Beginning of a new era...

And so begins a new chapter in our lives...  As a training team, we had to make a decision that best promoted our business and allowed us to meet the needs of our clients.  Friday was David's last day working on the farm.  His new job offers the flexibility to meet with clients at times more convenient for them, not what is convenient for us.  Thankfully, this chick starts summer hours tomorrow...because for the first month, guess who has to take over the morning classes at 6 AM?  Yep - me!!  I am NOT a morning person, but I am definitely looking forward to challenging a new group of individuals to meet their health and fitness goals.  Along with this change in routine, comes a new challenge for me - a guys only class!  This class consists of guys who are more than twice my size and thrive on handing their hineys handed to them on a daily basis.  I have no problem kicking someone's behind..just call me Drill Sargeant!

Along with the change in routine for us, it is my hope to test and review the different supplements and feel comfortable in recommending products that work to our clients.  First up, will be GNC's GenetixHD brand.

I've used all three products and love them, but have not had the opportunity to follow the recommendations for optimal success.  Simply using them occasionally, I was able to experience everything the products advertised:  maximized calorie burn, prolonged satiety, increased energy, and noticeably sculpted muscle tone, without some of the nasty side effects commonly found in many supplements.  Having found succes in using the three base products - Physio-Burn, Pro-Sculpt, and Meta-Ignite, I am super pumped to try out the new GenetixHD product Iso-Define.  Boasting an ultra clean formula, with ZEROArtificial Sweeteners, Artificial Colors, Cholesterol or Fillers, I am excited to try this product as soon as it hits my local store!

Goals?

Okay, so I'm a list maker.  I have lists of what I need to get done and by when, I have lists of things to get from the store, I have lists in my calendar...and most of the time I forget these lists.  It never fails.  My goal over the next few weeks is to review some of the products that have helped me on my fitness journey.  This, of course, all depends on my ability to survive my daughter's high school graduation and keep my sanity!  The past 18 years have flown by, faster than any mother could dream.  And although we each have our own goals in life, as a parent, we have those goals for our children as well.  My youngest will be a running back for the Chicago Bears, my middle daughter will be a doctor (probably something dealing with skin or something gross like toenails or fungus!) and I always thought my oldest would be a teacher.  Now, over the past few months, I've come to the realization that if she ends up living her dream, I will be happy.  A few weeks ago, she informed me that her destiny was to work at Bath and Body forever.  Of course, she was informed that was not an option.  She is a licensed CNA and why in the world would she want to take a pay cut?!?!  "Because I'll smell good all the time!"  I suppose that could be a perk, but is it realistic?

Over the last few weeks, I've had more than plenty time to reflect on our relationship, the trials and tribulations.  We're so much alike that we often times butt heads...and that would be putting it mildly!  Of course we have the similar physical characteristics - we're often time confused as sisters instead of mother and daughter - which is A-OK in my book!!  But we also have a ton of fun confusing others by answering each others' phones - rumor on the street is we sound identical...Words of wisdom - be very careful in what you say if you call one of us...especially if you are wanting to share a secret :)

In my reflection time, I've come to the realization that no matter how many lists one makes, in the end those lists are only a guide.  You can follow those lists by the letter, but in my experience, I have found that straying from those lists once in a while, opens the doors to new opportunities and adventures.  Heck, if I would have followed my list to a T - I would not be guiding others in their health and fitness journey, which I have come to love and enjoy!  So in the randomness of life, it is important to remember that it is okay to stray from the infamous lists and goals, as long as you let them guide you in a positive direction.  But even then, my lists will not refrain me from reminding Kait that she needs to keep to her lists - especially in making sure her college work gets done, and she comes home to visit mom every other weekend!  Of course, I have plenty of time - August is a long ways away - right?

It's 2013?!

Holy Cow!!  I cannot believe that 2011 was the last time I've blogged!!  Why didn't someone tell me!!  Many changes have happened in my world since my last blog - most for the better.  Some things have remained constant - why is it those constants are the ones we want to change though?!?

So what has changed since my last blog?  Well for one, I obtained my Bachelor's in Education and Public Policy.  To this day, I thank Dr. Thomas for being one of the most challenging and inspirational professors I had throughout my educational journey at Ashford University.  With great intentions, I then started the Master's program, but then life happened and it happened quickly, so much as to force me to take a break from those studies, begin a new path of study and begin an
adventure that has and will continue to change our lives here in good ole T-town!

In November, we began our own company - One More Rep Fitness.  Having been an active member of our local gym, then losing my beloved trainer, it was our decision to take our knowledge, put it to use and benefit us!  I acquired my personal training certification in March and have been teaching classes at our little hometown gym in the evenings after work.  I LOVE IT!  I have worked my way through my own plateaus and struggles (whole topic for another blog) and have found it truly inspiring to see the progress and success my clients are achieving.  Together we're all winning!

In the blink of an eye...

In December of 2009, I made a decision on a whim that would affect the rest of my life.  After much research, I decided to finish a dream I began almost 15 years prior.  In August of 1995, I enrolled at our local community college with no real thoughts on where it would take me, hoping that after a few courses I would have some idea of which path to follow.  It didn't take long before I thought I knew which route to take.  After taking some English courses with one of the most wonderful English instructors I've ever had the pleasure learning (and working with), I was pretty certain that I wanted to pursue a future in education. 

Fast forward to August of 1997...Having a young daughter at home and attending classes full-time, I thought it would be a great opportunity to get my foot in the door at Carroll Community Schools.  Three days before school started, I was hired as a paraeducator whose primary responsibilities included monitoring a few studyhalls, lunch and recess.  This would be a breeze...or so I thought.  It did not take me long to decide that maybe teaching was not the route I wanted to take at that time.  Don't get me wrong, I loved the kids and the atmosphere.  I just didn't feel that this career was cut out for me.  But I stuck with it, even though I had to put my education on hold to raise my family.  Working my way up an alternate ladder, I soon found myself in the position I currently hold and love, but deep down inside, I felt something lacking. 

So after a little over 14 years after I began my educational endeavors, I jumped the gun and enrolled in an online program to obtain a degree in Education and Public Policy.  I remember feeling so overwhelmed and even shedding several tears, thinking there was no possible way that I would ever be able to finish.  After making some compromises and eliminating almost all of my little free time to study and write papers, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!  Six weeks ago, I was faced with a decision that I will never regret.  My advisor, Rachel, had called to inform me that my next scheduled class had no other students enrolled.  I could take the class by myself, or wait until another student enrolled.  Knowing I had only two courses left, I made the decision to take the class solo, quite hesitant of how it would work out and the extra time I would have to put into it to ensure that I was getting all I could out of the course.  I was not let down.  In this course, I had the pleasure of working with an instructor who challenged my perspectives and encouraged me to dig deeper into my understanding of education and the policies that do and don't make it work.  Today, I turned in my final paper for this course and feel sad about having to part ways with Dr. Thomas. 

Next Tuesday, I will begin my final class and then its on to bigger and better endeavors.  Having already been accepted into the Masters of Ed program with a specialization in Family and Community Services, it is my hope that some day I can be the mentor that so many of my instructors along the way have been for me!

Electronic Snow Days?

Over the course of the last week, educators from across Iowa met in the basement of the Coralville Public Library to explore additional techniques to integrate technology into Iowa classrooms without losing sight of traditional teaching methods.  Funded by a $2.7 million federal grant for the expansion of digital technology use in the classroom.  The integration of the “Communities of Practice and Innovation” (CoPi) in the Fall of 2011 will use English, math, science and social studies instructors in the pilot program to “break down the walls of the classroom,” by allowing “students to meet with other students who are not in the classroom,” (Carlson, 2011).

What does this mean for Iowa students?  Given the distinct possibility of a handful of snow days each school year for inclement weather, the pilot project could mean the elimination of snow days as students will have electronic access to classrooms across the state who may not be affected by the weather.  Students will be able to utilize online learning communities, similar to what many universities have been using to educate students for the past several years.  Of course there are many factors that need to be taken into account when implementing such a program.  How do families who cannot afford a computer or internet access benefit from the online learning community?  What happens when weather is so severe that power to homes is cut off and students do not have access to the electronic classrooms?  How do families with more than one child allow each child to participate?  Finally, how do school districts ensure parental and community support in the program?  As with regular classroom instruction, there will always be the handful of parents who do not value the importance of education and will not ensure that their children participate in the program.  Although I feel the program is innovative and could provide many potential benefits, the factors that could make it ineffective need to be analyzed to ensure a smooth and flawless implementation.

Carlson, M. (2011, June 24). E-curriculum could spell end to "snow days". Retrieved from http://thegazette.com/2011/06/24/e-curriculum-could-spell-end-to-snow-days/

Planning an end to school snow days. (2011, June 24). Retrieved from http://www.kcci.com/education/28348263/detail.html  

Search and Seizure...the Next Chapter

With the increased access to technology and more importantly, the increasing number of students who possess cell phones, school districts need to be very cautious of how they deal with the misuse of cell phones in the school building and if the policies they have in force will protect them from litigation.  In March of 2011, Texas Judge, Nancy K. Johnson, found a high school student’s Fourth Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution were violated when an assistant high school principal confiscated her cell phone for violating the school’s no cell phone policy.  After taking the phone, Assistant Principal Stephanie Langner turned on the phone to confirm that the student was indeed texting.  However, instead of just viewing the inbox and outbox for times, which was justified by her reasonable suspicion for confiscating the phone, Langner proceeded to open the text messages and eventually discovered a nude photo that had been sent to another student.  Applying the T.L.O. test, Johnson concluded that Langner went beyond her constitutional limits when searching the contents of text messages contained on the phone (Heller, 2011; Brinkerhoff & Wallenchinsky, 2011).

The case of Jennifer Mendoza v. Klein Independent School District has brought to light the need for school districts across the nation to be extremely cautious when confiscating cell phones for violation of use policies.  The Carroll Middle School policy on the use of electronic devices was recently revised to state that students could possess, but not operate such devices during the school day.  Students violating the policy may have their device confiscated, receive a detention and must have a parent retrieve the device from the office.  At no time, is any staff member given permission to search a student’s cell phone for evidence of use.  Many districts have implemented similar policies, but is it enough to protect school districts across the nation from litigation?

Brinkerhoff, N., & Wallenchinsky, D. (2011, March 22). Texas judge challenges right of schools to search student cell phones. Retrieved from http://www.allgov.com/Controversies/ViewNews/Texas_Judge_Challenges_Right_of_Schools_to_Search_Student_Cell_Phones_110322

Heller, M. (2011, March 20). Texas teen scores legal first in 'sexting' privacy case. Retrieved from http://www.onpointnews.com/NEWS/Texas-Teen-Scores-Legal-First-in-Sexting-Privacy-Case.html

Coaching and Education: Who Makes the Call?

On Wednesday, June 8, 2011, the East Sac County school board terminated the varsity girls’ basketball coaching contract of Elementary Principal, Mike Fischer after 24 years of coaching.  The termination resulted from a policy enacted at an April specifically forbidding “school administrators from taking additional jobs – within or outside of the school district – without prior board or Superintendent approval,” (Strong, 2011).  On April 22, Kevin Fiene, Superintendent at East Sac, sent Fisher an email stating that he had until April 27 to resign from either his elementary principal position or his head coaching position in accordance with Board Policy 303.9 (Schable, 2011). 

Fischer has been successful both as elementary principal and as head basketball coach, proclaiming “test scores for the elementary were higher this year than ever before and the girl’s basketball team had their best record since the schools began sharing girl’s basketball,” (Blankman, 2011).  Of course the ability to hold an administrative role and provide extracurricular coaching responsibilities varies by individual, but who has the power to determine the ability of an individual to qualitatively manage his/her responsibilities?  The East Sac school board and Fiene believe the policy allows administrators to keep their primary focus on student academic achievement (Strong, 2011).  In light of this newly enacted school board policy, the question of whether teachers should be allowed to also hold extracurricular coaching positions in addition to their teaching responsibilities needs to be addressed.  In actuality, is it not the teacher’s responsibility to make the primary focus student achievement in the classroom? 

Blankman, J. (Reporter). (2011, June 9). East sac school board terminates girls basketball coaching contract [Radio news article]. (Executive producer), Carroll, IA: Carroll Broadcasting Company.

Schable, A. (2011, April 25). Longtime coach suspects new policy is personal. Daily Times Herald, Retrieved from http://www.carrollspaper.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=12009&TM=37944.65

Strong, J. (2011, April 27). East sac's job policy may be a rare one. Daily Times Herald, Retrieved from http://www.carrollspaper.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=12015&TM=37944.65