FIVE FOR FRIDAY . . . OPERATION SURVIVAL

As for the last week, I have no idea where it went (status quo as of late). However, it has been a great run. Here’s a little peek at what the crazy over at The Factory has been up to . . . 

ONE – WRITE IT DOWN, DUMMY
Like most of you out there, I am way overwhelmed at the moment.  I pride myself on being able to remember things.  However, these past few hectic weeks have tipped the scale for me and my trustworthy memory isn’t so trustworthy any more.  Therefore, I have resorted to WRITING EVERYTHING DOWN.  And, let’s face it, I love a good list that I can cross things off off. Well, I snagged some weekly list pads from Creative Paper Collection (the genius clip artist . . . Krista Wallden).  Last week’s list is shown below and the one I have been using this week is just as packed. I am in love with these simple organizers.  They are bright, cheery, and align with how my silly little brain works.  These have been one of my favorite finds this year.  

It comes in a two pack! I picked up some darlin’ note cards for the end of the year too. Click the button below to check out her FB page.

TWO – SHORT TIMER
It’s hard to believe that I will say goodbye to my wonderful co-workers and my home away from home for the past 8 years next week.  It is bittersweet for sure. I am thrilled to get to work in my “backyard” come August, but with the excitement comes a bit of angst and sadness.  Change is always tough, but I am ready for a breath of fresh air. With this said, a new school means only one thing . . . PACKING! And, boy oh boy, has it started.  I have been bringing a car load home every day for the past week and I barely made a dent.  I have so much #$%@!!!!  I am being very mindful as I place things in boxes and I am labeling like a mad woman. If you have any moving/packing tips for me, let me know . . . I am open to suggestions at this point 🙂 

See . . . barely a dent. I’m in T-R-O-U-B-L-E!

This is what it looked like when I moved five years ago. And, this was just across campus. #deepbreathdolling

THREE – DADDY DAY UPDATE
If you are still in the classroom — end of the year or summer school — you may be interested in doing something for Father’s Day.  Well, I made a packet back in 2012 and until last week, I cringed every time it sold.  It was super UG-O! I finally did something about that (my pride just couldn’t take it any more) and I updated it.  Melonheadz helped save the day and I no longer hide behind my hands when a sale comes in!  It has two crafts, a song, and a handful of standards-based activities for 1st – 2nd graders.  We have lots of kiddos without fathers this year . . . I couldn’t overlook these cuties or leave my sweet buyers scrambling to try and come up with something else.  So, alternate templates are included for our babes without dads.  CLICK HERE to check it out.  I am putting this pack and my Countdown to Summer Survival Kit on sale through the weekend . . . 20% 🙂

FOUR – MAINTAINING BALANCE
I have managed to find a bit of balance this late in the game . . . chalk one up for Dolling finally learning to call a “time out” every so often.  What does this balance look like for me . . . um . . . the golf course.  I played a few times last week and hit an evening chipping clinic last night.  Although I am so busy right now, I find that the calm of the course helps it all melt away.  Well, at least for that hour. It also has been a great way for me to connect with the boy as he has been a bit neglected as of late (he knows end of the year drill). #sorrydear

Shhh! Don’t tell him I posted a photo. He looks like a serious golfer . . . hehehehe 🙂

FIVE – REPORT CARD H-E-DOUBLE HOCKEY
I can’t cheer quite yet . . . but, report cards are ALMOST finished.  The mountain of assessments was huge this trimester (poor kiddies) and it took forever for us to get through them.  Thank goodness my teaching partner and I hit this relay style — you go . . . I go . . . you go . . . I go.  It helped quite a bit with the workload!  We have two slots left to discuss this afternoon and then I think we can finally click PRINT.  Thank the grading GODS.  

These math tests were monsters. Thank goodness for grading in front of the TV. The Fall (Netflix) has been the perfect multi-task show!

Alright, that’s it from me.  I hope you have a wonderful weekend . . . send me good packing vibes.  I’ll be back soon next week!