Texas is a great state, but I am not a Texan.  I was born in Southern California, moved to  Minnesota, Maryland, Northern California, and Oregon all before 4th grade!  Most of my childhood was spent in Oregon because once my mother found her place in the Northwest, she said she would never move again!  I moved to Texas for college, found a job, and stayed.  I found my best friend, and married him.  We have been together for several years, and he still makes me laugh every day.  His mother and sister live nearby so we have family to visit for holidays.  Unfortunately, I don't see my family often since my father and sisters do not live in Texas.  My father lives in Oregon, but is planning to move to Palm Desert, California.  One of my sisters lives in Los Angeles, California where she works in the film and video industry.  My other sister and her husband live in Costa Rica.  They moved there the year before COVID changed the world.  I have not yet had an opportunity to visit her in her new place.  

Although teaching is a big part of my life, I do have other interests as well.  I love yoga.  It is the best way for me to relax.  Reading is another passion of mine.  My favorite genre is historical fiction, but I also enjoy reading mysteries.  Puzzles are another way for me to  relax.  I start every morning by completing a few Sudoku puzzles.  It helps to make me feel more awake.   Learning is important to me.  I constantly want to learn something new.  I spend lots of time trying to learn how to create new activities on the computer.  I believe in a blended learning model where students use pencil and paper as well as digital platforms to learn and demonstrate knowledge.