The year has begun.

So most bloggers write a really self-reflective post on January 1st or shortly after thinking through what the previous year has brought, and what they would like to see come out of the new year. Welp, we are already halfway through January (like 1/24 through the whole year actually!) and I still haven’t produced one of those posts. But I should probably try. Here’s a break-down of 2012…

January- Began student teaching in 3rd grade and moved back in with my parents.

February- Learned about the chaos that is Valentine’s Day in an elementary school setting.

March- Started my second student teaching placement in 9-12 ESL

April- Applied for a gazillion jobs! Played the waiting game.

May- Graduated! Got a job! Found out I was moving to another state!

June- Started teaching summer school (3rd grade & K-1st drama).

July- Went to every garage sale in town. Did the Color Run! Went to the farmer’s market every week.

August- Started teaching a new grade level (Kdg) in a new state (CO). Met all new people. Made new friends.

September- Went Colorado camping for the first time ever! Hiking, too.

October- Turned 23. Had my first parent-teacher conferences. Learned how to party it up Halloween-style in Kindergarten.

November- Deepened my new friendships. Tried new things.

December: Went Colorado skiing for the first time ever!

 

It’s funny the things that stick out to me as I sit here typing this. I feel like these were the “big” things in my life this past year, but really? A lot of times it’s the small things that are bigger. So while I may have summed it up with a couple of grander events, a lot of the in-between things helped make 2012. Things I like to record on this blog, whenever that is.

I still hold to my (un)resolution of a few years ago, here. I can’t say I’ve excelled, but the least I can do is renew my resolve. To seek God more and ask him the hard questions.

And soon enough I’ll be back to feeling the pressures of new year’s/determination/resolutions/reflections, to post again while looking back. I just hope I do that oftener than January 1st. Here’s to 2013!

How to make a chalkboard.

 

So on Pinterest there are lots of links to tutorials for homemade chalkboard paint. I really wish I lived in a place where I could paint the walls to my liking, but that’ll happen someday. I would love a whole wall with chalkboard paint so I could decorate it however I want and change it any time! But I found a cheap alternative that was super fun to do. Plus I did it on a whim at about 10:30 pm. That’s when the creativity is greatest, it seems. :)

I bought this cute wood frame thingy at Hobby Lobby. Used my 40% off coupon, so it was only a couple of dollars.

To make the chalkboard paint, you can use any type of paint, which is nice because I have a ton of acrylic paint. I just mixed up some colors until I found a shade I really liked. To make it official chalkboard-writeable paint, you have to add some non-sanded grout. Hobby Lobby+40% off coupon= super cheap again. Mix 1 Tblsp. grout with 1/2 cup of paint until it is really smooth. Paint the frame, wall, table, chair, or whatever is going to be your new chalkboard surface until you are satisfied with the thickness (maybe 1 coat, maybe more).

 

When it is dry, take a piece of fine-grit sandpaper and sand the surface. You’ll also want to “condition” it by rubbing a piece of chalk over the surface and then wiping it off with a slightly damp cloth. Not sure why, but that’s what Pinterest said. :)

When you are done you can decorate it any way you want! I like to put quotes or bible verses, things that are inspiring. My favorite part is that I can change it to whatever I want, anytime I want. So fun and cheap!