Where do I even start?!?! 2014 was a crazy rewarding year of lots and lots of #pinchme, #cloudten, #isthisrealmoments. When looking back at what meant the most to me, I would have to say that it was all the new friendships and learning that has taken place. Don’t get me wrong, the success that my TPT store has brought to my family is an absolute blessing that has brought so much gratitude! I am definitely not overlooking that one bit! BUT, the people that I have met along this journey have been some of the kindest, most passionate, and generous people!
It is so nice to meet other teachers who have the same passion for what they do in their classroom. Sometimes I feel that my excitement for teaching is looked at as being an overachiever or even crazy at times. #justbeinghonest If you know me, you know that I am a bit self conscious and sensitive to what others think. No, not a trait that I love about myself. If you taught with me, you’d know that I am a person who keeps to herself, doesn’t talk much about her TPT life, and spends crazy amounts of hours planning for the perfect lesson or project. I do this because I LOVE WHAT I DO. Period. Love it. No other reason. Unfortunately this occasionally comes with negative comments. “Why don’t you go Instagram that!” “Don’t forget those hashtags!” “UGH, what’s the next amazing bulletin board going to be!” You know, those comments that are half kidding/half serious. I don’t understand why people say them. I don’t understand why they even feel it’s okay to say them. But, again, I take words seriously but that’s just me. I mention this all because the people that I have met in the past year just get me. They can relate. They have similar stories and I love them for it.
So, looking back on 2014, there has been so much success and blessings. At times, it can be so overwhelming that it brings me to tears. Did I mention that I am sensitive? 😉 I want to keep pushing forward, not let others bring me down, stay up on my cloud, journey to uncharted territory, take risks, be brave, try new things, and make an impact. My New Year’s Resolution is simple. One word. One word that holds so much potential.
I close this post with a huge THANK YOU to all of those who have touched my life this year! An extra big shout out to my #bloggybestie Ashley from Schroeder Shenanigans in 2nd. I admire her passion, drive, creativity, and work ethic. She is always there to help, share ideas, support, and encourage me! For that, I am forever grateful! Love ya girl!
I’m signing off from my office here in the freezing cold state of Minnesota. In less that 48 hours I will be here. #becauseoftpt #cloudten #pinchme #dominicanrepublic
I can relate to this in so many ways. I constantly here the same from colleagues and others in my life — "What's next, laminating your receipts?" etc. and so forth. Like you… this is me! This is who I am. I am a teacher. To some it's a job or a profession (and that's totally fine), but I am a teacher by nature. Even if I wasn't in the classroom, I'd still be one. I'd still approach things the same way, with the same vigor, and I'd still be a HUGE nerd!
It's so nice to know there are others out there feeling the same way, and without the type of judgment you might find elsewhere.
Sarah Plum
There's No Place Like Second Grade
We can be vigorous nerds together Sarah! 🙂 Thanks for your feedback, I appreciate you and your constant support!
I can relate as well! TPT is such an amazing adventure, but it definitely wouldn't be what it is without all of the amazing teachers behind the logos and products. I absolutely love my teaching job, I love my students to death and I love what I do more than words can ever express.
Have a killer time in the Dominican! Super jealous 🙂 Catch some rays for me, I sure could use a nice tan 😉 Can't wait to see pictures!
Stephanie
Yes, agreed! Amazing teachers behind the logos and products! You know me, I will be snapping pictures in the DR like crazy! I can't help it! 🙂 Thanks for your feedback Stephanie! You are such an inspiration to me too!
I love this post!!!!!! I am jealous I wasn't at all of those fun events! 🙂 Have you thought about coming to the meet up in Indiana? I know it's pretty far for you, but consider it! People are coming from all over! 🙂
I can relate to all of this post! Well…except the Dominican Republic part. 😉 Congrats!!! If you accomplished all that in 2014, just imagine how much you will accomplish in 2015!!
Lauren
A Teachable Teacher
Thanks for your feedback Lauren! I can't wait to see what 2015 has in store for me! It's all about taking the risks and being brave, right? 🙂
Continue to rise above the negativity of others, my friend! My answer to the eye-rolling, talking-behind-my-back, "mean girl" colleagues is to just stay true to yourself, focus on the good you are creating for and doing with your students, and move forward with grace. Know that this safe circle of sellers and bloggers will support you!
Love ya!
~Jennifer
Thanks Jennifer! Right back at ya! 🙂 Don't get me wrong, there are so many of my colleagues of whom I adore so I don't want it to seem like I work in a terrible place. In fact, there are a lot of my colleagues who have no clue what I do on the side with my TPT stuff. I'm okay with that…in fact I prefer that. There's just those few that the negativity comes from…the sad part is that they don't even realize how it sounds coming off the tongue. I appreciate you! Happy New Year!
I LOVED this post! I can relate in so many ways. You are an amazing TpTer and a constant inspiration to me as well as other. Keep it up and I can't wait to watch and see where this upcoming year takes you. I love both of the quotes in your pictures above. I have "She turned her can'ts into cans and her dreams into plans." in my classroom. One of my Cadet Teachers drew it for me after talking about the quote. I also believe in Deanna Jump's quote. We are willing to work if he shows us the way to go. 🙂
Love ya, girl!
Amanda 🙂
I love YOU, Amanda! I am excited for Vegas again this summer! We will definitely have to spend more time together this time! Lunch just wasn't enough! 🙂 I owe a lot of my success to you and your amazing collaboration opportunities that you put together for teachers. You rock!
Thanks for sharing this with us, Angie! Like others have said…I can relate! I too have experienced people not getting it or being less than supportive. It's been amazing getting to know our community and building friendships with people who do "get it!"
Happy new year and have a great time in the DR!! Looking forward to meeting you this summer!
Elyse 🙂
Proud to be Primary
I can't believe how much attention this blog post has gotten! It's so nice to hear from people like you who are feeling the same way! Thanks for stopping by and leaving me feedback, Elyse! I can't wait to meet you in Vegas this summer!!!
Oh friend, (can I call you friend? I feel like you are a kindred spirit for sure!) I can so relate to the half-kidding/half-serious comments. Thank you for your honesty in this post. Sometimes it is nice to be reminded that you are not alone and there are a lot of other teachers out there who "get it"!
Yes, Ashley, my friend! 😉 Nice to hear from others who can relate to this post! Are you going to Vegas this summer? I'd love to meet you!!!
I want to SOOO much, but I'm just not sure yet. I hope so…I would love to meet you as well!
Love your post and I can definitely relate!! I love all the amazing friendships that TPT has brought! It is so wonderful to meet and connect with other passionate teachers who love their jobs! Keep doing what you're doing!! You are fabulous!!
Angie, you are amazing!! Don't let anyone tell you differently!! My friend is just starting teaching second grade, she graduated in December, and is walking into a classroom on Monday! I hung out with her last night, along with my friend who came to Vegas with me this summer! We were both singing your praises!! You are amazing!! I can't wait to see you again this summer, and I am really looking forward to spending more time with you! Thank you for all that you do!!
Love ya friend!
You aren't alone with the "comments" from others. I can still remember the hurt (actually, it still stings) when another teacher told me she couldn't be "super" teacher. So strange when you actually stay in your room and just do things with your class. No outside bragging, no looking down at others, but genuinely being happy and excited about what they are doing with their kids. We can't all be the same. How boring would that be? But we do want to be the best teachers we can be, right? Right? Why the meanness? Well, jealousy. That's it. I'm relatively new to TpT as a buyer–not a seller, but I say, "Rock on, Sister. Looks like you are doing an awesome job and your students benefit." That's what matters.
Angie, first off- I think it took a lot of courage to write this post and be so honest. Having met you in Vegas and sat next to you and chatted with you a bit I know this about Angie Olson: You are a very sweet, sincere, down to earth, and kind person. You truly have a passion for teaching and you are a hard working Type A personality. I can relate to that. 🙂 What you see is what you get with you, Angie and that is so rare in many people. Your success has been hard earned and…. well deserved. Over this past year you have just soared! I think many people can feel jealous of that success. Myself included, admittedly. I think you are an amazing person, a kind, caring and gentle soul, a great friend to others, a wonderful teacher, and a great Mom. I knew all this about you within 10 minutes of meeting you and having followed you on TPT, IG, etc, over the past year. You couldn't be a kinder person or deserve the success any more. You go, girl! I can't wait to see what you do, what you accomplish, what you create and where you go this year. I truly hope to meet up with you again. I'd love to give you a big hug and thank you for your inspiration.
Oh sweet friend of mine, where do I even START?!?! From minute one of reading this post, I was literally saying "OMG YES!!" to myself out loud – reaffirming to myself that we are, in fact, #bloggybesties <3. I LOVE how honest and #throwitalloutthere this post is, because it makes me cherish our friendship even more than I already did!!! I, too, am WAY sensitive to what people say and think – – always have been and always will be. I already have anxiety about the comments that will be coming my way Monday morning when my new bulletin board is seen by the rest of my hall. #yesiputitupoverbreak But I don't care, because I LOVE WHAT I DO. And I know there are others….like YOUUUU who love what they do just as much as I do 🙂 Thank you – for this post, for your CONSTANT support, for your enthusiasm and passion that is constantly reigniting mine, for being an idea bouncing GENIUS, and for your dear dear friendship. I'm forever thankful to TPT for bringing you into my life!! 🙂 Enjoy EVERY minute of your hard earned vacation, girl!! 🙂
Ashley
Because of the comments you've gotten, I've been afraid to tell colleagues that I blog and have a TPT store. This is my outlet and I love what I do. Great job on all of your successes and have fun in the Dominican!
Brandi
Swinging for Success
WOW! I agree with your post 100%. This year has been the toughest year in my teaching career because of some of the comments that I have gotten. I'd love to share stories sometime. It's good to know I am not alone.
I can understand how you feel about your passion for teaching. I am the same way. I am a successful preschool business owner who worked for a private school for 18 years. I started my own school and love every minute of it, but alas, I work very long hours because I want everything to be perfect and beautiful for the students. Lessons are carefully planned and implemented. I own a TpT Store, however, I've been selling almost five years and have not reached the $10,000. milestone yet. My store is a beautiful store with lots of resources in it but it is slow and steady. That being said, I will continue to be who I am no matter what others say or do. Snarky comments do hurt but I believe it is because those who make those comments do not understand the passion that we all share.