me hasn't changed, but I am changing how I deal with it. Negativity is more of muddy puddle jumping than a swamp. I don't feel as swallowed up by it and overwhelmed by it. I'm ...

Day 6 of 30 days of blogging. Yesterday I was incredibly blessed by teacher friends within the district -- hugs, words of affirmation, smiles, and more. They are the heart of what I do and where my passion is for sure. Continuing my journey from Burned-out to Burned-in Chapter 4: Nurture Your Strengths In this section, the first question to consider is what your personality type is... I really like the  https://www.16personalities.com/  quiz. Just for fun I completed it a 2nd time and ended up with the same result from the last -- Defender. And what all does that mean? The results are broken down into six categories: Strengths & Weaknesses Romantic Relationships Friendships Parenthood Career Paths Workplace Habits "Once you realize the potential that's created from having solid knowledge and results to fall back on, you can move forward in your life in ways that you never even imagined!" Defender Strengths & Weaknesses Strengths We...

Day 5 of 30 days of blogging. As I continue in my burned-out to burned-in journey, this next chapter is "reflect on your challenges".  "What I want to help you understand on this stop on your journey out of burnout is WHY are the things that are challenging you really challenging you?"  Amber challenges readers to make a list or both personal and professional "challenges" and then ask why it is a challenge. Then ask "Can I truly control this?" "Worrying and stressing about things you can’t truly control isn’t good for anyone. Losing sleep over those types of challenges won’t help them to get solved and won’t help you to be your best self in the morning." I have to laugh a little, this is exactly where I am in my life journey...or at least the place that I was. Last week, I was the above quote...worrying and stressing a lot over things that I couldn't control. I tried to control them, but it wasn't my job to do so......

Day 4 of 30 days of blogging. Here is my first video (vlog)....a quick morning reflection.

 Day 3 or 30 days of blogging. Yesterday, I spent time identifying my type of burnout and then looked at the first step of becoming "burned in". That first step was of reflection and to "begin where you are". It was good to look at where I have come from over the last few years. I mixed in a couple of the Burned In Podcasts throughout the day as well. I highly recommend them! I found my head shaking in agreement to those I listened to (there are specific ones that Amber recommends according to your quiz results). And then, the day ended with some special reassurances, or as my friend calls them -- God hugs. I was hugged by special emails and assuring words. All reminding me of "why" I do what I do and "who" I do it for. If I follow, Amber's "8 Steps to Go from Surviving to Thriving in Education" eBook (that was an inexpensive purchase), I would be ready for step #2 Understand Your Teacher Brand. "Brand yourself in a way ...

Day 2 of 30 days of blogging. Today is a tough day. I'm battling negativity and frustration. I had a colleague leave the district/department...and now we are a "man down". I liked working with him and will miss his friendly face. Now that all the cards are on the table, let's dig into burned in or out. How do you know and do you want to know? For me, I did....maybe it would give me some insight. Just for fun or for actual knowledge - take Amber's quiz (see more on www.burnedinteacher.com) And then be ready to explore the answers... At least that's where I am if you want to join me. *I will say that you choose the best answers on the quiz. I am not a classroom teacher, so some of the options didn't fit as well as others. **What's funny-- I've taken the quiz twice and ended with the same result :) And my quiz result? Burned and Bored (a few pieces from the results) "Your students, coworkers, and administrators enjoy yo...

Yesterday I posted about a challenge that I am taking on...blogging each day for 30 days! My plan is to post them all, but share a couple each week. Let me give you a little background first. Rewind to my process of applying to the Google Innovator program. Part of the application process was creating a one minute video. Within my video I used Twitter posts -- part of my project is looking at the isolation of innovators despite online connections with many -- one of the images from a post really stuck out to me... There was something about the idea of being able to "go from burned out to burned in".  And as I stated in the video...I want to be burned in (at the time I just didn't know what that might mean). Full Video Fast forward back to more current time. Little did I know that the past would revisit me like a ghost of educational past as I participated in #DitchSummit. The video from the list that would be my first to watch.... The title caught my eye....

The new year is upon us; with it all kinds of resolutions and attempt to better ourselves. It is a good time to re-evaluate for sure. For me that usually just involves choosing my #OneWord for the year. You can read more about that in the last post. However, this year, I've been challenged by two additional things -- A.J. Juliani's blogging challenge -  http://ajjuliani.com/30-days-blogging-challenge/ The challenge is: Write/create ____ words/minutes per day, every day for 30 days (you choose the amount) Publish ____ posts/videos per week (again you choose the amount) If you miss a day, pick up where you left off. Don’t make up for lost days. I'm going to aim for 30 minutes per day, every day for 30 days. Publish at least 3 posts and 1 video per week Starting today. Additionally, after watching "Go from Burned Out Teacher to Burned In Teacher" by Amber Harper (part of the Ditch Summit videos) -- I'm challenged to consider my current "statu...