New Years (one week late that is)

Long time, no see friends.

I have been busy as usual with work and finals week coming up at Vanguard, but I have at least found some time to think about resolutions for the new year. I often struggle with the concept of New Years' resolutions because they are a little cliche I think. They often consist of things out of the ordinary. Sometimes they are ordinary things like "losing weight" but lower on the list of priorities, or, they are severely lacking in enjoyment but are on the resolution list anyway because we'd feel bad if it wasn't.

Then I got to thinking, how many people make resolutions that don't exactly coincide with our long term visions or goal planning? Spontaneity is great and all, but should it significantly distract us from the steps we need to take to achieve our life goals? I only say this because when I think about the resolutions I made last year, I achieved about half, all of which I am proud of. The other half, I most likely didn't persist with because they were too vague, which is another mistake most people make when creating resolutions. Number one lesson in goal setting - make it quantitatively achievable!

So this year's resolutions aren't wishful thoughts, they are my short term goals for a long term life plan I have been working to build upon. I actually wrote them all in this blog, but then I re-read them and saw how it was probably more than you all wanted to read. It was also a bit, well... personal. I love sharing my hopes and dreams with you all, but there is a point when it may seem a bit boring and even intrusive. So here is an extremely edited version of 5 from 20-some little goals "to-do" in 2012 which will help drive me toward some of my greater life goals.

1. Take a Yoga Class. Maybe not on a regular basis, but at least once or twice this year.

2. Drink 1 new wine a month and record it in my wine journal.

3. Read 8 or more books on subjects pertaining to the history classes I teach.

4. Economize my car, or in other words, sadly trade in my beloved Rover for a more frugal sedan-like vehicle with better MPG.

5. Become an official resident of Colorado! On the assumption that my contract with Vanguard will be renewed and which I have 90% confidence/unofficial discussions with administration of this happening.

So cheers to you all as you too make your goals and here's hoping that 2012 becomes a far better year than 2011 had shown itself to be!

No I did not die... I've just been MIA

Well, I've had some pretty big changes in my life lately - hence the prolonged absence. Last time I left off hinting at a highly anticipated interview at Cheyenne Mountain Charter Academy. Long story short, the position of history teacher I applied to was filled the day I submitted my resume, but they wanted to meet with me anyway. The fact that I graduated from Hillsdale College was a huge deal with them and my educational philosophy fit perfectly with their school's. Three days after my meeting at The Vanguard School (name of the CMCA's High School) I received a call saying that the original position I applied for opened up again. One interview later & I'm officially a High School History teacher!!!!! I now teach 9th grade Honors Classical History and 10th grade Honors European History at one of the top performing schools in the entire state of Colorado.

God's hand has been undeniably present in every detail of this whole series of events. From unknown network connections, to unexpected referrals from previous teachers of my own, to the circumstances surrounding the positions' opening... it couldn't have played out any more perfectly. I never thought I wanted to be a teacher, but the longer I worked in corporate business environments, the more I found myself wanting the atmosphere, colleagues and intellectual expectations I love so much in academia. Now I am so excited to be sharing my love of history with these children who are so incredibly well behaved and just as excited to be at Vanguard. I love giving them little teasers for the end of the year when we'll get to studying WWI and WWII history!

I've had an unusually rough start to the year, mostly because A) this is my first year of teaching, so I have an incredibly steep learning curve to climb and B) when I assumed the position, school had already been underway for 2 weeks. I inherited a position that was abandoned by the former teacher, patched together by substitutes and other teachers until I was able to step in. Most of all I sympathize with the children. The sense of disorder, lack of consistent information and irregularity of authority figures in the History classroom must be disconcerting to them, let alone hindering to good academic performance. So I'm basically staying a day ahead of my students. Sometimes I'm literally 30 minutes ahead of them. Want to know how? For example I gave my 10th graders a test yesterday. I literally made the test the half hour before class and the copies were still warm when I handed them out at 7:45 am. These last three days have been particularly difficult as progress reports have gone out, so I am learning how to handle the righteous indignation and wrath of parents to failing students! eeeeeeek!!!

I have never really been able to comprehend how some people can be workaholics. I like my personal time, family & friend time and of course sleep. Never before have I dedicated so many hours to work so effortlessly. Time just seems to fly by and I never have enough! I'm regularly spending 12+ hour days in Colorado Springs and it feels like its only been 8 hrs. Speaking of which, yes the school is in CO Springs, while I am still living in Denver. So these last three weeks have been perfecting my hour long commute abilities at the disgustingly early hour of 5 am. A move to COS is planned shortly, so bye by Denver.... hello COS!

I'm excited to move to Colorado Springs. I found a great house with three other teachers from the high school and its only located 10 minutes away. I'm the 7th Hillsdale College Alum to come on board at Vanguard and beyond the High School there are dozens of other Alum who live in and around COS. I am so grateful to have good acquaintances nearby and other individuals who understand Hillsdale! Finally! The Springs area is beautiful. Denver and the Rockies backdrop was something new, beautiful and fascinating, but the Springs takes all that and makes it even more dramatic. It has more of a western feel because the soil has a red clay hue to it. Temperatures are cooler due to a higher elevation. There are gorgeous rock formations around the area, most famously the Garden of the Gods. More so, its beautiful because Colorado Springs lies at the very base of the Pike's Peak and the southern stretch of the Rockies. Denver lies a good half hour's drive from the base of the Rockies, but I look out my window at school and they're so close I keep thinking the sky is purple!

I'm excited to make the official move in the first week of October and begin making Colorado Springs my home. I can attend school sports events and support my students. Spend time with other Hillsdale grads and fellow teachers and resume a regular social life! and most of all work on some of my life goals more resolutely now that I have the comfort and security of a full time job that supports my academic endeavors. I'll still pursue wine on the side as an amateur - taken from the Latin roots "for the love of". Posts from now on may still be a bit irregular as I continue to smooth out the kinks and other road blocks I encounter on a daily basis, but I'll write updates as often as I can!

So have a cheerful weekend, I thank God for His infinite love and blessings, thank you all for your faithful prayers on my behalf & go Vanguard Coarsers!

Eat & Drink Local

Yesterday was full of new experiences!

Visited the Cherry Creek Farmer's Market on a spur of the moment side trip. Next time I go back, I'm definitely arriving at an earlier hour as it was partially packed up by noon. There was a French restaurant stand, an Austrian Baker, fresh fruit, vegetables, eggs, flowers, herbs, a Goat Cheese maker, homemade Empanadas, a cupcake stand and so much more! Oh the joys of living in a city! Perhaps next time, I'll be bold enough to take more up close character photos. The market was full of such personalities (and dogs galore!)

I only stopped on my way to the Colorado Winefest. It was a feast for the palate and incredibly educational on the flavor of Colorado wines. I didn't really know what to expect, but I found that most Palisades wineries made excellent Rieslings, Meads, and particularly soft and drinkable Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlots. I apologize for my sad excuse for pictures I had promised. Looks like I only was able to divert my attention for one snapshot. A few of the wineries that stood out from the 56 represented include:

Two Rivers Winery - excellent Merlot and Syrah

Graystone Winery - fine Ports

Maison La Belle Vie Winery - particularly good Riesling. On my "to buy" list!

Hermosa Vineyards - fine whites; makes a unique wine with the rare Rkatsiteli grape from Georgia

Meadery of the Rockies - fine Meads with a unique twist; try this for great dessert wines

As for other things, I stumbled upon this charming necklace on Etsy. I'm all for shout outs to the things and places you love. I'd have a hard time choosing between my loyalty to Michigan or California. Decisions, decisions...

Almost finished outfitting my porch for summer. The string patio lights definitely give it so much character. All that's left is seat cushions, a table for the mini BBQ and fresh cut flowers. I think tomorrow I will take my coffee out on the porch with my book! Hooray for mornings off! (for this short while that is...) I'll post a picture when it's more complete.