My Slice of Life

It's Been A While

2009-02-02T21:33:00.003-06:00

It's been a while since I updated and I actually thought about stopping blogging completely, but I don't know if I can actually cut the cord. I enjoy getting my thoughts on paper and enjoy hearing from others about things they have read that I have written. I know that I was not created to be a writer and I honestly can say that I have no desire to be a writer of any kind. I do have a passion for grammar and correct spelling, which helps well in my career. I think I write this blog to please other people, to make other people laugh, to give them something to fill their time. I am learning as I grow up that life isn't about pleasing others. This is very hard for me to grasp, as I am in a field that is all about others and not myself. I have trouble really knowing who I am and knowing what makes me happy and I think part of this stems from trying to make everyone else happy. I am very self-conscious about what others think of me. I don't think I have a low self-esteem, per se, but I am always aware of how others look at me and how I come off to others. I find this a fault in myself, but I am not sure how to "fix" it. My life consists of daily soul searching, and that search feels like I am wandering around in circles. I am hoping for an epiphany some day and am hoping to figure out who I really am, but I am starting to wonder if that will ever happen.

As I continue this blog, I think it's going to take a more serious turn and be more about what I am doing to figure things out in this life. I am lacking a lot of passion for writing on here, but I am hoping that as I grow as a person, that passion will grow with me.

I love my few loyal readers and I hope that this blog is something that you enjoy and will continue to read. I am anxious to see what is in store for me as I continue on my journey.

Oh Valentine's Day

2009-01-15T11:05:00.001-06:00

Oh Valentine's Day... I love you... Why? Because I am in love? Because I am a sap? Because I love pink and purple cards? NO! Because you provide me with darling little pure sugar, flavored hearts known as Conversation Hearts. Oh how I love you Valentine's Day!

It's Hump Day

2009-01-14T11:54:00.001-06:00

That title always makes me giggle. I can't help it that I think like a child... I mean, I am around them all day!

So, Holly and I think we have a supernatural visitor living in our apartment. Ben thinks he has one too. The other day I was getting some water. The light was off in the kitchen and I went to get a cup and then opened the fridge to get the pitcher of water out. I opened the fridge and not only did the fridge light turn on, the overhead light turned on. The light switch is too far away for me to have bumped it and Holly was in her room when it happened. Bandit wasn't there so he couldn't have jumped up and gotten it. I think Casper did it. There was another time that Holly heard giggling outside her door. She opened it thinking I was on the phone or something but no one was there. I wasn't even at the apartment and I don't think Bandit can giggle. Creepy!! I will let you know if anything else paranormal goes on :)

PMS

2009-01-13T11:26:00.001-06:00

There is no amount of medicine or anti-depressant that could help me with my PMS moodiness. I think it just takes over my mind and body and I hate it. I am agitated and irritated all the time, especially at school. I just don't know what to do.... :(

Good finds

2009-01-09T10:39:00.002-06:00

#3 for the week! Rock on! I found some pretty cool things while at Dillon's the other day. The first thing I found was a pencil pouch. This might not sound too neat, but my sister and I spent quite a while looking for one. I mean, who wouldn't have thought to look at the grocery store first?

The other thing I found was a little bottle that had cinnamon and sugar mixed together! How awesome! Now I can make cinnamon toast without having to mix the cinnamon and sugar together! Yay! Needless to say, I had two pieces of cinnamon toast this morning with my Multigrain Cheerios. Don't worry, I didn't use real butter. I used Land O Lakes buttery spread with no cholesterol. Yummy :)

I'm Posting!!

2009-01-08T18:13:00.003-06:00

This is my second time in a week! Woo-hoo!! I figured out why it is so hard for me to blog. Most (probably all) of the people who read this blog, I just talk to on an almost daily basis and therefore don't feel like I have much to say. My mom told me to throw something out there that was completely false and see how many people would figure it out or say something. I don't know if I am that desperate yet. :)

My resolutions are going ok. Not great, not horrible. I am not doing well with the running/walking thing AT ALL! The other health ones are going well... although I don't know my cholesterol score right now, so I don't know if it has gone down.

Most of the cleaning ones are going very well, which is something completely new to me. I am not used to having such a clean room and bathroom. :)

I went up to see my sister this week and have only eaten out 1x this week so far. I also haven't watched much tv at all this week, either during the week or on the weekend or when I am with Ben. It has been really nice.

I am working on getting through my first book of the month, The Memory Keeper's Daughter. I really enjoy it, but the past few nights I have been too tired to sleep! Hopefully I will get some reading done this weekend.

I haven't gone up to school yet this month, but I think I will have to go up this coming weekend. I am getting things ready to start with centers next week and I have some things to get organized and put in place before we start that. I have been using my plan time pretty well, but I haven't gotten much planned for next week, so I may be up there doing that.

I am planning on going to church with my brother this coming Sunday. I have been to the church before and really like it. I think it will just be tough to get up and get going on Sundays. They were usually my day to sleep in.

Overall I would say that things are going a lot better than they normally do and although I am not doing awesome with all my resolutions I am doing pretty well with them. I hope to be back sooner rather than later to blog some more!

It's 2009!

2009-01-04T17:39:00.003-06:00

Wow... I can't believe it's 2009! I love new beginnings and fresh starts. I only wish that New Years would start on a Monday. I have a list of resolutions, but am too OCD to have tried to start them on a Thursday. The bulk of them will be started tomorrow. My mom, sister, and I have become resolution accountability partners and I am hoping this will help me keep my resolutions and not lose sight of them in just a few weeks. For my blog readers out there here are my resolutions:

Health
Eat out only 2x a week
Walk/run 3x a week
Lower cholesterol before June
Drink 4 cups of water a day

Home
Pick up at the end of each day
Stick to cleaning schedule:
M- Dust
T- Water Plants
W- Empty Trash
R- Clean bathroom/scrub
F-
Sa- Laundry
S- Vacuum, Grocery Shop

Spiritual
Do a daily devotional
Find a new church
Increase prayer time

Career/Job
Use plan time more effectively
Only go up to school 2 weekends or less a month
Clean out supplies in the classroom
Create an effective recording process

Family
See Jenny and the boys at least once a month
See Jeremy at least twice a month
Work daily with Bandit on training

Relationship
Date night twice a month
Spend less time watching TV

Financial
Get savings up to $7500
Open a 403B
Open ING accounts for a ring, camera, and car
Rods paychecks can only go to a savings account
Have a spend-free week once a month

Personal
Only 4 hours of TV on the weekends
Read 2 books a month
Create something once a week
Blog at least 4x a week

Check out that last one! I am really hoping to jump back on the bandwagon and start posting again. I know that I seem to say that about once a month, but with my accountability partners, I hope that they really push me to keep up with it. Thank you to those few who have stuck with me and are still reading this. I love you all!

Health Update

2008-12-05T09:41:00.002-06:00

A few weeks ago I went to the doctor concerning some private issues. I had a physical and the doctor wanted me to come back for blood testing. I went back a week later and they took blood and I got the results yesterday in the mail. Well, it was all pretty good except my cholesterol. My cholesterol (as they put it) was "slightly elevated". Now this didn't sound too bad, but when I told my mom that my cholesterol was 232, I thought she was going to come through the phone. Now, it's thanks to my mom's family that I have high cholesterol at my age. I am 24, 5'2" and average about 105 lbs. For some of you, it may be a surprise that I have this health problem, but if you know me and my eating habits, this should not be much of surprise. I honestly was not very surprised when I got the results. I am a fast food and junk food junkie. I also don't exercise as much as I should. I keep my weight where it is by genetics (thanks Dad!) and by eating my fast food and junk food in moderation. I stop when I am full and try not to snack too much. When I do snack, though, I usually reach for something sweet. I never usually crave salty stuff, so I usually fill up on Hersey Kisses, cookies, ice cream etc. Well, after talking to my mom last night, she breaks the awful news that all of those things are not good for my cholesterol. (That sucks big time!) I realize that this is a problem and have family members on my mom's side who are carrying around 300+ and 400+ cholesterol levels. I know that I have to do something now and I can't put it off any longer or else it will turn into something bigger than it already is. The doctor recommended that I start a diet that is low fat/low cholesterol, exercise 3-5 times weekly, and eat more oat fiber (whatever that is) daily. I have made the decision that it is time for a life style change in my life. My days of eating fast food (almost daily) are gone... my days of filling up on sugary substances are gone... my days of being sedentary with Bandit are gone. I am planning to start a food and exercise journal this weekend and will try to update you guys at least weekly with how things are going. If I don't update you... I am putting it in your hands... bug me as much as possible to help keep me accountable. I have to go back to the doctor in 6 months for a recheck and I am hoping to get my good cholesterol (HDL) higher than it is now-- I think it's at 76, and get my bad cholesterol (LDL) down lower-- I think it's at 147 or so. (I don't have the numbers with me now, but I will put up my accurate numbers later).

Wish me luck!

Sadness

2008-12-03T22:02:00.002-06:00

I am writing this post with tears in my eyes and falling down my cheeks. I talked to my best friend tonight on the phone and found out that his beloved dog, Mary, was hit and killed by a car yesterday. He was chasing after her and trying to get her to come back and she ran into the street. He didn't see it happen, but he heard it. The people never stopped and by the time he got her to the vet, she was gone. Bandit had met Mary before and she was actually one of the few dogs that Bandit accepted right away and didn't growl or bark at. She was the sweetest dog and was not even 2 years old. I know that my best friend gave her a wonderful life, although it was too short. Here is a poem that I found to help us remember that our pet will always be part of our lives:

I ONLY WANTED YOU

They say memories are golden
well maybe that is true.
I never wanted memories,
I only wanted you.

A million times I needed you,
a million times I cried.
If love alone could have saved you
you never would have died.

In life I loved you dearly,
In death I love you still.
In my heart you hold a place
no one could ever fill.

If tears could build a stairway
and heartache make a lane,
I'd walk the path to heaven
and bring you back again.

Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same.
But as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again.

Author unknown

Newest Addiction

2008-11-28T18:32:00.001-06:00

Just thought I would share my newest addiction... Puppy Cam!

Black Friday

2008-11-28T18:14:00.002-06:00

Well, I survived working at Hallmark on Black Friday. It was pretty busy and I only got yelled at by two customers. Both times it was over things that I could not control at all. One lady called at our busiest time and was complaining about some issue with her Gold Crown Card and that she couldn't get through to the national office to figure it out. Well, we have no control over the cards at the store and she had the only national number that I had. I told her that we were really busy and there really was nothing else I could do for her. She went off about how could we be too busy for a customer who kept coming back and coming back. Well, I offered to get the manager, but when I asked the manager (who was also swamped) she said to just take her name and number and she would call the lady back. Well, I asked the lady for her name and number and she said to forget it and how could we be that busy and that she didn't need me.

The other lady was actually in the store. She bought 3 $0.99 cards and had a $3.00 coupon. Well, the subtotal came to $2.97 and the total with tax came to $3.18. Well, we can only take discounts on the subtotal, not the total. I tried to put in the discount 2 different ways and the computer wouldn't let me. I explained to her that she could get another card and we could use the coupon. She said there wasn't any other card that she wanted and why did we have these promotions if they only made customers mad. She went off about how she was a good customer and wasn't going to come back again because of this problem and that there was another store that let her use the $15.00 coupon that she had for an item that was $14.99 and how could I possibly do this. I explained that there was nothing I could do, it was the computer that would not let me put in the discount and that I was sorry. Well, by this time she was being rather loud (I think to make a point... or cause a scene). She continued to go on and on about this issue and I just stood there and smiled. I told her I was sorry and that was about it. She finally stormed out of there without buying her 3 cards.

Crazy Black Friday customers!

I do have a new Bandit story for some of you... Some of you have heard it already.
I took him to get his nails clipped last week. (He was in desperate need of it). I took him to the vet and they took him to the back. He was back there for about 10 minutes and a lady came out and said that one of doctors wanted to talk to me. I was a little concerned, thinking they cut the nail too far down, or he was just too unruly. I was taken to an exam room and stayed there for a little bit. A lady came out with just the collar... no dog, no leash... just his collar. She then told me that there had been "an accident." Again, I am imagining blood... either from my dog or because my dog bit someone. I was ready to hand over my insurance card to these people because I was expecting the worst. Well, she told me that in "his struggle" he managed to break the metal ring that held his tags on. Now, no matter how I think about this, I have no idea how he managed to do this. The lady just wanted to see if I wanted them to fix it with an S hook and I said yes. I told her that he doesn't even like me to touch his paws and I have no idea how he lets them do it. She said that he definitely made it known that he doesn't like his paws touched.

Yeah, I have that dog. He is very special. I hope he is getting better and I think the more I can get him around people, the better he will get. We may take a trip to Petco to see if they have a sign up for his next class. It should begin in January and I think it will be very useful.

I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving and enjoyed some time with their friends or family.

I'm Here....

2008-11-21T22:03:00.004-06:00

Most of you know that I have been dealing with some tough stuff lately. I am (hopefully) on the road to recovery. With the renewed health will hopefully come a renewed motivation to post on a more regular basis. I really want to get back into the habit of posting daily, as I do enjoy it, so I am putting a goal out there for getting back on track next week. I am not going to pinpoint a specific day, but hopefully I will get into a daily routine starting sometime next week.

I hope you all haven't missed me too much.

...

2008-11-09T21:10:00.001-06:00

To the 4 people who still read this blog,

I apologize for my leave of absence. I have been battling a case of the blues lately and have not felt much reason to write. I hope to be back soon with new motivation and new material. Thank you for being faithful readers.

Miss L

Thinking of you Thursday.... delayed until tomorrow.

2008-10-30T21:13:00.003-05:00

Instead of doing a thinking of you Thursday, I decided to dedicate this post to my puppy! As I promised here is Bandit.... He's a Bandit! (How clever)

Now don't let the expressions fool you... I know he absolutely loves wearing his costume... although he does not realize he can sit down while wearing it. He has this habit of walking sideways whenever he is wearing something (this costume and his backpack)... it is rather amusing. Needless to say, he did not realize he could sit down though :)

I don't know if I will be posting tomorrow, as I have many hours of Ghost Hunters to watch :) If I don't get to it, I will post and get caught up on Saturday. If you don't hear from me tomorrow... have a nice Halloween!

The Word Wednesday

2008-10-29T20:29:00.002-05:00

This Bible verse goes along with the teaching tip from yesterday. I told you that I was a perfectionist and along with that comes much worry and anxiety that things will not be just right. Because of that, I find much peace from this verse:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6

Again, this is much easier said than done. I have a lot of trouble relinquishing control and letting things go. I know that I am not in control and that I need to let go and let God. He is the one with the plans and the one who knows what is best for me. I am one who definitely needs to work on bringing my troubles and problems to Him. I always try to fix them on my own and with my own power, but that is not enough.

On another note, I picked up Bandit a costume today for Halloween. I am super excited about it and will definitely post some pictures of him as soon as I take some! Now, he is always super cute, but he is even cuter in his costume :)

Teaching Tip Tuesday

2008-10-28T21:24:00.002-05:00

It is hard for me to think about these tips when I am not actually at school. I need to have a little pad of paper or something to write down ideas as I come across them. Today's tip is one that I really need to work on:

Know when to call it good enough.

I need to work on this at home and at work. I am somewhat of a perfectionist (collective gasp) and I have trouble leaving something as is. I always feel like there is more for me to do and more for me to work on and get better at. This can be good for some things, but unfortunately this is how I am with too many aspects of my life. I need to know when to stop and just live. I let the small things bother me and it takes over my life. I need to just let go of focusing on the imperfections and although that was pretty easy to type, it is one of the hardest things for me to accomplish.

I guess this is a tip that I need to put into practice :)

Music Monday!

2008-10-27T21:39:00.002-05:00

I am back! And for this Music Monday I bring to you my all time favorite song! It has been a favorite song for as long as I can remember. Most people in my generation know it as a remake, but I love the original. Without further ado... Last Kiss by J. Frank Wilson and the Cavaliers (not Pearl Jam).

[Chorus]
Oh where oh where can my baby be
The Lord took her away from me
She's gone to heaven soI got to be good
So I can see my baby when I leave this world

We were out on a date in my daddy's car
We hadn't driven very far
There in the road straight up ahead
A car was stalled the engine was dead
I couldn't stop so I swerved to the right
I'll never forget the sound that night
The screaming tires the busting glass
The painful scream that I heard last

[Chorus]

WHen I woke up the rain was pouring down
There were people standing all around
Somethign warm flowing through my eyes
But somehow I found my baby that night
I lifted her head she looked at me and said
Hold me darling just a little while
I held her close I kissed her our last kiss
I found the love that I knew i have missed
Well now she's gone even though I hold her tight
I lost my love my life that night

[Chorus]

Woh (x4)
Ohh (x4)

If you have only heard the remake by Pearl Jam, then I urge you to find the original and give it a listen. I think it is soooo much better!

I'm Back

2008-10-26T18:34:00.001-05:00

The week from you know where is over... I should be back to my normal schedule starting tomorrow! I know you all are so excited!

This past week I was at school until 8:00 on Wednesday and Thursday, and was babysitting until midnight on Friday... That's a little idea of why I didn't get anything posted.

Check back tomorrow!

Music Monday

2008-10-20T21:02:00.003-05:00

This week is going to be a killer. I only have kiddos 3 days this week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday), but I have their parents on Wednesday from 4-8 and Thursday 12-8. I really hate parent-teacher conferences. Oh yeah, and I have to get my grade cards finished to send out on Wednesday. Don't ask me why we send out grade cards the same day that there are conferences. Who knows? Well, I have 10 grade cards done out of 19 and my brain is fried. It will take me a total of about 2.5 hours to get all the grade cards done, so I guess I am down an hour and a half or so. Still, I am putting off doing the rest until a little later tonight and doing some tomorrow. I guess what I need is a good song to get me pumped up! Here is one of my favorite songs that always gets me going when I need a little push. It may not be all that awe-inspiring to you, but I love singing it at the top of my lungs (as my roommate and boyfriend can attest to). Anyways here are the lyrics to "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey:

Just a small town girl, livin in a lonely world
She took the midnight train goin anywhere
Just a city boy, born and raised in south Detroit
He took the midnight train goin anywhere

A singer in a smokey room
A smell of wine and cheap perfume
For a smile they can share the night
It goes on and on and on and on

Strangers waiting, up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searching in the night
Streetlight people, living just to find emotion
Hiding, somewhere in the night

Working hard to get my fill,
Everybody wants a thrill
Payin anything to roll the dice,
Just one more time
Some will win, some will lose
Some were born to sing the blues
Oh, the movie never ends
It goes on and on and on and on

Strangers waiting, up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searching in the night
Streetlight people, living just to find emotion
Hiding, somewhere in the night

Don't stop believin
Hold on to the feelin
Streetlight people

Don't stop believin
Hold on...
Streetlight people

Don't stop believin
Hold on to the feelin
Streetlight people

If you are ever feeling down, just turn this song up loud and sing at the top of your lungs... It always helps me :)

Ahhh... Where did the weekend go??

2008-10-19T18:53:00.004-05:00

Ben's brother and sister-in-law were in town this weekend, so I haven't been near my computer as much as I am used to. I have lots of things to get caught up with... the first one being Frugal Friday:

The frugal thing I did this weekend was order water every time we went out to eat. We met Ben's family out at the plaza to eat at a rather nice restaurant. We shared a meal and appetizer and I ordered water. Also, last night when we went out for Chinese I ordered water and also when we had some Chipotle today I ordered water. Overall I think I saved almost $6.00. That doesn't seem like much, but if I did this each weekend instead of ordering soft drinks that would be about $24 a month and $288 a year. I think it's worth it :)

Scrapbooking Saturday... Ok, so I didn't actually make this this weekend, but it is my most recent page. I don't feel like it is completely done, but I am not sure what else to add. If you have any ideas, please let me know :)
This is one of the most "plain" layouts I have ever made, but I love it. Since I don't have kiddos I scrapbook my doggie often. :)

Other random stuff... I am starting my 101 goals in 1,001 days. I am beginning it tomorrow. I have made up my list and I would like to share it with you. I know it is a lot of stuff to read through, so I understand if you don't want to. I will try to update you with what I am working on each week. I am not sure what I am going to start on this week, but I will let you know as soon as I figure that out :)

1	Visit New Englad
2	Visit East Coast
3	Visit Chicago
4	Visit a beach
5	Visit the History Museum on Mass St.
6	Visit a flea market
7	Visit all the antique stores in Lawrence
8	Visit KC Zoo
9	Visit the Plaza during the winter to see the lights
10	Run a 5K
11	Do yoga daily for 2 months straight
12	Floss daily for 2 months straight
13	Be able to do 200 crunches
14	Be able to do 50 push-ups
15	Learn tennis
16	Take cooking class
17	Decorate a cake for someone
18	Decorate cupcakes for someone
19	Help purchase an engagement ring
20	Get a nice camera (not a point and shoot)
21	Get a trunk for all my linens in my bedroom
22	Get all SU! Inks
23	Get a kitchen table
24	Get one set of Copic markers
25	Get Emer. Fund up to $10,000
26	Start 403B
27	Start IRA
28	Keep CC Balance under $500 for 6 months (does not have to be consecutive)
29	Put $3000 in a CD
30	Use only gift savings for Christmas
31	Start a Car savings account
32	Start Grad School savings account
33	Start down payment savings account
34	Start camera savings account
35	Learn and implement clicker training for Bandit
36	Learn Karate
37	Find a job closer to home
38	Take a road trip with Ben
39	Throw a dinner party
40	2 weeks straight without TV
41	Organize multiple copy books at school
42	Organize math decks at school
43	Organize WWW folders and school
44	Pare down on supplies at school
45	Read every Jodi Picoult book
46	Eat in for 2 weeks (does not have to be consecutive)
47	Go 2 months without eating lunch at school
48	Quit drinking carbonated drinks
49	Read 1/2 the books I own
50	Cut sugar consuption in 1/2
51	Eat breakfast at home for 3 months straight
52	Publish in a scrapbooking magazine
53	500 Blog posts
54	Create Christmas gifts for teachers
55	Make Birthday cards for co-workers
56	Make and send birthday cards for family members
57	Create cards to mail to friends
58	Italy scrapbook
59	Get married
60	Have a date night 3x a month
61	Take more pictures with Ben
62	Find a church to attend
63	Attend Bible study weekly
64	Get Masters Degree
65	Get CPR certification
66	Get Teaching License
67	Get Christmas wishlist to family by Dec. 1
68	Organize magazine articles
69	Go through old magazines
70	Buy new tennis shoes
71	Scrapbook a week in the life
72	Girls weekend with mom and Jenny- not in KS or Memphis
73	Make bed when I get up each morning for 1 month straight
74	Clean up before I go to bed for 1 month straight
75	Create cleaning schedule and stick to it for 3 weeks
76	Take Ben to see a Bears or Cubs game
77	Eat lunch with Mary every other month
78	Paint office desk
79	Make Ben's curtains
80	Open Engagement ring savings account
81	Take Bandit on a bike ride/run 4x a week for 2 months
82	Call siblings once a week to see how they are doing
83	Babysit for Jenny once a month for at least 6 months
84	Clean out trunk of car
85	Get a massage once every 6 months
86	Get a pedicure once every 6 months
87	Treat Jenny to a girl's day
88	Take Jeremy out to dinner
89	Get Christmas gifts bought by December 15
90	Get Christmas cards made by December 10
91	Go out with Holly for a girl's night once a month for 6 months
92	No buying anything from Hallmark for 3 months straight
93	Finish Book of Me
94	Teach Bandit to roll over
95	Find new OBGYN
96	Find a dentist and get my teeth cleaned
97	Buy 2 pieces of art to hang on the walls of my bedroom
98	Wash my face before I go to bed every night for 3 weeks straight
99	Take mom and dad out for an anniversary dinner
100	Make a duvet cover for my bed
101	Clean under my sink in the bathroom and get rid of a lot of things

There you have it :) It's a lot to do, but they are all goals that I want to acheive and think that I can. I guess we will find out how much I can get done in 1,001 days :)

Word Wednesday on Thursday

2008-10-16T21:30:00.002-05:00

Today's Bible verse is my absolute favorite one ever. It has been a constant reminder that God is in control, no matter what. It come from the book of Jeremiah:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

I just love this verse and have for such a long time. I actually was able to find a framed wall hanging with this verse on it and my parents bought it for me for either Christmas or my birthday one year. I now have it hanging in my living room and whenever I see it, I just remember that I can not control my life... that is God's job.

And now for the real Thursday deal... Thinking of you Thursday!

My first shout-out will go to my sister, Jenny. She is over at Create Everyday. My sister has been with me for my entire life, but we weren't always so close. I was always the annoying little sister who would sing things like "Jenny and (insert current boyfriend's name) sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g." Yeah, I was nice like that. Anyways, since I moved from home and came to live in a town relatively close to her, we have become such closer friends and sisters. I absolutely love her and wish I could share more time with her, but between my full-time teaching job and her full-time mommy job (of the 2 cutest boys ever) we don't have much time :(

I will add my favorite story about her: When I was younger I was in gymnastics and usually my mom would pick me up from school and take me to practice. Well, I don't remember the reason, but one day my sister picked me up and was going to take me to practice. So I go outside and I get in her car and we start driving. Now, if I was about 9, that would make her 16, so new driver. Anyways, we are getting ready to make a right-hand turn and my sister was doing everything perfectly... her blinker was on, we were buckled in, and she was looking for traffic. She saw an opening but did not feel there was enough space to go, so she inched forward and changed her mind and put on her brakes. Well, it's too bad that the pizza delivery guy behind us did not get that same memo. He thought there was enough space for her to go and thought she had gone, so he went too... right into the back of her car. Now, the best part of the story was that my virgin ears and never heard certain words in my life until that incident. After the nice pizza man rear-ended us, my sister let out a few choice words that I can not bear to repeat... even in my typing. You would think the story would end here, but no it doesn't. This was the time before cell phones, so they decided to leave the scene of the accident (yes, you read that correctly... leave the scene of the accident) and drive to a gas station to use the phone. They got to the gas station and my sister called my dad. This was not the best idea... I later found out that when it comes to a wreck and making the decision to leave the scene of the accident it is best to just call the cops and deal with dad later. Anyways, dad got there and proceeded to chew Jenny out because she left the scene of the accident. Now, this somewhat worked in her favor, as the cop did not end up giving her a ticket for this minor infraction. We always think it's because the cop felt bad about my dad being so mad and yelling at her, which I still completely agree. Eventually everything got handled and no one was hurt or anything like that, but to this day we are all a little wary of driving around pizza men.

Teaching Tip Tuesday!

2008-10-14T19:58:00.002-05:00

This is only my second year of teaching, so many of my tips are "borrowed" from other people's blogs and teaching websites. I will give credit to them if I can remember where I got them from and I definitely won't take credit if it is not my idea.

Today's tip is one that you can use in most aspects of your life: Be open to new ideas

Being a new teacher, most things that I try are new. I kept around a few things that worked last year, but I have done things a lot differently this year. A lot of new ideas come from trial and error, as well as advice. Some of the advice is warranted and some is not, but no matter what, I try to at least be open to the idea. If I kept things exactly the same as last year, I would be miserable this year. A new set of kids brings a new set of personalities and new challenges... this is one of the things I love about teaching, but also one that keeps you looking for those new ideas and strategies.

I know this is a pretty broad tip and not one that will make a difference in a classroom in one day, but it is one that I definitely abide by and try to work with daily. Thank you to my fellow 2nd grade teachers-- D, S, and T... and also one last year that made a big impression on me... S. You all have great ideas and I love working them into my classroom :)

Music Monday

2008-10-13T20:37:00.002-05:00

Today's song is from a genre that not many people like... country. I didn't really like country growing up, but at some point in high school I learned to like it. I listened to it all through my high school graduation and partly through college. It's not something I listen to frequently, but every once in a while I will crave a good country song, the same way you crave a good dessert after dinner. This song is by Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband. This song is all about hope and going after any and every dream you can imagine. Whenever I am feeling down or like things will never get better, I get out this CD and sing along. A lot of times this song has me in tears by the end, but it is always because it is so uplifting. Here are the lyrics... I hope you enjoy:

When you cry, be sure to dry your eyes,
'Cause better days are sure to come.
And when you smile, be sure to smile wide,
And don't let them know that they have won.
And when you walk, walk with pride,
And don't show the hurt inside,
Because the pain sill soon be gone.

(Chorus)
And when you dream, dream big,
As big as the ocean, blue.
'Cause when you dream it might come true.
But when you dream, dream big.

And when you laugh, be sure to laugh out loud,
'Cause it will carry all your cares away.
And when you see, see the beauty all around and in yourself,
And it will help you feel okay.
And when you pray, pray for strength to help to carry on,
But when the troubles come your way.

(Chorus)
And when you dream, dream big,
As big as the ocean, blue.
'Cause when you dream it might come true.
But when you dream, dream big.

(Dream big.)
(Dream big.)

When you cry be sure to dry your eyes,
cause better days are sure to come.
And when you smile be sure to smile wide, and
don't let them know that they have one.
And when you laugh be sure to laugh out loud,
'Cause it will carry all your cares away.
And when you see, see the beauty all
around and in yourself, and it will help you feel okay.
And when you pray, pray for strength to
help to carry on when the troubles come your way.

Chorus 2x

The Big Bailout of '08

2008-10-12T17:56:00.002-05:00

So my dog jumped out of the window of my moving car today. He was so nervous/wound up that he thought we were going to Petco and he got a little crazy and jumped out. My roommate was with me and she saw it happen... I was watching the road, as I was slowing down to turn. She yelled "Bandit!" and I went to turn to look in the backseat and that's when I caught him in my side mirror standing in the grass. I pulled over next to the curb and Holly (roomie) jumped out of the car and went and grabbed him. As soon as she got to him, he knew he was in trouble b/c he laid down and put his head down. Then a creepy man stopped to ask if it was my dog and said that it didn't look like he hit the curb or anything. He seemed fine and I check his teeth, ears, and rubbed all his joints. I also pushed around a bit on his stomach and he didn't whimper or anything, so he should be fine. Needless to say, he lost the privilege of having the windows down very far. Fun times!

Oh... you thought I was going to talk about the economic bailout?

Random Ramblings and More!

2008-10-12T15:59:00.002-05:00

Wow! Where does time go? I mean, seriously... On Wednesday it will be mid-October (not to mention payday!!). I feel like it should still be the beginning of September. Time is flying by!

So, today on my drive home from school (yes, I was up there on a Sunday), I started thinking that if I used more of my brain for real stuff and less for memorizing lyrics, I could easily have my PhD by now. I went through about 4 Harry Chapin songs and did not miss a word. That's just sad, my friends. (It's sad that I know all the lyrics, not that I listen to Harry Chapin... I know what you all were thinking).

While listening (and by listening I mean singing at the top of my lungs) to Harry Chapin, I thought about how much music affects our lives and what it means to me. My chain of thoughts is very twisted and by the end of that thought, I came up with the idea to do somewhat of a blog schedule. I have been working on a list of 101 goals in 1,001 days (more information on that here.) Anyways, one of my goals is to have 500 blog posts in 1,001 days (by the way I am only up to creating about 55 goals-- it's harder than you think). So, in order to do this, I came up with this schedule type of thingy:

Monday: Music Mondays- I will share a song with you and why it is so important to me
Tuesday: Teaching Tip Tuesdays- I will share a tip I use in my classroom that works for me
Wednesday: The Word Wednesdays- I will share a Bible verse that means a lot to me or one that just stuck out
Thursday: Thinking of you Thursdays- I will pick someone from my life and do a little shout-out about why they mean so much to me
Friday: Frugal Friday- I will share with you one thing that I did during the week to save myself some money
Saturday and Sunday: Scrapbooking Saturdays or Sundays- I don't know if I will get the chance to create something each day, so one of these days I will post a scrapbooking page that I have completed

I like this idea because a lot of times I don't post because I don't really have anything to post about. If there are any other bloggers out there who want to participate in any of these days, let me know and I will link you up!

I will try to get started with this tomorrow... I already have my song picked out and everything! Yay!