jewelsdancin

Jonas Finn

2007-09-13T23:11:00.001-07:00

meet my new nephew ... Jonas arrived on september 12th and he's absolutely precious! auntie julene is in LOVE.

A Family Adventure

2007-04-01T01:20:00.000-07:00

trust me...we were all surprised when Mom decided to go snowshoeing with the fam. (she's usually the knit-a-scarf or sew-a-quilt type of gal) even Haylee puppy got to go. the quick trip up to Oregon, and our chilly adventures on 'Mountain Hood,' were a pleasant break from this desert life.

FBR Open

2007-03-31T18:00:00.000-07:00

kenny newlin is obsessed with golf. but never had i been interested. until now. i was intivted to the FBR Open to sit at the rowdy 16th hole, in a 'sky box,' complete with endless food and drink. the weather was glorious and the entertainment exciting. i waited with much anticipation, as the many handsome golfers strolled by, until i finally saw Vijay! that night i made my Dad proud as we spent an hour talking about the Greatest Game.

Quarter Century

2007-01-14T10:09:00.000-08:00

my dad kindly pointed out that i am now "a quarter of a century old." "at least there's still a 2 at the front of my age." i reassure myself.

this technology-savvy century was very obvious, as my phone vibrated from behind my teacher's desk, all day, with a flow of birthday text messages. thanks everyone!

my adorable 5th graders think im old. they told me. they threw their old-teacher-lady a surprise party complete with flowers, balloons, streamers, and a vanilla cake coated entirely with skittles, my favorite candy.

the evening was spent in the fine company of TFA girlfriends, uncountable bottles of red wine, homemade lasagna and birthday candle wishes.

thank you family, and thank you friends, for all the unmentioned surprises! 3 cakes, a batch of brownies and a plate of cupcakes later...a truly fabulous birthday, it was.

Cupcakes & Capricorns

2007-01-07T13:42:00.000-08:00

may i recommend a little joint to all you Portlanders...visit Saint Cupcake (treats pictured below at Dave's party) in NW at 17th and Flanders. Its simply delicious! Dad and I celebrated our January birthdays eating carrot and red velvet cupcakes with the fam. the pumpkin, my personal fav, is not to be missed :)

30

2006-12-13T18:01:00.001-08:00

happy, happy Davio! (my bro-in-law who officially turns old on the 18th).

sister jen threw a beautiful 30th surprise party at urban wine works this weekend - complete with personalized wine (Bell's Blend), fancy treats from Saint Cupcake bakery, and a slew of worldly family and friends. i must also make mention of mom's delicious french cheese tray and endless bowls of olives:) it was a fabulous celebration for a fabulous brother.

She's My Best Friend

2006-11-25T22:19:00.000-08:00

Lindsay is a genuine soul full of spunk and sass. she's the type of friend who sends cards on all occasions, including ground hogs and saint patricks day. she makes me laugh incessantly.

Lindsay's visit to phoenix was much anticipated and far too short. the two days were barely enough to enjoy the poolside and palm trees, pedicures, a scenic trip to Buckeye and tasty treats from In-N-Out burger. i miss you Linds!

L.A and L.V.

2006-11-19T18:56:00.000-08:00

the past two weekends have been a welcome change from my usual weekend ritual. i was neither in my classroom, nor hanging out with 10 year olds at my saturday school. instead, i was drinking caramel apple martini's in LA with Jon, my childhood best friend, and Melie, a fellow Pi Phi.

this weekend was spent in fabulous Las Vegas, where the only sin i committed was wearing the wrong shoes. by 3:00 a.m. my "fun" polka dot stilettos became the sole reason for my departure from the dance floor. i'm done with cute shoes. i'm wearing flip-flops next time.

It's Cotton Pickin' Time!

2006-11-12T15:18:00.000-08:00

dear reader,
have you ever seen fields of cotton? i never had until i moved to arizona. now i have the great fortune of witnessing these dusty, white fields everyday on the drive to Buckeye.

my fellow carpoolers laugh, as i am strangely fascinated with the plant. and even more fascinated with the cotton pickin' machine. thanks Eli Whitney. i am thoroughly entertained.

FYI oregonians: phoenix temp estimated to be 80deg. tomorrow :)

Little Boogers

2006-10-26T23:08:00.000-07:00

i can't get enough big squeezes with my two adorable nephews, Bennett and Gray. Gray was on a mission. and caught it the act! he always gives us something to smile about :)

im in love

2006-10-16T22:43:00.000-07:00

introducing Norman...my very affectionate, playful, lovable new friend! he's officialy my roomate's kitty but i secretly want him for my own.

'Your So Cool' & Eye Twitches

2006-10-08T11:50:00.000-07:00

one of my students, ___, is a gifted girl who's reading at a high school level and is undoubtedly smarter than me at math. Sitting near her is ___, a loud little guy who's still learning how to spell his last name. it is my job to teach them, along with the 23 other students, and actually make them enjoy what they're learning!?!
yes, being a teacher is an extremely demanding, high-pressure, practically impossible job to be good at. there are a rare few in this world who can be called a 'good teacher'. i have noticed that non-teachers often view teaching as a 'cute' profession. like its a job full bubble gum and smiley faces and coloring crayons.
my job is actually full of 25 sweaty adolescents who are absorbed in themselves, their clothes and the dating lives of everyone around them. they could care less about converting improper fractions or the steps of the scientific method.
i would be long gone from this profession if it weren't for the 'cute' things my students do to tell me my efforts are worth it. ___ always draws me 'Miss Newlin' notes in her spare time when she's finished early. And ___ tells me interesting facts that have me laughing out loud each morning: "Miss Newlin, have you ever eaten just plain ketchup? I did once. It made my eye twitch!"

(Lesson Plan: Teach students the difference between your and you're!)

SYTYCD?

2006-09-18T20:07:00.000-07:00

my spontaneity and i were sitting home at 7:30pm sunday night,
working hard and feeling sad about missing the SYTYCD tour about to start in phoenix. i had a sudden urge to take my unshowered-self 10 blocks to the theater and scalp a ticket a few minutes before this totally sold out show began.

those who know me understand that i don't just like anything. if i like it, i love it. this show is one of those things that i LOVE with a nerdy obsession! the 4 of you who have a clue what im talking about should know that the 'bench dance' was truly breathtaking to see in person.
i heart heidi and travis and the sunflower too

So I Had a Bad Day

2006-09-15T21:31:00.000-07:00

it was bound to happen. I knew it would. now all i want is to bask in this ridiculous gloom and feel shitty for a day.

They say "Anyone can have a good day. The question is what do you do on a bad day. That's when you're being tested. In a very tangible sense, a bad day shows your innermost essence more than a good day."

my innermost essence tells me to eat a gallon of cookie dough ice cream with a spoon and no bowl, while lounging alone in my pajamas and calling my friends to complain. everyone deserves a day like this!

As a Teacher...

2006-09-01T20:11:00.000-07:00

- i am such a stickler about homework! one night, in order to avoid my detention for not reading, Carlos forced himself to read the only book he had at home... the Bible. he then wrote me a beautiful summary about how God created the earth in 7 days.

- i have successfully convinced my students that a paper hat from Krispy Kreme Doughnuts is the ultimate reward to be worn with pride

- i expect precision when it comes to walking in a line. yes, i am the line drill sargent! the rest of the school is now competing to beat my class at 'best line'.

- i buy candy for my students, which is mostly consumed by me behind my desk.

- i've been questioned by the librarian as to why my class is obsessed with checking out all the French dictionaries.

- i have so much fun with my kids! Luis recently raised his hand to tell me,
"Miss Newlin, you have a very loud laugh!!"

Only in Michigan

2006-08-13T18:16:00.000-07:00

the first annual Dembcznski Family Reunion was celebrated in Sodus, MI this summer. i had one weekend to fly out and join in the fun... catching fireflies. eating sweet corn on the cob. exploring the orchards by 4wheeler. these are the sights you only see in michingan:

brothers shooting soda cans

sisters parading in grandpa's overalls

boys fishing in the pond (and yes, Gramps driving the 4wheeler.)

babies playing slot machines

and all 10 family members together around one table.

Marshmallow Madness

2006-08-06T16:08:00.000-07:00

the first day of school was full of nervous jitters and curious children and shy smiles. i challenged their shyness through silly name games and team building exercises. my students were given a mission to work together in teams and create the highest marshmallow structure they could, without ever speaking a word. (yes, they got to eat a marshmellow too.)

each of my 25 fifth graders brings wonderfully unique characteristics and challenges to my classroom. some students speak only spanish. some are reading at an 8th grade level. others cannot read at all. holding the future of their lives in my hand is quite terrifying. so hopefully i challenged them. and scared them into working hard. and inspired them to want to.

who knew marshmallow was spelled with an 'a'?

Buckeye, AZ

2006-07-21T17:43:00.000-07:00

i live in the city. i drive this for 45 minutes to work.

welcome to downtown Buckeye.
im assured that the Liquor Corral and i will be friends.

and finally, my pretty little school. (1,300 students, little.)

My Summer All-Stars

2006-07-12T21:03:00.000-07:00

my kids had a big day today. they took the state test that we've been studying for all summer long. (it determines whether they move on to 6th grade or not!) we held an impromptu dance circle this morning to help alleviate their testing jitters. then we played a bit of "ms. newlin says". this lovely photo session was soon to follow. so let me introduce you to my most favorite people. they try to look tuff, and act tuff too, but they're truly just adorable. and meet Tim, one of my teaching partners. the girls can't get enough of him :)

Snapshots of Life In ATL

2006-07-09T10:36:00.000-07:00

meet Lera, my soon-to-be-roomate in phoenix.

oh how i LOVE big roller coasters! truly stress relieving.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s childhood home.
(reminds me how i heart southern front porches where entire families relax every night.)

saturday night salsa at Loca Luna (one of Atlanta's many awesome clubs).

post teaching 'ice cream digs' with my roomies. we really get that excited about it!

Tootsie Rolls are a Food Group Too!

2006-06-28T20:19:00.000-07:00

y'all might think im oozing with motivation and inspiration and words of wisdom on life. but here's the simple truth. teacher boot camp is kicking my ass.

i sleep an average of 4 hours per night. i am currently incapable of conversing about life beyond my students. and pacing the classroom aisle is my sole form of physical exercise. on top of it all, i have failed horribly at balancing that food-pyramid-thing! my teacher diet consists of water. crackers. (low fat ones!) and BIG BAGS of chocolate.

my garbage can reveals all...

2006-06-25T08:31:00.000-07:00

"There comes that mysterious meeting in life when someone acknowledges who we are and what we can be, igniting the circuits of our highest potential." - Rusty Berkus-

photo by jen newlin bell

a few souls on this earth have mysteriously walked into my life, challenging me and encouraging my big dreams. i know i am here to return the favor.

"When I grow up I want to be a lawyr. I want to be a lawyr beccuse I love solving problems. Many people think im dome but I know im not. My teacher taught how to never give up. If I want to be some body I know to belive my self. If you put your self down you will be down. My teacher know im smart. Her name is ms. Newlin."

By Curtina Napier. 5th grade. Atlanta, Georgia.

Teaching For America

2006-06-16T21:37:00.000-07:00

'ONE DAY, ALL CHILDREN IN THIS NATION WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ATTAIN AN EXCELLENT EDUCATION'

working with Teach for America is an absolutely staggering experience. i am inspired to invest my life in this mission. i am proud of my work that will be closing our country's achievement gap. i am fulfilled as i live each day with purpose.

on monday I will officially be a 5th grade, summer school teacher for Atlanta public schools. (this is only 5weeks of training before my real classroom experience back in Phoenix.) i look forward to my first day with both optimism and insecurity...

Gideons Elementary is located in Atlanta, in an area described as the 'hood'. the school building is enclosed with chain link fence and barbed wire. there are frequent drug busts around the neighborhood and 90% of the children receive free meal plans at school. im so lucky to have 12 of these scholarly children in MY classroom on monday!! i spent all day preparing, making dozens of posters and visuals for this room that has no resources. im working hard to create a bright, positive classroom culture where my kids will be challenged to learn . (my established color scheme happens to be green + yellow. go ducks!)

a disheveled, yet proud teacher i am

Crazy Creature

2006-06-10T22:21:00.000-07:00

i met my first scorpion tonight!
he lived on the outside of my brother's house. yes, jason got to him so quickly that we now speak of his life in the past tense. what a fascinating desert creature:

Do Not Climb Mountains in Extreme Heat

2006-06-04T16:16:00.000-07:00

i have learned my lesson NOT to ignore friendly suggestions such as this.

my first climbling attempt was on a small Phoenix mountain called Camelback. The hike was tough, but seemed super rigorous under 105 degree heat. my head was pounding and i was somewhat concerned about cardiac arrest. i came home dehydrated and suffering from heat exhaustion. 'welcome to arizona' they told me... i spent the rest of that day tucked in the bed of my air conditioned hotel room.

two days later i tried again. this time it was Bell Rock in the beautiful city of Sedona. (2hrs from Phoenix- I'll take you all there when you come visit.) The scenery was stunning and the energy was vibrant! Bell Rock is a supposed VORTEX: an area of enhanced linear energy flow. Many say the climb up the rock will enhance spiritual awareness and offer healing experiences. i needed some healing help after developing a heat rash from that climb :)

Sedona: Bell Rock

Phoenix: Camelback Mt.

The Grand Canyon State

2006-06-02T21:51:00.000-07:00

ahhh. a sigh of relief as i've finally arrived in Arizona! I dreamt about taking this picture at my new state border... Mom swore it'd be impossible since we'd fly by that sign at 80mph, but she made it happen anyway. large trucks only breifly endangered our lives as we captured the shot.

so the drive was way too long. the gas way too expensive. and the desert too damn hot. but i can't help smiling inside, knowing i share this place with the magnificent saugaro cactus and the world's cutest nephews!!

Official Business

2006-05-19T19:51:00.000-07:00

welcome to Julene's Job #2: Dateline Exports. no, we are not a dating service. we are ultra-official exporters of fiberglas poles and transformers and THWN wire... fancy things i truly know nothing about. i spend my days in this tropical little cubicle, plugging numbers and tracking shipments to far away islands.

its a strangely fascinating business. with even stranger and more fascinating employees. there are no cute, dancing ballerinas at this job. (well, except for Evan.) but i've grown to adore the 13 special people i get to work with each day.

thanks for being my friends. i will surely miss your stories and comforting smiles. and a special thanks to Brenda for bringing the gym to me in the office- i love watching you backhandspring past my cubicle.

Mr. Hookeydooker Man

2006-05-18T19:28:00.000-07:00

life was a 'hookeydooker' to Grandpa Newlin. With every visit he played the 'hide-the-hookeydooker' game with us. and after every visit he waved goodbye while performing the 'hookeydooker jump'. he was famous for it.

i love how my gramps told silly jokes about 'sandy claws' at christmas each year. i love how he stocked his fridge with processed cheese in a wrapper and sunny delight for us kids. (all those 'fake' things mom never allowed us to have.) i love how the two of us could share our secrets in french and he would call me jolie poupee- his beautiful doll.

You're Invited to a Pink Party

2006-05-13T14:38:00.000-07:00

welcome to Miss Julene's Beginning Ballet Class. we leap in pink shoes. we arabesque in pink tights. we even twirl in pink skirts. trust me... our saturday morning pink parties are a lovely way to start the weekend.

rainy day ritual

2006-05-07T12:13:00.000-07:00

the recipe is simple... 1 loveable pup. 2 furry pursians. 1 cozy blanket and a mama to snuggle with. put it all together right atop the heater vent. watch the raindrops fall and enjoy!

Home Sweet Home

2006-04-27T21:03:00.000-07:00

home is sweet with m&d. i like them. and i like snuggling with my kitties and pup. but my stuff has created a chaotic cloud around the house. furniture overflows the garage, where cars can no longer be parked. and the bedroom floor is entirely invisible...while moving out, dad literally pulled the fitted sheet from my bed in the apartment and layed it on my floor. he then piled ALL of my bedroom belongs inside, grabbing up the four corners and carrying it out like a knapsack! upon arrival at home the sheet was DUMPED. i can no longer determine shoe from hair dryer or clean from dirty clothes. (which all come in the color black and are now covered in whispy white cat hair). yes, the folks on Riverwood lane must be happy to have me back :)

Mama's 39th Bday!!!

2006-04-08T14:59:00.000-07:00

such a special day... ipod nano. frosting and pink sprinkles. wine. taco bell. trip to the mall. (yes Jen. an April 8th-ers favorite gift.) HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA!

A Tuesday at Trillium

2006-03-28T14:36:00.000-08:00

Jiben, thibis ibis fibor yibou!

here are the photos from our snowshoeing trip to Trillium lake this morning. we took Haylee along too:)

i love what you did with my page! i'll do this blog just for you. then i'll let other people know when my life is more exciting to hear about. thanks sis!

to julene with love

2006-03-27T09:18:00.000-08:00

a gift that will last forever. :) your very own blog! i've taken the liberty of setting a blog up for you. now i can follow your life daily. see? everyone wins!

love,
your sis