Month: February 2021

Wowsers. What a week! Each day was busier that the one before as teachers wrapped their heads around synchronous teaching (hybrid + virtual), learned new software and hardware, and dusted off their classrooms which had not been touched since early November. The transition to the beginning of the school year is a mix of sleepless nights and butterflies of excitment – and, this is the 5th time that we’ve faced a Beginning of the Year this year.

01: Get 6 – 7 Hours of Sleep Each Night {Status: 54/56}

On more than one occasion, I chose sleep over work.

02: Learn Calligraphy

I’m hoping to start this goal in April!

03: Purge 1000 items {Status: 348/1000}

Still pruning my email lists. 10 more have been deleted!

04: Organize the Attic 

I did organize some collector coins this week. That’s progress, right?

05: Read 100 Books, including ALL of the DBC books. {Status: 13/100}

Two more fun books done! I’m ready for summer when I devour 5-6 books each week!

In Progress
(1) Radical Candor | Scott {Professional Growth}
(2) Culturally Responsive School Leadership | Khalifa {Professional Growth}
(3) Hacking Questions {Professional Growth}
(4) The Ethics of Leadership | Ciulla {Professional Growth}

Complete:
Pleasure Reading: 13 books.

06: Try 52 New Recipes {Status: 05/52}

Nothing new this week… I guess I need to start planning meals ahead.

07: Get in Shape

Here are some specific action steps that I took this week:

I continued the Running Challenge {Run for America, 1/1/21 – 3/14/21}
I jumped back on the treadmill this week. Although it has been raining, sleeting, or terribly cold all week, I finally made a decision to lace up my sneakers and start pounding the pavement (er, treadmill) again!

One of my most favorite things about this platform is the regular events to earn badges… I earned a Mardi Gras badge and finished 2nd in my age group (for my gender + state). Not too shabby considering that I walked it!

For another week, I closed the Activity Ring every. single. day. Some days, I closed them twice. Yoga for the WIN! And, I earned this cute little limited edition badge for February!

08: #OneMonthGoals with Michael Matera

Last year, I joined Michael Matera on his #OneMonthGoals journey. I ran every single day for a month – and it was glorious. This year, I am committed to selecting (and sticking with) one new goal each month, which I will document here.

January 2021: Day 31 of my Run Streak! {Done!}
February 2021: Track my meals on Lose It App {28/28}

09: Write/Send 52 notes/cards {Status: 78/52: Done!}

This past week, I wrote 72 notecards to my students who are returning to school on March 1.

10: Maintain a weekly blog {8/52}

Here I am!

11: Simplify my life

Lots of time sensitive things on my plate this week, and I will be happy when I can check these off of the list. I still stole back Friday night and all day Saturday for valuable family time!

I’m open to other ideas on how to simplify my life… send them my way.

12: Organize my mother’s photographs

Still sitting there… still laughing at me.

Secret Goals! 

• Secret Goal #1: This one is starting to take shape…
• Secret Goal #2: Parts of this one were assembled this week…
• Secret Goal #3: I have sketched out a paper/pencil plan for this…
• Secret Goal #4: I might just switch this one…

How are your goals going?

Cheers, Holly

It’s interesting how much mental capacity is required to make decisions. As inch closer to returning to Face to Face learning, we are spinning a lot of plates… so this week was filled with meetings, creating frameworks, writing scripts for communication with parents, students, and teachers, drafting schedules… it’s like the beginning of the school year all over again. Except, this is the 5th time this year. When I tell you that building leaders and teachers are tired, I mean that we are tired. This summer break is going to be well earned…I might lock my laptop and phone away for an entire month to cleanse!

01: Get 6 – 7 Hours of Sleep Each Night {Status: 47/49}

Stress + cold weather + heated blankets = zzzzzzz!

02: Learn Calligraphy

So. many. deadlines. No calligraphy fun this week.

03: Purge 1000 items {Status: 338/1000}

Still pruning my email lists. 8 more have been deleted! Oh, and I tossed 11 greeting cards and two electronics boxes that were taking up space on my desk!

04: Organize the Attic 

Luggage, holiday lights, and three pieces of random furniture went back up into the attic. Thanks to recent organization efforts, I now had a spot to put them!

05: Read 100 Books, including ALL of the DBC books. {Status: 11/100}

Definitely need to pick up the pace on this goal! Lots of reading for professional growth, only I have not finished anything yet!

In Progress
(1) Radical Candor | Scott {Professional Growth}
(2) Culturally Responsive School Leadership | Khalifa {Professional Growth}
(3) Hacking Questions {Professional Growth}
(4) The Ethics of Leadership | Ciulla {Professional Growth}

Complete:
Pleasure Reading: 11 books.

06: Try 52 New Recipes {Status: 05/52}

Nothing new or fancy this week, but there’s lasagna in the fridge!

07: Get in Shape

Here are some specific action steps that I took this week:

I continued the Running Challenge {Run for America, 1/1/21 – 3/14/21}
I jumped back on the treadmill this week. Although it has been raining, sleeting, or terribly cold all week, I finally made a decision to lace up my sneakers and start pounding the pavement (er, treadmill) again!

One of my most favorite things about this platform is the regular events to earn badges… I earned a Mardi Gras badge and finished 2nd in my age group (for my gender + state). Not too shabby considering that I walked it!

For another week, I closed the Activity Ring every. single. day. Some days, I closed them twice. Yoga for the WIN!

And – my time on the treadmill opens an opportunity to fill my brain with goodness. Lately, I’m listening to this awesome Podcast about Body Image! It’s so amazing. Check it out!

08: #OneMonthGoals with Michael Matera

Last year, I joined Michael Matera on his #OneMonthGoals journey. I ran every single day for a month – and it was glorious. This year, I am committed to selecting (and sticking with) one new goal each month, which I will document here.

January 2021: Day 31 of my Run Streak! {Done!}
February 2021: Track my meals on Lose It App {21/21}

09: Write/Send 52 notes/cards {Status: 6/52}

Major update happening next week!

10: Maintain a weekly blog {7/52}

Here I am!

11: Simplify my life

This week, I wrapped up three professional learning opportunities that have consumed many hours. I have replaced them with the development of professional learning classes that I am leading later next month. Remind me… when is summer break? This girl needs a vacay!

I’m open to other ideas on how to simplify my life… send them my way.

12: Organize my mother’s photographs

Still sitting there… still laughing at me.

Secret Goals! 

• Secret Goal #1: This one is starting to take shape…
• Secret Goal #2: Parts of this one were assembled this week…
• Secret Goal #3: I have sketched out a paper/pencil plan for this…
• Secret Goal #4: I might just switch this one…

How are your goals going?

Cheers, Holly

This was a tough week. With the unknowns surrounding the Return to School, three athletic seasons that are in full swing yet heavily impacted by CV19, and juggling many, many things on my plate, my goals took the backburner.

01: Get 6 – 7 Hours of Sleep Each Night {Status: 40/42}

When I’m stressed, I sleep. So, this was an easy goal this week!

02: Learn Calligraphy

5 athletic games + grad classes + life… no calligraphy this week.

03: Purge 1000 items {Status: 317/1000}

Still pruning my email lists. 16 more have been deleted! Oh, and I gifted a sweater and a skirt to my donation pile!

04: Organize the Attic 

Grabbed luggage and gift bags from the attic, but did not store or organize anything up there. It’s way too chilly for this goal right now.

05: Read 100 Books, including ALL of the DBC books. {Status: 09/100}

Definitely need to pick up the pace on this goal! Lots of reading for professional growth, only I have not finished anything yet!

In Progress
(1) Radical Candor | Scott {Professional Growth}
(2) Culturally Responsive School Leadership | Khalifa {Professional Growth}
(3) Hacking Questions {Professional Growth}
(4) The Ethics of Leadership | Ciulla {Professional Growth}

Complete:
Pleasure Reading: 9 books.

06: Try 52 New Recipes {Status: 05/52}

Mango Habernero Wings for Superbowl – yummy and within my nutritional framework!

07: Get in Shape

Here are some specific action steps that I took this week:

I continued the Running Challenge {Run for America, 1/1/21 – 3/14/21}
I barely logged any miles this week. It has either been raining, sleeting, or terribly cold all week, and my bones struggled to get moving. That’s ok. I still have a month to finish.

For another week, I closed the Activity Ring every. single. day. Some days, I closed them twice. Yoga for the WIN!

08: #OneMonthGoals with Michael Matera

Last year, I joined Michael Matera on his #OneMonthGoals journey. I ran every single day for a month – and it was glorious. This year, I am committed to selecting (and sticking with) one new goal each month, which I will document here.

January 2021: Day 31 of my Run Streak! {Done!}
February 2021: Track my meals on Lose It App {14/14}

09: Write/Send 52 notes/cards {Status: 6/52}

Maybe I’ll settle in and what a movie so I can get this done!

10: Maintain a weekly blog {6/52}

Here I am!

11: Simplify my life

I learned that, as I just THINK about a schedule change, my mind gets overwhelmed with what this will look like and how I will maintain the healthy habits that I have started. I really need to work on this. Now.

I’m open to other ideas on how to simplify my life… send them my way.

12: Organize my mother’s photographs

Still sitting there… laughing at me.

Secret Goals! 

• Secret Goal #1: This one is starting to take shape…
• Secret Goal #2: Parts of this one were assembled this week…
• Secret Goal #3: I have sketched out a paper/pencil plan for this…
• Secret Goal #4: I might just switch this one…

How are your goals going?

Cheers, Holly

Life settled a little this week with the girls returning to academic courses and athletic practices. If you had asked me last March if we would still be working virtually in a year, I would have laughed out loud. But, here we are. I continue to be amazed by the innovation and creativity that our teachers demonstrate as well as the positivity and resilience that our students bring. While this remains less than ideal, I remain positive that we can use what we have learned to transform the future of education to reach more learners.

Amidst it all, I am thankful.
* Thankful for platforms that allow long chats with my daughter in college.
* Thankful for live stream athletics so I can watch my girls’ athletic contests.
* Thankful for students and families who remain positive and give 100%.
* Thankful for my professional PLC who share innovative ideas.
* Thankful for friends who make me smile.
* Thankful for the ability to exercise – it’s my therapy.

01: Get 6 – 7 Hours of Sleep Each Night {Status: 33/35}

This week, I nailed this goal.
Bedtime: How early is too early? Asking for a friend.

02: Learn Calligraphy

With multiple swim meets and lacrosse games (all away, of course), I did not even think about this goal. In fact, it has taken all weekend to catch up on emails!

03: Purge 1000 items {Status: 299/1000}

Still pruning my email lists. 9 more have been deleted!

04: Organize the Attic 

Today, two items are going into attic storage. I will use this opportunity to bring down a couple of boxes.

05: Read 100 Books, including ALL of the DBC books. {Status: 08/100}

Definitely need to pick up the pace on this goal!

In Progress
(1) Radical Candor | Scott {Professional Growth}
(2) Culturally Responsive School Leadership | Khalifa {Professional Growth}
(3) Hacking Questions {Professional Growth}

Complete:
Pleasure Reading: 8 books.

06: Try 52 New Recipes {Status: 04/52}

This week, I fell short on this goal. But, this weekend is the Superbowl. I’m hoping that we whip up a couple of yummy dishes!

07: Get in Shape

Here are some specific action steps that I took this week:

I continued the Running Challenge {Run for America, 1/1/21 – 3/14/21}
This week, I have accumulated 156.4km of my 250km goal. I did slow down a little…it was either cold or rainy (or both) this week.

On Friday, the Valentine’s Day Challenge opened. This one was a surprise.
Of course, I did it!

For another week, I closed the Activity Ring every. single. day. Some days, I closed them twice. The body is an amazing masterpiece.

08: #OneMonthGoals with Michael Matera

Last year, I joined Michael Matera on his #OneMonthGoals journey. I ran every single day for a month – and it was glorious. This year, I am committed to selecting (and sticking with) one new goal each month, which I will document here.

January 2021: Day 31 of my Run Streak! {Done!}
February 2021: Track my meals on Lose It App

09: Write/Send 52 notes/cards {Status: 6/52}

Need to get off of the computer and start writing notes!

10: Maintain a weekly blog {5/52}

Here I am!

11: Simplify my life

As we inch closer to returning to F2F learning, I am working diligently to carve ways to maintain a lifestyle that has protected time to pursue these goals.

I’m open to other ideas on how to simplify my life… send them my way.

12: Organize my mother’s photographs

Still sitting there… laughing at me.

Secret Goals! 

• Secret Goal #1: This one is starting to take shape…
• Secret Goal #2: Parts of this one were assembled this week…
• Secret Goal #3: I have sketched out a paper/pencil plan for this…
• Secret Goal #4: I might just switch this one…

How are your goals going?

Cheers, Holly

This week was filled with emotions – some expected and others caught us by surprise.

While walking our dogs on Tuesday night, my husband heard a horrific car crash – squalling tires, the crunch of a vehicle flipping multiple times, and ear-piercing screams. Knowing that our daughter had driven out of our neighborhood just minutes before, my husband sped off north…not know how far away the crash happened. One mile north, my husband found the accident – a two-car collision where a car, entering the highway, clipped a second vehicle, causing it to slide and flip six times. Tragically, the second vehicle – the one that flipped – included three of my daughter’s classmates. The girl in the backseat of the Jeep, who was thrown from the flipping vehicle, is a teammate of my girls (swimming & across), and she is the most seriously injured. We spent a considerable amount of this week distracted as we navigated this tragic news and the medical updates that her family shared.

This week’s tragic events (and wintery weather and positive CV19 tests) cancelled the opening of LAX season for B.

However, A’s collegiate swim team opened their season on Saturday with a triple-dual meet against two rivals. Admittedly, A was nervous…but, she survived! She swam a 1500m warmup followed by three competitive swims (1000m, 50m, and 500m) and a 300m cooldown. While I am immensely proud of her performance {I mean, who swims 3000m on a Saturday because you love it?}, her 50m PR is a nice bonus!

01: Get 6 – 7 Hours of Sleep Each Night {Status: 26/28}

While most of my week was on track, I struggled to sleep the night of the accident knowing that my girls were sitting – phones in hand – as they awaited updates on the status of their dear friend. I tossed in agony thinking about the long hours and uncertainty that the families were facing. It was a long night…

02: Learn Calligraphy

Still hanging out… this might have to wait until summertime?

03: Purge 1000 items {Status: 290/1000}

This week, the following items from my home found new homes:

Closet purge: 13 items gone!

Oh, and I removed myself from 17 more email lists.

04: Organize the Attic 

Since it snowed this week, we avoided the attic… Next week, maybe.

05: Read 100 Books, including ALL of the DBC books. {Status: 07/100}

This week, I learned that I earned two free downloads from Amazon! I took full advantage, and I even embraced their recommendations due to my previous reads. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book, and I am quickly turning virtual pages on the second!

In Progress
(1) Radical Candor | Scott {Professional Growth}
(2) Culturally Responsive School Leadership | Khalifa {Professional Growth}

Complete:
Pleasure Reading: 7 books.

06: Try 52 New Recipes {Status: 04/52}

My girl is trying to swap some of her snacks for healthier alternatives. As a result, she whipped up Energy Balls! Delish! (Although, since they are not on my Nutritional Plan, I only tasted one…but I could have eaten the entire dish!)

07: Get in Shape

Week 4: I have a 28-day food logging streak on Lose It….and, it turns out, Lose It rewards me with some nifty little badges, too!

Here are some specific action steps that I took this week:

I continued the Running Challenge {Run for America, 1/1/21 – 3/14/21} This week, I have accumulated 156.4km of my 250km goal. I did slow down a little…it was either cold or rainy (or both) this week.

On Friday, the Groundhog Day challenge opened. Of course, I did it!

I earned another nifty January badge!

For another week, I closed the Activity Ring every. single. day. Some days, I closed them twice. The body is an amazing masterpiece.

08: #OneMonthGoals with Michael Matera

Last year, I joined Michael Matera on his #OneMonthGoals journey. I ran every single day for a month – and it was glorious. This year, I am committed to selecting (and sticking with) one new goal each month, which I will document here.

January 2020: Day 31 of my Run Streak! {Done!}

09: Write/Send 52 notes/cards {Status: 6/52}

I sent A a gift package in college. I can remember receiving surprise mail, and in a world that relies on text messages, I thought a fun package would be a fun change of pace!

I have started writing notes to every single one of my Earth Science students. That’s 72 students. I just might meet this goal this week!

10: Maintain a weekly blog {4/52}

I do have a few items for professional posts in the hopper. Stay tuned!

11: Simplify my life

This week, my devoted hour to my afternoon runs was sacred, and it took more energy that I anticipated to protect that time. This is part of my simplification plan, so it stays!

I’m open to other ideas on how to simplify my life… send them my way.

12: Organize my mother’s photographs

Yeah… about this goal.

Secret Goals! 

• Secret Goal #1: This one is starting to take shape…
• Secret Goal #2: Parts of this one were assembled this week…
• Secret Goal #3: I have sketched out a paper/pencil plan for this…
• Secret Goal #4: I might just switch this one…

How are your goals going?

Cheers, Holly