Failures and Looking Forward

Happy Holidays long lost friends!  Wait a minute...I think I am the one who has been long lost.  I have failed to do anything with this blog since September! Shame on me.

It seems that keeping up with a blog during my first year of teaching has proven to be quite a challenge...so sorry to have let the ball drop here.

My experiences this first year have been different than what I expected.  I knew I would be challenged, and I have certainly been challenged.  My time as a first year teacher is a picture perfect example of this lyric from a Legally Blonde the Musical song, that says "even if I crash and burn ten times a day, I think I'm here to stay; I'm gonna find my way." But God has been good, sending me small assurances and affirmations here and there when I've needed them. 

In other news of failure, I have again...totally failed in keeping ANY of my resolutions from last year...but on a positive note, I did find success in living by the "Yes Man" philosophy.  Not sure if this is something I ever really mentioned in any of my previous notes, but if you've seen the Jim Carey movie, then you know what I'm talking about.  Essentially the idea is to say "yes" to every opportunity that comes your way.  (Granted...still using sound judgement and reasoning lol).  But I can safely say I have said yes to many opportunities this past year that were out of my comfort zone, and yet lead to some life changing amazingness.  My "yes's" have lead me to a job in a highly reputable district, at an incredibly unique school.  I have moved out of my parents house and into the city where I have met some incredible people and formed amazing relationships.  I also took the plunge at a friend's suggestion and joined an online dating site for a brief period of time...it was brief because in mere weeks I met the most incredible man ever through the site, and we are extremely happy together.

In looking forward, the new year is upon us and I will be making more resolutions...and yes probably failing at those too...but still.  Gotta keep plugging away at it, right?  I have begun to compile a list of things I would like to accomplish in the next year, but be on the look out for a blog of resolutions to come.  For now, I will leave you with my starting list, and feel free to share what's on your list for 2011.

1. Learn to sew (like legit, be able to make my own clothes)
2. Read more classics (do you realize I have never read a Jane Austin book?!)
3. Actually memorize some scripture (other than John 3:16 lol)
4.Cook more and learn more recipes
5. Refurbish my piano skills
6. Write more music
7. Keep up with this blog more :-P
8. And the classic...get in better shape...

Well that's all for now.  Hopefully I'll hear from some of your list items for this year :)

Love,
Me :)

Back to School and Blogging!

Hey long lost cyber friends.  I know I've been M.I.A. for a while now, and you may have been wondering..."what in the world?"

Well...I've had a lot of big changes happen in my life as of late and these changes consumed most of my time and kept me from being able to document things and/or post blogs.  But fear not!  I am back and in action and with lots of exciting goodies to share :)

Change #1: A certain member of my family dropped and broke my digital camera...(no one shall be named...but see image below for the culprit...ahem).  This happened shortly prior to change #2 and then took forever to get a new one.

I'll give you a hint...it's not the blue one.

Change #2: I moved!  That's right folks!  I am no longer writing to you from under my parents' roof.  I am now living free in beautiful and fun Arlington, VA!  Below are a few captures of my new place.

LET'S TAKE A PHOTO TOUR!

Clockwise from Top Left: Kitchen where my dinner is cooking, TV room where I've dumped all my stuff after a long day, my room, my closet, my bed, and looking into my room from the top of the stairs.

Change #3: I have begun my teaching career.  Last Tuesday, September 7th, 2010 marked my first official day as a teacher, and I got to meet my 47 4th graders that will be working with me on math and science.  I've worked really hard to put together my classroom...it's still a process but it at least looks neat and organized, eventually there will be more interesting things posted around the room.  But my pride and joy is the parrot/jungle board I made using some great fabric my MeMe gave me! Check it out!!!

 

  

 

So those are all the major changes.  Now I'm sure you're all wondering how it's been going.

It has been an adventure already.  My theme for the year is "It's going to be a wild year!" (check out my jungle theme in the classroom).  And it really is.  My school is incredible, but HUGE!  And the schedule is CRAZY!  And we are in the process of hiring a new principal, and the week before school started we had to add two new 2nd grade classes and a slew of kindergarten classes which equated to scheduling and logistical mayhem.  We also had "Back to School Night" last night (which was only Day 5 of school for us)...adding to the chaos.  But BTSN was a success and the parents were very receptive and supportive.  My students are great! Very diverse and all unique.  Each has their own strengths and challenges.  The staff and my fellow fourth grade team members are incredible and they really help me keep my head on straight.  Let me tell you...there is so much you never learn in student teaching that you have to learn first thing when you start teaching!  It's crazy.  So it's been a whirlwind, but I'm learning everyday.  My kids are excited and they're learning everyday.  We're building a great community, and all is running as smoothly as it can for now.  We're working some of the kinks out but it is coming together.  I think there really should be a book written though about "Things to ask when you start a new teaching job, before day one of school!"  Because there have been things popping up left and right that I just wish I had thought to ask about sooner, but didn't think about it until the situation came up.

Anyway, that's the update for now...back to work planning and preparing materials for me.  I'll catch you up later :)

Adios!

Movin' on Up

Well friends, I'm writing to you one last time from the good ol' 757.  In mere hours, I will be an Arlington resident :)

I can't believe the day has actually come.  Do you remember feeling like you were never going to get out of your parents' house?  As I stood this morning and looked at my nearly empty room and the boxes sitting in the middle of it I thought, "Oh my gosh!  This is real!  I'm leaving this house...I'm leaving my room." The thought freaks me out a little bit and makes me excited at the same time.  I'm finally getting my own space!  My own bathroom (that's a HUGE first for me, I've always had to share!) My first walk-in closet (yay space for my shoes and wardrobe)!  The freedom to come and go as I please...and to truly experience my independence!  Those are all very exciting thoughts.

On the other hand, I'm leaving "the nest" and the safety and security that brings. I'm leaving my dog...my parents (although in some ways that's a plus right now...I will still miss them).  I'm leaving my town...(again, that has its pluses too).  But I'm leaving a comfort zone...and a lifestyle.

I've spent the past few days scrambling, trying to pack, say my good-byes, and get in all my lasts (for a while anyway) around town (last Mug Night, last Wasabi dinner with the fam, and even a last Sno-to-Go WHICH I got there tonight a mere 10 min before they closed, WHEW). <--The perfect treat and end to an evening of loading up the vans for the move tomorrow.

 Tiger's Blood = My fav. flavor...YUM

After shutting all the van doors I stood there thinking, "I can't believe my life fits in a cargo van and a mini van...I can't believe this is what I have to start out with." But there it is...packed up and ready to go, and with it so am I.

So enough of this emotional, slightly nostalgic chatter, I clearly have a big day ahead of me so it is time for me to sign off from the 757.  Next time folks...I'll be coming at ya from NOVA!  Bring on the next adventure God...here I am, ready to go where you send me, ready for the life You have to offer.

God bless you all! 

Sayonara

Bucket list Part 1

So this isn't really a bucket list but more of a list of things I want to do in the next few years...things I want to do while I'm still young and full of life and energy.  (And since I finally have a big girl job with a big girl income, I will finally soon be financially able to do these things).

-Go to Europe (all over! Germany, France, ITALIA, Poland even, and of course ENGLAND! Scotland, and IRELAND! oh yeah and Greece and Spain (ok so this one may have to wait a bit longer but it's going to happen)

-Go on a cruise either Mediterranean or Caribbean

-Go on a legitimate road trip with my besties perhaps across country and back!

-Roll up somewhere in a limo...b/c I've never ridden in one before.

-I want to dye my hair red...b/c I've always wanted to be a red head

That's all I got for now...I just had this stuff on the brain for some reason and needed to put it out there.

In other news I know I've been super slack lately on basically all of my new year's resolutions, and I'm sure at this point, the rest of everyone out in cyber land has forgotten about theirs too.  But lately I have gotten back into at least one of mine, and that's the one about trying something new every week.  I think it might be this whole new sense of freedom I'm feeling since I am getting ready to leave the nest but at least these past two weeks I've definitely done some things I've never tried before.  All of which make for some great stories....most of which I won't be sharing on here.  But I can tell you that I've tried a new restaurant and new food and couldn't believe I had never been there before in all my years of living here.    Also went for a late night swim in the ocean in my dress...think The Little Mermaid when she emerges from the water in her purple sparkling dress (a dream come true lol)

I'm Like Bird...

I can't believe the time is finally here!  I am finally standing on the edge of the nest getting ready to fly solo! 

In a matter of weeks I will be moving into my new basement apartment in a townhouse in Arlington, VA where there are currently two sweet girls living that I will be sharing common areas and a washer/dryer with.  The place is definitely the perfect place for me to get started in.  From the moment I drove through the neighborhood I just had good feelings, and once I stepped inside the house, I felt like I was home, and when I saw the space in the basement...and...the GINORMOUS CLOSET I was home :)

So currently, I'm still working my rear-end off trying to save up enough money to get started comfortably up there, and starting now to pack up and put things into boxes, and get rid of stuff I don't want.  I feel like the whole putting my possessions into boxes would go a little bit smoother if Mom hadn't insisted on purchasing a HUGE queen size bed, and instead of waiting to set it up in my room till after I moved out, insisted on setting it up NOW...which has moved my furniture around and made the room 10x's smaller so now with the boxes in there I literally can't move...and I can't even get to stuff that I need to put in boxes...very frustrating.  But of course I got yelled at today for having boxes up against the new bed...(which had to be moved there so I could get to my dresser...kind of need clothes to go to work in MA...and so I could get to my DVD player...) Why the need to put the new bed in there now...I will never understand!!!!  I mean...REALLY?!?!  And don't mis-interpret, I am not upset at the fact that she's already moving me out of my room...believe me, if I could I'd be gone already.  I'm just upset at the fact that that was a REALLY INCONVENIENT idea...but she insisted...and it's "mom's house" yet again, another reason on the list of many why I can't wait to be flying solo.

Oh and while I'm on all this mom stuff, I should talk about the fact that I've been having some great convos with this lady I work with, who actually has a daughter my age who's in the same stage of life as me right now moving out etc. And this lady and I have been able to really have some real mom/daughter conversations w/o the personal/emotional attachment.  So she's seeing her daughter's side through me...and I see my mom's side through her.  It's kinda cool.  So hopefully I'm helping her daughter out a bit...I'm sure she's hoping she's helping out my mom a bit...I dunno. So ladies out there I will say it's not a bad idea to link up with a "mom-mentor" I guess I would call it, if you can.

Anyway, I guess that's about all I have to say about that.  Sorry, no life-altering words this evening.  I will leave  you and your weekend ahead with this life-lesson I learned this past week.  Having a rock awesome amazing weekend leads to a good week that goes by quickly! JUST SAYIN'

SOOOO have a ROCK AWESOME, AMAZING WEEKEND!

I'm out!

Thankful Thursday

Alright...honesty box time.  I got into that selfish mopey place in my head again tonight.  What is it about when the sun goes down, suddenly a switch flips inside you (or at least inside me anyway), and all the bad thoughts and feelings come seeping in, festering and dwelling.  Darkness...night...provides the perfect environment for the sting of loneliness, and doubt to penetrate and linger.

But here I am now....after wallowing for a while...drowning thoughts in a steaming hot shower...and prayer...I remember it's Thankful Thursday, and there's a ping in my heart.  I've been sulking again and forgotten to remember the blessings of the day.  Guilt washes over me, and yet as I sit thinking of what to write about being thankful for...gratitude actually begins to trickle in...

I'm thankful for:

1. The blessings I am seeing in my friends' lives.  (Jobs, and opportunities, weddings, and babies!)
2. The most amazing friends in the entire world!  Friends that challenge me and encourage me; that speak the God's Truth into my life.
3. My incredible Dad! (That I still have no idea what to get for Father's Day....)
4. Employment...
5. Sunshine and warm weather
6. I'm thankful to be done with school and to have the time to read books for pleasure, NOVELS! To watch movies, and to cook!  (I made banana pudding all by myself last night for a cook-out today LOOK!)

Everyone gobbled it all up! (One guy had 4 servings! :D)

7. New days, and new opportunities...always a chance to start over.  I was watching Forrest Gump this weekend (it was on TV...you know you can NEVER resist!) And it hit me one of the biggest reasons why I love that movie and the character.  It's because he embodies the life I strive to lead...the life-style I truly believe humans were created to lead.  You see, in the movie...Forrest goes where ever the wind blows him (hence the feather I think at the end...yes, it probably has to do with Jenny flying away too...but still you watch it fly and catch with the wind).  But Forrest is an open book when it comes to life...and whenever opportunity knocks...he doesn't really think too hard about it...he just takes it...he just does it...he just LIVES!  And he never feels the need to stick with any one thing...nothing is permanent except the love he has for the people in his life...like Momma, Jenny, Bubba, and Lt. Dan; he never waivers in his loyalty to the people he loves!  Anyway, that's a whole lot of talking about a movie, but basically the way Forrest lived in the movie is what I hope to emulate...I want to be an open book, to take in all life has to offer me, to truly experience every season of life, and to do and be everything I can in this world...in this one short...precious life.  And I'm thankful for every knocking opportunity, every change of the wind, every detour, every chance to live life to the fullest.

With that said my friends, I can now say that where there was only moments ago dark, painful, and lonely thoughts...all of me is brimming with gratitude and reassurance.  I was meant for greater things than what lurks in the darkness...

Why wait for Thursday to be Thankful?...

I don't want to start off this post with the typical "Happy Memorial Day"...I think that's a little weird.  I don't know why, but that phrase hits me weird.  Yes, we should be happy that we have our freedoms, and I hope you all are having a happy day, but I feel weird saying I hope you have a happy day of remembering our fallen men and women who paid the ultimate price so I could have days and a life of freedom and happiness. 

Don't get me wrong, I myself have already been to the beach with friends and back today, and I am certainly happy, I hope all of you are having a great day as well, but I also hope you have taken time to say a quick prayer of gratitude for the many blessings we have in this incredibly country thanks to the sacrifices of the men and women we honor today.  Today is a day of remembrance and a good day to be thankful...and since I've missed a few Thankful Thursdays...why not take the opportunity today?

I am thankful for:

1. The men and women of our great nation, and their families who have paid the ultimate price for the freedoms and liberties of the people of our nation.  The husbands and wives who have laid down their spouse, and the children who have laid down their parents...Mothers and Fathers who have sacrificed their children, siblings who have laid down their brothers and sisters, and friends who have sacrificed friends for the unnamed millions who live here in this country, and for me.  So that I could be free...to live, and to pursue happiness.

2. I am thankful for the wonderful members of my family who have served.  Thankful and proud!

3. I am thankful for time, on a day like today and in times like these where friends and family are delivered into places of uncertainty, one realizes even more so the fleeting nature of time, and the unpredictability of life.

4. On a sillier note, I'm thankful that I escaped getting stung by a crazy bee that decided to fly in through the car window while we were driving to the beach...it scathed my shoulder and landed curled up in the car seat next to me...it was actually quite traumatizing...for one who is terrified of bees and whose immediate reaction is to run away, when you can't run away...it's a little scary....

5. Sunshine, sand, and water...yay beaches! (and the fact that I finally got to go!)

6. I am thankful for the most incredible friends in the world.

7.  I am thankful for the countless blessings I have been showered with lately.  For a job, in the district that I wanted, at the school that I wanted, at the grade level I wanted...and for the doors that God has been throwing open for me.

Those are just a few of the things I have remembered to be thankful for today....

What are you thankful for?

The Best Laid Plans (Jer. 29:11)

It's amazing how when things start falling into place in your life, everything just lines up...although it works equally just the same the other way around, you know the old adage, "When it rains...it pours."  Fortunately for the time being the stars are aligning quite nicely.

I am now blogging to you as a real 4th grade teacher!  I went for an interview this past weekend and was offered the job on the same day!  WOOHOO!!! I couldn't be more thrilled, it's the exact position I want at the exact school I want.  I have a feeling that as things progress this blog may evolve into something more about  my journey to becoming a teacher, and the first year of teaching, and living on my own FINALLY!

Here's a little recap of my journey to becoming a teacher....

Martha Crunch Math Boot Camp!

My first bulletin board! A geometric quilt the students made!

Read/Write/Think Aloud with one of my favorite books!

Outdoor Inspiration for our Haikus

Our trip to Jamestown!

Saying Goodbye...

Oh the journey it has been and it's only the beginning.  Now I am moving on to my very own class of 4th graders next year, and I am SO EXCITED!!!  It is amazing how richly blessed I am, and I thank God every day for leading me to my calling in his own perfect way.

Parting is such Sweet Sorrow

This week marks the end of an era for me.  On Weds. I completed my student teaching and my Master's program.  On Sunday I graduated with my Master's of Arts in Education.  It has been a long hard road that I'm not quite sure I would do quite the same way if I had to do it again, but the path has lead me to great places and thrown wide open doors of opportunity.

Weds. was a bitter sweet day as I said farewell to my very special class of fourth graders whom I have grown to love over the past year.  I baked and brought in cupcakes decorated in school colors. In addition to those I used up a majority of my stationary collection writing hand-written notes to each one of my students thanking them for being such wonderful members of the class and a special part of my first teaching experience, and encouraging them to continue to grow and learn.  I also wrote thank you notes to teachers and the principal who all had a great impact on my success this year.  While I am glad this stressful academic year is over, I was sad to depart from this wonderful group of people who have certainly touched my heart and life.

Sunday marked a monumental occasion for myself, my friends, and my family.  Sunday I graduated from the College of William & Mary with a Master's of Arts in Education which I completed in one year.  No small feat for anyone I dare say, especially from this establishment.  Last year I graduated in May with a Bachelor's of Music, and began this rigorous program in June...and now I have my second degree!  I am the first in my generation of the family ever to receive a Master's Degree, and the first to attend this university.  It was a beautiful day for graduation ceremonies, and I actually received my diploma that day, not just that little note that tells you it will be coming in the mail!  I am so relieved to have this degree under my belt and the student part of my life finished, because it was starting to get old.  I will however, dearly miss the girls I have come to love over the course of this year as we've struggled and shared the joys of teaching together, and I sincerely hope we all get jobs in areas near each other so that we don't actually have to say good bye.  As for me, I have received an offer that I have accepted from my top choice school district and I am thrilled!  Not only to have landed a job, and with my first choice district, but also to know that I will finally be moving out!!!  After living at home for a year....this is a MUCH NEEDED BREAKTHROUGH!

 The Fabulous Five! I will miss you girls!

 I've got looks with brains to match!

I can't believe it's finally here!  All the blood, sweat, and tears have paid off in full and God has been extremely good to me.  Congrats to the class of 2010, to my girls whom I love, WE DID IT!!!  We're teachers!!!!

Friday's a Good Day to Be Thankful Too!

Yeah, yeah, yeah...I didn't do a thankful thursday post...so here it is on Friday...Friday's just as good a day as any to be thankful.

I'm thankful for...

1. Being done with grad school!!!!

2. Being a teacher!!!!

3. Summer time!!!

4. An amazing group of ladies that share my love for teaching and know how to have a good time...I'm gonna miss you girls!

5. Parents that have given me everything and made my success possible!

6. Mountain Dew and coffee...for getting me through many days this past year. You've been good to me.

7. Dresses and ponytails...the best quick fix for bad hair days and days when you just don't feel pretty...throw on a dress and you're instantly cute...and ponytails fix everything.

Alrighty that's about all I got for now.  Enjoy, and I'll see you next week sometime, if not before then.

Counting My Blessings Again

1. Jobs
2. Special people in my life
3. All of my little angels
4. Change
5. A blessed calling
6. That I graduate in just over a week!
7. Opportunities to prove to myself and others I can do more than I give myself credit for...so, all thanks and glory to the one who really is behind everything!

Counting My Blessings

When you worry and you can't sleep...just count your blessings instead of sheep...

Yup folks, it's that time again! Thankful Thursday!!!

I'm thankful for open doors and second chances this week.  That's basically the theme of the week.  I know that only sounds like two things...but it's really a lot and I will fall asleep counting many blessings tonight!

One Sweet Love

So I've been doing a lot of thinking lately...and I just want to throw it all out there.  Thinking mostly about relationships, love, and life, as I am at that age where well...the clock's ticking, and patience becomes more and more difficult as Carrie Underwood says so beautifully, "The more guys I meet, the more I love my dog."  Some people may think my standards are too high, or that I'm just too picky...but I mean really, in the search for a LIFE mate...I don't think one can be too picky.  And also, is it really too much to ask for a man who has his life together, who wants marriage and a family, and who values the same things I do?  And then Sara Bareilles makes me wonder, "have I already tasted my piece of one sweet love?"

The thought absolutely kills me!  Yet it seems to be the theme in my thought world these days.  A few weeks ago mom brought up an ex of mine who had tried to reconnect with me...mom says she misses him, and was pressing me about him and why I won't give him a second chance...and then I get this spiel about how I'm wasting my energy on such high expectations and I'm never going to find mr. perfect.  Of all the people in the world...my own mother thinks my standards are too high?!?!?!  So then that had me doubting myself and most of my relational decisions.  Fortunately I definitely concluded that I was content with my decision to cut ties with that particular person...deal with it mom.  On the other hand, I find myself wondering these days about someone who I have no idea if I will ever meet again, and yet I know if I never do see this person again, I will ALWAYS wonder for the rest of my life what could have been, and I know that even if I meet someone else...I will always wonder about this one.  That's such an overwhelming thought, but it's what I live with currently.  As this thought circulates and stews in my mind, I wonder what it all means...is this it?   What is supposed to happen?  What role do I play in whatever is unfolding...or is there something unfolding? And most importantly, is all this on his mind too, or am I alone in this and just an idiot?

Fortunately, I now know that I am not just an idiot.  Unfortunately for both of us our story is filled with uncertainty, and the questions we have will only continue to persist and linger because neither of us knows if/when we will ever see each other again.  But, knowing what I think, and knowing what he's thinking, I have resolved that it HAS to happen, and we absolutely MUST see each other again, because to continue to go through life wondering these things would be hell on earth in my life.

Thankful Thursday Insomnia Version

HA!  I BEAT YOU MEAGHAN! :-P

I am thankful for:

1. It's almost the weekend

2. That I have found my calling in life and all the blessings that come with that! I LOVE teaching!

3. That I have 2 jobs for the summer!

4. That May 16th gets a little bit closer every day (ahem GRADUATION!)

5. That I've got friends that love me.

6. Reality checks...even when they hurt, it's always better to get a grip.

7. That somewhere out there...there's someone made for me...waiting for me...

8. The return of ARMY WIVES!!! (love that show...clearly)

9. That it's bedtime now..and I'll fall asleep counting my blessings (thanks Bing Crosby/Irving Berlin)

Thankful Thursday in a Timely Fashion

Yes folks...amazing I know...

I am thankful for:

1. My roommate that calls me every Thursday to remind me to be thankful!

2. Springtime and warm weather

3. Awesome friends that make life beautiful!

4. Websites like gmail, blogger, facebook, and fml that give my brain a break

5. The dollar bin area at Target! (I just bought a new adorable pink lunchbox for a dollar!)

6. Job prospects

7. The little things in life (and that includes all my little darlings at school that have truly made this the best student teaching experience anyone could ever ask for!)

OK, there you have it.  What are YOU thankful for?

Thankful Thursday (on time!!!)

Hmmm...what am I thankful for this week????

Let's do an honesty box:
I'm thankful for
1. Spring break!
2. Glorious weather!
3. The beach!
4. Amazingly awesome friends!
5. Friends that let me crash at their place!
6. The opportunity to work...and some potential future job opportunities.
7. That I don't actually have any sort of seasonal spring allergies unlike everybody else right now!
8. Tomorrow is Friday!
9. My health
10. Springtime and pretty flowers...

(Sorry this one's not exciting tonight...nothing deep or life-changing here...)

The Lord Works in Mysterious Ways

So lately I've been feeling all sorts of low.  Creeping, nagging feelings of loneliness and inadequacy have really taken my heart and mind captive, and I have just been a hot mess for a while now (and not in a good way).  So last night I was FINALLY out with some friends having a good ol' time at one of the local joints we like to frequent.  I had been mildly successful in numbing myself and drowning out the hurt for the evening when we walked back to our original starting point and inside on one of the coffee tables was a Bible study book called "What to Do With Your Wait."  Now...this book has been sitting on this coffee table basically all year...and I had never really taken two seconds to read the cover...but last night...I wasn't going anywhere for a little while...so I picked it up and settled on the couch for a bit, and suddenly....WHABAM...life-changing began.  I have now "borrowed" the text, and will return it whenever I'm finished, but it was certainly what the doctor ordered for my life...or at least what the Lord did, which I am pretty sure is better.  But I know that at the core of my lowness and loneliness right now is this unbearable and intolerable wait....waiting for a mate...waiting for a job....waiting for the chance to get out on my own and start my life (you know the life that doesn't depend on your parents for everything...) and this waiting game has become a miserable experience and existence for me, and I have succumbed to many of the whispered lies that have poked and prodded at me for a long time.  As of late, I know I have really hit a new low...and so this word could not have come at a better time....and funny how it would strategically plop itself into my life on one of those nights...and right at the beginning of my spring break too....so I can actually take the time to do it...huh...

Anyway...just thought I'd share. Now I'm off to start my day. Cheers.

Thank yous...

Thank you God for the opportunity to teach and the opportunity to learn every day.  Thank you for new opportunities every day.  Thank you for new days.

I'm thankful for spring time, and the beauty and color that explodes all around during this time of year, pink and yellow and white flowers everywhere!

Thank you for warm weather! Sunshine!  Spring time clothes, cute dresses, cute, shirts, cute shoes!!!

Thank you for shopping.

Thank you for interviewing opportunities with my top choice school districts and then-some.

Thank you for awesome friends!

Thank you for the beach!

Thank you for food!

Thank you for my bed that now calls me to sleep.

A Creative Break

I've had enough, and I need to take a break from lesson planning...it's not hard...just time consuming and tedious and I need a break for a bit.

So a minute ago, I was listening to a recording of a song I sang during my senior recital last year, and the lyrics hit me all over again so I wanted to share them here and post a link to where you can watch a video of Natalie Weiss (she's AMAZING!!!) singing the piece on Youtube.

"Quiet"
by- Jonathan Reid Gealt

What's the perfect balance
Between yelling too much or not yelling enough
So that people don't walk over you?
Is it a crime just to want to be nice?
To avoid confrontation
And show everyone a little respect...
Coz time after time
I find that I'm struggling
To tell you what's burning inside.
A glimmer of hope that you'll finally see...
Yet I remain quiet.

Look at my face
Don't you dare turn away
Coz I'm losing my patience
Show me now you're the man that I want to be with
For the rest of my life
I have so much love to give you
Just open up your eyes and you'll see

Time after time
I find that I'm struggling to tell you what's burning inside
A glimmer of hope that you'll finally see...
Still I remain quiet....

I can't remain quiet anymore
No, I was not built
to idly stand here
letting you make my decisions based upon your point of view
You never allowed me my own freedom.
Well hear me now!

Show me now you're the man that I want to be with
For the rest of my life.
I have so much love to give you
Just open up your eyes and you'll see.
Time after time...I find that I'm struggling
To tell you what's burning inside
A glimmer of hope that you'll finally see
Yet I....Yes....I.....I.....
Can't remain quiet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KG2WpXv6kR0

More to come I'm sure...possibly some of my own stuff soon.

Belated Thankful Thursday

I failed and forgot to do Thankful Thursday this week so I'm doing Thankful Saturday/Sunday....

1. The GORGEOUS weather we are having. 70s and Sunny, with blue skies! The perfect recipe for happiness.

2. Springtime and pretty flowers everywhere. The cherry blossoms are starting to bloom and I love it. Daffodils and goldenrods paint the world gold.

3. The most amazing friends in the whole world, who are always up for a good time.

4. For the opportunity to interview with Arlington Public Schools in a couple weeks! YAY!!!

5. For always being provided for, just when I need it.

6. For shopping and new spring wardrobes! Pretty spring colors, sweet dresses, and skirts another recipe for happiness!

7. For my little darlings in 4th grade, who truly do light up my life. (even during their not so bright moments)

8. For having things to dream about...sometimes, that's all that keeps me going in the monotony of it all.

9. For a big, soft, comfy bed that is calling my name.

Did you know it? I'm a poet!

So since my 4th graders are doing their poetry unit, I've decided as a good teacher to model their different poetry assignments by writing poetry as well and sharing some with them.  I figured I might as well post them on here.  So far I have an acrostic, a 5 senses poem, and a color poem.

My Acrostic (I didn't use my first name)

Music is the language of my soul
Singing fills my heart with joy.

Here and there traveling the globe
Over oceans, countries, and continents
Wanting to see more of the world.
Ecstatic to be teaching.
Longing to live on the beach.
Loving every second of this beautiful life.

Color Poem:

PINK
Pink is the color of my pencil spilling words out on this page.
Pink is the department store strewn with hearts and flowers when Valentine's is near
Pink is my happy color
Pink blankets sweet baby girls
Pink are the cotton candy clouds at the setting of the sun
Pink is the color of the tell tale signs of spring
      The explosions of cherry blossoms and tulips paint the scene
Pink beaks and noses sing of new life that breaks
      After winters cold and dreary
Pink is the color of ribbons and curls
     of tea parties and tiaras
     of cupcakes and candy
     of sugar and spice
     of love and laughter
Pink is the princess within every little girl
Pink is the color of my heart
Pink is my signature color.

5 Senses Poem:

Sounds like thunderous roaring

        drowning out my noisy troubles and worries

Looks like all the world is before me

     gazing at the open door

                    met by a sparkling crystal floor

Feels like I am totally free to do and be

            whatever I want to do or be

       Smells like tranquility

Tastes like sunshine,

                     bananas,

                        and coconuts...

The beach is a blissfully delicious paradise.

Tales from the lives of Babes

Today was filled with fun kid stories, so I HAD to share.

My 4th graders have just started their poetry unit, and they have really been writing some GREAT stuff!  They are loving poetry, reading and writing it, and I am loving it as well.  Today, my allergies have been absolutely horrific, and I have literally been sneezing ALL DAY, my eyes have been watery and puffy, and I've been terribly congested.  One of my kids came up to me and said, "Miss Howell, I want to write a poem about you.  Would you be mad if I wrote a poem about you sneezing?"  I laughed and told her to go right ahead, I thought it was a hilarious idea and I was eager to hear what she wrote.  She shared it with the entire class when she was finished and I had her make me a copy, so here it is....

Dear Miss Howell, God bless you!
(By One of my Students)

Dear Miss. Howell, God bless you, God bless you!
You sneeze so much it makes me go nuts.
Dear Miss Howell, God bless you, God bless you!
I wish I can help you.
Sneeze and sneeze some more
And when I'm done you'll snore.
Dear Miss. Howell, God bless you, God bless you!
I know your so kind
I just wish your sneezing was out of my mind.
Hachu, Hachu
God bless you Miss Howell.
So how are you hachu, hachu
Well all I have to say is God bless you too.
There another day your sneezing will be gone in one.

LOVE IT!

So here's another reason I love my 4th graders.  Two of the boys from my class attended a baseball game played by my college's team against another university team.  The boys both got balls from the game, and decided to give one to me because it was from my college.  So instead of getting the ol' apple, I got a baseball this morning! lol...you know you're jealous!

So following a day with 4th graders, I then went to work with my pre-K kids.  Here's what one of my 5 year olds said very matter-of-factly, while playing Barbies with her friend.

"A beauty parlor is where you get beauty."

Don't I wish I could just "get beauty" lol!  I love these little ones!

Thankful Thursday! (Round 2)

OK, today hasn't been the greatest of days so I figured I'd start blogging with this first!

I am thankful for...

1. Not actually having to drive about 30 min away to housesit for one night and get up at the crack of dawn in the morning to make it back up here in time for student teaching tomorrow. (They job got canceled at the last minute and I was like HALLELUJAH!)

2. The most wonderful class of 4th graders on the face of that planet, please refer to additional posts I will be making shortly to see why they're so great!

3. I'm thankful for still the greatest group of friends on the face of the earth!  I love and adore each and every one!

4. Thankful for all the little "moments" God's been presenting to me lately just continuing to affirm that I am totally on HIS path and doing what I was meant to do.

5. Thankful that I have too many blessings to count.

6. Work

7. The beautiful weather we've had this week, WARMTH!!!

8. That spring is coming!

9. My bed...

10. My dad.

Romeo Save Me...

I've been feelin' so alone...I keep waitin' for you but you never come.  Is this in my head? I don't know what to think...Love Story- Taylor Swift

"Girls are taught a lot of stuff growing up. If a guy punches you he likes you. Never try to trim your own bangs and someday you will meet a wonderful guy and get your very own happy ending. Every movie we see, Every story we're told implores us to wait for it, the third act twist, the unexpected declaration of love, the exception to the rule. But sometimes we're so focused on finding our happy ending we don't learn how to read the signs. How to tell from the ones who want us and the ones who don't, the ones who will stay and the ones who will leave. And maybe a happy ending doesn't include a guy, maybe... it's you, on your own, picking up the pieces and starting over, freeing yourself up for something better in the future. Maybe the happy ending is... just... moving on. Or maybe the happy ending is this, knowing after all the unreturned phone calls, broken-hearts, through the blunders and misread signals, through all the pain and embarrassment you never gave up hope." - He's Just Not That Into You - Gigi

"I may do a lot of stupid shit but I'm still a lot closer to love than you are. "- He's Just Not That Into You - Gigi

My world in song...

...and just some of my favorite lyrics.

"We'll do it all, everything, on our own.  We don't need, anything, or anyone. If I lay here...If I just lay here...would you lie with me and just forget the world? I don't quite know how to say how I feel.  Those three words are said too much; they're not enough. If I lay here...If I just lay here...would you lie with me and just forget the world? Forget what we're told, before we get too old. Show me your garden that's bursting into life.  Let's waste time chasing cars around our heads.  I need your grace to remind me to find my own. If I lay here...If I just lay here...would you lie with me and just forget the world? All that I am...all that I ever was...is here in your perfect eyes, they're all I can see.  I dunno where, confused about how as well...just know that these things will never change for us at all...If I lay here...If I just lay here...would you lie with me and just forget the world?" - Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol (OK, so I just love this whole song...can't help it)

"Being grow up isn't half as fun as growing up; these are the best days of our lives.  The only thing that matters is just following your heart, and eventually you'll finally get it right." - In This Diary- The Ataris

"I knew I wouldn't forget ya, and so I went and let you blow my mind."...."I knew when we collided.  You're the one I have decided who's one of my kind."..."The way you can cut a rug. Watchin' you's the only drug I need. So gangsta, I'm so thug; you're the only one I'm dreaming of you see.  I can be myself now finally; in fact, there's nothin' I can't be...I want the world to see you be with me."-Hey Soul Sister-Train

"You make me smile like the sun, fall outta bed, sing like a bird, dizzy in my head, spin like a record, crazy on a Sunday night.  You make me dance like fool, forget how to breathe, shine like gold, buzz like a bee.  Just the thought of you can drive me wild.  Oh, you make me smile." - Smile-Uncle Kracker

"Feel the sunlight comin' through...but I'm not ready to lose this feelin'. Another night of dreams...a place where we can meet, finally.  I can be myself with you...tell you all the things I want to.  Some night have a heart...leave me in the dark a little longer." - Leave me in the Dark - Keri Noble

"You're a carousel.  You're a wishing well, and you light me up when you ring my bell. You're a mystery; you're from outer space; you're every minute of my every day. And I can't believe that I'm your man...and I get to kiss you baby just because I can." - Everything - Michael Buble

"You want the sunrise to go back to bed, and I wanna make you laugh. Mess up my bed with me.  Kick off the covers, I'm waitin'.  Every word you say I think I should write down.  Don't wanna forget come daylight.  Happy to lay here, just happy to be here, I'm happy to know you.  Play me a song, your newest one.  Please leave your taste on my tongue.  Paperweight, on my back, cover me like a blanket. Mess up my bed with me.  Kick off the covers, I'm waitin'.  Every word you say I think I should write down.  Don't wanna forget come daylight. And no need to worry, that's wasting time.  And no need to wonder what's been on my mind, it's you, it's you, it's you.  Every word you say, I think I should write down.  Don't wanna forget come daylight.  I give up. I let you win.  You win, cause I'm not countin'. You made it back to sleep again...wonder what you're dreamin..." - Paperweight - Joshua Radin and Schuyler Fisk (From Dear John the Motion Picture Soundtrack)

"When you're layin' on my favorite pillow, and all you wanna do is fall asleep.  When you're gazin' out the bedroom window, do you think of me? Think of me. When you're drivin' down an empty highway..you're surrounded by the sky and sea.  When you're seein' such a thing of beauty do you think of me? Think of me. I will find you I promise. I will make you believe...that I'm in this crazy love for the long haul, so think of me...think of me.  Coz if I make you a promise; that's a promise that I keep. Oh, and I'm in this crazy love for the long haul so think of me; think of me." - Think of Me - Rosi Golan

Thanksgiving

 Sooooo my roommate (well, technically former roommate but I will never drop the title...the title of roomie between the two of us is even more significant to than 'best friend".)  Anyway, so my roomie has put up a post based on a Christian radio show where the main guy does what's called "Thankful Thursdays" and people call in and say what they are thankful for.  My roomie has thus begun a thankful thursday blog post, which I responded to with my own list and am going to post here now.  What are you thankful for?  Have you stopped to think about it today?  How often do we actually stop to think about these things?  The roomie and I are going to try to keep this up every week now.  Here's my list for the week...leave a comment with your list. 

I'm thankful for:
1. The most amazing roomie in the whole world who I love and adore!

2. The most amazing people in my life.

3. That I have purpose, a calling, and a direction.

4. That I get to wake up every day with a new opportunity to touch a life, to build someone up, to change a world for someone.

5. That I have a future of promise where doors are open.

6. That I have more than enough to sustain me.

7. Clothes and shoes (superficial but still...I'm thankful for it...)

8. Food

9. Music

10. Beauty

11. Life

12. Love

MY Job is Cooler Than YOUR Job!

Today I got to dress up as a princess!  Wear a tiara, ice myself with blinged out jewelry, carry around my favorite story book, and a frog prince puppet...parade around with a bunch of other storybook characters, and then later hop around on bubble wrap!  In addition to that crazy fun action, I also got to encourage a soul, and bring light into someone's life.  All in a day's work my friends!  And you should be jealous!!!  Hopefully I will have a picture to go with this post soon, and then you can REALLY see just how jealous you should be!

Triumphant Return

OK, so I know I've been epic failing lately to post anything on here.  The last couple weeks have been crazy busy, and I have had to put blogging on the back burner.  In addition, I've just been reminded that I've also been putting other things on the back burner...such as my resolution to do something new for myself every week. 

So here are some new things that I HAVE done lately....let's see....I got a manicure like 2 weeks ago, and that was something new for me.  I thought perhaps by paying to have my nails done they wouldn't chip so easily....but that notion has been proven false, as the very next day they were already chipped! So no more paying for chipped nails.  From now on, only pedicures. 

This past weekend I took a trip up to my old undergrad stomping grounds and reunited with my old roommate who I haven't seen since graduation!  It was great fun!  Before getting up there though I did stop off and visit my good friend, Ben, along the way.  We ended up going out to eat at a new place neither one of us had been to, which was awesome...BUT...we walked in and immediately realized the place was a lot more fancy and romantic than either one of us would have ever even guessed.  I literally walked in and "OH!" just came flying out of my mouth.  As I was turning to suggest that maybe we should go somewhere else, the host was already trying to take my coat.  As I'm standing there trying to get my coat unbuttoned I'm taking forever...for some reason my buttons wanted to be difficult and I think I was still in a bit of shock and couldn't function properly; the host at one point said "Those are some big buttons there." while waiting for my coat which I was still working with.  Can I say ummmm AWKWARD!!!  Anyway, so I finally hand the coat over and the host takes us to be seated. And OF COURSE they would seat us in the most secluded and darkest corner of the restaurant, just to make it even more AWKWARD!!!  So we sit down and Ben is like...."I had NO IDEA this place was like this.  I'm sorry, this is kinda awkward." (We are clearly just friends lol).  So then, enter incredibly awkward and extremely flamboyant waiter, who talks funny and inserts lots of long awkward pauses....cut to individual close ups of Ben and I bracing ourselves to keep from falling out on the floor laughing at this guy and the whole situation.  Exit waiter, who is now pissed at us because we didn't order drinks which is clearly where he makes all his money.  Insert some great laughs and excellent conversation, and then enter some BANGIN' food = incredibly awkward and yet FREAKIN AMAZING night!  Oh yeah, and piss off waiter one more time by not ordering any dessert lol.

Anyway, so that was something new and incredibly awesome that I did recently. 

Finally made it to my final destination, and the roomie and I decided to go out to stop by a friend's party first and say hello, and then hit up our favorite little place for our favorite little cocktails!  Well...the party...turned into an immediate reminder of how old we both are....from the second we walked in the door we were both like...ugh, get me out of here.  We've outgrown undergrad parties...then we went over to our fav. lil place for some drinks, made it there around 11:40...only to find out we can't open up a tab because the place is closing at midnight! WHAT!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!  FAIL!!! So we get ONE drink and head back to the hotel where we drink a little bit more and then put our old butts to bed.

Next morning....sleep in REALLY late and don't leave hotel till 1:00....pick up lil sis and head to another favorite restaurant for some GOOD EATS!!!  One of my favorite things about this town that I absolutely miss are all the great restaurants, with character, quirks, fun atmosphere, and a wide variety of EXCELLENT FOOD!

Here's the roommate and I at the incredible Dave's Taverna:

Ok then we threw in a little stroll around town, some shopping, a stop off at the best ice cream bar in the world, Kline's!!!  Drop off the lil sis and hit up target and the mall for more shopping...then off for a night at the theater.  We were headed to the high school where my roommate student taught for her music education degree last year.  The students were performing "White Christmas" (one of my favorite shows and favorite christmas movies ever!) 

 

Looks like they still had everyone in town in the Christmas spirit (the Christmas tree still up at Subway on Feb. 27)

Anyway, the show was amazing and made me want to have Christmas all over again right now!  My old voice professor's son played the lead, Bob Wallace, in the show and he was incredible and I got to see my voice professor and the whole family at the show which was really great too.  So, all in all a great reunioin!

Finally headed home on Sunday and stopped off to visit another of my best friends in the entire world! And solved the problems of the universe...and then eventually made it home.  = EXCELLENT WEEKEND!

Now I'm in the early stages of student teaching and have been crazy busy developing lesson plans and still doing final projects and exams for my classes = SUPER BUSY!  I've been teaching science to my fourth graders the past few days, particularly the scientific method, and we've been doing lots of experiments.  It's been great fun!  Today is a snow day though, so I got some much needed beauty rest and now I have some much needed time to create more lesson plans and do more work.  So it's back to being productive for me.  I may try to cook something tonight, so hopefully I'll have a new recipe to share soon!

Adios!

V-Day

OK, so it's been a while since I've posted anything on here.  My apologies.  So we recently had one of my favorite holidays aside from Christmas and my birthday (yes, my birthday is a holiday in my world!)  Yes folks, I LOVE Valentine's Day! I don't care what all the cynics say, I love the holiday.  Yes we should tell people we love them all year round, but how many of us can actually say that we do tell the people we love that we love them every day and who can say they actually give random gifts and special surprises for no reason at all.  PLEASE...the truth is MOST people wait for an occasion of some sort...I'm not saying that's right or wrong, but I'm just saying Valentine's Day is another occasion and opportunity to tell and show people you love them and that they are special to you!  Now come on now, quit sippin on the hater-ade!  Oh and all you critics who argue that it's a made up holiday so that hallmark and candy companies can sell more of their product, there are plenty of OTHER perfectly legitimate ways to show someone you love them without buying flowers, candy, or cards....so quit complaining and being lame, and be creative!

OK...getting off the soapbox now.  Either way...single or not I always enjoy Valentine's Day.  I love telling people that I love them...making little cards and goodie bags and having the whole world painted pink, white, and red with hearts for the day.  How can you be a hater when the world is pink?!?!?!?

Music I am Currently Obsessed with!

Dear John (original motion picture soundtrack)
-"Paperweight" by Joshua Radin and Schuyler Fisk  (OBSESSED!)
-"The Moon" by The Swell Season
(Those are my top two from this soundtrack, but the whole thing is AMAZING!)

"Hey, Soul Sista!" by Train (this song makes me super happy right now!)
"Smile" by Uncle Kracker (also makes me ridiculously happy!)
"I Got a Feelin'" by Black Eyed Peas (makes me wanna dance!)

"Leave me in the Dark" by Keri Noble (I love waking up to this song although sometimes it causes me to go back to sleep lol)

"Chasing Cars" and "Set the Fire to the Third Bar" by Snow Patrol
"Need You Now" by Lady Antebellum

Well those are just a few, but generally, if you hear me singing to myself these days, it's one of these songs.  Check 'em out.  Listen and love!

L8a!

Confessions of a Shopaholic

So it's been yet another crazy snowy weekend.  It's beautiful outside, although I haven't taken any pix of it yet, and it's getting dark now.  Mom and I were actually crazy enough to venture out to a few shops in search of a business suit...dun Dun DUN!!! I have decided that shopping for a business suit is probably the WORST thing to shop for ever.  Yes, I think it is even more painful than shopping for a swim suit.  True story!!!! Anyway, I didn't end up with a suit...note of advice...don't try shopping for suits between seasons, you won't find ANYTHING!  I did end up with a pair of pants and a blouse...but no luck with a blazer.  Maybe I'm too picky, or maybe the stores just have crap lol I dunno...or maybe I just HATE business suits and I none of them will ever make me happy.  I really hate that too...that suits are essentially a requirement for interviewing these days.  I think I can dress professionally without having to go invest in a suit that I'm only going to ever wear for an interview....I would never wear a suit teaching in a classroom...so the whole idea of having to buy a suit just for an interview really grinds my gears...especially when it is such an obnoxious thing to shop for in the first place.

In other news, I did snag three new pairs of shoes this weekend!  Two of which I got today, a pair of Coach purple snake print patent leather flats, and a pair of Nine West silver/black patent pointy-toe heels, and the total dollar amount for both pairs combined......drumroll please.........$52!!!!!  Yes, I stole them! 50% off clearance price, YES PLEASE!!!! Oh and the other pair I bought yesterday, a pair of Gianni Binni black leather booties, about $30 for those on sale!  WOOT!!! (I've already worn them out twice and they're worth every penny!)  So anyway, my shoe purchases today and yesterday have sort of made up for the miserable suit shopping experience...and then I just decided that I have a really fabulous shoe collection and decided to honor my shoes with a photo shoot today. (lol what do YOU do on your snow day???)

 

  

I wish the lighting in my room was better...these pix don't really do my shoes justice...but whatever.

I think I've gotten my shoe fix for a while.  I should be good for a while now.  Ok, well...happy shopping! I'm off!

Baby it's Cold Outside!

So we got hit with a significant dump of snow this past weekend.  As much as I complain about hating cold and snow...it was just the ticket for this weekend.  I had the fortunate circumstance of being asked to house/pet-sit for a family over the weekend...and let's just say...their house = AMAZING!!! And they have more movies than I could ever imagine owning...and the sweetest dogs ever!  So...really I couldn't have thought of a better place to be snowed in.  Saturday I spent the whole day curled up on the couch with a blanket, doing homework and watching the snow fall outside.  I drank coffee and ate soup, watched the dogs snooze on the floor at my feet, and listened to music all day.  Talk about relaxing and yet still productive!  Imagine if working conditions were like that every day!!!  Here's some shots from Saturday:

 

No complaints about being snowed in here!

Can you find my car?

Shockingly, my oh so brilliant university decided we still had to attend classes today...even though all other schools in the area were closed...and the roads were still terrible.  Fortunately when I got home in the afternoon it was gorgeous outside, so my "moment" for myself today was taking the dog and my camera for a stroll around the neighborhood. Check out my winter wonderland documentary below.

 

 

 

  

  

  

OK...so I had a little photo shoot too...but hey playing in the snow and feeling good about yourself is good for the soul.  Thanks God, for all the little kisses to my soul today.