M Squared

While Ryan was away…

Mindy Merenghi — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 21:34:21 +0000

This weekend, Ryan was in Tennessee playing drums with John Tibbs. I was never really great at being “home alone,” but I decided to be brave and try to make the best of it! Technically, I wasn’t “alone” because we have two cats who lovingly like to bother me. I was glad Ryan was only gone for 48 hours though because it was a little too quiet around here!

Here’s what I did while Ryan was away…

Went to Trader Joe’s and took my sweet time looking around. Got some new things to try – like their sweet potato fries- YUM!

Went to Michael’s (shame, shame!) and picked up a few things. ;)

Got a Chick-fil-a sandwich for dinner. Mmmm, my favorite.

Made a gourmet lunch for myself.

Spent way too much time on Pinterest and not enough time checking things off our to do list.

Hijacked Ryan’s computer, turned up the speakers, & listened to a song on repeat that is old to him, new to me.

Hogged the bed.

Stayed in my PJ’s all day, showered, got back in new PJs.

Did a little crafting.

Blogged about our wedding colors.

What do you like to do when you have the house to yourself?

Reflections on Student Teaching

Mindy Merenghi — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 02:30:51 +0000

As you may have gathered from my blog, I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in December. I didn’t write an official graduation post; I’m a slacker! Not to mention, I never even wrote about my last semester in college. I student taught in a high school biology classroom From August to November 2011. From November to December, I observed in various classrooms including 6th grade and special education.

There’s several reasons why I didn’t write about it. One, is that I just didn’t have the time or energy, and two, is that I didn’t want to vent my frustrations about student teaching on the internet for obvious reasons. Looking back now, I can separate the pros from the cons and I’d like to write a little reflection about my experience. I may forget all about it if I don’t! So here’s to remembering the good times of student teaching… and forgetting the bad.

Looking back at my student teaching with a “glass half-full” attitude:

I only had to student teach for 11 weeks, and I was fully in charge of the classroom for about 6 weeks. The rest of the semester I observed other high school teachers, 6th grade teachers, and an awesome special education classroom.
I had an amazing university supervisor for my observations and she is also the director of the education program. She is the best, hands down.
I was able to have another student teacher right up the stairs from me, and who also observed with me in the same classrooms in the last few weeks. We weren’t supposed to be in the same high school together, but it worked out that way. We could eat lunch together, chat, and relate to one another’s experiences. I’m so thankful for her!
My cooperating teacher (CT) had lunch duty instead of a 4th hour class – so I had an extra break during the day to finish eating my lunch, grade papers, cry, talk on the phone, etc. ;)
My CT had 1st hour plan period. I could come to school 20-30 minutes before school started and still have 1st hour to get ready for the day. Otherwise, I would’ve had to go in super early everyday.
I only had to stay after school a few times to set up labs. The rest of my grading, planning, etc I did at home.
I only had two lesson preps: Biology & Science Methods. The Science Methods class didn’t have a curriculum so I had the freedom to do literally whatever I wanted if it somewhat related to science methods.
The school provided free iced tea for the teachers at lunch. :) It’s the little things.
One Friday a month, we had student teaching seminars and we didn’t have to go student teach. We were able to meet up with other student teachers and our director from 9 AM – 1 PM. During that time, we had great presentations from others and had time to talk about any issues we had. Then we had the rest of the day free!
We also were able to take a day off to visit a Charter School in St. Louis, and another day to attend a free workshop. None of these days counted against our attendance.
I loved my students. They could be difficult some days, but they were great most of the time! I earned their trust and respect and they DID NOT want me to leave. One threatened to duct tape me and another said they were going to give me an apple as a goodbye gift — but they ate it.
They said the funniest things! My “trouble” class asked me if I “went to college parties” and when I finally got them to believe me that I didn’t, they thought I played Scrabble for fun. It was the running joke the rest of the year.
My CT trusted me and gave me a lot of freedom.
I only had to drive 15 minutes to get to school.
Midway through the semester, my anxiety started rearing its head. Thank goodness for anxiety medicine and a supervisor who understands.
The other science teachers were oh so helpful and awesome. They were great resources and support.
I got a great observation and evaluation from the Principal at the high school.
All four of my observations went very well with my supervisor. My CT also gave me good reports.
The only thing I had to turn in was 1) reflections on the 3 seminars 2) my education portfolio.
My portfolio was simple to put together on Foliotek, thanks to our director.
On our last student teaching seminar, we had a nice luncheon.
When I observed for two weeks in the lowest functioning special education classroom, it was the BEST experience. We’re talking kids with very low IQs, most of them being intellectually disabled (ID/MR). First off, the teacher was amazing and her paras were too. Second, the kids were amazing. The other student teacher and I absolutely loved them. We had so much fun in there and were so sad that we had to leave them. We had already become a part of the classroom, in just those two short weeks. I miss them and I want to go back and visit. Not only that, but I learned SO much about special education. So many things that I couldn’t learn in college. I can’t even fully explain my experience. It’s just one of those things where you have to be in the midst of it to understand. It was my favorite part of student teaching.
My second favorite part of student teaching was observing in the 6th grade classrooms for two weeks. I went back and forth between four different teachers, and two of the teachers I just loved. They were such great role models and inspired me to be a good teacher. Also, I loved the age of the kids. It made me realize that I want to teach that age too! :)

Whew, that was long! If you read the whole thing, thanks for listening! :) I mostly wrote it for myself because I want to have that list to look back on in the future.

7 Pretty Things On Sunday

Mindy Merenghi — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 06:34:12 +0000

Today I am joining in on the 7 Pretty Things On Sunday linky party, hosted by Gussy Sews, Matchstick Molly, Much Love, Illy, & The Letter 4. :) It’s just a fun way to share seven inspiring photos that you love.

Lately, I’ve been spending a little too much time on Pinterest and in turn, finding awesome new blogs. I always make sure that the proper source is linked, and if it isn’t – I don’t pin it! 99% of the time I click over and check out the source too.

So, showing you 7 pretty, inspiring things is easy. :) It’s just hard to narrow it down to 7!

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Pink flowers of different varieties ~ which is your favorite?

Source: weddingchicks.com via Mindy on Pinterest

Colorful & fun packaging

Source: tokketok.com via Mindy on Pinterest

I love this color scheme ~ wedding colors?

Source: creaturecomfortsblog.com via Mindy on Pinterest

Appropriate photo for Valentine’s Day ~ coming soon!

Source: acreativemint.typepad.com via Mindy on Pinterest

Beautiful wedding inspiration

Source: abryanphoto.com via Mindy on Pinterest

I love love love everything about this photo!

Source: ourblogoflove.com via Mindy on Pinterest

Beautiful decor of origami & lights

Source: lizellelotter.co.za via Mindy on Pinterest

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Let me know if you enjoyed these 7 pretty things & if you linked up as well. I hope you have a beautiful Sunday! :)

Hand-Carved Stamps

Mindy Merenghi — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:20:20 +0000

I was searching Etsy for hand-carved stamps, as Ryan and I are looking into packaging ideas for Two Are Better, and I remembered how much I love stamps! They’re not the most practical thing, but they are oh so cute.

I wish I could have a stamp collection – but what would I stamp? The walls? The love letters I don’t write? Ryan’s arm? Oooh – maybe I should get a teaching job so I have an excuse to use stamps on students’ papers. ;o)

Anyway, I got a bit distracted and just started searching Etsy for any handmade stamps that I liked. I started a Stamp Pinboard on Pinterest and I’m trying to justify a purchase of stamps.

We are planning on buying a few to stamp on packaging for Two Are Better – like maybe a camera one or custom logo. But how else could I use stamps? Any ideas? :)

Here’s just a few of my favorites below. The rest are on my Pinterest board so be sure to follow me!

Source: etsy.com via Mindy on Pinterest

My Highlights of 2011

Mindy Merenghi — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:40:49 +0000

Happy belated 2012 everyone! I’m making it one of my New Year’s Resolutions to blog on here more often. In the last several months, I have really been neglecting this little blog and I miss it. Time to get back on board in 2012! I’m going to start with my highlights of 2011. I did a 2010 in Review and it’s so fun to look back on.

Overall, 2011 was a really great year for me. A BIG year, in fact! The past few years before that were pretty rough, so 2011 was a fresh breath of air. It was fun-filled & busy! Such lovely memories were made.

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Note: Not necessarily in order.

2011 started off by visiting Ryan in Plainfield, Indiana, where he had just moved in with our friends Todd & Carrie. I had so much fun when I visited Ryan while he lived there!

I got on a craft kick around Valentine’s Day and it hasn’t left me since.

I fell in love with coffee all over again when Ryan bought me the Aeropress. Goodbye French press!

The impossible happened. The university gave us not one, but TWO, snow days!

Celebrated 5 years with Ryan.

I completed several service projects with a local group we called “Helping from Home.” We assembled safe birthing kits, made shoes for Sole Hope, had a baby shower for the Kenya Mercy House, sold cupcakes with the Cupcake Kids for Sixty Feet, etc.

Ryan got the job as Community Manager for WooThemes. He also graduated from AU in May. I was so proud of all he accomplished in 2011!

Ryan & I visited my cousin Darah in Savannah, Georgia during my Spring Break. We also were able to ride bikes on Hilton Head Island – so so awesome.

Went to Silver Dollar City with my family for the first time in years. Went to the Home of the Throwed Rolls (Lambert’s) for the first time. For the record, I caught a roll!

Ryan & I took photos at three wedding & took video at two weddings.

Ryan & I both “earned” Starbucks gold cards.

I jumped on the bandwagon and got my first iPhone. How did I last so long without one?! hah

Discovered Trader Joe’s for the first time.

Went to IKEA & the state of Ohio for the first time.

Got three new fancy pants lenses & a 5D Mark II. WHOA!

Survived Organic Chemistry II online. Earned my FIRST ever B.

Lost our dear kitty Milo to Bobcat Fever. :( So sad.

Rescued two new kittens – Lil Bit & Onyx. Actually four, but we gave two away.

Became completely addicted to almonds.

Rode horses a few times & tried to overcome my fear.

Won a photo contest for my 4th of July carnival pics.

Fell in love with frozen yogurt (with gummy bears!)

Kayaked for the first time. LOVED it!

Went to an “adult swim” at the new pool. Conquered my fear of going down the slide!

My Mom turned 50, my Grandma turned 90, & my brother turned 20.

Discovered cake pops & made my own.

Got BlogHer ads & a few blog makeovers. Neglected my blog. :(

Turned 23 years old.

Started Two Are Better LLC with Ryan.

Flew on a plane for the first time in years. (Felt like my first time!)

Visited Florida. Went over the Sunshine Bridge. Found shark teeth. Had an amazing time.

Shot an engagement video & two promo videos.

Went roller skating for the first time in ~10 years.

Dressed up like a mad scientist for Halloween.

Painted pumpkins for the first time.

My paternal Grandma, Nana, was suddenly diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and joined my Dad in heaven.

Went ice skating for the first time ever.

RYAN PROPOSED AND I SAID YES!

Succeeded in student teaching.

GRADUATED with my B.A in Biology and a Certification to teach secondary ed. & a minor in Psychology. Got recognized for a 4.0 in the University of Missouri system.

Continued to grow my hair out. ( Dec 2010 vs Dec 2011)

Did 27 photo shoots.

I’m ENGAGED!

Mindy Merenghi — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 01:33:31 +0000

My highlight of 2011 was when Ryan asked me to marry him!!! On December 12th, I became his fiancée after almost 6 years together. :)

It’s still surreal – partly because I haven’t been able to wear my ring yet! It’s now resized and waiting for us in Indiana. We also haven’t discussed any wedding dates or details yet, but that will come soon. I can’t wait!

Go to our blog at Two Are Better to read the proposal story. You get to read BOTH sides of the story!

Click over now!

Crafty Christmas Trees

Mindy Merenghi — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 23:14:49 +0000

My inspiration for my Crafty Christmas trees came about from a few different sources. I loved these ideas that I saw (see below) and wanted to make my own versions.

Source: blissbloomblog.blogspot.com via Janalyn on Pinterest

Source: kellehampton.com via Mindy on Pinterest

I bought three different sizes of floral foam cones and made each tree a little different.

For the biggest tree, I pinned on circles of felt to look like ruffles. It took 16 sheets of felt and a lot of time to cut out all of those circles! But it was worth it ~ so pretty! I then added little jingle bells as ornaments, a pretty sequin ribbon for garland, and some glitter as snow. Then a bow on top to complete it.

For the smallest tree, I wrapped the cone in green yarn, glued on tiny pom poms for the ornaments, and added a mini bow to the top. I also painted a very small plant pot to put underneath the tree.

For the middle sized tree, I also painted a plant pot to put underneath it. I wrapped the tree in white yarn, but covered the whole thing in silver glitter. (I LOVE glitter!) I also added tiny pom poms to it as ornaments and added a little star to the top.

Now I have a cute display on little Christmas trees. I’d love to make more – like a pinecone tree, a fabric tree, a jingle bell tree — the sky is the limit!

Any other ideas?!?

Florida Vacation 2011 Video

Mindy Merenghi — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 21:25:18 +0000

…Better late than never!

The highlight of my summer ~ our Florida vacation right before Student Teaching began. I think this is becoming a tradition. ;o) I could only hope.

Felt Christmas Light Garland DIY

Mindy Merenghi — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:43:19 +0000

I got this idea from a similar paper garland that I colored while I was observing 6th graders. :) I thought, ‘Hey, I can do that with felt!’ So here’s what I did to make this garland…

First, I traced lots of little lightbulb shapes out of different colors of felt. You can find templates online. I made an extra space at the top of the bulb to glue on the other part.

Then I cut out a lot of black rectangles and glued each side to the light bulb so there was a space in the middle of the rectangle. The reason for the space was to string some yarn through them and make garland! So just make sure the space is big enough to easily string the yarn, and the lights will pretty much stay in place. I also decided to add some glitter around the light bulbs (using Mod Podge) just to give them that extra sparkle!

Hang up and enjoy! :)