Designated Doodler

Thanksgiving approaches. It's hard to believe it's here, yet here I am, wishing it were May. I suppose I should slow down and savor life. I think I've been enjoying myself. Here are a few pictures from life as I know it. And as my birthday approaches, I'm hoping for more fun and general shenanigans. Wish me luck! It wouldn't be my blog without some of my art, right?   Some student work that looks FANTASTIC. So proud of my kids. More of my art. Wolf. More unfinished art. Actually finished art. My sample for my students. Led some more painting classes. Then made some paintings of my own. Gobble. More art. My cat. My spirit animal. Trips to the HMFA!   Trips to Crave Cupcakes!! Roses, how sweet :D First place! The 'Stang.

Today was a truly awful day, and if you have ever had to put a pet down, then you know how I'm feeling right now. I've had my cat since I was 9 years old. She was my best friend, my sister, my baby. And this is my first night without her. The pain is just…indescribable. Her kidneys were failing and we knew it's what we had to do, but it certainly didn't make things any easier. Since I've gone through this, I thought that I would write a post with helpful information if you're going through the same thing. Tips: Don't go alone Make sure you stay with your pet while they're putting them down - it's unbearably hard, but they're your family and it's important to be there for them Ask for the ashes Pay in advance so that you don't have to pay afterward while you're a blubbering mess REMEMBER that once they're gone, they're not gone! Your little baby is in heaven and will someday greet you when it's your turn REMEMB...

I feel like it's been forever since I wrote a blog post. This summer was crazy. And since I have no idea how to sum it up or share it, I'm going to throw a bunch of stuff into this post and hit "publish" whenever I feel like it. Teaching: I've learned that Cypress Fairbanks is awesome. They have given me so much training, support and information that I really feel ahead of the curve this year. They hang on to their employees for years…decades…and it's no wonder - it truly is like a family. This community of teachers and administrators make me feel like I could take on the world. For my teacher friends, I have a few AWESOME Pinterest boards you can follow: CLICK HERE STAAR 4th Grade SAT Prep Art Education English (all ages) 5th Grade Science …and 10th Grade English This weekend I'm going up to decorate my class…so wish me luck! My color scheme for this year is black, gray and yellow. I think it was inspired by my love for the Steelers...