3 Things Before You Read...
1.  I know that preposition doesn't belong there
2.  Yes, it's bothering me too
3.  I guess it was just those 2 things

I had a hilarious/kinda serious conversation with Tom today.  If my blog every gets famous and you don't actually know me personally, Tom is my brother.   Katie, go ahead and exhale.  It's still just us reading. 

Katie:  So, we have talked about you for long enough.  Time to talk about me.

Tom:  Ok, we talked about me for 11 minutes and 21 seconds.  You get 4 minutes.  Go.

Katie: I know I said I was going to apply for Assistant Principal positions next year but I decided I really love my job, have a lot more to learn and want to stay right where I am.

Tom: Katie, why?  I don't understand why the hell you would go to school, get a bunch of debt and not apply for a job that was going to pay more."

Katie: Tom, I never went into this job for the money.

Tom: I'm just saying, you're playing 3A and I'm waiting for you to jump into 4A ball.  Time for you to take the next step.

Katie: Yeah, well go ahead and lower your expectations of me.  I don't understanding why you're always so pushy with me.  Get the fuck on my team.  You're Team Katie.  Whatever Katie wants, you support.  That's the rule.


Tom: Like you were on my team when I wanted to work in the oil yards?

Katie:  That idea was stupid.  Just lower your expectations of me.  They are ridiculous.  Besides, I have completely focused on my career for a long time.  Now I'm focused on the rest of my life.  I'm trying to get my dating up to 4A.

Tom:  Katie, let's be serious.  You're not even a 1A in dating.  Let's just go ahead and master this level first.  I'm on your team.  Master 1A.

And I realized, once again, that you get out exactly what you put in.



For a long time I put 100% effort into my career.  Guess what I got out...lots and lots and lots out of my career.

Shifting my focus.

Where are you putting your effort?
Do you have aspects of your life that are falling short?
Perhaps it's because it's not your focus.

You're welcome.  I can impart my wisdom anytime.  I just need to learn each lesson 6 or 7 hundred times first.

Several years ago, during my 4th year of teaching, I was up in my AP's office and told me a card I had written her was going in her "Sunshine File."

"Sunshine File?"
"Yeah, it's where I put all the nice things people write to me and then when I'm having a tough day I pull it out."


I was totally sold and, now, on each new computer I have had and in each e-mail account I've created I also create my "Sunshine File" folder.



Some days I purposely go back and reread the things in there and other days, like today, I just randomly come across great e-mails, wonderful words that pick me right up.

Here are a few from mine...they go all the way back to 2006 and I bet if I pulled out my "box" I'd find some from middle school (probably folded into some shape with BFF W/B ASAP on it)

Sunshine from my aunt


Sunshine from a little one I used to work with 


Sunshine from my Jedi Master



Sunshine from my brother...1 of the almost 300 e-mails we wrote back and forth during his deployments in the Navy



So, here's my challenge...have you written anything "Sunshine File" worthy lately?  Go ahead, write something.  Perhaps they'll be crazy and reread it over and over and over.  Maybe it will be just the thing to pick them up on an asstastic day?!

If you don't have a Sunshine File, create one now.  You can thank me later...and I'll pass that thanks along to Faith who taught me all about Sunshine Files!

I haven't done one of these in a bit so...

1. La Croix
My name is Katie Cartier and I'm a La Croix addict. Yes I am. I try and stay far away from Diet Coke because it's poison but I had to have a replacement. My sister-in-law thinks it tastes like medicine but I believe it is heaven in a can. So far I have found ONE person who agrees with me. ONE. Thank you to my favorite Title One Coordinator. You also have excellent taste.

Sidenote: I DO have excellent taste...in everything. Just in case you were wondering. I don't wanna get cocky but it even say so in my sign. So, if you need me to help you decide on your new favorite drink (A-hem, La Croix), your new favorite song, or your new boyfriend, you let me know.

Random Story: You might think I'm full of shit saying I have great taste. My friend told me, when we were in 4th grade, that her extra long 2nd toe made her smarter than all of the rest of us. I told her she was full of shit...and then she became a lawyer after she passed the BAR with flying colors.

2. Turquoise pens
I just want to buy the turquoise color from the pack of pens, markers, Expos. It's so pretty! They can keep that stupid lime green one. Who the hell ever uses that one anyway?!

PS. The picture is of the Low Odor Expos and I hate those! They don't erase from my whiteboard.

3. Spandex Gym Capris from Old Navy
They're super cute and since they're from Old Navy they were very reasonably priced. AND there's a tiny zipper pocket in the back in case I need to stash something very, very tiny in there.

4. Wint-o-green Lifesavers
My friend introduced these to me in 8th grade and my life has never been the same. Thank you Jill!

5. Padora
I know, I know, there are cooler and newer things out there but I love it. It's there for my every mood. Currently, Dave Matthews Radio.

6. Pintrest
I found this from one of the blogs I read. (I know, I know, I need a boyfriend). Anyway, it's amazing. I'm not actually a member. I think you need an invite...where would I get that? I just type in things and amazing quotes come up. Eeeek, now you know my secret and where I get all of my super great quotes.

Love this one...

And this one...

And this one...

Ok, I'll stop...for now.

What are you loving? What am I missing out on? What do I need to be buying/making/finding?!!?