This summer, when anticipating the start of the program, I thought to myself “16 months is such a long time, I can’t believe I have that much school left”. This semester has blown by simply because it has been so busy. This semester I was obviously full time at school but I was also working on Fridays in the district as a substitute teacher and any other half-day I could. It was nice to put tools that we have learned to work and see it in action. I also was coaching high school volleyball; we practice four times a week and participated in tournaments on the weekends. We also had four out of town tournaments, which included Provincials. We finished fifth. Coaching is a huge part of who I am and how I teach. I find it helps me understand kids on a deeper level and a more personal one as well. Seeing them on the weekends are their families and learning more about them helps me solidify my relationships. I love coaching and helping them achieve things they do not think they can achieve, I feel the same way in the classroom. Now that it is Christmas Break, I have a small break until we start our club season in January, and back to busy!

Last October, I graciously bought myself with a puppy, Nocco. I named him Nocco after a Swedish energy drink that I loved when I lived there. Nocco is very timid and shy and takes a bit to ease up around people, even myself. I found that he always gravitated towards me, but in the last few months he has been very attached and clingy (WHICH I LOVE). I have always wanted a dog but never thought I could handle coaching, school, and working all while raising a puppy but it has been really enjoyable and rewarding. It is my favorite thing to come home to Nocco after a long hard day.

In 3 weeks, I am going to have my first nephew! My sister is due soon and I cannot wait to meet baby Emerson. We had her Canadian baby shower a few weeks ago and it was so beautiful! My brother in law is American so they had her first baby shower in Washington with his family. Luckily, we are headed to Kamloops for Christmas break on December 21^st, and Emerson should be due around then. This Christmas will be nothing short of chaotic …