"So no one told life was gonna be this way"

I'll Be There For You by The Rembrandts

Today is the Lunar New Year, one of the most important holidays celebrated in China, Vietnam, South/North Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Mongolia.

In these countries, the world is shut down so families can celebrate together. Think Christmas or Thanksgiving. But for families living outside these countries, they have to go to work just like any other day. So if there's an Asian owned business you love- go visit them today and tip well. 🩷

Xin Chào Reader, (that's "hello" in Vietnamese)

In case you haven't figured it out: February is the shortest longest month of the year.

The kids are having a blast, but for parents, preschool, elementary school teachers it's an endless string of demands.

If this is your first year with your child in school, buckle up! There's so much going on in February!

The Longest Month

1. Groundhog's Day 2/2 Admittedly my favorite holiday, this whacky tradition kicks off a month of events
2. Super Bowl 2/8 Bad Bunny won!
3. The Olympics 2/6 - 22 let's hope they don't reenact luging on the playground
4. Valentine's Day 2/14 And those cards aren't going to write themselves
5. Presidents Day 2/16 Pull out the Weekly Reader
6. Lunar New Year 2/17 The year of the Horse begins today!
7. Mardi Gras 2/17 Regionally this holiday is a non negotiable
8. 100th Day of School This elementary school holiday usually falls in late January to mid February. It's become increasingly "extra" over the past few years.
9. Black History Month All month long schools will have different curriculum and special events to celebrate.
10. Read Across America Week And after all that- they try to kick off the first week in March with a themed week. Sorry Dr. Seuss, I usually skipped this one 😂

All this and the curriculum gets harder in February. Cold and Flu season is raging. For 28 days, it feels like a whole year of celebrating. I'm curious what holidays do you opt in or opt out of?

What's New?

🎥 We're #1: Keep an eye out for the First Grade Video in my grade level series. Coming out later this week! Subscribe to my channel and turn on notifications.

💞 Full Circle: I am SO PROUD to be working with the CMS Department of Family & Community Engagement. I'll be presenting workshops to parents / caretakers to teach them how best to support their kids in school. I taught for CMS for almost my full career, so it feels really special to return as a speaker. Don't worry- Primary Focus isn't going anywhere, this only empowers the mission! Read more here​

Things I Love (contains affiliate links)

💋 Alllll Day: I don't wear makeup every day, but when I do I make the most of it. Between public speaking and filming I swear by these two products to keep my makeup looking fresh. I use this to keep my foundation fresh all day, and this spray seals in the full look even if I break a sweat. Plus both come in mini sizes to try it out.

🐲 great book: If you want to talk to your children about the Lunar New Year, this book is a great pick! Try to say "Lunar New Year" instead of "Chinese New Year" because many countries celebrate with their own traditions.

📚 must read: I devoured The Women by Kristin Hannah. This story depicts the reality of American nurses that served in the Vietnam War. If you love historical fiction as a fast pace, then this is for you. Her writing is incredible, and you will feel all five senses as you read.

Have a wonderful day!