Reflection and Resolutions

"Reflection allows us to improve, revamp, and revise. Reflection is essential."  

- Harvey, Goudvis, Schroden

As the year comes to a close and we embark on 2015 - I find myself reflecting on all the successes and setbacks of 2014 as I begin writing my resolutions for the new year. So lets start with some reflection.

2014 was a whirlwind, both professionally and personally for me. It was my first full year back in Ohio and I feel like I really began settling in to both my home and my position at Perry Schools. Along with the "settling" came some amazing opportunities as well as some painstaking hurdles. So here are my Cheers and Jeers of 2014. Professional to Personal.

Cheers

Jeers

Traveling to NYC for Teachers College Participating in the Planning and Training of PES Staff in Reading and Writing  Hosting Mentor Schools for Staff Development in Writers Workshop Participating in Instructional Rounds Introducing Primary Comprehension Toolkit to my school Reforming ELA curriculum for 1st Grade Having a best friend, +Alexa Farmerie  join my team Buying a home in Ohio Making it "my own" Being a Playhouse Ticket Holder The "Cleveland Independents Deck"  Electric Run Road Trip with my sister +Kristina Ambrosia-Conn and good friend Holly Visiting a childhood favorite vacation spot - Ocean City, NJ The marriage of one of my besties, Jenna

Having to drive home from NYC on the 4th of July because flights were cancelled Extensive, tiring, sometimes under appreciated hours of work of new math and reading curriculum Renovating my new home and finding that their is still a ton to do Replacing the furnace that blew Time Warner - enough said Family Illness  The lost of my beautifully inspiring Aunt Margie

The table is a nice graphic, forcing me to remember that they year had more highs than lows and to be grateful for all the amazing opportunities and people in my life. 

So moving into the new year. I have decided to follow my sister's lead and do 15 for '15. 

1. Complete the 2015 Reading Challenge

2. Run in the Color Run - which means I better start conditioning now! 

3. Complain less, encourage more - which also might mean biting my tongue 

4. Begin Weight Watchers, hit my goal weight, and love my body - LESS McDonalds!

5. Start pursuing my Masters - so I better decide if I want to go into Ed leadership or Curriculum . . . can't I do both?!?

6. Rally my favorite couples ( +Linda Teese, +Alexa Farmerie +Ashley Mingoy +Derrick Braden +Michael Licata , +Sarah Rhoades) together and go on our own version of a "Couples Retreat".

7, Blog More - I promise to try! Starting small with once a month, but hope to up that especially come summer time

8. Less Social Media - More Developed Personal Relationships. This means I'm vowing to put down my phone when in the presence of others

9. Be a more gracious daughter - calling regularly, showing my appreciation, returning the favors

10. Be a more attentive wife

11. Be a more playful pet owner

12. Work towards achieving/doing something from my vision board

13. Do something entirely for myself, by myself

14. Be a better listener - putting the phone down should help

15. Avoid a midlife crisis in Feb - when I turn the big 3 - 0

So there it is. Hoping that at the year of this year I can also have a longer list of Cheers than of Jeers. Happy 2015 and good luck on your resolutions! See you next month - or sooner! ;-) 

Taking Up a Couple Challenges!

Ok so a little side bar from Education . . . 

I've taken on two personal challenges. My sister +Kristina Ambrosia-Conn has pushed me into completing the dares in the book This Book Will Change Your Life with her. She will be writing about it on her blog Weekly Wanderlust. I will comment along with her each day as well as update my personal twitter feed on @ASKeene with the #changemylife.  If you are feeling a bit daring, feel free to join us and comment on her blog about your experiences. 

We are currently on Day 4 and here's how I am doing:

Day 1 - tried to insult an insect, but couldn't find one so picked out my prettiest toe, see the picture on Weekly Wanderlust
Day 2 - gazed at everyone like they were the love of my life (but I kinda forgot)
Day 3 - throw away something you like - Good bye leggings! My husband is so happy as he HATES leggings. But I am sure going to miss their comfort!
Day 4 - (today) plan your next trip. I planned my next 3! Florida next week, NJ in June and NY in July. Possibly Dominican in June too! Feeling excited! 

The second challenge I have taken on is the 100 days of Happiness Challenge. This is encouraging participates to find time in everyday to do something that makes them happy. Today is day one and being that it is snowing and I am so missing the warm weather and a tan - I decided to go get a spray tan! Woohoo! Now to just hope I look brown and not orange.  If you want to follow along with my happy challenges I will be posting those on Facebook and my personal twitter account: @ASKeene with the #100happydays.  I definitely encourage you to join me on this one! Everyone could use a little more time for happiness!