Crazy Week...

I am spending this week in a hotel, in a new city, working for my home state.  I had visions of catching up on blog work, writing and scheduling several posts, continuing triathlon training and sharing a cute embroidery project I whipped up in my spare time....

REALITY CHECK!

#1 - I am actually working really hard on the project, and we're putting in 11-ish hour days.  I've been too tired when I finally get back to the hotel to log into my computer and create meaningful posts for all of you to read

#2 - The insightful post about Aiden's retainer, the interesting post about my triathlon training and the crafty post about the embroidery project will have to wait until next week...

#3 - Actually the embroidery post may be a bit longer as none of the pieces have even come out of the box and not a single needle has been threaded {see #1}

#4 - I have managed to continue triathlon training albeit with no swims this week.  Running on a hotel treadmill isn't quite the same as the workouts I've been doing outside at home but I think they count for something!  Check out that picture in the left sidebar...go ahead...see the one with me in the transition zone?  That's actually a link that will take you to my training calendar so that you can keep up with my triathlon aspirations.  Don't click it yet...it's horribly outdated and I didn't manage to update it this week {see #1}

#5 - So much for spare time... I've been a little worker bee all week.  But...it's important work and I am truly happy to have had the opportunity to participate.  Tomorrow, I 'll head home and...

...catch up on blog work, write and schedule several posts, continue triathlon training and share a cute embroidery project I whipped up in my spare time....

Working Mom Routines...

I missed the official prompts for Working Mommy Wednesday but...

I was recently watching an episode of "Super Nanny" and was struck by the realization that the first piece of advice Jo offers to families is a Family Schedule.  Routines help kids know what to expect and I know they help me keep track of my busy family.

In my house, you wouldn't be able to point to the one routine that makes all things possible...depending on who's home and the situation, we have several.  The important thing is that we have the routines.

"Meeting Daddy at my School"  This is Aiden's least favorite routine.  Since my husband works 24 hour shifts, this routine involves Aiden waking up early to go to school with me.  Kyle works just down the street from where I work, so he picks Aiden up and takes him to school on the way home.  For the first time this year, Connar stays home until he leaves for the bus.

"Regular Mornings" Connar sets an alarm and is just getting up when I get home from the gym.  He makes his own breakfast and watches cartoons before he gets ready for school.  Kyle is getting up just as I am leaving and Aiden is usally getting up then too.  Aiden has to turn the TV off at 8:00 so that he can have breakfast and get ready for school.  It's kind of like a dance...and it works well for us.

"After School" This routine really depends on who's home and what's on the agenda for the afternoon.  The boys usually get 1 ticket of video games before homework.  Often a friend or friends are over to play.  In the spring and fall there's soccer practice.  When it's nice outside there's skateboarding and playing and when it's gloomy we often head to the indoor pool at the gym.

"Everyday Jobs and Baths" As dinner is winding down, Kyle or I make this pronouncement.  The boys take care of their jobs {in a timely manner} and hop in the shower or bath.  Kyle and I finish up laundry & dishes before the kids are done and then it's time for...

"Couch Time" This is my favorite time of the day.  Everyone's in their jammies and we all snuggle up on the couch to watch a show...usually something we've saved on the DVR.  It's cozy and calming for all of us.  From couch time we head upstairs for stories {Aiden} and reading until we fall asleep.

What routines make your family tick?

Child Poverty...

Today I am linking up with One Wee Voice – Child Poverty campaign.  Every morning I drive 30 minutes from the comfortable neighborhood where I live, and my children go to school.  I drive across the city to the neighborhood in which I work, and have worked for the past 10 years.  

This neighborhood has many names…affectionate slang from those who live and work here and appreciate this part of town…dismissing slang from those who don’t understand and judge….sometimes they’re the same name, it just depends on who’s using the term.  I teach in a middle school in a neighborhood with high poverty.  Today about 85% of our students are on free or reduced lunch.  Many are a transient population, often moving once or twice during the school year.  Many don’t have cold weather clothing, school supplies, or food.  

Think about the school where your children spend their days.  At my school:

• We have a clothing bank inside the school that is accessed during the day by counselors and staff to make sure children have clean, warm clothes.  It’s open to families in the afternoons and during our monthly family nights.
• We are building protocols for children to access the new medical and dental clinic that just opened at the community center across the street.  We will be able to help kids access medical or dental assistance during the school day.
• We serve a free or reduced price breakfast and lunch to most of the student body daily.
• Teachers have drawers full of healthy snacks and they’ve learned how to slip them to the kids who need more food.
• We buy sweatshirts and gloves, scarves and hats so that kids can be warm on their way to school.
• We give away books and feed families at our Family Night’s.  
• We have cupboards full of school supplies and backpacks so that kids are able to attend classes prepared.
• There is anxiety in the days leading up to a long school break because many children don’t know what they will be eating or where they will be sleeping during those weeks.
• Almost every child has a story that will break your heart.

At the same time we have to be careful not to let those facts become the excuse…we can accept that those things are but we cannot allow them to cloud our resolve to teach.  We cannot allow those facts to keep us from presenting children with a rigorous educational curriculum and helping them find the resolve to learn.  It is very easy to get sidetracked by someone’s story…to allow pity and guilt to move in and take over.  When that happens I no longer see the resilience in the child…it’s hard to hold him or her accountable to learning about the Conservation of Matter when you know what they saw at home last night.  And so…I hold their stories in one part of my heart but with my voice, I push them to learn.  I help them find some relevance in the academia because I believe that education is the way out of poverty.  I believe that to my core.  I work every day, usually behind the scenes, so that our kids can find the resilience and strength and courage to leave poverty behind.  

Working Mommy Wednesday...

It's Wednesday...halfway through the week, and time for Working Mommy Wednesday.  By the way, do you love my new look?  I have been so excited!  There's still some rearranging and sorting that needs to be done...just as when you move into any new room.  But...Welcome, I'm glad you're here.

The prompt this week is Your Biggest Challenge of the Year.  That sounds impressive, but I'm afraid I can't look that far ahead right now...My Biggest Challenge of the Week...finishing the week.

That sounds lame, I know...but for the past two weeks I have lounged, played, crafted, slept in, ate delicious food, played some more, lounged, drank wine...you get the picture.  Two glorius weeks of responsibility free Christmas Vacation.  (Now I sound like I'm 13!)  Well, this week I had to go back to work.  And I forgot how hard I work...and I'm tired.

I am absolutely not complaining, I enjoy my job and I even like working hard.  I like getting up early to work out, I like teaching and working with teachers all day, I like soccer and homework.  I even like cooking (occasionally!)  But I have to admit, that for two weeks, I really liked sloth!

So, this week my biggest challenge is finishing the week.  I'm pretty sure I'll manage, but I might whine just a little.  My rewards will be a great Friday night quilting with my mom and aunt and a fantastic day of skiing on Sunday...I think I can get there.

Working Mommy Wednesday...

It's that time of the week again...time to link up with the working mommies...



This week's prompt...Having a career makes me a better mom because...
I am going for the positive spin on this statement.  Any day that I would say it makes me a worse mom, is more the mommy guilt talking than any real reasoning.  When I am rational and thoughtful, I do believe I am a better mom because of my career.
* Two of the schools I've worked for have invested heavily in Love & Logic training for their teachers.  In fact, several years ago I became a trainer of this program.  This strategy and philosophy around discipline and talking to kids is so powerful in the classroom and amazing at home.  I am thrilled that something I learned for my job so directly applied to my family.
* I have a much more global perspective on the world and the lives of children working in the neighborhood where my school is located.  We chose the neighborhood we live in for the schools and the easy access to friends, parks etc.  I appreciate living and working in different worlds because of this different, more diverse perspective.
* I love being able to share more opportunities and experiences with my kids because of our additional income.  I'm proud that I can send them to camp, encourage them to play sports and take them on vacations.
* My husbands job allows him to volunteer in the classroom.  There aren't many dads who enjoy that role and it's really good for my boys and their classmates.
* Because we don't use a daycare, the kids get to have a closer relationship with their grandparents.  My parents and my husbands parents help us out with childcare, and days when I have meetings or school events.  These are great opportunities for the boys to have an adventure with their grandparents and they share hobbies like geo-caching with the kids that we don't do at home.
* Some days I am tired and out of patience.  Some days the best parts of me are shared with the middle school kids I spend the day with and not with my own children.  Some days all I want is to go to their classrooms and on their field trips.  But most days...I understand that my boys are well cared for,  have good experiences and important relationships and are thriving in their lives.  I am so proud to be their mom.

Working Mommy Wednesday...

I love linking up with all the Working Moms for ...



 


This week's prompt - You Know You're A Working Mom When...


* Your car, counter, desk & mirror are covered with sticky notes

* You carry your phone with you all day, in case something happens with the kids

* You eat breakfast in the car...and often do your make-up there as well

* Your life is recorded on three different calendars...at work, family at home, iphone with me

* Lunch is spent chatting with other working moms

* "Water Cooler" conversation is about your kids' soccer games

* The family dinner is Subway sandwiches in the truck on the way to football because you got off work late

* You're nodding in agreement to any of the above!!

Working Mommy Wednesday...

It's Wednesday again...time to link up with all the working moms for...

 This week's prompt is..."Describe your working life BEFORE kids vs. your working life AFTER kids."

My first teaching job was in a tiny private school.  The director wanted the curriculum to be individualized as much as possible and we didn't have access to any textbooks.  The idea was to match the learning needs and interests of the kids.  Wow!  That was tough for a brand new teacher.  I worked ridiculously long hours and all through every weekend to create personalized tracks of learning for all my students.  My husband was still in school and working for the ambulance so his hours were crazy too.

After my first son was born, I moved to a different school.  This was a public school with the personality of a private one.  The demands of the job were similar though and I was working with a good friend who had made the move from the private school with me.  She didn't have kids yet, and didn't understand my reasons for needing to change my work hours.  The result was lots of tension between her and I, and a sense that I was failing in my job...and as a parent.  No matter how I tried there was no sense of balance. 

For many reasons, I left that school after only two years and moved to a large, public middle school.  One of my personal goals was to find a way to make teaching and parenting coexist in myself.  I was fortunate to find myself on a staff in the midst of a baby-boom (which is still going on 10 years later!)  I was working with other women who were learning to balance teaching and home.  They understood me and they were so helpful.  When my 2nd son was born, it wasn't easy to find balance but I knew that balance (at least sometimes) was possible.

I still search for balance every day.  I have a pretty strict personal rule about the time that I leave work.  I also leave work at work...I do not bring it home with me.  That has forced me to be very efficient at work and sometimes turn down social opportunities.  However it has also enabled me to be much more present at home...which at the end of the day is where I want to be the most!

Working Mommy Wednesday...

It's Wednesday...time to link up with Julie at Work, Wife, Mom...Life and the rest of the Working Mommy Network for...




The prompts this week:  * What is your thing?  That thing or routine you need to get through the day.  * What do you do on your commute to work?


I usually get up early, while the house is still sleeping, and workout.  While it's often hard to get out of bed, I love working out in the morning.  Most mornings I meet my good friend Tessa and other fun girls for a class - weight lifting or spinning.  I get in a good workout and a little social time!  I also try to get in at least one run and one swim each week so I stay in good shape for summer triathlons.

I started working out in the mornings because I discovered that I was a much more patient mom in the afternoons.  Since then, I have taken up triathlons and enjoy the time in the gym each day.

My morning commute is a long one.  The school I work at is about 30 minutes away.  Most mornings I eat breakfast and enjoy my first cup of coffee while I listen to a great morning radio show.  It's a nice drive.

Once a week, I bring the boys with me to school...as part of the juggling act of working parents.  My Firefighting husband works 24 hour shifts at the fire station around the corner from my school.  Since he gets off work at 7:30, I bring the boys to school with me.  He picks them up, drives them back home and to school.  It's not easy on the kids to wake up an hour earlier once a week so I bribe them with McDonalds breakfast :)  On the mornings the boys are with me we listen to xm20 on the radio and rock out during the drive!

Working Mommy Wednesday...

I am linking up with Julia at Work, Wife, Mom...Life! for another...

 

This week's prompt is, "The hardest part about being a mom is..."

I don't know what the hardest thing about being a mom is, but right now the hard part is going back to work.  I am a full time teacher...which I love...and right now I am in the middle of the transition from summer stay-at-home mom to school year working-mom.  The first two weeks are really hard.

Right now I am getting myself ready for work...making sure my work clothes are clean and ironed, making sure I have stuff for lunch at school, getting my space ready and meeting with the other teachers I work with to prepare for students.  I am also getting my kids ready for school...shopping for clothes and supplies, and shifting summer bedtimes to school bedtimes.  This year my kids also have different sports commitments that are challenging to our family routines.  On top of all those transitions, I have to reorganize my home routines to find time for little things like laundry and housework while still taking care of myself and spending time with my family & husband.

Even knowing the transition is hard, doesn't really help with how tiring it is to shift.  I'm really exhausted.  When I am this tired I constantly feel like I am forgetting things, letting people down and neglecting what's important.  It's really hard.  

The good thing is that I love my job and I love the advantages my family has because I have a job.  My husband is truly amazing during this transition and does all he can to keep me balanced and functioning.  My extended family helps loads with the kids.  And...I know that once I have made the transition life will be good.  But right now it's really hard!

Back-to-School for Teachers...

It's not always easy to head back to school, so I decided to make a fun clipboard for some of the teachers that I work with to celebrate going back-to-school...

I started with small (9 X 6") wooden clip boards, my bottle of mod podge and a selection of paper scraps from my scrap booking stash.

I cut papers to fit the back of the clip board and applied them with mod podge, smoothing out the bubbles with my fingers.

For the front of the clip board, I used complementary papers, but tore strips to accommodate for the metal clip.  These were also applied with mod podge.

Finally, I added inspirational quotes to the back.  These are printed on vellum and double mounted onto the clipboard.

I added a ribbon bow, and a small tablet to the clipboard along with a great new pen.  Something pretty helps ease that transition back into being working moms!

Working Mommy Wednesday...

Once again I am joining Julia at Work, Wife, Mom...Life! for...



The prompt this week is to brag about yourself!  Wow...that's an interesting invitation.  I'm a teacher.  I teach middle school science and I love it!  I've taught 4th grade through 8th grade, but middle school is my favorite and Science is the best content {in my humble opinion}!

I've been at my current school for 9 years, but teaching for 15.  The school I work at has a high percentage of students who live in poverty.  Children who aren't well-nourished and who don't live in print rich homes.  Children who often fend for themselves.  It's a tough crowd, and I love working there.  I love making connections with kids, seeing the light bulb go on over their heads, celebrating their successes.  I love knowing that the content and skills they learn in my class will help them in many ways as they continue through life.  I love hearing their stories when they come back to visit...kids that made it!

Currently I am working as a TOSA (Teacher on Special Assignment) and I am an instructional coach.  Think about a sports coach...the person who brings in resources, coordinates practices, provides feedback to players, brings in new ideas and new strategies, helps players achieve their goals...that's what I do for classroom science teachers.  I don't have a class of my own anymore, but I get to work with amazing teachers who are dedicated and talented.  It's a fantastic opportunity.

Teaching is an interesting, and I believe often misunderstood profession.  I have a Bachelor's Degree in Health and Biology with a minor in Chemistry.  I have a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction.  Last November I achieved National Board Certification in Early Adolescent Science.  I'll be starting my doctorate in Educational Leadership next summer.  Teaching is a taxing, difficult, stressful job.  It's also extremely rewarding and there are always new challenges around the corner.

Working Mommy...

This week, I am traveling for work, so I am posting from my hotel room.  While it took a little organization on the home front to leave this morning, I think this trip will be a good one.  I get to attend a class, and be trained on equipment that supports our new science curriculum.  Back at school in the fall, I will work with my traveling teammates to train other teachers in our district.

Some advantages to traveling...
* My kids had a special day with their grandparents, and a slumber party tonight
* A very rich and delicious dinner in a fancy restaurant
* Spectacular views on the drive down.  At one point I could see 8 volcanoes at once - amazing
* Traveling with science teachers...priceless!
* Due to a last minute cancellation, a room to myself...luxurious
* Pedicures at the hotel spa tomorrow after class
* Great opportunity to learn something new

Some disadvantages to traveling...
* Teary good nights over the phone
* Missing my husband for a week due to poor timing between my trip and his work schedule
* A hotel room to myself (frankly I'm never alone and I get lonely after 1 day)
* Missing / adjusting training time for my upcoming triathlon
* Missing 4 days of stay-at-home mom time
* Teary good nights over the phone (this time it's me...I can be so sappy!)

What do you miss the most when you're not with your kids?  What's the best part of a little mom time?

Working Mommy Wednesday...

I am linking up with Work, Wife,Mom...Life! on Working Mommy Wednesday.  This week's prompt...talk about a momemt of Mommy guilt (and how you pulled through).

I appreciate the distinction between real guilt and referred guilt made by Julia at Work, Wife, Mom...Life!.  There are people I know who bombard me with referred guilt and over the years I have gotten a bit better at not assuming that guilt for myself.  One of the strongest real guilt situations I experience is my lack of patience, at the end of long days, for my kids. 

I hate the feeling that work has gotten the best of me...literally!  That all my laughter, patience, tolerance and creativity was used up on other people's children and there isn't any left for my own.  I hate the evenings when all I have is frustration and pickiness or worse The Yelling Mom. 

One of the ways I have found patience is to workout in the mornings.  Strangely, sacrificing an hour of sleep to spend sweating gives my body more patience at the end of the day.  It helps that I have friends at the gym, so it's a social hour for me, and time spent on me (even though it's really early!) 

Another strategy that works for me is to recognize those days when I am at the end of my rope.  If my husband is home, I'll let him know that I am going to be home a little late and I drive through Starbucks and park by the river on my way home.  A stolen half hour reading and enjoying a cup of coffee in the truck helps me put my work day behind me and look forward to family time.  If my husband is at work, and it's just me and the boys, I plan something special.  I take them swimming or we go out to dinner...something to change the routine and give me time to enjoy the kids without looking at everything that needs to be done in the house. 

What are your Mommy guilt moments?  How do you deal with them?

The Big Photo Challenge...

The theme this week is...NEW

My photo represents NEW in several ways.  First of all, this is a new suitcase which I purchased last week because I am traveling for work.  My traveling mantra has always been, "I don't pack light" but new restrictions and charges on luggage have cramped my style!  Since I am only going to be gone for two nights I thought I would try out traveling carry-on.  {{gasp}} I know...but I thought I would try it...so new suitcase and new method of traveling...

I managed to pack more than I thought I could in my new suitcase and headed off to a new city...Cincinnati.  Never been here before...and I probably won't be here long enough to really see anything beyond the testing center where I will be working.  But there's one more thing that's new about my picture...

I took it with my iphone...the only camera I have with me because I traveled carry-on and couldn't bring anything extra.  It's sort of a new camera since I haven't entered the BPC with it before...

What's new in your world!

A Mom at Work...

I have been involved in administering the MSP (Measurement of Student Progress...our state assessment) for the past two weeks.  That administration and organization is usually characterized by facilitating make-up tests and providing students a space for extended testing time otherwise known as...watching kids take tests.  We use the library or an empty classroom so, today was my first day in my office in several days.

One of the things I missed about my space is my digital frame -

Kyle gave me the frame for Christmas a couple of years ago.  I keep current pictures on the card and I have a slide show setting.  It just makes me smile to catch a photo of a great moment while I am in the midst of work.

And lest I get too caught up in the moment... my "To - Do" pile sits just in front of the frame!

How do you create space that is comfortable?

It's the First of May...

When I was growing up, I used to take flowers to my Gram on the first of May!  Today I am getting my calendars aligned for the month ahead.  Here's some things for you to think about including on your May calendar:

Kids at School - As the end-of-the-year approaches kids will involved in concerts, field days and other events.  Make sure those are posted on the family calendar and all the details are taken care of. (Aiden's Kindergarten Family Night is on the 21st.) 

Teacher Appreciation - Make sure you remember your kids teachers this month.  Teachers work really hard all year for your kids.  There are tons of craft ideas out there, help your kids create something special for their teachers!

Kids Sports - Are your spring sports wrapping up?  Have you thought about a thank-you for your coach?  Do you need to register for summer sports or camps?  (Connar is trying out for two soccer clubs this month - wish him luck!)

Summer Camp - Are your kids going to camp?  Some camps have an early-bird discount.  We signed the boys up early and contributed the $20 off to their camp store account.  Also, plan for time to complete all the paper work and get medical releases signed off prior to camp.

Birthday Parties - Look ahead...if you have several birthday parties to attend you can take care of gifts in one trip rather than several.  (We'll be at my Gram's birthday on the 15th and Lukey's 5th birthday on the 22nd!)

Mother's Day - Do you need to leave a subtle hint or just circle the date on the calendar?  Either way, let your family pamper you a bit! (My father-in-law organizes a fantastic brunch where the moms sip mimosas on the deck and the guys do all the work...my boys are the cutest waiters!)

Other Stuff - I have a note on my calendar to take my ring into the jewelers to inspect in order to keep my warranty - don't want to forget that!  My husband and I get to go to a concert - yay, date night!   We also have another full month of soccer games and Shock Football games. 

What are you looking forward to in May?  Do you have your calendar ready-to-go?

A Mom in Transition…

This afternoon made me laugh…it was so typical of the transition from working-mom to soccer-mom (literally).  Let me start by telling you that my husband surprised me with an iphone for my birthday last weekend.  He included a plug-in for my truck that allows me to talk hands-free and listen to music at the same time.  It feels a little bit like command central…but it sure came in handy today.

I’ve mentioned my husband’s schedule before…when he works it’s 24 hour shifts (but he works 1 on and 3 off)  Today he was at work and I was on my way home from work, when my son called.  The music muted while I was able to talk hands-free.  I was in the middle of letting him know that we had a quick trip to the doctors office, he would have to miss soccer practice and then we would head to his brothers practice.  While we were talking, another call came through…press hold & answer.  It’s the mom driving car pool for the older kids soccer practice.  She was thrilled that Connar had to skip practice…her youngest son had his first baseball game today and she needed her older son to skip practice as well.  This was perfect for both of us!  Switch back to Connar…he and his brother need to be ready to leave when I get home.  My aunt, who was with the boys this afternoon, helped Aiden get ready for soccer practice.

When I got home…they were ready to go.  I dropped the soccer goals off with the mom who was going to help the kids get started…took Connar to the doctor to check out a strange reaction to a vaccination (he’s just fine!), then headed back to the park just in time for soccer practice with Aiden and his team.  Connar alternated helping with the soccer scrimmage and skating in the skateboard park.  All in an afternoon for this mom!

What are your daily transitions?  What helps them run smoothly?

A Mom at Work...

I love a well-organized notebook.  I can't help it...all those tabs neatly arranged, fresh holes punched, easy access to information.  Notebooks are my favorite!

As an Instructional Coach, I am frequently given, or find, articles of interest to read.  It's also great to be able to pass along new research or ideas to teachers I work with.  Over the past year I have amassed a huge collection of articles that were sitting in file folders.  The problem was that I could never find what I was looking for.  Today was the day to get organized!  I spread all the articles out on a table and sorted them into like groups. As I was working I realized I had duplicates of a few articles.  I also decided to create two notebooks rather than one.  I used sticky notes to keep track of topics while I was working.  Once I had all my groups, I made sure everything was hole punched, wrote on my divider tables and put it all together.

The whole project only took about an hour and now I can easily access and share the information.  Of course I made cover inserts and binding labels so that I can find the notebook on my shelves later.  It was a great Friday morning project...it's so nice to leave the office orderly and ready-to-go for Monday morning. 

 These are the shelves in my office...I love a well-organized notebook almost as much as I love being surrounded by books.  It's a happy work corner!

It's Monday...

It's time to coordinate all your calendars...home, work, kids...and your to-do lists for the week. I took some time this morning to make sure my Family Calendar had all of our after school & weekend events posted. Then I made sure those were stored in my phone as well. There is an event that I have to attend for work on Thursday afternoon and that was added to the Family Calendar. Finally, I spent a few minutes when I arrived at work this morning to make sure my Work Calendar & To-Do list was ready to go for the week.

It's a Monday commitment that really pays off during the week! What is your Monday-Morning-Must-Do?

Back to Work...

The first day back-to-work after a vacation is always tough. I leave before the boys are up in the morning, and while I blow kisses over their sleeping heads, it's not the same as the week of snuggling on the couch with Sponge Bob as they wake up. I love hanging out with my boys!

The good thing about work today was the busy pace...as I set my calendar for the week (and month) and got projects organized. There were lots of emails waiting and details that needed tending. In fact the day went more smoothly than many first days back. (Other than the lunch time conversation in which four moms-who-work fantasized about being stay-at-home-moms!)

Calendars: The first of the month - and a return to school from vacation - always triggers a reminder to sort my calendars. I keep three...I know it sounds excessive, but it works for me. In my kitchen is the monthly family calendar...sports events, doctors appointments, school activities...these are all posted on the family calendar. At school I have my work calendar. I like to keep a pencil / paper calendar because I have a variety of appointments and "To-Do's" each day. I also track projects I am working on during the day. This actually turns into more of a diary, as I am required to log my hours as an Instructional Coach. Finally, we have calendar #3...my phone. This is my bridge calendar and I enter actitivities / appointments that bridge my Family calendar and my School calendar. I make sure my calendars are in sync every Sunday evening.

How do you keep yourself, your job and your family organized?