Better versions of ourselves in Random Thoughts

Life happens, of course. I am sitting here in my new classroom, the 4th in 5 years, working with 5th graders instead of 7th and 8th graders. I love it. They are so sweet, very receptive to positive reinforcement. I implemented an online behavior tracking program called classdojo, as many of these kiddos have ADD or ADHD. It helps! On fridays, if their behavior is 85% positive or better, they get a prize. While i did go to the dollar store and stock up on Star Wars themed trinkets, mostly i am going to use free reinforcements such as free time, game time, and what i have called “Fuzzy Friends Friday,” where they get to hold onto a class or home stuffed animal during that class period. I love it!

Summer was a whirlwind of moving, some travel, not enough gym and yoga. As a result, ive implemented a regimen with my own reinforcements (because they work for adults, too!). I have an app called ‘Way of Life’ in which i can monitor my goals (1. gym, 2. yoga, 3. meditate) with a simple yes, no, or neutral and room for a note. I can then look at pie charts or diagrams showing my percent over all and percent of growth or decline. Ive found my own motivator, a fancy facial at a lovely Aveda salon. They have a sauna, hot tub, snacks, tea, etc....so wonderful. I havent yet decided what my goal is. When i look at the baseline, 60% for all together, but the breakdown is 69% meditate, 73% go to gym, and 38% yoga. I’ve been so good at getting up at 5:15 am to go to the gym before work!

Thats about as much of the mundane i have for you all. When i feel inspired, i will talk some more about my meditative experiences, new lovers, and house goodness.

PS- still madly in love after 9 months. Jamie texted me a couple hours after leaving his house this morning, “i miss you already!”