Winston, Grad School & How to Thrive in Spring

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I am so excited that spring has finally arrived. These last few months have been busy in the most fun ways, while also the most challenging time as well. We have had a lot going on in our lives that I am so excited to share with you!

My husband and I rescued a dog this spring. His name is Winston. He is our favorite little Puggle (pug & beagle mix) and has been such a fun addition to our little family.  I have spent many years asking for a dog, and we finally decided it was the right time. I would like to think that it was due to me being the most spectacular persuasive letter writing teacher there ever was (as getting a dog is our topic yearly) but I think it has more to do with patience and persistence.  

This spring, I have been working through my first semester of graduate school. I have been in the most interesting classes and have really enjoyed what I'm learning. I have had to focus on being incredibly scheduled to make sure everything gets done, but it has been a spectacular experience. I have also been blogging for the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies at Texas A&M (ogaps.tamu.edu/Blog) so if you are interested in some of the blogs I've published through them, go check it out!

Between a new dog, graduate school, getting ready for testing, and balancing family and friends, it can sometimes be an overwhelming amount. As exciting as the spring season is, it can bring on a lot of stress for educators. I am really trying to focus this year on how to not let that stress get me down. I have found, personally, that Winston has been a great distraction. Each day, we  go out on a couple of walks which is not only healthy exercise, but gets me out of the house and into the fresh air. I also think another way to energize your spring is to find a great conference or book that you are really interested in. You can check out my 2017 and 2018 book lists for book suggestions. Recently I've finished Wonder, A Wrinkle in Time and am almost done with Towers Falling. Finding something that recharges you and renews your excitement for learning at this time of the year is a great way to bring back your spring! Lastly, don't forget to spend quality time with your family and friends. It can be so tempting to work so much that we get home and have nothing left in the tank for those closest to us, but don't fall into that trap. Pick a day that you leave earlier each week, without question. If that doesn't work for you, set a time that you will be done and leave work, and don't pick up work again until you return the next day. Both of those are great ways to make sure that you give your best at work and at home. What we do is incredibly important, but we can't forget the other people in our lives.

So today's post was just meant to be a quick update and some little tips on how to make your spring as fabulous as it can be. I will be blogging at OGAPS a couple of times a month, but will keep posting on here as well! Check out my other blogs and I hope that you have a great spring!