3 Tips on Dealing with “Teacher-Stress”

There are a lot of tweets on Twitter, or things heard at conferences or in staff rooms, that can make educators feel guilty about how they do their job. I am sure that I am guilty of tweeting or saying something in the past that might have caused this feeling of educators but my intent, as I assume positively is also the intent of others, is to push thinking and help, but NEVER to discourage.  Teaching can be physically and mentally exhausting.  It is rewarding but also can be life-sucking.

Here are some shorts and quick thoughts on dealing with the stress of being a teacher.

1. Some days will not work out the way you want them to so it is okay to start again tomorrow.

   I have had bad days as a teacher and administrator.  You can go home and cry (you will sometimes) and be frustrated, but there is the next day. You do not have to get the most of out of every kid, every single day. Think of it this way…One of your students has a bad day. Would you push them to stay at school until the day turned “good” or would you maybe encourage them to step back and start again tomorrow?   The ability to “get back up” is something we want to teach our kids, so it is okay to do the same.  Sometimes, walking away, taking a break, doing something else, and starting again tomorrow is alright.

2. Your students look up to you but that doesn’t mean you need to be perfect.

   John Spencer and Trevor Muir share this:

   “You don’t have to be perfect. Teaching is a craft that takes years to master and even then, you’ll continue to make mistakes. And that’s okay.”

   Being vulnerable and showing that you are a person not only makes you more relatable but more realistic to your students.  If you are having a bad day, that is okay.  I remember sharing with my students how hard it was when I lost my first dog. I was okay crying in front of them and was quite upset, and they rallied around me and checked in on me for weeks after.  I promise you; we only had a better connection after this “breakdown” because they knew that even adults have tough times, and I knew that the kids had a tremendous sense of empathy for what I was going through.  In a world that is becoming more “digital,” being “human” is more important than ever.

3.  Breaks are good for you.  Take them and enjoy them.

   I don’t listen to education podcasts. I listen to sports podcasts.  I have limited my use of social media on the weekend for education purposes.  Do you know why? Because I need a break. So do you. And there is evidence that “breaks” will make you better at what you do, longterm.  “Teacher guilt” is a real thing and not beneficial. Growth is essential to all educators, but the focus on growth all of the time can and will lead to burnout.

In fact, quit reading this blog because I am going to stop writing it.  You probably have something much better to do

• June 28, 2013 The Prophets In Your Land
• June 6, 2015 Innovation Does Not Happen in Schools If a Child Does Not Feel Loved
• May 31, 2016 Finding and Unleashing Talent
• June 4, 2015 Just because it deals with technology, doesn’t mean we don’t use common sense.
• March 10, 2019 3 Simple Ways to Help Shift the Thinking of Others

Source: George Couros

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3 Tips on Dealing with “Teacher-Stress”

There are a lot of tweets on Twitter, or things heard at conferences or in staff rooms, that can make educators feel guilty about how they do their job. I am sure that I am guilty of tweeting or saying something in the past that might have caused this feeling of educators but my intent, as I assume positively is also the intent of others, is to push thinking and help, but NEVER to discourage.  Teaching can be physically and mentally exhausting.  It is rewarding but also can be life-sucking.

Here are some shorts and quick thoughts on dealing with the stress of being a teacher.

1. Some days will not work out the way you want them to so it is okay to start again tomorrow.

   I have had bad days as a teacher and administrator.  You can go home and cry (you will sometimes) and be frustrated, but there is the next day. You do not have to get the most of out of every kid, every single day. Think of it this way…One of your students has a bad day. Would you push them to stay at school until the day turned “good” or would you maybe encourage them to step back and start again tomorrow?   The ability to “get back up” is something we want to teach our kids, so it is okay to do the same.  Sometimes, walking away, taking a break, doing something else, and starting again tomorrow is alright.

2. Your students look up to you but that doesn’t mean you need to be perfect.

   John Spencer and Trevor Muir share this:

   “You don’t have to be perfect. Teaching is a craft that takes years to master and even then, you’ll continue to make mistakes. And that’s okay.”

   Being vulnerable and showing that you are a person not only makes you more relatable but more realistic to your students.  If you are having a bad day, that is okay.  I remember sharing with my students how hard it was when I lost my first dog. I was okay crying in front of them and was quite upset, and they rallied around me and checked in on me for weeks after.  I promise you; we only had a better connection after this “breakdown” because they knew that even adults have tough times, and I knew that the kids had a tremendous sense of empathy for what I was going through.  In a world that is becoming more “digital,” being “human” is more important than ever.

3.  Breaks are good for you.  Take them and enjoy them.

   I don’t listen to education podcasts. I listen to sports podcasts.  I have limited my use of social media on the weekend for education purposes.  Do you know why? Because I need a break. So do you. And there is evidence that “breaks” will make you better at what you do, longterm.  “Teacher guilt” is a real thing and not beneficial. Growth is essential to all educators, but the focus on growth all of the time can and will lead to burnout.

In fact, quit reading this blog because I am going to stop writing it.  You probably have something much better to do

• June 28, 2013 The Prophets In Your Land
• June 6, 2015 Innovation Does Not Happen in Schools If a Child Does Not Feel Loved
• May 31, 2016 Finding and Unleashing Talent
• June 4, 2015 Just because it deals with technology, doesn’t mean we don’t use common sense.
• March 10, 2019 3 Simple Ways to Help Shift the Thinking of Others

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DNF's and Letting Go of a Disappointing Month; April Reading Plans

I will be the first to say March sucked for me as a reader. Ugh. I always have time carved out in my days and weeks for reading, since it's not only my biggest passion, but it's part of my job and because I love posting on my blog. It's sort of a part-time job with compensation paid in books. And it does take a lot of time. March was a terrible reading month for me. Yes, I read 5 books (which for me is just not my usual) but I was very disappointed in myself for not being able to read more on my list. I also miscalculated the time it would take to read a few books for book groups, started them late, and didn't even make it to 100 pages in one book. The other I finished only because I had to power read the last few days to get it done. March was just a very active month; my usual reading times-weekends and nights--were just not there. There were a few weeks where I wasn't home at night for most of the week. That stuff will drain me, and when I don't get to read, I really become drained and a bit crabby. I'm a homebody that likes to be out and about about 30% of the time. March was definitely about 75% of the time. March spit me out.

April is just around the corner, and I've decided I am going to start fresh and shake off my disappointment. When all is said and done, it's just books, right? Those reads will come around again. So here are a few titles I'll be reading in April:

My book group is tasked with reading a classic for April. I've had this on my shelf for over a year; my brother recommended it. I consider anything Kurt Vonnegut wrote a classic! 

My other book group is reading The Lying Game for our April pick. I did not like The Woman in Cabin 10 at all. But, I've started this and so far I'm liking it. Four friends gather together after 17 years and a terrible lie that comes back to haunt them. 

I'm so excited to read this! I loved her first novel, The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper. Had to buy this the day it came out. A librarian, a book of fairy tales, and clues to uncover a family mystery. 

Two of my all-time interests: Lizzie Borden and Jack the Ripper. I have yet to visit the B&B that occupies Lizzie's family home, but I did get to go on a Jack the Ripper walking tour while in London years ago. That was a definite bucket list item! A new non-fiction book about Lizzie's trial. I've never read anything in-depth about her trial, so I'm ready to dive into this. 

I know I'll be reading other titles as well, but I'll leave that up to the whims of April. My daffodils are starting to peek out of the ground, my yard needs some serious attention, and the lure of trying to start running again (and listen to podcasts while I do it) are all in front of me. I hope you can find the time to sit a bit, read a bit, and relax. 

Happy reading friends!

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Should All Educators Be Lifelong Learners?

The answer to the question seems obvious, don't you think? Of course, educators should be lifelong learners. 

But I recently heard an education leader give a presentation where he made a claim that expecting educators to be lifelong learners, at least in the sense of attending PD or reading on their own time, was unrealistic. 

Basically, he suggested that nobody has time for that. There are too many demands on teachers as it is. I found it interesting that in spite of his claim, he also shared he is currently writing a book for educators.

He suggested the best way for professional educators to learn was through experience and by reflecting on experience with others. And I agree, that is one way to learn.

He added that when he interviewed for open positions and candidates shared about being lifelong learners, that he didn't believe it for a minute. The universities are simply coaching their pre-service teachers on keywords they need to use in interviews.

My thinking is quite different on this issue. A big problem I see in schools is that too few are making time for their own professional reading and growth. Most people become satisfied with a certain level of effectiveness in their life, work, relationships, etc. and then hit cruise control. They don't continue to push the limits of their own possibilities.

But that's not the way strive for your potential, and it's not the way to become the most effective, fulfilled educator you can be.

So here are some of my thoughts about continuous learning for educators...

1. The quickest way to improve a school is for the people inside the school to work on improving themselves. When you individually learn more as an educator, your students win, and your whole school wins too. You make your school stronger by your growth.

2. People who don't make time for reading and growing will never break through their current capacity. They may get a little better, but they won't experience new levels of capacity. They won't have breakthroughs. 

Why? Because they are limited to their own perspective. As John Maxwell said, "Some of my best thinking is done by others." I learn so much from what some of the leading thinkers are writing and sharing.

3. I suggest the 5-hour-rule as a great way to learn and grow. Spend at least 5 hours reading to build your capacity. Many of the world's busiest and most successful people are consistent readers. 

4. The most common excuse for not reading is not having enough time. But we make time for what's important. We all have the same number of hours in the day. And I'm wondering if most of the same people complaining about not having enough time are finding plenty of time for Netflix, YouTube, and Facebook?

5. Seth Godin suggests the more professional your field, the more important it is to stay current. If we seek to raise the standing of education as a top profession, we need to strive to learn like other top professions.

6. You wouldn't want a surgeon operating on you who hasn't read the latest journals about the procedures he's performing. You want the best techniques. And your students deserve the best techniques too.

7. One of the best ways to carve our time for reading is to make it part of your morning routine. When you start the day focused on your own growth, you'll be better able to help your students with their growth.

Are you making time for your reading and growth? How do you find the time? Do you believe educators should be lifelong learners? I want to hear from you. Leave a comment below or respond on Facebook or Twitter.

        

Comments

• Comments

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• 5 Thoughts to Improve Your Mental Approach as an Educator
• What Would Happen If You Weren't Successful On This Thing?
• What's the Key to Influencing Your Students?

 

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Strawberries Foster

Strawberries Foster will make you forget all about Bananas Foster! Delicious, easy, and beautiful.

I’m always on the hunt for super easy DELICIOUS desserts. Ones you can whip up in minutes and enjoy over and over again.

When we go out to eat, if Bananas Foster is on the menu, you better believe I’m ordering it. That being said, I’ve never made it at home! My husband isn’t a huge fan of bananas, so I’ve just never tried.

Strawberries on the other hand, he can’t get enough. So I thought why not take everything I love from Bananas Foster and simply swap out the bananas for strawberries!

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Finding the Best Fit for the Culture of a School

As people are starting to staff or think about staffing for the next year, this is a story I thought about it recently…

Years ago,  I had an interview for a job in a small school.  I felt comfortable about the interview and walked out really confident that I would be the best candidate.  About a day later, I got a call and was told that they were not going to offer the job to me, which I was fine with, but the answer why they said they didn’t hire me on really didn’t make much sense.  It was shared with me that my ideas in education were a little progressive for the staff and although they knew that what I was sharing was where they wanted to go, if they added me to the staff, my enthusiasm might actually isolate many people and become divisive.  I will be honest, I thought, “If this is the reason why they are not hiring me, it is a stupid reason.”  I can’t tell you if the reason was valid, but I can share what I was told.

Fast forward to a story I was listening to in a presentation.  They were talking about a sales company and how they had one salesperson that was selling far more than everyone else.  In my head, if your purpose is sales, this would be a good thing.  But then, they actually let the person go because of how they were in the environment.  My head immediately went back to the interview.  Why would they let a high achiever go?  Then they explained what happened after.  As soon as the person left, the total sales of the entire business went up. Although no one ever reached that level, as a team, they sold more as a company than they ever had before.  The top salesperson was so obsessed with being ahead, that they were not helpful to other members of the team and would keep secrets focused on competition and being the “best” rather than helping others at the company.

I hope the situations were not the same, but I finally understood why I wasn’t hired.  I might have been the best person for the “job” but not necessarily the best person for the “environment” or the culture, at the time. Sometimes a positive addition can harm a culture, and sometimes a positive subtraction can have a positive impact on the culture as well.

My former principal was a master of building culture through hiring. She might have had a “Grade Two” teacher leave,  but she would post for openings for an elementary teacher.  She didn’t want to limit an addition to the staff with a specific position but always looked for the best person to add to the culture and how their strengths and experiences would benefit the school as a whole.  She was always looking to build culture, not hire for a position only.

In education, the focus is to accelerate the school as a whole, not only the individual.  The success of both should be interconnected.

• March 5, 2019 Focusing on the Positive Possibilities for Our Students
• March 12, 2019 4 Ideas to Help Improve Teacher Well-Being
• March 7, 2019 The Wisdom of Those Closest To Students
• March 26, 2019 Why Teachers Love Teaching (As Shared by Teachers)
• August 16, 2018 3 Thoughts on “Culture Killers”

Source: George Couros

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Finding the Best Fit for the Culture of a School

As people are starting to staff or think about staffing for the next year, this is a story I thought about it recently…

Years ago,  I had an interview for a job in a small school.  I felt comfortable about the interview and walked out really confident that I would be the best candidate.  About a day later, I got a call and was told that they were not going to offer the job to me, which I was fine with, but the answer why they said they didn’t hire me on really didn’t make much sense.  It was shared with me that my ideas in education were a little progressive for the staff and although they knew that what I was sharing was where they wanted to go, if they added me to the staff, my enthusiasm might actually isolate many people and become divisive.  I will be honest, I thought, “If this is the reason why they are not hiring me, it is a stupid reason.”  I can’t tell you if the reason was valid, but I can share what I was told.

Fast forward to a story I was listening to in a presentation.  They were talking about a sales company and how they had one salesperson that was selling far more than everyone else.  In my head, if your purpose is sales, this would be a good thing.  But then, they actually let the person go because of how they were in the environment.  My head immediately went back to the interview.  Why would they let a high achiever go?  Then they explained what happened after.  As soon as the person left, the total sales of the entire business went up. Although no one ever reached that level, as a team, they sold more as a company than they ever had before.  The top salesperson was so obsessed with being ahead, that they were not helpful to other members of the team and would keep secrets focused on competition and being the “best” rather than helping others at the company.

I hope the situations were not the same, but I finally understood why I wasn’t hired.  I might have been the best person for the “job” but not necessarily the best person for the “environment” or the culture, at the time. Sometimes a positive addition can harm a culture, and sometimes a positive subtraction can have a positive impact on the culture as well.

My former principal was a master of building culture through hiring. She might have had a “Grade Two” teacher leave,  but she would post for openings for an elementary teacher.  She didn’t want to limit an addition to the staff with a specific position but always looked for the best person to add to the culture and how their strengths and experiences would benefit the school as a whole.  She was always looking to build culture, not hire for a position only.

In education, the focus is to accelerate the school as a whole, not only the individual.  The success of both should be interconnected.

• March 5, 2019 Focusing on the Positive Possibilities for Our Students
• March 12, 2019 4 Ideas to Help Improve Teacher Well-Being
• March 7, 2019 The Wisdom of Those Closest To Students
• March 26, 2019 Why Teachers Love Teaching (As Shared by Teachers)
• August 16, 2018 3 Thoughts on “Culture Killers”

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PMP:147 Providing Focused Professional Development

When you think about providing professional development, do you feel stressed or excited? For many principals, providing professional development can be a daunting task. The good news is that professional development can become something that is meaningful and enjoyable when you realize you no longer have to be the expert. Instead, together with your school […]

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10 Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinners

Looking to spice up your weeknight dinner routine? Try something new and avoid ordering takeout by whipping up one of these quick and easy weeknight dinner recipes!

Does anyone else find themselves in a constant weeknight dinner rut?

Whether it’s out of habit or sheer laziness, we end up turning to the same 5 things for dinner over and over and over again. Yes, even those of us with recipe blogs struggle with this problem!

I am always having to stop and reset when it comes to our weeknight dinner routine. I want recipes that are kid (and husband) friendly but are also easy to make. After all, mama’s busy!

Since I know I can’t be the only one who struggles with this, I thought I’d share some of my personal favorite quick and easy weeknight dinner recipes. Try adding these to your dinner rotation – you’ll get nothing but thumbs up from your family!
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Homemade Buttercream Frosting

Homemade Buttercream Frosting is one of the best basic recipes to have on hand. This classic recipe makes enough pillowy frosting for 24 cupcakes or a 9-inch layer cake.

Of all the recipes on My Baking Addiction, this Homemade Buttercream Frosting is definitely the recipe that I make the most in my kitchen. In fact, it’s probably the most requested recipe amongst family and friends – well, maybe the second most requested next to My Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Whether I’m whipping up cupcakes, cake, or cookies, this Homemade Buttercream Frosting is the perfect way to top just about anything.

I can’t tell you how many times people have said, “I could eat this with a spoon!” And I’ve actually made this for my aunt’s co-worker to do just that. She would put a serving in a little bowl and snack on it while watching her favorite TV shows.

Guys, it’s THAT good!
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Comments

• Hi Estelle – It definitely depends on how much frosting you ... by Jamie
• Good but way too much for 24 cupcakes. I'd say about half as ... by Estelle Szczerba
• Hi, Michelle! I will admit I don't know where the Italian comes ... by Jamie
• I have a question, and hoping for an answer How is it there is ... by Michelle
• Hi, Laney! I've never tried this, but I would add probably 8 ... by Jamie
• Plus 5 more...

 

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Who wins your #AppMadnessChallenge bracket?

I wanted to try something a little different today…

I was recently at a New York Knicks game, and they had a cool video during an intermission break.  “App Madness” was an ode to the “March Madness” basketball tournament and one of the New York Knicks’ players listed their top 8 apps used and which one was their favorite by going through head-to-head competition ultimately, with one ultimate winner.  I looked at the top 8 apps I used in the last ten days on my battery usage, and here are the apps listed in order (other than messaging and email):

1. Twitter
2. Instagram
3. Bejeweled (don’t judge me)
4. YouTube
5. Facebook
6. Aaptiv
7. Apple Podcasts
8. TikTok

So based on the above apps, which one will be the ultimate winner?

Here are the first round matchups and who wins and why:

Round 1

(1) Twitter versus (8) TikTok:  

TikTok is a fun app, and it is for those moments I need a break and to de-stress. It is kind of mindless which is the point of why I use it.  That being said, between the two, Twitter and the connections I make it through it win this round. If it was Twitter versus Vine though, that could have been an upset for Vine.

Winner → Twitter

(2) Instagram versus (7) Podcasts:

I love me some Instagram. There is lots of great information here, as well as fun, that goes beyond education. I use Instagram for not only education but for exercise and sports information.  That being said, I love listening to podcasts, and I will tell you that not one of the podcasts that I listen to regularly is solely education focused. It is probably why I enjoy using it. This provides me a break that I often need.

Winner → Podcasts

(3) Bejeweled versus (6) Aaptiv

Alright…Bejeweled is a game that I play when I am stressed out and when I get some anxiety on a plane.  It is the only game I play on my phone, and I have no idea why I am so drawn to it. That being said, Aaptiv is a workout app and one of the few apps that I pay for monthly.  It has made a massive difference for my health, and I love the workouts. This matchup is a blowout.

Winner → Aaptiv

(4) YouTube versus (5) Facebook:

YouTube is great, but I watch it more on Apple TV or my computer than I do on my phone. Facebook can be fun, but I do not have the interest I once did.  Neither are apps are ones that I truly love on my phone, but if I had to get rid of one off of my phone, Facebook would exist no longer. This matchup is close.

Winner → YouTube

Round 2

(1) Twitter versus (4) Youtube

YouTube has a ton of great information, but I learn so much from Twitter and connect with so many great educators around the world. Twitter wins this round hands-down and is off to the finals.

Winner → Twitter

(6) Aaptiv versus (7) Podcasts

This matchup seems to be physical health versus mental health. I use Aaptiv for my workouts and Podcasts to chill out and relax.  Aaptiv has been an app that I have used every day, and the way the trainers encourage you and give you the motivation to work has not only helped my physical but mental health.  This is tight at the beginning, but Aaptiv pulls away in the end and wins.

Winner → Aaptiv

Championship Final!

 

(1) Twitter versus (6) Aaptiv

 

At first, I use Twitter so much more, this would seem to be a clear winner above Aaptiv.  Aaptiv is not meant to be an app to be used all day, but it is a great one daily. I love Twitter but, being honest, sometimes Twitter is terrible for my mental health, while Aaptiv seems to be always a good choice. I never regret going on Aaptiv.  If I had to choose between which app I would take off my phone, Twitter would be a natural choice because I can use it elsewhere. Although, this could be a close game, in the end, one app pulls away.

Winner and George App Champion → Aaptiv

Working my way through this process was kind of neat and helped me organize my thoughts on why I use what I use, and how it is helping me at this point in my life.  The results would probably be different every year, and it is something I might try again.

If you are interested in sharing your own either through Twitter or your blog, use the hashtag #AppMadnessChallenge and feel free to tag me. I would love to know what apps you are using, and ultimately, which one is your ultimate champion!

• December 24, 2017 3 Ideas for Staying Positive
• March 21, 2016 The Message and the Messenger
• January 27, 2015 The Worksheet Conversation
• April 3, 2015 The Game of School
• October 21, 2011 iOpening

Source: George Couros

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Who wins your #AppMadnessChallenge bracket?

I wanted to try something a little different today…

I was recently at a New York Knicks game, and they had a cool video during an intermission break.  “App Madness” was an ode to the “March Madness” basketball tournament and one of the New York Knicks’ players listed their top 8 apps used and which one was their favorite by going through head-to-head competition ultimately, with one ultimate winner.  I looked at the top 8 apps I used in the last ten days on my battery usage, and here are the apps listed in order (other than messaging and email):

1. Twitter
2. Instagram
3. Bejeweled (don’t judge me)
4. YouTube
5. Facebook
6. Aaptiv
7. Apple Podcasts
8. TikTok

So based on the above apps, which one will be the ultimate winner?

Here are the first round matchups and who wins and why:

Round 1

(1) Twitter versus (8) TikTok:  

TikTok is a fun app, and it is for those moments I need a break and to de-stress. It is kind of mindless which is the point of why I use it.  That being said, between the two, Twitter and the connections I make it through it win this round. If it was Twitter versus Vine though, that could have been an upset for Vine.

Winner → Twitter

(2) Instagram versus (7) Podcasts:

I love me some Instagram. There is lots of great information here, as well as fun, that goes beyond education. I use Instagram for not only education but for exercise and sports information.  That being said, I love listening to podcasts, and I will tell you that not one of the podcasts that I listen to regularly is solely education focused. It is probably why I enjoy using it. This provides me a break that I often need.

Winner → Podcasts

(3) Bejeweled versus (6) Aaptiv

Alright…Bejeweled is a game that I play when I am stressed out and when I get some anxiety on a plane.  It is the only game I play on my phone, and I have no idea why I am so drawn to it. That being said, Aaptiv is a workout app and one of the few apps that I pay for monthly.  It has made a massive difference for my health, and I love the workouts. This matchup is a blowout.

Winner → Aaptiv

(4) YouTube versus (5) Facebook:

YouTube is great, but I watch it more on Apple TV or my computer than I do on my phone. Facebook can be fun, but I do not have the interest I once did.  Neither are apps are ones that I truly love on my phone, but if I had to get rid of one off of my phone, Facebook would exist no longer. This matchup is close.

Winner → YouTube

Round 2

(1) Twitter versus (4) Youtube

YouTube has a ton of great information, but I learn so much from Twitter and connect with so many great educators around the world. Twitter wins this round hands-down and is off to the finals.

Winner → Twitter

(6) Aaptiv versus (7) Podcasts

This matchup seems to be physical health versus mental health. I use Aaptiv for my workouts and Podcasts to chill out and relax.  Aaptiv has been an app that I have used every day, and the way the trainers encourage you and give you the motivation to work has not only helped my physical but mental health.  This is tight at the beginning, but Aaptiv pulls away in the end and wins.

Winner → Aaptiv

Championship Final!

 

(1) Twitter versus (6) Aaptiv

 

At first, I use Twitter so much more, this would seem to be a clear winner above Aaptiv.  Aaptiv is not meant to be an app to be used all day, but it is a great one daily. I love Twitter but, being honest, sometimes Twitter is terrible for my mental health, while Aaptiv seems to be always a good choice. I never regret going on Aaptiv.  If I had to choose between which app I would take off my phone, Twitter would be a natural choice because I can use it elsewhere. Although, this could be a close game, in the end, one app pulls away.

Winner and George App Champion → Aaptiv

Working my way through this process was kind of neat and helped me organize my thoughts on why I use what I use, and how it is helping me at this point in my life.  The results would probably be different every year, and it is something I might try again.

If you are interested in sharing your own either through Twitter or your blog, use the hashtag #AppMadnessChallenge and feel free to tag me. I would love to know what apps you are using, and ultimately, which one is your ultimate champion!

• December 24, 2017 3 Ideas for Staying Positive
• March 21, 2016 The Message and the Messenger
• January 27, 2015 The Worksheet Conversation
• April 3, 2015 The Game of School
• October 21, 2011 iOpening

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99 Percent Mine by Sally Thorne

I wanted to read a contemporary, fun romance in between my historical fiction reads this month. I picked this up at B&N and thought it looked like fun, but after starting enthusiastically, I had some struggles with all 100 percent of it. 

The plot: twins Darcy and Jamie Barrett have inherited their grandmother's cottage with directions to have it fixed up and sold, splitting the profits between them. Jamie isn't talking to Darcy because she turned down a developer and his boatload of cash, and now Tom, their childhood friend is the contractor Jamie has hired to give the cottage a facelift. 

Tom is the only man Darcy has ever loved. And I mean LOVED. She's been in love with him since they were kids, but never felt she could do anything about it because Jamie claimed him as his best friend. And Tom has been dating (and is now engaged) to a stunner of a women. To cope with her feelings, Darcy has been traveling the world, has the potential to be a top photographer, and now works in a bar. She's a bit of a mess. She's had plenty of sex, but it never means anything because it's not Tom. Now Tom's back, and Darcy is going to stay and help with the cottage renovation. Oh, did I mention Darcy has a heart condition that pops up randomly?

Sounds pretty reasonable, right? Well it all is a bit of a mess. I found myself floundering around trying to understand just what the heck was going on. Lots of lust, for sure. Darcy is ready to jump Tom pretty much 24/7. Tom, a big, handsome, kind man, seems to waffle back and forth between being possessive and lusting after Darcy, and standoffish. Talk about mixed signals. It was kind of exhausting trying to follow their conversations and get a handle on what exactly was going on. I also thought it was a bit extreme that anyone would travel the world non-stop and never come home just to avoid the one person they love. I can't say Darcy was a favorite character of mine. She was a mess. Yes, there is a happy ending, but I felt like that could have happened a long time ago, if only they both had been honest with each other early on, and Darcy had told her brother Jamie to stuff it, she was in love with their childhood friend. Sheesh. So much time wasted!

There's some spice for sure--Darcy raises the temperature high with her constant (well hell, I'll just say it) horniness and imaginings of being in bed (or against a wall) with Tom. When Tom turns up the heat, he's pretty hot, I'll say that. 

Apparently Sally Thorne's first novel, The Hating Game, is fantastic, and I think I'll read it. Reviews of 99 Percent Mine compared the two, and by far her first novel is the favorite. Reviewers were on the fence with 99 Percent Mine. Some loved it, some had issues with it like I did, but haven't fallen off the Sally Thorne fan wagon. I'll certainly give her another chance. 

Rating: 3/6 for a contemporary romance that had potential, but seemed to be a bit of a muddle. The characters seem to have trouble with communication, Darcy is permanently horny, and Tom is a bit wishy-washy. 

Available in paperback and ebook. 




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