I feel it would be a bit wrong if I didn't do the typical "end of the year" post. To be honest, I'm having a hard time reflecting on 2013. In no ways has this been a bad year. We have not had any major set backs. No major medical emergencies. The workplace has evolved into something so much better than I ever dreamed it could be. All in all it has been alright.
Alright. Just alright. That's how I feel about 2013. When I reflect on it I just have these feelings of alright. I don't feel bad about the year. I don't feel great about the year. I just feel alright.
So, I'm going to do two things in this post. First, I'm going to try to identify a few things that I feel I could work on for 2014. Then, I'm going to focus on the blessings of 2013. Why focus on the blessings? Well, when I get into a slump I focus on all the "negatives" in my life. So, I'm going to choose to focus on the blessings rather than all those things that make me feel like I'm in a slump.
1. I need to allow myself to have more fun in 2014. I get so focused on getting through the journey that I forget that it is ok to be joyful throughout the journey. This particularly applies to my marriage. Tim has to remind me all the time not to be so serious. The stresses of life get me down and I need to let that go! So, this is my main goal of 2014. I want to fill my life with joy.
2. Build balance between work and home. It is no secret to anyone that I work too much. On most weeks I keep at 6:30-5:00 work day and will often bring work home with me. I spend my weekends grading papers and writing lesson plans. I need to build better boundaries. I need to set a goal to leave school by a certain time every single day. I need to have evenings were I don't allow myself to bring anything home. I need to focus on family and on friends.
3. There has to be a point in ones life where you really develop a strong prayer life. This is something I've always felt that I struggle with. How much should one pray? What "counts" as prayer? Sometimes even knowing what to say to our God is a challenge. I want to focus on this spiritual discipline in 2014.
4. I have got to stop worrying so much! Good grief! If there was an award for worrying I can promise that I would not have any competition. I read something the other day that stuck with me. Basically it said that worrying is like praying for things you don't want to happen. As Sheldon would say, "Bazinga!"
There are many more things that I could work on, but these are the four that I really want to focus on in 2014.
Now, to focus on blessings from this past year:
1. I can't even explain to you how much joy comes from watching my niece grow. I love her so much. It amazes me sometimes how much I love her.
2. I am so blessed to have best friends that call us family. I love that their son calls us aunt and uncle. I love watching him grow and play. Although the relationships have changed in the past year, our friends are such a blessing to us and I couldn't ask for anything more!
3. Tim was blessed with a new job title in 2013. He is now part of the administrative team at Lord's Legacy. He loves his job and we are both adjusted to his new schedule. This blessing has brought about stability for our family.
4. In 2013 we welcomed a new administrative staff to the Valley. Work is a much happier place (most of the time) and I am forever grateful! I am also looking forward to the end of year evaluations where I will *hopefully* be grated tenure upon the first day of t the 2014/2015 school year.
5. Speaking of work, I have the most amazing team on the planet. My teammates rock. I've never met a group of people that love their job as much as they do. I've never seen a group more dedicated to teaching than they are. Our team works hard to make decisions that are best for our kids, no matter what sacrifices we must make so they can happen. We truly work together. We solve problems. We get the job done!
6. My husband found a way for me to get a new car in 2013. God bless him! It was a needed purchase, but one that we had to work hard to work out.
7. Financially we have been blessed. Don't get me wrong, we are by no means "rich" or even "well off", but we are making it work and we finally have a little in savings. I am blessed with a husband that is budget minded and can turn a little into plenty. Sometimes it drives me mad. Sometimes I don't understand. But in the end, I am thankful. Four and a half years ago we were jobless and literally praying for a miracle. We had to take out a loan just to live. We literally only had enough for our bills and groceries. Not one "extra" could be had. I would have never dreamed then that in four short years we would be able to buy a home and be able to afford a new car. My husband has followed God's call with our money and I have been smart enough to "shut up" most of the time and follow him. Even though society would tell us that we are crazy for the way we live, I am glad that we live this way!
8. I got to spend a glorious week at the beach with the man of my dreams. Enough said!
9. My dad was laid off at the end of 2012 but in 2013 he found employment. This was a major blessing for my family. My mom also went to work for the first time in her life. It has been a blessing to watch her become successful at her job. I'm blessed with amazing parents.
10. I graduated from grad school in 2013!! I graduated with a 4.0!! I was blessed to have an amazing grad school buddy to do it with as well. What an honor it was to have my undergraduate adviser hood me and to have my mentor and friend there to watch.
11. We had many friends bring babies into their lives in 2013. I mean seriously, nearly everyone we know had a kid toward the end of 2012, or in 2013. It's fun to watch people you love become parents and see how much it changes them. Really, they become complete.
12. I've been lucky enough to go to 2 UK basketball games in 2013! I know for some this sounds silly, but when you love the CATS like I do, this is a blessing!
13. I have two friend from college that I don't get to see often. I wish that could change. I love them dearly. With that sad, I am blessed that both of them are still there for me like they were when we lived together in Hutton Hall. I can call them up with anything and they will drop everything to talk and pray. Not many people are blessed to have friends like this and I am lucky enough to have two!
14. I have to end on an even number so I am going to add that we were able to buy a new dishwasher in 2013 and this has brought so much freedom to our lives. I know you laugh, but the old one would "smoke" when you ran it and I was always scared it would catch on fire or flood the house. It is nice to be able to run the dishwasher at night and not worry about dying in your sleep.
See! There are many things that we are blessed with in 2013! the list could go on, but this post is getting rather long. I choose to focus on the blessings as I make my way into 2014. May God bless all of us in the new year!
Monday, December 30, 2013
Saturday, November 30, 2013
4 1/2 years late
Tim and I have been married for 4 1/2 years. 4 1/2 years ago we hired an amazing photographer to capture our special day forever. We got the most amazing wedding album of our day and ordered a few prints to hang in our home and we were happy and in love. There was one thing that I have always regretted...we didn't have the money to purchase the digital cd of our images with the copyright release.
It was just too expensive at the time...
So, 4 1/2 years later I called up my amazing photographer and inquired as to how much it would be now, and to my surprise the price had decreased significantly! I guess it was good to be patient all these years!
So, here are a few of my favorites from that day 4 1/2 years ago. A day that changed my life forever, but for the best!
It was just too expensive at the time...
So, 4 1/2 years later I called up my amazing photographer and inquired as to how much it would be now, and to my surprise the price had decreased significantly! I guess it was good to be patient all these years!
So, here are a few of my favorites from that day 4 1/2 years ago. A day that changed my life forever, but for the best!
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| June 20, 2009 |
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| For those of you who know Tim and I, you know we met at UC where Tim was a percussionist and I was the field commander/Flute player. I spent hours of our dating relationship sitting in a practice room watching him practice marimba. |
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| This pretty much sums up my brother and I. |
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| My beautiful parents. |
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| I am so lucky to have in-laws that have accepted me into the family and treat me as their own. |
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| I can say that each of these girls are still my best and closets friends. God has surrounded us with wonderful people to call "Family" outside of our actual family. I count my blessings every time I pick up the phone to chat with any of these girls. |
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| Our beautiful flower girl. She was seriously adorable! There is one picture where she is giving her mom a "thumbs up" because she was doing what she was suppose to be doing. I love it! |
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| How can you not adore this! It captures all of our closets friends. |
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| She was an angel! |
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| This is my mother-in-law. I'm not sure what was happening when this picture was taken, but I love her face. That is what pure joy looks like! I'm just glad she has the look of joy and not the look of, "OMG! I can't believe he's marrying that creep!" :) Like I said, I am one lucky girl! |
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Thankful
I think it is important to be thankful. I don't think you should only be thankful around the holidays, but I do believe this is a time where we tend to think about being thankful more than other times of the year. So tonight I want to make a list of the things I am thankful for. I'm not sure what my magic number will be...maybe ten and maybe one hundred. We'll see!
1. My faith and where it has brought me in life.
2. My husband who I am convinced God dropped out of the sky just for me.
3. My parents who are two of the strongest people I know!
4. My brother who is also one of the strongest people I know!
5. My nana who has taught me more about life than anyone else.
5. My in-laws who love me like their own.
6. My cats both past and present. They are the best friends a person can have.
7. The friends that we have. Specifically Kaci,and Nate and their precious Silas. My Roomie and Heather whom I never see but are still my two closest companions that I trust my life with.
8. Our home. Buying our home was one of the greatest accomplishments of my life. It has brought so much calm to our lives.
9. My new vehicle because it doesn't fall apart, or rattle, or blow tires, or need a new transmission, or any other thing that was wrong with my old car.
10. The beautiful children that I teach everyday. They have so little but they bring so much joy to my life.
11. The career that I have. Teaching isn't just a "job", it is a passion.
12. My niece. God made an angel when she was born.
13. Cokes in glass bottles. Who needs alcohol when you have that!
14. UK Basketball. Gosh I love my boys in blue!
15. The ocean...any ocean. I could listen to that sound for the rest of my life and never get bored.
16. A good praise and worship set. It is just my way of connecting with God.
17. The women's bible study group I just joined. It is kicking my butt in a good way.
18. Sunflowers
19. Fall colors in general.
20. A house decorated for Christmas.
21. Snow. The world is so beautiful and so pure when there is a blanket of snow on the ground.
22. Shows like Big Bang and Friends and my friends who like to talk about them.
23. Pictures and good cameras.
24. Sharing a good meal with family and friends.
25. Being my my 20's. This time next year I won't be able to say that. :(
26. Warm sunny days where I can sit outside and read.
27. The flowers that I planted and kept alive all summer.
28. Getting real mail.
29. The rocking chair that was given to me this summer that was my great-great-grandma's and was in our house when it was the "little cabin".
30. Cooking with my husband.
And although I could keep going I will stop for now. Happy Thanksgiving. Be thankful for all the blessings that you have!
1. My faith and where it has brought me in life.
2. My husband who I am convinced God dropped out of the sky just for me.
3. My parents who are two of the strongest people I know!
4. My brother who is also one of the strongest people I know!
5. My nana who has taught me more about life than anyone else.
5. My in-laws who love me like their own.
6. My cats both past and present. They are the best friends a person can have.
7. The friends that we have. Specifically Kaci,and Nate and their precious Silas. My Roomie and Heather whom I never see but are still my two closest companions that I trust my life with.
8. Our home. Buying our home was one of the greatest accomplishments of my life. It has brought so much calm to our lives.
9. My new vehicle because it doesn't fall apart, or rattle, or blow tires, or need a new transmission, or any other thing that was wrong with my old car.
10. The beautiful children that I teach everyday. They have so little but they bring so much joy to my life.
11. The career that I have. Teaching isn't just a "job", it is a passion.
12. My niece. God made an angel when she was born.
13. Cokes in glass bottles. Who needs alcohol when you have that!
14. UK Basketball. Gosh I love my boys in blue!
15. The ocean...any ocean. I could listen to that sound for the rest of my life and never get bored.
16. A good praise and worship set. It is just my way of connecting with God.
17. The women's bible study group I just joined. It is kicking my butt in a good way.
18. Sunflowers
19. Fall colors in general.
20. A house decorated for Christmas.
21. Snow. The world is so beautiful and so pure when there is a blanket of snow on the ground.
22. Shows like Big Bang and Friends and my friends who like to talk about them.
23. Pictures and good cameras.
24. Sharing a good meal with family and friends.
25. Being my my 20's. This time next year I won't be able to say that. :(
26. Warm sunny days where I can sit outside and read.
27. The flowers that I planted and kept alive all summer.
28. Getting real mail.
29. The rocking chair that was given to me this summer that was my great-great-grandma's and was in our house when it was the "little cabin".
30. Cooking with my husband.
And although I could keep going I will stop for now. Happy Thanksgiving. Be thankful for all the blessings that you have!
Monday, October 14, 2013
Blessings
Tonight I am writing because I am blessed.
I told you the horror story of my MRI. The good news is that I don't have a tumor. I knew I didn't. It was still nice to hear that from a doctor.
But this isn't why I am blessed.
I am blessed because the medication they told me only had a 10% chance of working is doing exactly what they thought it wouldn't do. It is working.
And for that I am grateful!
For that I am blessed.
You see, I have a God that is bigger than a doctor. He can heal things that doctors can't heal. He can do things that doctors don't think are possible. Or that they think are only 10% possible.
My God pretty much rocks!
You know what else rocks?
My friends and family.
My family loves me dearly. Of course they will pray when I call on them.
What has really amazed me is the dedication of my amazing friends.
Those who have called me to say, "How are you today?" The ones that have said, "OMG! It is a brain tumor!" because they knew it would make me laugh. The ones that I have prayed for me right there on the phone. The ones that told my story to KLove when they called randomly about their prayer drive and had them praying for me on air. The ones who have said, "I just know the medicine will work!" even when the doctors said it probably wouldn't. The ones who have let me cry without judgement. The ones who have listened to my rants over and over again. The ones who haven't made fun of me when I call a blubbering mess because it is working and I'm so full of joy that I can't hold back the tears. The ones who know how much I love them even though I don't tell them enough.
I am blessed.
I hope that the whole 5 people who read my blog know how amazing God is. If you don't know, ask me! I have a lot of amazing stories to share.
I told you the horror story of my MRI. The good news is that I don't have a tumor. I knew I didn't. It was still nice to hear that from a doctor.
But this isn't why I am blessed.
I am blessed because the medication they told me only had a 10% chance of working is doing exactly what they thought it wouldn't do. It is working.
And for that I am grateful!
For that I am blessed.
You see, I have a God that is bigger than a doctor. He can heal things that doctors can't heal. He can do things that doctors don't think are possible. Or that they think are only 10% possible.
My God pretty much rocks!
You know what else rocks?
My friends and family.
My family loves me dearly. Of course they will pray when I call on them.
What has really amazed me is the dedication of my amazing friends.
Those who have called me to say, "How are you today?" The ones that have said, "OMG! It is a brain tumor!" because they knew it would make me laugh. The ones that I have prayed for me right there on the phone. The ones that told my story to KLove when they called randomly about their prayer drive and had them praying for me on air. The ones who have said, "I just know the medicine will work!" even when the doctors said it probably wouldn't. The ones who have let me cry without judgement. The ones who have listened to my rants over and over again. The ones who haven't made fun of me when I call a blubbering mess because it is working and I'm so full of joy that I can't hold back the tears. The ones who know how much I love them even though I don't tell them enough.
I am blessed.
I hope that the whole 5 people who read my blog know how amazing God is. If you don't know, ask me! I have a lot of amazing stories to share.
Friday, October 4, 2013
Story Time
Those of you that know me know a few things about me...
First, I hate injections of any kind. Shots are bad enough, but when you start inserting IV's and injecting things that I can feel creeping through my whole body really just send me over the edge. On many occasions injections and giving blood have caused mass panic to form. This always leads to a near death experience called passing out. I can't help it. I know it's silly. It annoys me to my core. None of that matters though! It is who I am! I can think about needles and start feeling all icky all over. In fact, I'm feeling it right now!
Second, and almost as horrible are dark closed in spaces. I hate to feel trapped. I especially hate to feel trapped in a dark space. I hate knowing that I can't control how and when I will get out. It makes me a nervous and sick mess.
When you thrown all this together you get a disaster when your doctor orders an MRI of your head!
They put me in the tube. But before they did that they laid me on this little hard bed, put ear plugs in my ears, and put a cage on my head. Yep, a cage. Then, they push you back into a cave. A cave where the walls are inches from your face. To make it worse, the cave is North Carolina blue! PUKE!
I literally thought I would die!
I'm embarrassed to say that I had to have them pull me out, undo the cage and let me sit up for a minute. I think I apologized a hundred times for how stupid I felt and for wasting 5 minutes of her time! Then she gave me an awesome gift. A mirror! It allowed me to see the outside world!
There were still moments when I thought I couldn't make it! But! I willed myself to get it done!
But this isn't the end! Remember that injection I told you about? Yes, they pulled me out of the tube after 25 minutes and say, your doctor ordered a contrast to be injected. HUH?
I asked if she could sit me up. Nope. You have to stay in the exact position in order to get accurate results. Of course you do! So, I went to my happy place. I was literally saying, "palm trees, palm tress, palm trees" out loud as the poor nurse shot what felt like ice water through my veins!
You should be proud! I didn't get pale. I didn't throw up. I didn't cry. I didn't pass out!!!!
She pushed me back in the tueb and I finished the last 10 minutes of my MRI like a champ!
I feel like I conquered something today! I feel a bit empowered that I made it to the other side alive!
All prayers appreciated! I have my results back Tuesday. All this is over an ear by the way! The same ear that I posted about earlier this summer. The ear I was scared a bug had crawled in! Maybe the MRI will show that I have spiders living in my ears and I'll have to wear panty hose on my head when I sleep. (NAME THAT SHOW!)
Now, it's time to rest!!!
First, I hate injections of any kind. Shots are bad enough, but when you start inserting IV's and injecting things that I can feel creeping through my whole body really just send me over the edge. On many occasions injections and giving blood have caused mass panic to form. This always leads to a near death experience called passing out. I can't help it. I know it's silly. It annoys me to my core. None of that matters though! It is who I am! I can think about needles and start feeling all icky all over. In fact, I'm feeling it right now!
Second, and almost as horrible are dark closed in spaces. I hate to feel trapped. I especially hate to feel trapped in a dark space. I hate knowing that I can't control how and when I will get out. It makes me a nervous and sick mess.
When you thrown all this together you get a disaster when your doctor orders an MRI of your head!
They put me in the tube. But before they did that they laid me on this little hard bed, put ear plugs in my ears, and put a cage on my head. Yep, a cage. Then, they push you back into a cave. A cave where the walls are inches from your face. To make it worse, the cave is North Carolina blue! PUKE!
I literally thought I would die!
I'm embarrassed to say that I had to have them pull me out, undo the cage and let me sit up for a minute. I think I apologized a hundred times for how stupid I felt and for wasting 5 minutes of her time! Then she gave me an awesome gift. A mirror! It allowed me to see the outside world!
There were still moments when I thought I couldn't make it! But! I willed myself to get it done!
But this isn't the end! Remember that injection I told you about? Yes, they pulled me out of the tube after 25 minutes and say, your doctor ordered a contrast to be injected. HUH?
I asked if she could sit me up. Nope. You have to stay in the exact position in order to get accurate results. Of course you do! So, I went to my happy place. I was literally saying, "palm trees, palm tress, palm trees" out loud as the poor nurse shot what felt like ice water through my veins!
You should be proud! I didn't get pale. I didn't throw up. I didn't cry. I didn't pass out!!!!
She pushed me back in the tueb and I finished the last 10 minutes of my MRI like a champ!
I feel like I conquered something today! I feel a bit empowered that I made it to the other side alive!
All prayers appreciated! I have my results back Tuesday. All this is over an ear by the way! The same ear that I posted about earlier this summer. The ear I was scared a bug had crawled in! Maybe the MRI will show that I have spiders living in my ears and I'll have to wear panty hose on my head when I sleep. (NAME THAT SHOW!)
Now, it's time to rest!!!
Sunday, September 29, 2013
29 for 29 on the 29th
I haven't written anything in a looong time. School has begun. Band season is in swing, sorta. We have entered our families busy birthday season. Fall is coming. Life is just busy!
Since I haven't written in forever I thought I'd do 29 "things". I picked 29 because I just turned 29 and today is the 29th day of September. Plus, I love making a list of things.
1. I love fall. I love the colors, the weather, the scenery, the smells and pretty much everything else that has to do with fall.
2. The start of school is always hell. I spend far too much time getting ready for the start of the school year and thinking that it will allow me to not be at school past 4 each afternoon. Yeah, who am I kidding! I've been averaging 50 hours a week at school since school began. This doesn't include the time spent at home or on the weekends. One week I figured up that I'd worked more than 70 hours in that week. I'm ready for things to calm down...that usually happens around April.
3. My heart has been really heavy for a few of my students this year. There are a few students who have really rough situations going on. I have been on my knees in prayer for them. One in particular I have already warned Tim that if given the opportunity I will bring home and adopt. I'm not just saying that. I really will. Tim knows this. He hasn't even tried to argue with me about it because he knows he would loose. Pray for my kids.
4. I am secretly already looking forward to decorating for Christmas and it isn't even October. Don't worry, I won't decorate until the day after Thanksgiving, but I'm ready!
5. I love completing projects around my home! I'm so thankful for websites that give me inspiration!
6. This year West Jessamine decided not to do a competitive marching band. I have a love/hate relationship with this. I have missed it, but I am IN LOVE with my Saturdays with Tim. It has been nice.
7. Tim spoiled the life out of me for my birthday weekend. Flowers, cokes in glass bottles, bubble bath, massages, big bang theory season six! It was a great week.
8. Am I the only one who celebrates their birthday for an entire week?
9. Next year I turn 30. Thirty! OMG! I can't believe that! Just go on and prepare to wipe my tears next year. Also, I want a kick ass birthday party for my 30th! If I have to turn this dreadful number I want to enjoy it!
10. I am so thankful to not have homework to do anymore!
11. I have my first college practicum student in my classroom this year. He's a sophomore and only 19. He's precious...a bit clueless...but precious. He'll grow up by the time he's finished. I think it is crazy that I have someone "under" me! Should they really trust me to mold future teachers? Heck! Should they trust me to mold the minds of America? Scary, huh?
12. I am re-thinking this 29 thing!
13. I am excited for basketball season! I mean, scary excited. I mean, I'm already talking about it and planning my way to go to a game. Bless Tim's heart!
14. I woke up and was curled up in a ball at the bottom of my bed this morning. When I looked up to my pillow to see why I was curled up in a ball at the bottom of my bed I realized it was due to my cat asleep on my pillow. She has issues. Apparently I do as well!
15. We got a new kitchen faucet a few weekends ago. I'm in love. I guess that makes me a grown up.
16. We have deadly spiders in the front of our house. I want/need them to be dead but am too scared to kill them. My husband just doesn't understand my irrational fear of them. I literally hid in the house screaming to him how to kill them the other day. It's a good thing we were married before we lived together. He would have never proposed if he'd lived with me first. He should have asked my dad about these things rather than asking my dad for permission. :)
17. We also purchased a new dishwasher a few weeks ago. In love! I mean it has seriously been one of the greatest purchases we've made as a married couple.
18. My nephew is walking. It's so freaking cute to see his little baby butt running across the living room. He looks like a little drunken mess. I just laugh hysterically!
19. I need to go get my nails done in the worst way but I just hate spending money on such silly things. I just suck at doing them myself.
20. I would love to hire someone to clean my house a few times a month. Maybe every two weeks. It is so hard to keep a house clean when you work as much as Tim and I do. But, as in number 19, I'm too cheap to do it!
21. My favorite place, other than the beach, is my moms porch. I especially love it in the fall. There is just something magical. Time stands still. I love to look out over the farm. It is amazing.
22. Seriously? Why did I say I'd do 29?
24. The other day a student told me he had to poop. I just cracked up and told him to go. Why do kids feel the need to tell you every detail about their life?
25. Tim just put my cat under a blanket and told her it was a kitten tent. He says he doesn't love our cats the way I do...he lies!
26. I managed to keep plants alive all summer long! Be proud!
27. My niece turns one in 2 months. I can't believe it!
28. I love spending time with my nana. She is my favorite person on this planet. I wish I lived closer to her.
29. I made it! I am wanting to plan a reunion with some friends that I haven't seen in a while. *cough, Heather, cough* I miss my closest friends like crazy. I wish they would just move to Lexington already. :) Seriously though, move to Lexington!
Since I haven't written in forever I thought I'd do 29 "things". I picked 29 because I just turned 29 and today is the 29th day of September. Plus, I love making a list of things.
1. I love fall. I love the colors, the weather, the scenery, the smells and pretty much everything else that has to do with fall.
2. The start of school is always hell. I spend far too much time getting ready for the start of the school year and thinking that it will allow me to not be at school past 4 each afternoon. Yeah, who am I kidding! I've been averaging 50 hours a week at school since school began. This doesn't include the time spent at home or on the weekends. One week I figured up that I'd worked more than 70 hours in that week. I'm ready for things to calm down...that usually happens around April.
3. My heart has been really heavy for a few of my students this year. There are a few students who have really rough situations going on. I have been on my knees in prayer for them. One in particular I have already warned Tim that if given the opportunity I will bring home and adopt. I'm not just saying that. I really will. Tim knows this. He hasn't even tried to argue with me about it because he knows he would loose. Pray for my kids.
4. I am secretly already looking forward to decorating for Christmas and it isn't even October. Don't worry, I won't decorate until the day after Thanksgiving, but I'm ready!
5. I love completing projects around my home! I'm so thankful for websites that give me inspiration!
6. This year West Jessamine decided not to do a competitive marching band. I have a love/hate relationship with this. I have missed it, but I am IN LOVE with my Saturdays with Tim. It has been nice.
7. Tim spoiled the life out of me for my birthday weekend. Flowers, cokes in glass bottles, bubble bath, massages, big bang theory season six! It was a great week.
8. Am I the only one who celebrates their birthday for an entire week?
9. Next year I turn 30. Thirty! OMG! I can't believe that! Just go on and prepare to wipe my tears next year. Also, I want a kick ass birthday party for my 30th! If I have to turn this dreadful number I want to enjoy it!
10. I am so thankful to not have homework to do anymore!
11. I have my first college practicum student in my classroom this year. He's a sophomore and only 19. He's precious...a bit clueless...but precious. He'll grow up by the time he's finished. I think it is crazy that I have someone "under" me! Should they really trust me to mold future teachers? Heck! Should they trust me to mold the minds of America? Scary, huh?
12. I am re-thinking this 29 thing!
13. I am excited for basketball season! I mean, scary excited. I mean, I'm already talking about it and planning my way to go to a game. Bless Tim's heart!
14. I woke up and was curled up in a ball at the bottom of my bed this morning. When I looked up to my pillow to see why I was curled up in a ball at the bottom of my bed I realized it was due to my cat asleep on my pillow. She has issues. Apparently I do as well!
15. We got a new kitchen faucet a few weekends ago. I'm in love. I guess that makes me a grown up.
16. We have deadly spiders in the front of our house. I want/need them to be dead but am too scared to kill them. My husband just doesn't understand my irrational fear of them. I literally hid in the house screaming to him how to kill them the other day. It's a good thing we were married before we lived together. He would have never proposed if he'd lived with me first. He should have asked my dad about these things rather than asking my dad for permission. :)
17. We also purchased a new dishwasher a few weeks ago. In love! I mean it has seriously been one of the greatest purchases we've made as a married couple.
18. My nephew is walking. It's so freaking cute to see his little baby butt running across the living room. He looks like a little drunken mess. I just laugh hysterically!
19. I need to go get my nails done in the worst way but I just hate spending money on such silly things. I just suck at doing them myself.
20. I would love to hire someone to clean my house a few times a month. Maybe every two weeks. It is so hard to keep a house clean when you work as much as Tim and I do. But, as in number 19, I'm too cheap to do it!
21. My favorite place, other than the beach, is my moms porch. I especially love it in the fall. There is just something magical. Time stands still. I love to look out over the farm. It is amazing.
22. Seriously? Why did I say I'd do 29?
24. The other day a student told me he had to poop. I just cracked up and told him to go. Why do kids feel the need to tell you every detail about their life?
25. Tim just put my cat under a blanket and told her it was a kitten tent. He says he doesn't love our cats the way I do...he lies!
26. I managed to keep plants alive all summer long! Be proud!
27. My niece turns one in 2 months. I can't believe it!
28. I love spending time with my nana. She is my favorite person on this planet. I wish I lived closer to her.
29. I made it! I am wanting to plan a reunion with some friends that I haven't seen in a while. *cough, Heather, cough* I miss my closest friends like crazy. I wish they would just move to Lexington already. :) Seriously though, move to Lexington!
Thursday, July 4, 2013
From One Indenpendence Day to the Next
I've been pretty reflective the last few days. Sometimes I just get in the mood to be reflective. I think it is good for the soul (most of the time) to think about where you were and how far you've come. This year (meaning from last 4th of July to today) has brought about many changes for Tim and I. For the first time in a long time I'm feeling "settled" and that feels good.
Since you all know how much I love making lists, here is a list of some of the changes that have taken place since last July 4th:
1. We moved into our new home last July 4th. What a way to celebrate Independence Day!
2. I started my 3rd year at CVE. My 2nd year teaching 3rd grade is now in the books. I love the grade I'm teaching now.
3. We had some major administrative changes this year at school. It was a rough transition, but life at CVE is so much better now. I love going to work (most days). I love our kids. I love my team. Life at the Valley is wonderful.
4. We have completed two home improvement projects! Budget holds us back from knocking them out faster, but I'm loving slowly making our house our home. We put bead board up on our kitchen "bar" and it looks so much more inviting and nice! We also redid the landscaping out front and it added so much curb appeal to our home!
5. We celebrated our first Christmas in our home. We've hosted cookouts. We have space for more than 4 people! It is a blessing to finally be able to do these things!
6. In May I graduated with my masters degree!!! It took exactly two years, but I am finished! I think the greatest accomplishment is that Tim and I had to borrow nothing for me to complete the degree! We have plenty of other debt from school, but we were able to finish my degree without borrowing a penny. That took a lot of saving and budgeting, but I am so glad we did it this way!
7. Tim took a new job at the same place he already worked. He is now FULL TIME and on salary! He is a CLS manager. Don't ask me what that stands for because I would not get it right! I do know that he manages clients and their case workers which involves a lot of stuff. He's good at this job. It was made for him.
8. We took our first REAL vacation this summer! We celebrated our 4th anniversary at the BEACH!!! We spent 7 glorious days at South Myrtle Beach listening to the ocean. It. Was. Amazing.
9. We bought a car! God bless my little Ellie. The 2007 Ford Focus that was meant to last for 10 years...didn't. She was falling apart and BAM! Tim found a way to budget enough to justify me getting a new car. I love my Honda CR-V. I still haven't named her, but I love her!
So you see, we have a lot to celebrate from one 4th of July to the next! We also became aunt Rissa and uncle Tim since last 4th of July!
I think it is important to be reflective. If you let yourself forget where you've come from you won't appreciate where you are now. We've come a LONG way from that couple living in a tiny 2 bedroom apartment with no jobs and seminary bills to pay. I am grateful for all the blessings in our life. They haven't come easy, but we've learned so much about life and each other through our journey! God has blessed is richly and I don't ever want to forget that.
Since you all know how much I love making lists, here is a list of some of the changes that have taken place since last July 4th:
1. We moved into our new home last July 4th. What a way to celebrate Independence Day!
2. I started my 3rd year at CVE. My 2nd year teaching 3rd grade is now in the books. I love the grade I'm teaching now.
3. We had some major administrative changes this year at school. It was a rough transition, but life at CVE is so much better now. I love going to work (most days). I love our kids. I love my team. Life at the Valley is wonderful.
4. We have completed two home improvement projects! Budget holds us back from knocking them out faster, but I'm loving slowly making our house our home. We put bead board up on our kitchen "bar" and it looks so much more inviting and nice! We also redid the landscaping out front and it added so much curb appeal to our home!
5. We celebrated our first Christmas in our home. We've hosted cookouts. We have space for more than 4 people! It is a blessing to finally be able to do these things!
6. In May I graduated with my masters degree!!! It took exactly two years, but I am finished! I think the greatest accomplishment is that Tim and I had to borrow nothing for me to complete the degree! We have plenty of other debt from school, but we were able to finish my degree without borrowing a penny. That took a lot of saving and budgeting, but I am so glad we did it this way!
7. Tim took a new job at the same place he already worked. He is now FULL TIME and on salary! He is a CLS manager. Don't ask me what that stands for because I would not get it right! I do know that he manages clients and their case workers which involves a lot of stuff. He's good at this job. It was made for him.
8. We took our first REAL vacation this summer! We celebrated our 4th anniversary at the BEACH!!! We spent 7 glorious days at South Myrtle Beach listening to the ocean. It. Was. Amazing.
9. We bought a car! God bless my little Ellie. The 2007 Ford Focus that was meant to last for 10 years...didn't. She was falling apart and BAM! Tim found a way to budget enough to justify me getting a new car. I love my Honda CR-V. I still haven't named her, but I love her!
So you see, we have a lot to celebrate from one 4th of July to the next! We also became aunt Rissa and uncle Tim since last 4th of July!
I think it is important to be reflective. If you let yourself forget where you've come from you won't appreciate where you are now. We've come a LONG way from that couple living in a tiny 2 bedroom apartment with no jobs and seminary bills to pay. I am grateful for all the blessings in our life. They haven't come easy, but we've learned so much about life and each other through our journey! God has blessed is richly and I don't ever want to forget that.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Taking the Plunge
I'm not writing this post for anyone but me. I'm not asking for support or congratulations or anything of that nature. I am simply putting this out there so that it is out there. So that it is real. So that I know that others know. If I didn't I would stop.
I'm on a journey.
.
A long journey.
A journey that I started about 6 years ago and quit halfway through.
A journey that I am determined to finish this time.
You see, I know that I'm not in picture perfect health. I know that I need to loose weight. I know that I need to be more active. I know that my blood pressure would not be elevated if I were healthier. And, despite what some may believe, I didn't get this way because I eat 5,000 calories a day. Some people just struggle with their weight. I always have and always will. It is frustrating, but I'm done letting it control my life. So today I joined Weight Watchers for the second time in my life.
I had great success the first go around and I am going to have great success this time as well. I am determined.
Determined to be healthy.
I could care less if I am "thin" or if I have the "perfect body" or any of that other crap. I just want to be healthy. I want to feel good about who I am as a person because I have a purpose in my life and because I am healthy enough to live that purpose out.
Here I go! I'm on my way to a healthier me!
I'm on a journey.
.
A long journey.
A journey that I started about 6 years ago and quit halfway through.
A journey that I am determined to finish this time.
You see, I know that I'm not in picture perfect health. I know that I need to loose weight. I know that I need to be more active. I know that my blood pressure would not be elevated if I were healthier. And, despite what some may believe, I didn't get this way because I eat 5,000 calories a day. Some people just struggle with their weight. I always have and always will. It is frustrating, but I'm done letting it control my life. So today I joined Weight Watchers for the second time in my life.
I had great success the first go around and I am going to have great success this time as well. I am determined.
Determined to be healthy.
I could care less if I am "thin" or if I have the "perfect body" or any of that other crap. I just want to be healthy. I want to feel good about who I am as a person because I have a purpose in my life and because I am healthy enough to live that purpose out.
Here I go! I'm on my way to a healthier me!
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Flutter
This afternoon I took a little nap. I just hadn't been feeling all that great and after church I was wiped out. I laid down on the couch, turned on some re-runs and fell fast asleep. My loving hubs just let me nap. He let me nap for 2 whole hours. When I awoke he was no where to be found. I sat up and looked around the living room and was trying to figure out how long I'd been napping when I heard it....
flutter...flutter...flutter...
Hmm? That's weird?
flutter...flutter...flutter...
Is that IN my ear?
flutter...flutter...flutter...
Hubs? Where are you?"
-------
"Hubs? I think I have a bug in my ear!!!"
-------
"TIM!"
He walks in the living room with a weird look on his face.
flutter...flutter...flutter...
"I think I have a bug in my ear! I keep hearing this flutter sound in my ear! "
He looks..."I don't see anything."
"But I HEAR it.
Looks again..."nothing."
*sigh*
We never have found anything in my ear. It stopped for a few hours, but has now started back up. With that said, I have felt all day like I have fluid in my ear. About an hour ago I had Tim flush my ear out with warm water. Nothing came crawling out.
Should I be freaking out yet? At what point do you go to the doctor and say, "I think I may have a bug in my ear?"
I've been amazingly calm for someone who may have something living inside my ear. However, if it doesn't stop and a doctor confirms this nightmare to be true I may have to start sleeping with ear plugs in my ears!
Have any of you ever had a fluttering sound in your ear? What did you do? Did you find anything living inside your ear?
flutter...flutter...flutter...
Hmm? That's weird?
flutter...flutter...flutter...
Is that IN my ear?
flutter...flutter...flutter...
Hubs? Where are you?"
-------
"Hubs? I think I have a bug in my ear!!!"
-------
"TIM!"
He walks in the living room with a weird look on his face.
flutter...flutter...flutter...
"I think I have a bug in my ear! I keep hearing this flutter sound in my ear! "
He looks..."I don't see anything."
"But I HEAR it.
Looks again..."nothing."
*sigh*
We never have found anything in my ear. It stopped for a few hours, but has now started back up. With that said, I have felt all day like I have fluid in my ear. About an hour ago I had Tim flush my ear out with warm water. Nothing came crawling out.
Should I be freaking out yet? At what point do you go to the doctor and say, "I think I may have a bug in my ear?"
I've been amazingly calm for someone who may have something living inside my ear. However, if it doesn't stop and a doctor confirms this nightmare to be true I may have to start sleeping with ear plugs in my ears!
Have any of you ever had a fluttering sound in your ear? What did you do? Did you find anything living inside your ear?
Monday, June 3, 2013
Life After Death
Most people have heard about the sudden passing of officer Jason Ellis. His story was spread all over the news. A death like this would have caused me to stop and reflect on life. I would have felt bad for his family. I would have even uttered a little prayer for them. But the passing of Jason Ellis was a bit different than any other officer or military that I've heard of before.
It was different because I knew Officer Ellis. He was part of my extended family.
When my sis-in-law married into the Phillips family I met Jason's wife, Amy. I met her beautiful boys. Then I met her husband, Jason. I didn't know Jason well. I won't pretend that he and I shared deep conversations or that we were best friends, but I knew him well enough to learn a few things about him on my own and not through the media.
I learned that he was a kind man. I learned that he like to joke around, but mostly I saw that he loved his two boys and that he was madly in love with his wife.
And like that...it was gone.
I've spent the last week and a half in utter disbelief that someone would just take him away from his beautiful wife and children. That someone would have so much hatred in their heart that they would take him away from his friends and fellow officers. After a short amount of time I still can't wrap my mind around it. The "why" question is there and it isn't going anywhere fast.
The question has been asked what is the best thing to do in times like these. I pray. I pray hard. My mind just keeps coming back to Amy and the kids. I couldn't imagine loosing my husband. I couldn't imagine continuing my life without him by my side. I can't even begin to fathom what she's going through. So, I pray. Each and every time she comes to my mind I utter words of peace and comfort to her. I pray for her family. I pray for Jason's friends. I pray for the officers that are trying to solve the case. I pray for the officers who have to work knowing there is a killer out there somewhere. I pray for whomever did this. I just simply pray.
I know I don't have many blog followers out there. This blog is mostly for my own benefit. It is a place to get thoughts out of my head. But if you are out there and you would like to help Amy there is a way to do so.
First, pray for her and her boys. She needs that more than anything. Second, you can purchase a memorial bracelet and a portion of the proceeds go to the memorial fund. Third you can make a donation directly to the fun and all the money will go directly to Amy.
Here is the link.
I want to say thank you if you decide to donate. But mostly, I want to say thank you for praying for Amy and her kids. There is so much healing that needs to happen in their lives.
Hopefully the case will be solved soon and some of the "why" questions can be answered. Until then I pray for peace and I pray that none of us takes our life for granted. We are here today but we are not guaranteed tomorrow. Make the most of everyday that you are given!
It was different because I knew Officer Ellis. He was part of my extended family.
When my sis-in-law married into the Phillips family I met Jason's wife, Amy. I met her beautiful boys. Then I met her husband, Jason. I didn't know Jason well. I won't pretend that he and I shared deep conversations or that we were best friends, but I knew him well enough to learn a few things about him on my own and not through the media.
I learned that he was a kind man. I learned that he like to joke around, but mostly I saw that he loved his two boys and that he was madly in love with his wife.
And like that...it was gone.
I've spent the last week and a half in utter disbelief that someone would just take him away from his beautiful wife and children. That someone would have so much hatred in their heart that they would take him away from his friends and fellow officers. After a short amount of time I still can't wrap my mind around it. The "why" question is there and it isn't going anywhere fast.
The question has been asked what is the best thing to do in times like these. I pray. I pray hard. My mind just keeps coming back to Amy and the kids. I couldn't imagine loosing my husband. I couldn't imagine continuing my life without him by my side. I can't even begin to fathom what she's going through. So, I pray. Each and every time she comes to my mind I utter words of peace and comfort to her. I pray for her family. I pray for Jason's friends. I pray for the officers that are trying to solve the case. I pray for the officers who have to work knowing there is a killer out there somewhere. I pray for whomever did this. I just simply pray.
I know I don't have many blog followers out there. This blog is mostly for my own benefit. It is a place to get thoughts out of my head. But if you are out there and you would like to help Amy there is a way to do so.
First, pray for her and her boys. She needs that more than anything. Second, you can purchase a memorial bracelet and a portion of the proceeds go to the memorial fund. Third you can make a donation directly to the fun and all the money will go directly to Amy.
Here is the link.
I want to say thank you if you decide to donate. But mostly, I want to say thank you for praying for Amy and her kids. There is so much healing that needs to happen in their lives.
Hopefully the case will be solved soon and some of the "why" questions can be answered. Until then I pray for peace and I pray that none of us takes our life for granted. We are here today but we are not guaranteed tomorrow. Make the most of everyday that you are given!
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Dear Car Dealership
Dear Dealership,
Let me tell you a few things about your customers.
First, not all customers that come to you will let you push them around. Some of us really do want to do research about a vehicle before we drop a large sum of money to purchase it. Some of us may like your options as well as options somewhere else. Don't hate us for that. Again, we are just trying to research our options to make sure we get the best vehicle for a great price. When we say we are just getting a starting point, believe us. When we tell you that our goal for the day is to decide which SUV drives the best and which SUV is within our budget, believe us. Don't try to push us into either one. It's our future car! Let us make that decision on our own!
Second, we know that your sales guys are going to be a bit pushy. That's their job. That's ok. What is not ok is that I left your lot 5 hours ago and I've already had three phone calls from you. That's right, three! This does not make me feel good about my experience. What it does is creep me out, annoy me and make me wonder why you have to call your customers three times in 5 hours? I have been nice all three times. I have given you the same information all three times. I have explained to you that we want to purchase sometime this summer and that when we are ready we will return. Trust me! I promise that calling me over and over will not make me want to return but rather push me to another dealership to purchase the same vehicle I could have purchase from you. If you call again today I can't promise that I will be very nice. I will probably be snippy with you. Sorry!
Third, don't tell me that a particular model coast xxxxx amount of money when I have a quote on the SAME SUV at another dealership for 8,000 dollars less. You also shouldn't gawk at me when I tell you this and tell me I must be wrong. I promise you I'm not. I also promise you that I won't buy the vehicle if you aren't willing to come down on your ridiculous price. I know you have to make money, but I'm not allowing you to get away with robbery! You'll come down or I won't buy! It's that easy!
Fourth, if I tell you I'm looking for a practical level vehicle in the terms of "perks" don't put me in a luxury model. I don't need to pay 5,000 extra dollars to talk to my car and have it do stuff. I am capable of pushing a button if I want more/less air! Putting me in this car just makes me mad because you aren't listening to what I told you about my spending budget! I already explained to you that my husband and I are both teachers and that we don't have 40 grand to spend on a car that will not be worth that the second we drive it off the lot. Listen to your customer! Find a vehicle that fits their needs/budget. Don't force them to join the American dream of being very in debt just to have fancy gadgets that they don't need. My husband and I don't operate that way! We would prefer not being in debt for the rest of our lives.
Finally, I can promise you that if I do buy one of your SUV's I will get it from a different lot. Probably the one that quoted me the vehicle of my dreams for 8,000 dollars less than what you said was the lowest option. Maybe they will treat me better than you did today.
Your very annoyed customer,
Carissa
Let me tell you a few things about your customers.
First, not all customers that come to you will let you push them around. Some of us really do want to do research about a vehicle before we drop a large sum of money to purchase it. Some of us may like your options as well as options somewhere else. Don't hate us for that. Again, we are just trying to research our options to make sure we get the best vehicle for a great price. When we say we are just getting a starting point, believe us. When we tell you that our goal for the day is to decide which SUV drives the best and which SUV is within our budget, believe us. Don't try to push us into either one. It's our future car! Let us make that decision on our own!
Second, we know that your sales guys are going to be a bit pushy. That's their job. That's ok. What is not ok is that I left your lot 5 hours ago and I've already had three phone calls from you. That's right, three! This does not make me feel good about my experience. What it does is creep me out, annoy me and make me wonder why you have to call your customers three times in 5 hours? I have been nice all three times. I have given you the same information all three times. I have explained to you that we want to purchase sometime this summer and that when we are ready we will return. Trust me! I promise that calling me over and over will not make me want to return but rather push me to another dealership to purchase the same vehicle I could have purchase from you. If you call again today I can't promise that I will be very nice. I will probably be snippy with you. Sorry!
Third, don't tell me that a particular model coast xxxxx amount of money when I have a quote on the SAME SUV at another dealership for 8,000 dollars less. You also shouldn't gawk at me when I tell you this and tell me I must be wrong. I promise you I'm not. I also promise you that I won't buy the vehicle if you aren't willing to come down on your ridiculous price. I know you have to make money, but I'm not allowing you to get away with robbery! You'll come down or I won't buy! It's that easy!
Fourth, if I tell you I'm looking for a practical level vehicle in the terms of "perks" don't put me in a luxury model. I don't need to pay 5,000 extra dollars to talk to my car and have it do stuff. I am capable of pushing a button if I want more/less air! Putting me in this car just makes me mad because you aren't listening to what I told you about my spending budget! I already explained to you that my husband and I are both teachers and that we don't have 40 grand to spend on a car that will not be worth that the second we drive it off the lot. Listen to your customer! Find a vehicle that fits their needs/budget. Don't force them to join the American dream of being very in debt just to have fancy gadgets that they don't need. My husband and I don't operate that way! We would prefer not being in debt for the rest of our lives.
Finally, I can promise you that if I do buy one of your SUV's I will get it from a different lot. Probably the one that quoted me the vehicle of my dreams for 8,000 dollars less than what you said was the lowest option. Maybe they will treat me better than you did today.
Your very annoyed customer,
Carissa
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Flat Tire
On Friday I was planning to walk out the door as close to 3:05 as possible. We were planning to head out of town to spend the weekend at Tim's parents house and we wanted to get on the road as quickly as possible. Well, I walked out the door around 3:30 (I can never get out of that place on time) and hopped in the car. I put Ellie in reverse and hmmm? What was that odd sound? Oh well! I have places to be. . .
Then, I got out to the "circle" and ba-dum, ba-dum, ba-dum. . .
Yeah, that's a flat tire.
Here's the deal. The "circle" is NOT a good part of town. I teach in a very hostile neighborhood. There are a lot of not so go things that happen in the neighborhood. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my school. I love teaching in this type of area. I have found it to be one of the most rewarding parts of my life. That said, I don't want to be broken down in this area, alone! My solution, keep driving and pray I make it to the gas station an eighth of a mile down the road. ba-dum, ba-dump, ba-dum, ba-dum.
I pull in and by the time I park my car near the air pump I'm just happy to be off the road. My tire is gone. Fully shredded. I don't think the air will help!
I call Tim who is still at school teaching. Like all good teachers his phone is on silent and he isn't answering. So I call again, and again, and again, and again thinking that eventually he'll realize that it's a real emergency and I'm stranded at a gas station in a not so great part of town.
In a panic I call the girls I work with who were conveniently at a goodbye party across the street. So there we are. Three women changing a tire at a gas station. Did I mention it was pouring the rain?
I felt so bad! The girls were soaked and they still had to go back to the party!
While we were changing the tire nearly 20 men walked past. None of which asked if we needed help or if they could call someone for us. 2 did ask me what time it was though. I guess they heard me calling my husband in a panic and knew that in my crisis I had a phone which also had the time. *sigh* What has the world come to that a MAN doesn't offer to help a woman in distress?
Needless to say we didn't need any men! We got the tire changed and my wonderful husband who was 40 minutes away located a new tire and had it paid for and waiting for me when I made it to him nearly an hour later.
He's a winner!
I've mentioned that my car is falling apart before my very eyes. We are currently on the hunt for a new car. Actually, a new SUV, so if you have any advice we are all ears!
Then, I got out to the "circle" and ba-dum, ba-dum, ba-dum. . .
Yeah, that's a flat tire.
Here's the deal. The "circle" is NOT a good part of town. I teach in a very hostile neighborhood. There are a lot of not so go things that happen in the neighborhood. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my school. I love teaching in this type of area. I have found it to be one of the most rewarding parts of my life. That said, I don't want to be broken down in this area, alone! My solution, keep driving and pray I make it to the gas station an eighth of a mile down the road. ba-dum, ba-dump, ba-dum, ba-dum.
I pull in and by the time I park my car near the air pump I'm just happy to be off the road. My tire is gone. Fully shredded. I don't think the air will help!
I call Tim who is still at school teaching. Like all good teachers his phone is on silent and he isn't answering. So I call again, and again, and again, and again thinking that eventually he'll realize that it's a real emergency and I'm stranded at a gas station in a not so great part of town.
In a panic I call the girls I work with who were conveniently at a goodbye party across the street. So there we are. Three women changing a tire at a gas station. Did I mention it was pouring the rain?
I felt so bad! The girls were soaked and they still had to go back to the party!
While we were changing the tire nearly 20 men walked past. None of which asked if we needed help or if they could call someone for us. 2 did ask me what time it was though. I guess they heard me calling my husband in a panic and knew that in my crisis I had a phone which also had the time. *sigh* What has the world come to that a MAN doesn't offer to help a woman in distress?
Needless to say we didn't need any men! We got the tire changed and my wonderful husband who was 40 minutes away located a new tire and had it paid for and waiting for me when I made it to him nearly an hour later.
He's a winner!
I've mentioned that my car is falling apart before my very eyes. We are currently on the hunt for a new car. Actually, a new SUV, so if you have any advice we are all ears!
Freedom
For the last 3 weeks I have been grad school free.
I can't even begin to explain the feeling that surrounds not having homework, papers, projects, readings or observation forms to complete. It is freeing, but that doesn't even begin to describe the past few weeks.
The last two weekends have been a blur. Last weekend we left early Friday afternoon to head to my parents house to celebrate my graduation. We arrived home late Sunday. This week was testing at school and I've had a massive case of allergy issues. Friday we left after school (that is after replacing my flat tire) to head to Tim's parents house for the annual Wix shoot. We just arrived home an hour or so ago. Shew! Tired!
With that said, none of this would have been possible if I were still in grad school. I think I keep waiting for the "next" class to begin. It's slowly starting to sink in that this chapter is over. Like so many others it has come and gone with only a few (many) tears. :-)
I am so thankful that I can enjoy my weekends again. I have a million diy projects that I can't wait to start. New decor for our home that we've almost lived in a year (holy cow) and I have only partially enjoyed. A hunt for a new car since mine is falling apart. Oh, and spending time with my hubs doing things we both enjoy and haven't had time to do for the past 4 years.
Ahhh, life without grad school is going to be great!
I can't even begin to explain the feeling that surrounds not having homework, papers, projects, readings or observation forms to complete. It is freeing, but that doesn't even begin to describe the past few weeks.
The last two weekends have been a blur. Last weekend we left early Friday afternoon to head to my parents house to celebrate my graduation. We arrived home late Sunday. This week was testing at school and I've had a massive case of allergy issues. Friday we left after school (that is after replacing my flat tire) to head to Tim's parents house for the annual Wix shoot. We just arrived home an hour or so ago. Shew! Tired!
With that said, none of this would have been possible if I were still in grad school. I think I keep waiting for the "next" class to begin. It's slowly starting to sink in that this chapter is over. Like so many others it has come and gone with only a few (many) tears. :-)
I am so thankful that I can enjoy my weekends again. I have a million diy projects that I can't wait to start. New decor for our home that we've almost lived in a year (holy cow) and I have only partially enjoyed. A hunt for a new car since mine is falling apart. Oh, and spending time with my hubs doing things we both enjoy and haven't had time to do for the past 4 years.
Ahhh, life without grad school is going to be great!
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Oh Baby!
Today a child asked my friend a very funny question about her baby belly. Here is the conversation. I hope you smile as much as I did.
boy: How did that baby get in there?
friend: You should ask you mom that question!
boy: I already know and it is GROSS!
friend: (laughing) Well if you already knew why did you ask?
boy: (Looks at friend like "eww! I know what what you did!" Shrugs his shoulders and walks away.)
I laughed till I fell over!!!
boy: How did that baby get in there?
friend: You should ask you mom that question!
boy: I already know and it is GROSS!
friend: (laughing) Well if you already knew why did you ask?
boy: (Looks at friend like "eww! I know what what you did!" Shrugs his shoulders and walks away.)
I laughed till I fell over!!!
Monday, May 6, 2013
I Made It!
The day finally arrived. You are looking at a young teacher who has received her Masters of Arts Education as a Reading and Writing Specialist! It took two full years, 10 courses, 1 research proposal, countless papers and projects, hundreds of hours, 80 chat sessions, 200 hours of observation/teaching and mounds of tears to arrive at this point...but I am here!
And it feels good!
When I started this journey I had one major goal. Sure, I wanted a degree and a pay raise, but that wasn't the main goal. My main goal was to graduate with a 4.0. For some that may seem crazy. Some may say that a 3.95 is JUST as good as a 4.0. To those who think that, I agree. You see, I'm not the greatest student in the world. I struggled through school. I have a hard time. Hence the reason I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. So I set out on a journey to maintain a 4.0 in graduate school. This was not an easy task considering the fact that I was teaching full time at a very challenging school.
I walked across the stage on Saturday with my 4.0 in hand. I was also 1 of 12 graduate students who were inducted into the Kappa Delta Pi honor society. Don't get me wrong, I don't mean to sound like I'm boasting or that I think I'm all that, but I am proud of my hard work and dedication to my program.
So, what does the future hold? A VACATION! More to come on that later! For now...enjoy this little pretty from Saturday!
And it feels good!
When I started this journey I had one major goal. Sure, I wanted a degree and a pay raise, but that wasn't the main goal. My main goal was to graduate with a 4.0. For some that may seem crazy. Some may say that a 3.95 is JUST as good as a 4.0. To those who think that, I agree. You see, I'm not the greatest student in the world. I struggled through school. I have a hard time. Hence the reason I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. So I set out on a journey to maintain a 4.0 in graduate school. This was not an easy task considering the fact that I was teaching full time at a very challenging school.
I walked across the stage on Saturday with my 4.0 in hand. I was also 1 of 12 graduate students who were inducted into the Kappa Delta Pi honor society. Don't get me wrong, I don't mean to sound like I'm boasting or that I think I'm all that, but I am proud of my hard work and dedication to my program.
So, what does the future hold? A VACATION! More to come on that later! For now...enjoy this little pretty from Saturday!
 |
| Ellie and I after we received our diploma on Saturday! |
Saturday, April 20, 2013
It's been a while...
Hello again!
It's been quite a while since I last sat down to make a post. I've thought about it many times but I always seem to find myself running. So, what's been happening?
Life!
Work has been hectic. State testing is just around the corner. My kids aren't ready. I'm not ready. But is anyone ever ready?
Grad school has finally wound down. I finished my last class 2 weeks early! I'm very proud to say that in two weeks I will be a graduate. I will have my MAED as a Reading and Writing Specialist. I'm also very proud to say that I've accomplished this while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. To some that may not be a big deal, but I've never been the best student and to me it's huge.
Nieces and nephews have kept me busy. My niece, Kaylee, is nearing 5 months old. She and I both agree that I'm her favorite aunt and she's my favorite niece. She can roll over and smile. She's at that stage where she reacts to funny faces with even funnier ones. I pretty much love her to the moon and back! My little nephew is nearing 6 months old and he seems to almost have the crawling thing figured out. He isn't quite there yet, but can roll/army scoot all over the floor. It won't be long! I'm pretty much in love with him as well.
We took our students to the Cincinnati Zoo last week. That I will never forget. I take so much for granted. Most of my students had never been to a zoo. Most had never left Kentucky. Many had never left Lexington. When we crossed into Ohio and the city opened up they were in awe. When they saw the animals and were so excited they were literally bouncing, I cried. My family wasn't wealthy, but I was richly blessed as a child. My parents sacrificed so much so that my brother and I would have life experiences.
Spring has arrived! Tim and I have enjoyed seeing what our yard looks like in the spring. There have been so many pretty surprises. Bushes with little pink flowers. Weeping Cherry trees that burst into a pink flood of beautiful flowers. Beautiful tress that are leafing out over night. Robins building nests and baby birds that will hopefully arrive soon.
Yep, I've been a busy bee since I last wrote. I'm finding myself reflecting a lot these days. Trying to slow life down a bit. It is flying by and I want to enjoy it. I want to experience it to the fullest. So, here's to life! Hopefully I'll have some fun stories to tell you soon!
It's been quite a while since I last sat down to make a post. I've thought about it many times but I always seem to find myself running. So, what's been happening?
Life!
Work has been hectic. State testing is just around the corner. My kids aren't ready. I'm not ready. But is anyone ever ready?
Grad school has finally wound down. I finished my last class 2 weeks early! I'm very proud to say that in two weeks I will be a graduate. I will have my MAED as a Reading and Writing Specialist. I'm also very proud to say that I've accomplished this while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. To some that may not be a big deal, but I've never been the best student and to me it's huge.
Nieces and nephews have kept me busy. My niece, Kaylee, is nearing 5 months old. She and I both agree that I'm her favorite aunt and she's my favorite niece. She can roll over and smile. She's at that stage where she reacts to funny faces with even funnier ones. I pretty much love her to the moon and back! My little nephew is nearing 6 months old and he seems to almost have the crawling thing figured out. He isn't quite there yet, but can roll/army scoot all over the floor. It won't be long! I'm pretty much in love with him as well.
We took our students to the Cincinnati Zoo last week. That I will never forget. I take so much for granted. Most of my students had never been to a zoo. Most had never left Kentucky. Many had never left Lexington. When we crossed into Ohio and the city opened up they were in awe. When they saw the animals and were so excited they were literally bouncing, I cried. My family wasn't wealthy, but I was richly blessed as a child. My parents sacrificed so much so that my brother and I would have life experiences.
Spring has arrived! Tim and I have enjoyed seeing what our yard looks like in the spring. There have been so many pretty surprises. Bushes with little pink flowers. Weeping Cherry trees that burst into a pink flood of beautiful flowers. Beautiful tress that are leafing out over night. Robins building nests and baby birds that will hopefully arrive soon.
Yep, I've been a busy bee since I last wrote. I'm finding myself reflecting a lot these days. Trying to slow life down a bit. It is flying by and I want to enjoy it. I want to experience it to the fullest. So, here's to life! Hopefully I'll have some fun stories to tell you soon!
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Joy List
We are one week into 2013 and I have so much to be thankful for already! I think it's important to document those joys into the first Joy List of 2013.
1. First, I am so very grateful that the Lord has blessed my dad with a job! He interviewed and started the very next day! This is such a blessing for my parents and I am very happy that he is heading back to work! PRAISE GOD!
2. Tonight I begin my LAST semester of grad school! After this semester I will have no more homework to DO, I will have no more books that I have to read, there will be no more bills to pay, and best of all, I get a pay raise!! I also think I'll look great with my hood at graduation!
3. Hubs and I have set out a schedule for our evenings. We split chores up and assigned nights for each. We also meal plan and have set nights for each person to cook/help clean up afterward. Most of the time we end up helping each other, but it's so nice to have it done in a systematic way.
4. School is great. My kids have been great. They are working hard and are actually learning their multiplication facts! YEAH!!
5. Last year I read through the bible. This year I am focusing on prayer. Hubs and I have been praying together every morning. It's been very nice. It's a quick deal, but I am starting to really look forward to that time in my day. Plus, it keeps me on time in the mornings and forces me to leave on time!
6. I love BBT. We ordered season five and in just a few short evenings I have watched nearly all the episodes and all the special features. BONGO SOLO!
7. Hubs made me play Congas with him tonight. I'm horrible at Congas. I'm especially horrible when the rhythms don't begin on beat one but rather the off beat. Despite this, when I asked if I was messing it up he smiled and said, "Only a little bit." I love him.
8. My mom found a box of my stuff at her house during Christmas break. In it was a grey Patriots sweatshirt that I had in college. After washing it, it has become my favorite sweatshirt to lounge in. It's floppy, and big and warm. It's starting to get worn a bit as well. (It is nearly 9 years old. *tear*)
There you go! Spreading Joy in 2013! What are you Joyful about in 2013?
1. First, I am so very grateful that the Lord has blessed my dad with a job! He interviewed and started the very next day! This is such a blessing for my parents and I am very happy that he is heading back to work! PRAISE GOD!
2. Tonight I begin my LAST semester of grad school! After this semester I will have no more homework to DO, I will have no more books that I have to read, there will be no more bills to pay, and best of all, I get a pay raise!! I also think I'll look great with my hood at graduation!
3. Hubs and I have set out a schedule for our evenings. We split chores up and assigned nights for each. We also meal plan and have set nights for each person to cook/help clean up afterward. Most of the time we end up helping each other, but it's so nice to have it done in a systematic way.
4. School is great. My kids have been great. They are working hard and are actually learning their multiplication facts! YEAH!!
5. Last year I read through the bible. This year I am focusing on prayer. Hubs and I have been praying together every morning. It's been very nice. It's a quick deal, but I am starting to really look forward to that time in my day. Plus, it keeps me on time in the mornings and forces me to leave on time!
6. I love BBT. We ordered season five and in just a few short evenings I have watched nearly all the episodes and all the special features. BONGO SOLO!
7. Hubs made me play Congas with him tonight. I'm horrible at Congas. I'm especially horrible when the rhythms don't begin on beat one but rather the off beat. Despite this, when I asked if I was messing it up he smiled and said, "Only a little bit." I love him.
8. My mom found a box of my stuff at her house during Christmas break. In it was a grey Patriots sweatshirt that I had in college. After washing it, it has become my favorite sweatshirt to lounge in. It's floppy, and big and warm. It's starting to get worn a bit as well. (It is nearly 9 years old. *tear*)
There you go! Spreading Joy in 2013! What are you Joyful about in 2013?
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
2 hours
2 hours would be the number of hours that I slept last night. That's right, only 2. Then I went to school and taught children, grumpy sleepy children.
Only, when I got to school I wasn't greeted by grumpy sleepy children. I was greeted by smiles. I was greeted with hugs. I was greeted with words of, "My break was boring and I would rather be here with you."
Then, I felt my tired eyes awake. I felt my frown turn. I felt my head stop pounding just a bit. By lunch I had laughed so hard that I was nearly crying. One of my kids told me about how he got a stuffed spider man for Christmas. Evidently he didn't like it so he had his brother rip its head off. He was laughing so hard telling me about it that he cried. I laughed so hard I snorted which my kids thought was hysterical.
I was dreading going back, not because I don't love my job, but because I was so tired. I so enjoyed having a few days to spend with Tim. A few days where Tim and I could just be married. A few days where neither of us lived at a school. But today wasn't so bad. It was actually quite wonderful.
I think I'll sleep a bit longer than 2 hours tonight. If I make it through this UK game it will be just short of a miracle. But tomorrow morning will be more pleasant knowing that I get to go back to my precious kids.
Only, when I got to school I wasn't greeted by grumpy sleepy children. I was greeted by smiles. I was greeted with hugs. I was greeted with words of, "My break was boring and I would rather be here with you."
Then, I felt my tired eyes awake. I felt my frown turn. I felt my head stop pounding just a bit. By lunch I had laughed so hard that I was nearly crying. One of my kids told me about how he got a stuffed spider man for Christmas. Evidently he didn't like it so he had his brother rip its head off. He was laughing so hard telling me about it that he cried. I laughed so hard I snorted which my kids thought was hysterical.
I was dreading going back, not because I don't love my job, but because I was so tired. I so enjoyed having a few days to spend with Tim. A few days where Tim and I could just be married. A few days where neither of us lived at a school. But today wasn't so bad. It was actually quite wonderful.
I think I'll sleep a bit longer than 2 hours tonight. If I make it through this UK game it will be just short of a miracle. But tomorrow morning will be more pleasant knowing that I get to go back to my precious kids.
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