Back To School Thoughts

Today is the first day of school for most of our local school districts, so I spent last week getting together with several of my teenage friends before they get busy with school and studying and extra-curricular activities. Summer wanted to try Furr's Pineapple Millionaire Pie recipe (which was delicious); Taylor and Camryn came by for a lesson in scrapbooking; Ally & I tried another painting class; and I met up with Taylor to create Christmas cards at a Stampin' Up party.

As these beautiful ladies head back to school, my thoughts are on learning and studying. Although the private school I taught at this past spring semester offered me a position for this school year, I chose not to return. I truly enjoyed being back in the classroom, however there were a few things I didn't enjoy (getting up early, having a schedule, parent-teacher fellowships where public schools were routinely criticized, the split schedule of early morning and late afternoon classes, parents who questioned my character rather than addressing their student's issues with tardiness, cheating, or disrespect). So, today I'm contemplating and sharing my thoughts on what I want to learn and study and teach this fall.

1. I really (REALLY!) want to learn to use my DSLR in manual mode. I signed up for the BPC Mastering Manual Mode course this summer but have not had time to participate in the class. My goal is to work through the materials on my own this fall and be shooting in manual mode by December 1!

2. I already know how to sew with a sewing machine, however it's been over 20 years since the last time I used one to make something (a new dress!). I want to learn about my new machine and actually complete a few projects with it. My goal is to complete a wall hanging (and 2 Christmas gifts) by the end of the year!

3. I'll also be working my way through the Hello Story workshop materials (as I've not been able to keep up with the content this summer) and learn the story telling techniques presented. My goal is to complete the class materials and create 12 layouts (one for each week's materials) by the end of October!

4. I plan to participate in Shimelle's Learn Something New Every Day beginning on September 1st. I think I'm going to use the divided page protectors like Shimelle did last year and have one 4x6 card and one photo for each day of the month. My plan is to follow along with the prompts unless there is some other significant learning experience on a given day. My goal is to participate each day and complete my page protectors with journaling and photos by October 15.

5. After several years of attending a church close to home, we have recently returned to our home church, which is a 45 minute drive away. It's refreshing to visit with old friends and take time to just enjoy and learn from the Sunday sermons. However, since it's quite a drive, we are not really involved in other activities. Lucky for me, Ellyn is leading a Bible study at her church and has asked me to do the teaching. We've chosen the My Heart Christ's Home study as it's one I've always wanted to teach. I'm currently studying through the materials in preparation to begin teaching in September.

I think this list is an excellent way to start the school year. What are you planning to learn (or teach) this fall?