Teachers Like Freebies!: April 2014

I was so surprised, when I read the comments on my blog, to find that Erin, from Preschool Ponderings nominated me for a Liebster Award. I wasn't even sure what the Liebster Award was, but luckily, Erin had a link that explained the whole thing. If you aren’t familiar with it, You can find all the information at: The Liebster Award

Part of what I have to do to accept this award is answer a series of questions that Erin has for me, plus give eleven facts about myself. I also have to nominate some other new bloggers, who have blogs that I've noticed, and enjoy. I know this is not a post about freebies, however, I'll make the exception this time, because it's part of the award and I'm very honored to have been selected.

Here are the questions that Erin had for me and my answers:

1. When did you know that you wanted to be a teacher? Honestly, I didn’t. LOL I am actually a 20 year, military retiree, who ended up teaching as part of my career. I spent the last four years of my career teaching at the Army Medical Department Center and School. I also wrote field manuals and other job related, teaching materials. Since I've retired, homeschooling has been where my heart is.

2. What is your favorite thing about teaching? I love the fact that as I teach, I also learn. I think it’s important that learning remains a life-long endeavor. I also love the look on a child’s face when they discover something new and fascinating.

3. Why do you blog and when did you start? I started Teachers Like Freebies, because I know that when teachers come to Teachers Pay Teachers, and begin selling their creations, it is very difficult to get noticed. Teachers Like Freebies was a way to help the new sellers, and something I can do to give back. It is a fairly new blog, not even a month old yet.

4. What is your favorite thing to do for fun? I love photography. It’s a hobby I never seem to have enough time for, even being retired!

5. If you were not a teacher, what would you be? I would probably be doing more with my photography and graphic design.

6. What is your favorite indulgence or guilty pleasure? Two words…. ice cream!

7. What is your favorite thing to watch on television? Actually, I do not watch very much on TV, but I have to confess, I’ve watched American Idol since season one and I really love Duck Dynasty.

8. Share one funny story from your teaching experience. Kids are so innocent. They can say the most embarrassing things about their family, and not have a clue they shouldn't have divulged the information. I had to stop myself from laughing out loud a few times in these situations, and take the child aside to let them know that mommy and daddy would want them to keep that information to themselves.

9. How do you keep learning fun? I think incorporating a variety of activities, and changing things up for the kids, helps break up the monotony of a repetitive schedule. I think doing craftivities and other hands-on activities makes learning fun.

10. What is your favorite holiday or special event to celebrate with your students (or family) and why? Christmas would have to be my favorite, because there are so many aspects of it that makes it special. Fun, family, food, friends, and festivities all rolled into one. It’s my Savior’s birthday. It’s a time of happiness and giving. I love searching for that perfect gift that I know the recipient will treasure.

11. What is one of your pet peeves? (It doesn't have to be teaching related) Nosey, controlling people. Those who like to get into your business, uninvited, and try to tell you how you “should” be doing something. I don’t mind friendly, constructive criticism, especially when asked for, but there is a big difference between that and the other.

As part of this award, I have to share 11 random facts about me. So here they are:

1. I am a Christian, and love my savior, Jesus Christ.

2. I am an introvert. I am more social online than anywhere else.

3. I have two beautiful daughters that I love with all my heart.

4. I spent 15 month in Baghdad, during the height of the Iraq war. Our base was bombed on a daily basis, and I saw, and knew of some things, I wish I didn’t. BUT… I am proud to have served my country and I wouldn't change that experience for anything.

5. I've traveled all around the world and experienced many different cultures. I've met some of the "very rich" and the "very poor". I have to say that the poorest of people have been some of the kindest I've met. I always volunteer my time, and money, to help those less fortunate. I especially loved my time in Honduras, the orphanages I volunteered at, and the work I did as part of the Hurricane Mitch disaster relief.

6. I am fortunate to have been able to retire at 44 and enjoy the rest of my life.

7. I believe that less is more. Living the “American Dream” is overrated.

8. I believe that giving is the key to true happiness.

9. I like to do things myself. If I don’t know how, I learn how.

10. I own three houses, but right now, I’m living in my travel trailer. My goal is to travel the US, and visit the all the national parks. I want to take my girls to actually visit the places they read about in the history books.

11. A hard and painful lesson for me… Sometimes things in life don't go the way you dreamed they would… big things and small things. Sometimes bad things happen to good people. It's just a fact of life. I've found that it is a waste of time to try to change situations that are not in your control, no matter how passionate you are about them. You have to learn to accept those things, the way that they are. I can’t control what others may do, but only my response to it.

Now for my nominations:

1. The Crazy Science Lady

2.

Here are the questions for my nominees, should they choose to accept:

1. What is your favorite school activity and why?
2. Share something about your family.
3. What is something you feel passionate about?
4. What are some of your hobbies?
5. What is the vision/reason for your blog?
6. Who is your hero and why?
7. What is the most important thing you can teach a child?
8. What made you decide to teach?
9. What are a few things on your "bucket list"?
10. What is one thing you would change if you could go back in time and do it over?
11. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

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