My name is Eric and I am 32 years old. This is my first blogging experience and so far I have managed to survive. There were some moments along the way where I reached my frustration point. But, the blog is starting to come together and I will be a better educator for the experience.

Now, a little bit about me. I am married to my beautiful wife Brooke. We have been married four years and live on the northside of Indianapolis in a condo. The best part of condo life (beside not having to mow or shovel snow) is that the Monon Trail is about 50 yards away. During the summer we walk to Broad Ripple for a drink or ride to Carmel for lunch.

Here is a little bit about me: In my limited free time I enjoy spending time with Brooke, hanging out with friends, cooking, playing sports, and participating in fantasy sports.

The dog in our lives is Friskie or Frisk for short. Frisk is a terrier mix we got from the pound about three years ago. The best way to describe her is that she looks like a blond Benji. Like Benji she has a lot of personality. Unfortunately most of that personality is reserved for the morning and we are not morning people. Often we wake up to nudging or a walk on the back from a dog who wants her breakfast. Frisk’s passion is for anything edible. She will eat anything and eat it fast. Half the time she doesn’t even chew; just swallows it whole. But she is our dog, we love her, and wouldn’t have it any other way.

One of the things Brooks and I have started enjoying more is traveling. The older we get the more we enjoy it. We have tried Cruises but didn’t enjoy it much, because you are at the mercy of the boat. We like being in control and on our own schedule. When we travel we stay at nicer hotels. Brooke requires plush accommodations with all of the amenities of home where ever we stay. Roughing it to her is a 3 star hotel. So, no hostels. She is a high maintenance traveler, but I can’t think of anyone who I would rather travel with.

Next year we are planning a trip to the South of France and Northern Italy. One of our stops will be Cinque Terre in northern Italy. Check out this YouTube video of it (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNTUm2dtaU8). Here is how Wikipedia describes Cinque Terre:

- The Cinque Terre is a rugged portion of coast on the Italian Riviera. It is in the Liguria region of Italy, to the west of the city of La Spezia. "The Five Lands" comprises five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.

- The coastline, the five villages, and the surrounding hillsides are all part of the Cinque Terre National Park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

- The Cinque Terre is noted for its beauty. Over centuries, people have carefully built terraces on the rugged, steep landscape right up to the cliffs that overlook the sea. Part of its charm is the lack of visible "modern" development. Paths, trains and boats connect the villages, and cars cannot reach it from the outside. It is a very popular tourist destination.

I am currently working to renew both my administrative license and my teaching license. During my teaching career I have taught 1st grade (maternity leave), 2nd grade (4 years), 4th grade (1 year), and 5th grade (3 years). Last year I was the Assistant Principal at New Augusta Public Academy South in Pike Township. Next year I will be at Fishback Creek Public Academy in Pike.