This year it felt like winter break almost came too fast. I know I am probably the only teacher in the world saying that but it is true. Usually, as we approach winter break I am ready. When that bell rings for dismissal I can’t get out fast enough to start my holiday. This year I didn’t feel that way. When the bell rang it felt like it had come too early. Like I wasn’t quite ready for break and could have taught another week or two. Either way, it is here!
One
Welcome to the united states of america
Hearing those words as we touched down in Chicago brought so much joy to my heart. To be honest, most of the time I don’t miss too much about living in the US but when it comes time to visit I cherish every moment. I do so much shopping when I am back in the US. Last year I had to bring two suitcases back to Poland with me because I bought so much junk. Now I can justify the clothes I bought but my goal is not to spend any money on teacher stuff. The stuff I want to by is a want not a need. This trip I am most excited to spend time with my family and friends. This week it was all about quality time with the fam.
Two
Happy Birthday to My Brother
My youngest brother’s birthday is in the middle of December. This means that I get to be at home for his birthday! Last year he turned 21 and I literally got to my parents house at 11:00 and went to the bars for midnight. I had one beer to celebrate with him before jetlag began to take its toll and I had to call my mom to come pick me up while the rest of my siblings continued the party! For future reference, going to the bar after a ridiculously long flight and drive is not the greatest idea. Lesson learned. This year I had a few days to prepare, also 22 is not as monumental as 21. We went out to breakfast together and celebrated with Chinese food for dinner.
Three
Visiting Friends
When you live abroad and come home everyone wants to see you. It can be pretty tricky to juggle your time and plan to see everyone. Last year I didn’t make it up to visit one of my closest friends so this year I scheduled her in first. Next week I will be visiting my very first teaching bestie and now just a general bestie. I’m so excited! We haven’t hung out in 3 years!! She also had a new baby right before I moved to Poland and I can’t wait to actually meet her!
I will also visit my other two teaching besties who I miss very, very much. They helped me get through one of the toughest years in my teaching career. These two are always available for a consult and to just chat teaching… although sometimes they call in the middle of the night because they forget about the time change. It always results in a hilarious conversation I usually fall asleep during!
FOur
Read, Read, Read
Although I am overwhelmed by all the new Netflix possibilities I want to spend this break reading as much as I possibly can. I love to read and sometimes while school is in session I don’t have the time to read as much as I would like. Over vacations I like to try to read as much as possible.
To Be Read:
- Becoming by Michelle Obama
- The Innovator’s Mindset: Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity by George Couros
- Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi
- Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. by Brené Brown
Five
Google Level 2 Certification
Earlier this fall I became Level 1 Google certified and now I want to become level 2. Over the break I’ll watch complete the training course and hopefully take the test. I didn’t think it was too tricky to become level 1 certified and I think it would be cool to learn a bit more and become certified in level 2.
Were you off on break this week? Leave a comment below with your winter break plans!
