So I watched Gone with the Wind again the last few days (due to the super long length of the movie) and got a completely different perspective. In high school (side note: I watched the movie in high school on VHS because my Grandma just wouldn't stop until I watched the movie haha) I hated the movie. I thought what kind of movie goes on for that long and doesn't have a happy ending? If they were made for each other why didn't they work through their problems. Well, SEVERAL years later I watch the movie again and my eyes are open to see what I feel the movie was about. You have this chick, Scarlett who is the rudest, most selfish GIRL whom does not care at all about honor and chivalry who gets what is coming to her. She treats everyone around her horribly and in the end she is alone. Due to recent events I love this ending. I am rather, well, pissed off at God right now for what has been happening in my life. I am a good person, I work hard, I try to always do the right thing, I'm a good friend, daughter and now wife and yet horrible crap keeps happening. It's like when we were going through the cancer treatments and every time something good happened right around the corner something bad. Not just with cancer, that just seemed like my last two years have been. Don't get me wrong I completely understand that I have had amazing things happen. I found and married my soul mate, my mom was able to live until my wedding, I found a school that I absolutely love and love the staff and students even more. I have started figuring out how I want the rest of my life to look. I know all of those things and I remind myself of them all the time (cue in "Favorite Things" from the Sound of Music). It's just hard when the other parts, the hard parts just seem to weigh me down more. The point is, it was nice to see in the movie how good things happened to good people and bad things happened to bad people (yes I know not for all characters just go with me on this). It was very black and white to me in Scarlett's case and sometimes it's just nice to see things that clearly. Would be wonderful if life was that way, but then again we wouldn't see the blues, greens, purples, yellows and anything else bright and happy. You have to have the darkness to appreciate the brightness right?
Sorry for the anger in this post... I didn't realize that was all going to come out. Thanks for reading folks.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Moving On
It's time to stop having a pity party and get on with some stuff that I have been wanting to do. One thing is to work through The Cake Doctor's cookbook. I am actually really excited about that because I haven't baked anything since we moved in May, which is just unheard of from me. So get ready for some pictures soon (hopefully).
Working out. I have a new rule. I have to work out three times a week. If I work out more than that, that's great but I can not work out fewer. I choose three because that's what all the doctor people say. I actually started that last week and I'm on my way this week with two so far. So I'm pretty proud of myself. I have been doing weights, and really working hard at it and then 30 minutes on the step climber thinger. Once Steven starts classes at UTD I am going to start taking classes at 24 Hour while he's at class! I'm pretty excited about that because I've never taken a class before.
Eating at home. Eating right just kind of goes with that but this summer I have been at my dad's house so much that we have only cooked at our apartment (other than grilling with friends) a handful of times. This is going to save us a TON of money, not only in food but also gas of us going to the restaurant! :-)
Walking the dogs more once the weather isn't so stinkin' hot. I used to do this all the time but this summer has been so hot and it's been so crazy I haven't been able to, which has been ok with them since they got to play over at Dad's so much but now that work is starting up so they will definitely need a nice walk but I like having that quiet time.
Being crafty! I have been crafty lately for Rachel's shower (post about that at the end of Nov. after the shower) and it really makes me want to scrapbook and DIY everything in the world! I have everything for the scrapbooks I just need time haha but I think I am going to do the bridals and rock the frock first because those aren't really thinking scrapbooks just putting cute stuff together.
Side note about being crafty: http://pinterest.com is the best freakin website ever! You pin pictures to boards and it also keeps the link so if you find something online you like (or want to make) you can put it on one of your boards and keep it forever! I absolutely love it! Plus for photography stuff it's nice to keep pictures on there to have as references and you can keep them on the go.
Another side note: I've decided I'm not going to be a professional photographer. I have just gone over what a photographers life will be like and that isn't the picture I have in mind for our future. They work on the weekends, for pretty much the whole weekend, and of course Steven and the kids will have their time off on the weekends. And I don't want to miss anything, my mom was there for EVERYTHING and that meant so much to me and I want to do that for my kids. Sooo my new plan is to work until we have kids (hopefully start trying around 28 or so) and then stay home. Maybe be a craft blogger or something. I still want to learn more about my camera and be able to take great pictures of the family and friends, like I would still love to take pictures of people, they just won't ever be as good as a professional.
Learn how to sew. Steven's Granny is an amazing seamstress and she said she'll teach me. I am hoping to learn how to make quilts as well as little kid clothes and little stuff that would be super cute.
Does anyone have any ideas about how I could make money while I stay home? I am crafty so I could do like banners and stuff on etsy, but I don't really know if the amount of money you have to ask for those is worth the hassle of doing it.
Well that was a very long blog about things that aren't really worth reading haha. But that is what I am working on right now and hopefully I will start feeling better with getting my life back. :-)
Working out. I have a new rule. I have to work out three times a week. If I work out more than that, that's great but I can not work out fewer. I choose three because that's what all the doctor people say. I actually started that last week and I'm on my way this week with two so far. So I'm pretty proud of myself. I have been doing weights, and really working hard at it and then 30 minutes on the step climber thinger. Once Steven starts classes at UTD I am going to start taking classes at 24 Hour while he's at class! I'm pretty excited about that because I've never taken a class before.
Eating at home. Eating right just kind of goes with that but this summer I have been at my dad's house so much that we have only cooked at our apartment (other than grilling with friends) a handful of times. This is going to save us a TON of money, not only in food but also gas of us going to the restaurant! :-)
Walking the dogs more once the weather isn't so stinkin' hot. I used to do this all the time but this summer has been so hot and it's been so crazy I haven't been able to, which has been ok with them since they got to play over at Dad's so much but now that work is starting up so they will definitely need a nice walk but I like having that quiet time.
Being crafty! I have been crafty lately for Rachel's shower (post about that at the end of Nov. after the shower) and it really makes me want to scrapbook and DIY everything in the world! I have everything for the scrapbooks I just need time haha but I think I am going to do the bridals and rock the frock first because those aren't really thinking scrapbooks just putting cute stuff together.
Side note about being crafty: http://pinterest.com is the best freakin website ever! You pin pictures to boards and it also keeps the link so if you find something online you like (or want to make) you can put it on one of your boards and keep it forever! I absolutely love it! Plus for photography stuff it's nice to keep pictures on there to have as references and you can keep them on the go.
Another side note: I've decided I'm not going to be a professional photographer. I have just gone over what a photographers life will be like and that isn't the picture I have in mind for our future. They work on the weekends, for pretty much the whole weekend, and of course Steven and the kids will have their time off on the weekends. And I don't want to miss anything, my mom was there for EVERYTHING and that meant so much to me and I want to do that for my kids. Sooo my new plan is to work until we have kids (hopefully start trying around 28 or so) and then stay home. Maybe be a craft blogger or something. I still want to learn more about my camera and be able to take great pictures of the family and friends, like I would still love to take pictures of people, they just won't ever be as good as a professional.
Learn how to sew. Steven's Granny is an amazing seamstress and she said she'll teach me. I am hoping to learn how to make quilts as well as little kid clothes and little stuff that would be super cute.
Does anyone have any ideas about how I could make money while I stay home? I am crafty so I could do like banners and stuff on etsy, but I don't really know if the amount of money you have to ask for those is worth the hassle of doing it.
Well that was a very long blog about things that aren't really worth reading haha. But that is what I am working on right now and hopefully I will start feeling better with getting my life back. :-)
Woman's Best Friend
Hello! Well, I had planned on posting this at the beginning of July but time flies.
During the first few weeks after mom died everyone was amazing and tried to say everything they could think of that would comfort me, would hug me when I wanted one (and some when I didn't haha) and would offer to just be with me. I want to say I appreciate all of it and I seriously can not express how much it meant to me for you, my friends, to be there for me. And I don't want what I'm about to write to make you think I didn't completely appreciate everything.
The title says it all. The dogs somehow just helped me get through it. It's like they knew something was wrong and I needed something to brighten my day. It's like they knew I didn't want to talk, I just wanted someone to cuddle with, and apparently get licked to death haha. I guess that's really all I have to say about that. :-)
Monday, June 20, 2011
Inspiration
Well, I am sitting up trying to find the words for what to say for my mom's memorial service. I am terrified of talking in front of people but I feel that she deserves to have someone stand up for her. I can hear her saying, "Now Jennifer, you don't have to do that for me." But her face would be showing how proud she is. That was my mom, never wanting to put herself first but never being able to hide how she really felt. I loved that about my mom, and honestly I think I have that a little. Where if you really know her, you know exactly what she is thinking by the expression on her face. I knew when Dad was in trouble, I knew when she was proud, I knew when she was so happy that she couldn't find the words so she would just smile. When growing up I never understood why girls would get mad at their mom's because I got along so well with mine. I always wanted her around, at school dances, when my friends would come hang out, going to the movies, anything. I think what was so great is that she didn't try so hard, she wasn't one of those mom's that tried to act like she was our age, it was very obvious that she was the adult (you will address an adult as Mrs. or Mr.). But she made it to where I wanted her around and didn't mind. I wish I had asked her the secret to that, how did she do it? Or was that just our relationship? I always say that she was my best friend and it's true. Whenever anything serious or silly happened she was always the one I wanted to call. She knew what was best but would let me make my own decisions, she let me learn right from wrong and to take the consequences that went with them. She had the kindest heart. In elementary school she was in charge of the clothes closet. This was where people would either donate their clothes or at the end of the year she would take the lost and found and they would give the clothes to kids in need. I remember all the time she would spend making sure it was organized and would talk about how much we had (and at that time it wasn't a lot) compared to others and that we should always be thankful for what we have. She donated everything. If it was not completely broken it was being donated. She didn't understand garage sales. She said she did one once and understood like estate sales for furniture and what not, but for clothes or toys or books she said she didn't want the $1 you get for them, she wanted to give them to someone who would truly want it. That's why she always did the salvation army because they completely give the clothes to people in need for free (the other places sell the items). She always made time for herself. That was something she instilled in me for when I'm a mom that you always have to make time for yourself or you can't be the mom, wife, daughter, etc. that you want to be. Every other week she got her nails done (when she died they had just been done in this bright red that she wore so well). She wouldn't give it up because that was something that made her feel pretty. She bent over backwards for her family but still made time for herself which I thought was amazing. She always knew how to talk to me in a way that didn't upset me. Like if I was raging mad at one of my sisters, she would let me yell (I'm sure with the phone 5 feet away from her ear) and then once I was done she would talk to me. Let me know when I was right and let me know when I needed to maybe (cough cough) put myself in their position and see how they are feeling. She always believed in me. I am rather hard on myself a lot (which honestly I don't know where it came from because my parents have both been very supportive and told me I could do anything and I was great at stuff) and she would always lift me up. Some of my "friends" in elementary school always tried to make me feel stupid or would make fun of my ears and she was right there to pull me out of it. She would show me things I knew and told me my ears gave me character (until I got surgery haha). It's interesting to see all of the reasons why I love my mom because a lot of them are the same things I love in Steven. I truly think, as I have since very soon after I met Steven, that God put him in my life right at that time so that I would have someone to fill that important spot in my life. Everyone needs a rock. Everyone needs someone to be by their side no matter what, tell you can do whatever you want to do, and love you unconditionally. That was my mom. And now that is my husband. I just finished the slideshow for the memorial service (with Steven's help) and what I was emotional about the most were the pictures before she got sick. Especially the ones with her and dad. She battled with pancreatic cancer for 8 years. Through college she was in remission but it was always there with check ups and tests. It's hard to think back 8 years (before I was a junior in high school) and remember her strength and happiness. Strength in this sense meaning that she wasn't sick, she was completely healthy, and happiness in that there wasn't any worry about the future. I had forgotten. I had forgotten before the pain, the hard phone calls, the doctor visits, the will she die before Thanksgiving? will she make it to my wedding? will she ever see my kids? I forgot that time. It was such a long time ago. But through those 8 years I really feel like that is what defined her character, that is what we will truly remember her for. She battled PANCREATIC cancer for 8 years. That is just unheard of. The first time she got sick she had a 4% chance to live. The second time she had a 1% chance to live past Thanksgiving and she made it two years. That was my mom, a fighter, a survivor, the strongest woman I know. Pancreatic cancer was also one of the most painful cancers to have. She let the pain show at home, but if she was out in public or at an event no one thought she was sick, she never showed it. On my wedding day she was in a lot of pain, she wouldn't tell me but as I said before, I can read her face. But no matter how much pain she was in, she stood up and danced with me at my wedding. Mom and I danced all the time. Whenever we watched one of the CSI shows we would always dance to the beginning song (especially the Miami one). Sometimes we would just crank the music in the house and jam out. That's why the dance was so important to me, it is a very distinct happy memory I have of her before she got sick. While we were dancing she put on a huge smile turned to my dad and said, "Sweetheart, I can't breathe, I need to sit down." Now remember the whole time she is smiling, so no one ever knew. The love and strength she had was absolutely amazing to me. I hope I have a little of that in me. I love you mom.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Yellow Cake with Chocolate Fudge Marshmallow Frosting
This cake was perfect! I didn't really like just box yellow cake but this was absolutely amazing. Now what I would change is that it says to immediately put the frosting on but I should have let it cool a little bit to much. Now I'm not going to type out all of the stuff for this one because there is a lot but if you want the recipe let me know and I can send it to you :-)
Almond Cake
This cake was DELICIOUS! It was actually listed as "Elegant Almond Amaretto Cake" due to this being a cake for my 5 year old nephew I had to skip the Amaretto because it wasn't going to be cooked into the cake it was going to be soaked, which means that I will be trying that version at a different time. It was also a light tasting cake, I ate it and didn't feel like I had gained 5 pounds. Here's the recipe thanks to The Cake Doctor.
For the cake:
baking spray
1 package (18.25 ounces) plain vanilla cake mix
4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 granulated (powdered) sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup of water
1/2 cup of vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon pure almond extract
4 large eggs
***if making with amaretto: 3 tablespoons amaretto or other almond liqueur for brushing the tops of the cake layers
For the frosting and garnish:
1/2 cup sliced almonds
8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, at room temperature
4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
***2 teaspoons amaretto
4 to 4 1/2 cups confectioners (sugar) sugar, sifted
Bake at 325 degrees in 3 9-in. round cake.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Survey stolen from Lara
Favorite color? blue
Favorite restaurant? hummm I would venture to say Roadhouse
Favorite snack? ice cream
Favorite hair style? I'm going with the side bang seeing as I've had them for years
Favorite jelly bean flavor? strawberry
Favorite website? etsy.com
Favorite item of clothing: for regular every day I would say comfy pj pants bur dressing up dresses :-)
Pepsi or Coke? Dr. Pepper all the way
Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate cake, vanilla ice cream
TV or Books? TV.. I wish I could be smart and say books. I love reading but there are so many other things I want to do, and I can do those things with the tv on
Staying in or going out? Yea know I thought I was a going out girl, but I think I'm a staying in kind with the occasional adventure out
High school friends or college friends? college
nail polish or natural? I like nails with polish best but am OCD about chips so I usually go without (stealing Lara's answer)
art or sports? both, for interest and for helping me get out stress
left or right handed? righty
odd socks or matching ones? matching... I can't wear odd socks
tea or coffee? neither
hot or cold? mild
Favorite country? for the ones I have visited I would say Croatia. I don't know why but when I was there it just felt like home
Dessert: everything pretty much, although the chocolate cake I just baked is smelling AWESOME
Girl's name: Evelyn Marie
Boy's name: Steven Lee
Fizzy drink: Dr. Pepper
What makes you happy? my husband, my students, my family, my dogs, taking a picture that comes out the exact way that I wanted it to, painting- canvas or pottery
What makes you sad? cancer, people who disappoint me, the crisis our nation is in (especially education)
What annoys you? a to do list to long, dirty home, smacking
What makes you sleepy? my life haha
What makes you hungry? work
Describe your ideal mate: Steven
Are they smart or silly? both
Have you ever punched someone? no, but I have slapped in elementary school
What word or phrase do you use way too much? like
What job do you have? special education teacher
What job do you want? owning my own business as a photographer
Where are you? At home
Wearing any jewelry? Aggie Ring, Engagement Ring, Wedding Band, watch
Are you spontaneous? they answer is no and if you need confirmation talk to Lauren ;-)
If you could hug anyone right now who would it be? my mom
Are you allergic to anything? penicillin and all trees, grass, fruits, vegetables
If you could do one thing for the world what would it be? have everyone understand that people with disabilities are people first and that they can do amazing things
When have you been the happiest so far in your life? my wedding day :-)
Thanks for sharing.
Favorite restaurant? hummm I would venture to say Roadhouse
Favorite snack? ice cream
Favorite hair style? I'm going with the side bang seeing as I've had them for years
Favorite jelly bean flavor? strawberry
Favorite website? etsy.com
Favorite item of clothing: for regular every day I would say comfy pj pants bur dressing up dresses :-)
Pepsi or Coke? Dr. Pepper all the way
Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate cake, vanilla ice cream
TV or Books? TV.. I wish I could be smart and say books. I love reading but there are so many other things I want to do, and I can do those things with the tv on
Staying in or going out? Yea know I thought I was a going out girl, but I think I'm a staying in kind with the occasional adventure out
High school friends or college friends? college
nail polish or natural? I like nails with polish best but am OCD about chips so I usually go without (stealing Lara's answer)
art or sports? both, for interest and for helping me get out stress
left or right handed? righty
odd socks or matching ones? matching... I can't wear odd socks
tea or coffee? neither
hot or cold? mild
Favorite country? for the ones I have visited I would say Croatia. I don't know why but when I was there it just felt like home
Dessert: everything pretty much, although the chocolate cake I just baked is smelling AWESOME
Girl's name: Evelyn Marie
Boy's name: Steven Lee
Fizzy drink: Dr. Pepper
What makes you happy? my husband, my students, my family, my dogs, taking a picture that comes out the exact way that I wanted it to, painting- canvas or pottery
What makes you sad? cancer, people who disappoint me, the crisis our nation is in (especially education)
What annoys you? a to do list to long, dirty home, smacking
What makes you sleepy? my life haha
What makes you hungry? work
Describe your ideal mate: Steven
Are they smart or silly? both
Have you ever punched someone? no, but I have slapped in elementary school
What word or phrase do you use way too much? like
What job do you have? special education teacher
What job do you want? owning my own business as a photographer
Where are you? At home
Wearing any jewelry? Aggie Ring, Engagement Ring, Wedding Band, watch
Are you spontaneous? they answer is no and if you need confirmation talk to Lauren ;-)
If you could hug anyone right now who would it be? my mom
Are you allergic to anything? penicillin and all trees, grass, fruits, vegetables
If you could do one thing for the world what would it be? have everyone understand that people with disabilities are people first and that they can do amazing things
When have you been the happiest so far in your life? my wedding day :-)
Thanks for sharing.
The Beginning of My Projects!
Well hello blog world. I have started some of my projects! I have started my 365 project (which can be seen on facebook... it would take to much work to put it on here.. especially when the three people that read this are also on facebook haha) but I do want to share my two favorites so far.
Mom went into the hospital this week. I absolutely love this picture because it caught a moment of laughter and love. These times are hard and I have to find the happy times. I also love that I am starting to understand my camera a little better. I still haven't been able to read my camera book but I have been playing with it more.
I took this at the hospital. To me this is love. Two old people, waiting for God know what, holding hands. Just being together.
Now to baking! In the next week or so I will have baked three cakes from The Cake Doctor! Once they are done I will post them on here and let you know how they went!
Mom went into the hospital this week. I absolutely love this picture because it caught a moment of laughter and love. These times are hard and I have to find the happy times. I also love that I am starting to understand my camera a little better. I still haven't been able to read my camera book but I have been playing with it more.
I took this at the hospital. To me this is love. Two old people, waiting for God know what, holding hands. Just being together.
Now to baking! In the next week or so I will have baked three cakes from The Cake Doctor! Once they are done I will post them on here and let you know how they went!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Rock the Frock
Ok.. I lied! haha I forgot the Rock the Frock! Again, these are done by http://alexmphotography.com/
The picture above makes me so happy because Steven was smashing my face with kisses and it was just way to cute!
I love these pictures because we were so relaxed. It was just like yea we are in love and taking pictures. Another perfect day :-)
The picture above makes me so happy because Steven was smashing my face with kisses and it was just way to cute!
I love these pictures because we were so relaxed. It was just like yea we are in love and taking pictures. Another perfect day :-)
The Best Day of My Life
I will start with an image from my bridals. The amazing Alex of AlexM Photography took all of my wedding images so if you are getting married or know someone who is refer them to him! You won't be sorry!
My bridals were an absolutely perfect day. My Mom had been feeling pretty terrible (due to tumors we found on her ribs) and I was really worried that she wasn't able to come but due to my mom being the strongest woman in the entire world she was able to grace me with her presence. :-) My amazing friend, Lauren, was also able to come and support me, help me and make me laugh throughout the photo session! I seriously can't thank you enough for all the help and stress that you took away knowing you would be there. :-)
Now to the wedding day! I seriously have way to many pictures to add to here but here are a few of my favorites:
This picture is priceless to me. I knew when I looked back on the stressfulness that was planning the wedding in 4 months it would all be worth it just to have mom there. To have that moment where she zipped up my dress, danced with me on the dance floor, gave me a hug before I walked down the aisle, be there for my showers, be there for my bridals, just to be there. Every moment of stress, no sleep and like I said, stress, was worth. I love you so much Mom, I hope you know how much I really do.
This is a picture from our first look. I knew I would be crazy happy about doing this and I was. In this one I got a little excited and kissed Steven even though I wasn't supposed to. :-) I will never forget that moment, the way he looked at me, the feeling of knowing I would get to be with Steven forever. It was perfect.
I freakin' love this picture. It is just way to cute!
My girls! I seriously LOVE this picture and how awesome the colors looked. I know I was in charge of that and everything, but damn it looked good! And I want to thank you girls again for everything you have done for me, with the day of the wedding and everything leading up to it. I seriously could not have done it without you! Yall were amazing!
I had to get the boys in there! Yall looked awesome and did a great job of helping out! I was very impressed and happy my husband has such amazing friends :-)
Our families! Everyone looked absolutely amazing. And everyone was so sweet!
Alright I think that's all for pictures, if you want more check out facebook :-)
For the day though. It was absolutely amazing. I was perfectly calm all day, and I really didn't think that was going to happen. haha I was just ready to see Steven all day. Nothing was going to get me down, there were little mishaps (which happens with every wedding) but in the end I knew I would get to marry Steven and that was all that mattered to me. It was absolutely perfect. That's all I can really say, it was perfect.
I will try to not keep talking about the wedding, but it's pretty hard when it's the best day of your life. :-)
My bridals were an absolutely perfect day. My Mom had been feeling pretty terrible (due to tumors we found on her ribs) and I was really worried that she wasn't able to come but due to my mom being the strongest woman in the entire world she was able to grace me with her presence. :-) My amazing friend, Lauren, was also able to come and support me, help me and make me laugh throughout the photo session! I seriously can't thank you enough for all the help and stress that you took away knowing you would be there. :-)
Now to the wedding day! I seriously have way to many pictures to add to here but here are a few of my favorites:
This picture is priceless to me. I knew when I looked back on the stressfulness that was planning the wedding in 4 months it would all be worth it just to have mom there. To have that moment where she zipped up my dress, danced with me on the dance floor, gave me a hug before I walked down the aisle, be there for my showers, be there for my bridals, just to be there. Every moment of stress, no sleep and like I said, stress, was worth. I love you so much Mom, I hope you know how much I really do.
This is a picture from our first look. I knew I would be crazy happy about doing this and I was. In this one I got a little excited and kissed Steven even though I wasn't supposed to. :-) I will never forget that moment, the way he looked at me, the feeling of knowing I would get to be with Steven forever. It was perfect.
I freakin' love this picture. It is just way to cute!
My girls! I seriously LOVE this picture and how awesome the colors looked. I know I was in charge of that and everything, but damn it looked good! And I want to thank you girls again for everything you have done for me, with the day of the wedding and everything leading up to it. I seriously could not have done it without you! Yall were amazing!
I had to get the boys in there! Yall looked awesome and did a great job of helping out! I was very impressed and happy my husband has such amazing friends :-)
Our families! Everyone looked absolutely amazing. And everyone was so sweet!
Alright I think that's all for pictures, if you want more check out facebook :-)
For the day though. It was absolutely amazing. I was perfectly calm all day, and I really didn't think that was going to happen. haha I was just ready to see Steven all day. Nothing was going to get me down, there were little mishaps (which happens with every wedding) but in the end I knew I would get to marry Steven and that was all that mattered to me. It was absolutely perfect. That's all I can really say, it was perfect.
I will try to not keep talking about the wedding, but it's pretty hard when it's the best day of your life. :-)
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Before I'm 30
Due to the big 2-5 coming up soon I have decided I want to make a Before I'm 30 List. Nothing huge, but some attainable goals. I'm rather excited about this because I do love having goals and reaching them. :-)
As for my projects going on (which will be on the list)... I found another one!
Project #4:
Pottery! I want to paint a platter for each major holiday. I went to paint a vase for the wedding and it brought back so many great memories and it just relaxes me. And now that I will know my last name I want to make a platter so that when my grandkids are having Thanksgiving with us my kids can say they have been eating turkey off that platter Grandma made since they were born. :-) Here's a picture to show what I'm thinking about:
As for my projects going on (which will be on the list)... I found another one!
Project #4:
Pottery! I want to paint a platter for each major holiday. I went to paint a vase for the wedding and it brought back so many great memories and it just relaxes me. And now that I will know my last name I want to make a platter so that when my grandkids are having Thanksgiving with us my kids can say they have been eating turkey off that platter Grandma made since they were born. :-) Here's a picture to show what I'm thinking about:
Monday, February 21, 2011
The Resurrection of My Blog
Well hello blog community! I have decided it has been way to long! Although instead of this being an outlet to write about things in my life I have projects :-), which will also touch on things in my life.
Project #1:
Take a picture a day for an entire year to work on my photography skills. This is a little late compared to many of my friends, but I finally feel like I am at a point in my life where I want to record every day and the drive to do it. I will begin on March 19, 2011. Any thoughts on why??? Well, that's the day I marry my best friend and what better day to start documenting every day other than the first day of our married life! I will update on my blog and facebook. Another note about photography will come soon. :-)
Project #2:
I have decided to start working on my baking skills. I absolutely love baking and decided I need to amp it up a bit and I found out about this amazing book from my friend Clarissa. I will make a minimum of one cake a month. My thought is one cake a month for friends. Like invite the friends over and we try out the cake, some girls night with champagne? Yes? Also, make some for family nights and my team at work.
Project #3:
This one will be done off the blog but I will be updating about it and sharing some photos I'm sure in the 365. I will be working on several scrapbooks for myself. I have made at least a dozen scrapbooks and until this past month I had not made one for myself. So my project is to make the scrapbooks I want. These are:
*Pre-Wedding (this includes from the engagement to the rehearsal dinner)
*Wedding (the wedding day)
*Dating (Steven and I's life until we got engaged)
*Bridals (my professional bridal session photographs)
*Rock the Frock (this is a photo session Steven and I are doing the day after the wedding)
*College (a scrapbook for each year I was there)
Do you see how I will be busy for a while? But I am going to make myself enjoy these and not be like a to do list.
So that's it folks. This is what the new blog will be like. I hope you will enjoy it and follow along with me on this incredible journey that I know is ahead. :-)
Project #1:
Take a picture a day for an entire year to work on my photography skills. This is a little late compared to many of my friends, but I finally feel like I am at a point in my life where I want to record every day and the drive to do it. I will begin on March 19, 2011. Any thoughts on why??? Well, that's the day I marry my best friend and what better day to start documenting every day other than the first day of our married life! I will update on my blog and facebook. Another note about photography will come soon. :-)
Project #2:
I have decided to start working on my baking skills. I absolutely love baking and decided I need to amp it up a bit and I found out about this amazing book from my friend Clarissa. I will make a minimum of one cake a month. My thought is one cake a month for friends. Like invite the friends over and we try out the cake, some girls night with champagne? Yes? Also, make some for family nights and my team at work.
Project #3:
This one will be done off the blog but I will be updating about it and sharing some photos I'm sure in the 365. I will be working on several scrapbooks for myself. I have made at least a dozen scrapbooks and until this past month I had not made one for myself. So my project is to make the scrapbooks I want. These are:
*Pre-Wedding (this includes from the engagement to the rehearsal dinner)
*Wedding (the wedding day)
*Dating (Steven and I's life until we got engaged)
*Bridals (my professional bridal session photographs)
*Rock the Frock (this is a photo session Steven and I are doing the day after the wedding)
*College (a scrapbook for each year I was there)
Do you see how I will be busy for a while? But I am going to make myself enjoy these and not be like a to do list.
So that's it folks. This is what the new blog will be like. I hope you will enjoy it and follow along with me on this incredible journey that I know is ahead. :-)
Friday, June 4, 2010
Life other than work :-)
I have decided to begin the 365 project where you take a photo every day. I wanted to do this project last year but with everything that was going on I didn't really want to document the year. :-) So I have decided that starting tomorrow, June 5, I will begin the project. I will be posting them on facebook because more people will see them that way I think. I feel it is a great way to start the project because I will be in Galveston with my girls and you know we always take great pictures. ;-)
On the Mom update: her counts went up a little this time from 139 to 147. It's not a big jump or anything but it's the first time her counts have gone up since September. The reasoning behind this is that she was off chemo for a while because the pills were making her sick a lot. She is back on them now and they said the doctor didn't seem concerned at all about the turn around. I'm sure everything will be fine it just makes me worry a little. It's unfortunate that I get worried every time something good starts happening (met the love of my life, have an amazing new job, have a summer break, Lauren and Brent are moving to Dallas) I get worried that it will all come down in a big thump. So I am going to try to stay positive and think that everything will be ok. :-)
Steven and I are doing wonderfully. It's amazing that it has only been a little over a month and a half, I feel like I have known him forever. We still talk all the time (it's pretty crazy how much we talk, and we just keep having things to talk about!) and he is the sweetest man I have ever known. We had a wonderful date night last weekend when we went to see the documentary "Exit Through the Gift Shop". It was about street artists and this crazy French guy. It was really good and we are planning on seeing another documentary about Proposition 8 when it comes out. We also went to sushi and learned more about each other. :-) I'm in love and it's wonderful. :-)
A little family drama has ensued. I don't really want to go into details on here but let's just say that I feel things are going to be a lot calmer from here on out. Call me if you want the story. ;-)
I am going to Colorado on Wednesday! Steven's niece is officially being adopted so we are going for adoption day! We are also going to hike Pike's Peak (some amazing photos for the 365 I'm sure). I am really excited to meet the other part of Steven's family.
In two weeks I leave for Oregon for my Habitat for Humanity trip! Holy cow I just realized it's in two weeks! I am starting to get a little nervous about not knowing anyone but I mean if they want to go on a Habitat for Humanity trip they can't be that bad, right? ;-)I am really looking forward to meeting the family we are going to help and seeing the scenery up there, I have heard amazing things.
As you can see my June is pretty crazy. While I am in town I am going to try to organize and see some people. Possibly try to relax? Although it's me and I'm not very good at that. July I will have a few weeks in Dallas (until the 22nd when I leave for Europe) so I will try to relax then, work on my tan. :-)
That's all for now folks. :-)
On the Mom update: her counts went up a little this time from 139 to 147. It's not a big jump or anything but it's the first time her counts have gone up since September. The reasoning behind this is that she was off chemo for a while because the pills were making her sick a lot. She is back on them now and they said the doctor didn't seem concerned at all about the turn around. I'm sure everything will be fine it just makes me worry a little. It's unfortunate that I get worried every time something good starts happening (met the love of my life, have an amazing new job, have a summer break, Lauren and Brent are moving to Dallas) I get worried that it will all come down in a big thump. So I am going to try to stay positive and think that everything will be ok. :-)
Steven and I are doing wonderfully. It's amazing that it has only been a little over a month and a half, I feel like I have known him forever. We still talk all the time (it's pretty crazy how much we talk, and we just keep having things to talk about!) and he is the sweetest man I have ever known. We had a wonderful date night last weekend when we went to see the documentary "Exit Through the Gift Shop". It was about street artists and this crazy French guy. It was really good and we are planning on seeing another documentary about Proposition 8 when it comes out. We also went to sushi and learned more about each other. :-) I'm in love and it's wonderful. :-)
A little family drama has ensued. I don't really want to go into details on here but let's just say that I feel things are going to be a lot calmer from here on out. Call me if you want the story. ;-)
I am going to Colorado on Wednesday! Steven's niece is officially being adopted so we are going for adoption day! We are also going to hike Pike's Peak (some amazing photos for the 365 I'm sure). I am really excited to meet the other part of Steven's family.
In two weeks I leave for Oregon for my Habitat for Humanity trip! Holy cow I just realized it's in two weeks! I am starting to get a little nervous about not knowing anyone but I mean if they want to go on a Habitat for Humanity trip they can't be that bad, right? ;-)I am really looking forward to meeting the family we are going to help and seeing the scenery up there, I have heard amazing things.
As you can see my June is pretty crazy. While I am in town I am going to try to organize and see some people. Possibly try to relax? Although it's me and I'm not very good at that. July I will have a few weeks in Dallas (until the 22nd when I leave for Europe) so I will try to relax then, work on my tan. :-)
That's all for now folks. :-)
DONE WITH RISD
My old school:
I am sitting in my classroom in RISD for the last time. Today is a staff development and we can not start checking out until 11am. Even though I have everything done and nothing else to do. So I have decided to write on my blog about how I am feeling about this occasion.
First off I am crazy excited to be done with this awful school.
-I won't have to walk down the hallways and say hello to people without receiving anything back (not a smile, not a hello, nothing).
-I won't have to be scared that every time I talk to my principal he is going to begin yelling or shaking when he is talking because he is so angry.
-I won't have to deal with being yelled at by students or being hit (this hasn't happened the past month or so but for the rest of the year it happened).
-I won't have to deal with the craziest bitch I have ever met in my entire life (you know who I mean without even having to say her name).
The point is I won't have to deal with everything that has come from this school.
Although there are some things to be said about what I have accomplished this year through this experience.
-I have learned I can get through anything (and I mean anything).
-I am a lot stronger than I ever thought I could be.
-There will always be rays of sunshine in the dark clouds. There have been about a handful of people here who I could turn to in hard times and who would listen. I am VERY thankful for those people.
-I still love working with kids. I see this as the biggest accomplishment from this year. I still want to be a teacher and I still want to make a difference.
My new school:
I am EXTREMELY excited about my new school. I met with my department head, Hilary, yesterday and she is AMAZING. Everyone there was so nice and excited about me joining the team. Even the general education teachers were very nice and open. I have found out that I will be working with Kindergarten (YAY!!) and my caseload should be about 5-6 kids. I will also be helping with a few older kids for support from the more severe classroom. Another wonderful tidbit about the school is that it is an inclusive school. This means that the general education teachers are comfortable having special education teachers in their classroom and most importantly welcoming to the special education kids to their classrooms. This is a really big change from this year and I am very excited to see it. I will be sharing a room with another teacher. It's not really a big deal because I will be in the general education setting so often that I will only have the kids in my room for maybe two hours a day and even then all we need is a horseshoe table.
The first two months or so of school next year is going to be crazy again with all of the trainings I have to go to to learn the Plano curriculum but I am going to be positive about it because hey I have a job and it's at a place I am going to love. Plus I will be there for a long time so it's not like I will have to do all the new teacher training stuff again anytime soon. Also, the building was so nice! There was new stuff everywhere and they had built in desks and cabinets! Oh my goodness I just can't express how excited I am about this new school. I really feel like I am going to fit in there and that I am going to make some great friends. And of course make a difference in students lives, because if that's not what you are there for you might as well go home. :-)
I think that's all on the job front. :-) YAY for a new chapter in my life! :-)
I am sitting in my classroom in RISD for the last time. Today is a staff development and we can not start checking out until 11am. Even though I have everything done and nothing else to do. So I have decided to write on my blog about how I am feeling about this occasion.
First off I am crazy excited to be done with this awful school.
-I won't have to walk down the hallways and say hello to people without receiving anything back (not a smile, not a hello, nothing).
-I won't have to be scared that every time I talk to my principal he is going to begin yelling or shaking when he is talking because he is so angry.
-I won't have to deal with being yelled at by students or being hit (this hasn't happened the past month or so but for the rest of the year it happened).
-I won't have to deal with the craziest bitch I have ever met in my entire life (you know who I mean without even having to say her name).
The point is I won't have to deal with everything that has come from this school.
Although there are some things to be said about what I have accomplished this year through this experience.
-I have learned I can get through anything (and I mean anything).
-I am a lot stronger than I ever thought I could be.
-There will always be rays of sunshine in the dark clouds. There have been about a handful of people here who I could turn to in hard times and who would listen. I am VERY thankful for those people.
-I still love working with kids. I see this as the biggest accomplishment from this year. I still want to be a teacher and I still want to make a difference.
My new school:
I am EXTREMELY excited about my new school. I met with my department head, Hilary, yesterday and she is AMAZING. Everyone there was so nice and excited about me joining the team. Even the general education teachers were very nice and open. I have found out that I will be working with Kindergarten (YAY!!) and my caseload should be about 5-6 kids. I will also be helping with a few older kids for support from the more severe classroom. Another wonderful tidbit about the school is that it is an inclusive school. This means that the general education teachers are comfortable having special education teachers in their classroom and most importantly welcoming to the special education kids to their classrooms. This is a really big change from this year and I am very excited to see it. I will be sharing a room with another teacher. It's not really a big deal because I will be in the general education setting so often that I will only have the kids in my room for maybe two hours a day and even then all we need is a horseshoe table.
The first two months or so of school next year is going to be crazy again with all of the trainings I have to go to to learn the Plano curriculum but I am going to be positive about it because hey I have a job and it's at a place I am going to love. Plus I will be there for a long time so it's not like I will have to do all the new teacher training stuff again anytime soon. Also, the building was so nice! There was new stuff everywhere and they had built in desks and cabinets! Oh my goodness I just can't express how excited I am about this new school. I really feel like I am going to fit in there and that I am going to make some great friends. And of course make a difference in students lives, because if that's not what you are there for you might as well go home. :-)
I think that's all on the job front. :-) YAY for a new chapter in my life! :-)
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Can you die from happiness?
Hello devoted readers! My topic is happiness today. It hasn't been that way in a long time so I feel it deserves an entire post. :-) I am very thankful right now for everything that is going on, not only in my life but those around me as well.
-Sarah just had something done that makes her more comfortable in her skin AND has just accepted a wonderful job offer that lets her travel to NYC and live on her own (which btw I wasn't kidding about wanting to tag along on one of those trips!).
-Rachel has found the love of her life and is about to graduate from grad school and then land an awesome job (I know you will, you are getting that job!).
-Lara is getting certified and then will be moving to Dallas (ok that last part isn't true yet but I'm working on it).
-Lauren will be moving to Dallas very soon.. I can feel it in my bones!
-And then there is of course me.. I have also found the love of my life, I have a new job lined up for August that will be absolutely amazing (because after this year.. anything will be amazing), I am going on two trips this summer (explain that in a second), and my mom is almost cancer free (her counts went down again... when she wasn't taking ANY chemo!!!)!! :-)
As you can see.. I'm a little worried I might die from happiness :-)
About the trips.. the wedding I was going to go to in Annapolis, Maryland was cancelled so we decided to cancel the trip. I was able to get all of my money back but with the flight I have credit (which hopefully I am using for the Harry Potter trip or a spring break trip). So I am now down to two trips for the summer: Oregon for Habitat for Humanity and the Mediterranean cruise with some of the family. I really can't complain seeing those two trips.. I guess that just means I can save more money for trips next year.
Ideas for places to go starting after August (because my years are still in school years):
-Harry Potter Theme Park (Florida) (most likely over Thanksgiving break)
-New York with Sarah ;-)
-Northern Italy, Austria and Switzerland (this is supposed to be Amanda's graduation present from the rents-I'm hoping it happens next summer)
-Germany
-Hawaii (this will be taken with my mom- we talked about spring break next year or the summer)
Those are the places I think could actually happen, I just need to find people who will go with me. :-) And if you would like to go on a trip and need a buddy.. I am always available :-)
-Sarah just had something done that makes her more comfortable in her skin AND has just accepted a wonderful job offer that lets her travel to NYC and live on her own (which btw I wasn't kidding about wanting to tag along on one of those trips!).
-Rachel has found the love of her life and is about to graduate from grad school and then land an awesome job (I know you will, you are getting that job!).
-Lara is getting certified and then will be moving to Dallas (ok that last part isn't true yet but I'm working on it).
-Lauren will be moving to Dallas very soon.. I can feel it in my bones!
-And then there is of course me.. I have also found the love of my life, I have a new job lined up for August that will be absolutely amazing (because after this year.. anything will be amazing), I am going on two trips this summer (explain that in a second), and my mom is almost cancer free (her counts went down again... when she wasn't taking ANY chemo!!!)!! :-)
As you can see.. I'm a little worried I might die from happiness :-)
About the trips.. the wedding I was going to go to in Annapolis, Maryland was cancelled so we decided to cancel the trip. I was able to get all of my money back but with the flight I have credit (which hopefully I am using for the Harry Potter trip or a spring break trip). So I am now down to two trips for the summer: Oregon for Habitat for Humanity and the Mediterranean cruise with some of the family. I really can't complain seeing those two trips.. I guess that just means I can save more money for trips next year.
Ideas for places to go starting after August (because my years are still in school years):
-Harry Potter Theme Park (Florida) (most likely over Thanksgiving break)
-New York with Sarah ;-)
-Northern Italy, Austria and Switzerland (this is supposed to be Amanda's graduation present from the rents-I'm hoping it happens next summer)
-Germany
-Hawaii (this will be taken with my mom- we talked about spring break next year or the summer)
Those are the places I think could actually happen, I just need to find people who will go with me. :-) And if you would like to go on a trip and need a buddy.. I am always available :-)
Friday, May 7, 2010
ABC's (Stolen from Lara)
A
- Available: nope :-)
- Age: 24 suckas
- Annoyance: People who only care about themselves.
- Animal: My baby Bear Bear :-)
B
- Beer: Haven't been able to adapt to that yet, Margaritas are my choice
- Birthday: April 15, 1986
- Best Friends: far to many to put down, and I feel very blessed for that
- Body Part on opposite sex: eyes
- Best feeling in the world: a kiss
- Best weather: bright sunny fall days (same Lara)
- Been in love: Yes
- Been on stage: Yes, but I don't like it very much (other than karaoke)
- Believe in magic: Yes
- Believe in Santa: for my nephew, yes
C
- Candy: Mi nature Reese's but only if they have a certain peanut butter texture
- Color: blue
- Chocolate/Vanilla: Ice cream- vanilla / Cake-choc late
- Chinese/Mexican: both :-)
- Cake or pie: pie
- Calculus: I wasn't to bad
- Continent to visit: Europe (and I am!)
- Cheese: all cheese.. I love cheese
D
- Day or Night: Night
- Dance in the rain: yes :-)
E
- Eyes: blue
- Everyone: is awesome?
- Ever failed a class: Oh my goodness no
F
- First thoughts waking up: Is it really time to get up?
- Food: Love it
- Favorite T.V. Show: LOST, Glee, Grey's, Private Practice, Castle, 24, Parenthood, Criminal Mind, All CSI's, The Office (although not as much lately), Bones, Fringe, The Mentalist.. I don't think I have enough shows
G
- Goals: because a wonderful educator for my students, enhance my photography skills and cook more
- Gum: Trident- the dark blue kind
- Get along with your parents: Yep, I think I'd have to move out if we didn't
- Good luck charm: my positive thoughts
H
- Hair Color: Blond.. going to work on the roots in a few weeks haha
- Height: 5'8"
- Happy: yes, I finally am :-)
- Holiday: New Year's Eve, a new beginning
- How do you want to die: When I'm old so that others won't have to suffer
I
- Ice Cream: Cookies n' Cream-Blue Bell and Strawberry Cheesecake-Coldstone
- Instrument: I am musically challenged
J
- Jewelry: I have a little to much of that.. although not nice stuff.. so if I wouldn't mind more fancy jewelry :-)
- Job: Special Education Teacher.. although the location and specific job will be changing in August :-) HOORAY!
K
- Kids: How can you not see the joy in the world when you are with children?
- Kissed: Oh hells yes
- Kickboxing or karate: I would like to try both, watching not so much
- Keep a journal: I have a blog.. I'm thinking about starting a journal
L
- Longest Car Ride: From Dallas to the top of Wisconsin and back
- Love: My family, friends, dog and life (same Lara)
- Letter: J, M or A? I guess?
- Laughed so hard you cried: yes definitely
M
- Milk flavor: Fat free (is that a flavor?)
- Movies: Oh man way to many.. the genres I like are action comedy (that's one like the Mummy), war, romantic comedies and musicals.
- Motion sickness: Unfortunately yes
- McD’s or BK: oh man defiantly McDonald's
N
- Number of Siblings: 3 sisters
- Number of Piercings: I think I had up to 5 at one time, (not including my ear lobes) now it's just the ear lobes.. I'm really missing my piercings
O
- One wish: That I can keep a positive attitude and not always feel like something bad is around the corner.
P
- Perfect Pizza: Hand tossed with cheese.. lots of cheese, chicken and basil
- Pepsi/Coke: omg neither! Dr. Pepper all the way! Although I'm trying not to drink it anymore.. makes my heart beat faster
Q
- Quail: Haven't eaten it.. at least I don't think I have.. sometimes you don't know where the meat comes from at my house haha
R
- Reason to cry: Sorrowful moments and joyous occasions
- Reality T.V.: Not a fan of the romantic ones but I like So You Think You Can Dance?
- Radio Station: several in the Dallas area, but I only listen to the music, I hate it when they start chatting
- Roll your tongue in a circle: Just tried to do it.. not sure what this is asking haha
S
- Song currently listening to: John Mayor on my Pandora
- Salad Dressing: I'm branching out but it's always on the side
- Sushi: oh heck yes
- Skipped school: no sir or ma'am
- Slept outside: in girl scouts on cots.. although I would love to now that I have started getting my allergies under control
- Shower daily: most of the time.. although when I'm sleepy before work.. I might wear a ponytail that day :-)
- Sing well: Nope but I sure love doing it
- In the shower: I clean myself?
- Strawberries/Blueberries: I love strawberries.. I don't like the texture of blueberries but I like them in things
T
- Time for bed: well... a few weeks ago the latest was 10:30 although lately it's closer to midnight (I have been very sleepy)
- Thunderstorms: LOVE! I like to sit outside and watch the storm go by.. I also sleep better when there's a storm
U
- Unpredictable: nope, I am very predictable.. although I'm working on trying to be spontaneous
V
- Vacation spot: Anywhere! (ditto Lara!)
W
- Weakness: sweets and heartfelt moments
- Which one of your friends is most likely to read this: I think Sarah keeps up with the blogs best. (I will agree with Lara on that one.. although I'm trying to keep better tabs)
- Who makes you laugh the most: All the girls when we get together (and Lara you are the sweetest!)
- Worst feeling: helplessness
- Wanted to be a model: haha yes at one point, my mom was a model so we went to an agency, but I didn't want my parents to spend that much money on something that wasn't a passion of mine
- Where do we go when we die: wherever God is
- Worst Weather: Unbearably hot and humid (ditto Lara!)
- Work out? I used to have a pretty good routine.. hopefully the good weather will get me and Bear back in the swing of things
X
-X-Rays: anyone remember that car accident? oh yea and that concussion I got? How did that happen again? ;-)
Y
-Year it is now: 2010
-Yellow: happy
Z
- Zoo animal: white tiger.. although it shouldn't be in the zoo haha
LAST PERSON WHO…
You went to the mall with? I'm going with Rachel tomorrow
You went to dinner with? Steven :-)
You talked to on the phone? Mom
Made you laugh? One of my students
Hugged you? Steven
Said they loved you? Steven again
You cried over? Steven (they were happy tears)
- Available: nope :-)
- Age: 24 suckas
- Annoyance: People who only care about themselves.
- Animal: My baby Bear Bear :-)
B
- Beer: Haven't been able to adapt to that yet, Margaritas are my choice
- Birthday: April 15, 1986
- Best Friends: far to many to put down, and I feel very blessed for that
- Body Part on opposite sex: eyes
- Best feeling in the world: a kiss
- Best weather: bright sunny fall days (same Lara)
- Been in love: Yes
- Been on stage: Yes, but I don't like it very much (other than karaoke)
- Believe in magic: Yes
- Believe in Santa: for my nephew, yes
C
- Candy: Mi nature Reese's but only if they have a certain peanut butter texture
- Color: blue
- Chocolate/Vanilla: Ice cream- vanilla / Cake-choc late
- Chinese/Mexican: both :-)
- Cake or pie: pie
- Calculus: I wasn't to bad
- Continent to visit: Europe (and I am!)
- Cheese: all cheese.. I love cheese
D
- Day or Night: Night
- Dance in the rain: yes :-)
E
- Eyes: blue
- Everyone: is awesome?
- Ever failed a class: Oh my goodness no
F
- First thoughts waking up: Is it really time to get up?
- Food: Love it
- Favorite T.V. Show: LOST, Glee, Grey's, Private Practice, Castle, 24, Parenthood, Criminal Mind, All CSI's, The Office (although not as much lately), Bones, Fringe, The Mentalist.. I don't think I have enough shows
G
- Goals: because a wonderful educator for my students, enhance my photography skills and cook more
- Gum: Trident- the dark blue kind
- Get along with your parents: Yep, I think I'd have to move out if we didn't
- Good luck charm: my positive thoughts
H
- Hair Color: Blond.. going to work on the roots in a few weeks haha
- Height: 5'8"
- Happy: yes, I finally am :-)
- Holiday: New Year's Eve, a new beginning
- How do you want to die: When I'm old so that others won't have to suffer
I
- Ice Cream: Cookies n' Cream-Blue Bell and Strawberry Cheesecake-Coldstone
- Instrument: I am musically challenged
J
- Jewelry: I have a little to much of that.. although not nice stuff.. so if I wouldn't mind more fancy jewelry :-)
- Job: Special Education Teacher.. although the location and specific job will be changing in August :-) HOORAY!
K
- Kids: How can you not see the joy in the world when you are with children?
- Kissed: Oh hells yes
- Kickboxing or karate: I would like to try both, watching not so much
- Keep a journal: I have a blog.. I'm thinking about starting a journal
L
- Longest Car Ride: From Dallas to the top of Wisconsin and back
- Love: My family, friends, dog and life (same Lara)
- Letter: J, M or A? I guess?
- Laughed so hard you cried: yes definitely
M
- Milk flavor: Fat free (is that a flavor?)
- Movies: Oh man way to many.. the genres I like are action comedy (that's one like the Mummy), war, romantic comedies and musicals.
- Motion sickness: Unfortunately yes
- McD’s or BK: oh man defiantly McDonald's
N
- Number of Siblings: 3 sisters
- Number of Piercings: I think I had up to 5 at one time, (not including my ear lobes) now it's just the ear lobes.. I'm really missing my piercings
O
- One wish: That I can keep a positive attitude and not always feel like something bad is around the corner.
P
- Perfect Pizza: Hand tossed with cheese.. lots of cheese, chicken and basil
- Pepsi/Coke: omg neither! Dr. Pepper all the way! Although I'm trying not to drink it anymore.. makes my heart beat faster
Q
- Quail: Haven't eaten it.. at least I don't think I have.. sometimes you don't know where the meat comes from at my house haha
R
- Reason to cry: Sorrowful moments and joyous occasions
- Reality T.V.: Not a fan of the romantic ones but I like So You Think You Can Dance?
- Radio Station: several in the Dallas area, but I only listen to the music, I hate it when they start chatting
- Roll your tongue in a circle: Just tried to do it.. not sure what this is asking haha
S
- Song currently listening to: John Mayor on my Pandora
- Salad Dressing: I'm branching out but it's always on the side
- Sushi: oh heck yes
- Skipped school: no sir or ma'am
- Slept outside: in girl scouts on cots.. although I would love to now that I have started getting my allergies under control
- Shower daily: most of the time.. although when I'm sleepy before work.. I might wear a ponytail that day :-)
- Sing well: Nope but I sure love doing it
- In the shower: I clean myself?
- Strawberries/Blueberries: I love strawberries.. I don't like the texture of blueberries but I like them in things
T
- Time for bed: well... a few weeks ago the latest was 10:30 although lately it's closer to midnight (I have been very sleepy)
- Thunderstorms: LOVE! I like to sit outside and watch the storm go by.. I also sleep better when there's a storm
U
- Unpredictable: nope, I am very predictable.. although I'm working on trying to be spontaneous
V
- Vacation spot: Anywhere! (ditto Lara!)
W
- Weakness: sweets and heartfelt moments
- Which one of your friends is most likely to read this: I think Sarah keeps up with the blogs best. (I will agree with Lara on that one.. although I'm trying to keep better tabs)
- Who makes you laugh the most: All the girls when we get together (and Lara you are the sweetest!)
- Worst feeling: helplessness
- Wanted to be a model: haha yes at one point, my mom was a model so we went to an agency, but I didn't want my parents to spend that much money on something that wasn't a passion of mine
- Where do we go when we die: wherever God is
- Worst Weather: Unbearably hot and humid (ditto Lara!)
- Work out? I used to have a pretty good routine.. hopefully the good weather will get me and Bear back in the swing of things
X
-X-Rays: anyone remember that car accident? oh yea and that concussion I got? How did that happen again? ;-)
Y
-Year it is now: 2010
-Yellow: happy
Z
- Zoo animal: white tiger.. although it shouldn't be in the zoo haha
LAST PERSON WHO…
You went to the mall with? I'm going with Rachel tomorrow
You went to dinner with? Steven :-)
You talked to on the phone? Mom
Made you laugh? One of my students
Hugged you? Steven
Said they loved you? Steven again
You cried over? Steven (they were happy tears)
Thursday, April 29, 2010
NEW JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HOLY COW!!!!! I have a new job for next year!!!! I am going to be working in Plano ISD in West Plano! It will be a resource position and I will have two grades on my caseload, one from the upper grades (3-5) and one from lower (K-2). I am REALLY excited!!! The principal and people there were extremely nice and when I had my interview it felt like I had already known them for years. I am extremely excited! Next fall is going to be insane learning all of the different programs but hey if I can get through this year I can do anything. :-) Another little side note is that I am getting back from the Mediterranean cruise on Sat. Aug. 7 and I thought I would have to start work on Monday but Plano doesn't start new teacher orientation until Wednesday!! More great news!! Maybe I can actually recover in that amount of time! :-)
Things are really looking up. I have a job next year that will be amazing (even on the rough days it will be pure bliss because I have this year to compare it to). I am on cloud 9 with Steven and climbing higher. I have amazing friends that are there for me through anything and everything. My family is healthy. Oh man, I am just full of joy right now, just plain joy.
:-)
Things are really looking up. I have a job next year that will be amazing (even on the rough days it will be pure bliss because I have this year to compare it to). I am on cloud 9 with Steven and climbing higher. I have amazing friends that are there for me through anything and everything. My family is healthy. Oh man, I am just full of joy right now, just plain joy.
:-)
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
The Weekend/ Eythan
Hello blog world! This weekend was WONDERFUL. Lauren came in town and we got to have time with just the two of us and we both think that hasn't really happened since we lived together. It was really nice to be able to talk with one another. I can't tell you how much you mean to me girl, thank you for always being such a wonderful friend. :-)
I have been on Operation Eythan since Sat. morning. Sophia and Rick went out of town for the terrazzo convention and asked if I could watch my nephew, and of course I did. It's actually been a lot of fun. Lauren and I took him to Chuckie Cheese on Saturday and it was a blast! We went there for his birthday a few weeks ago but it was still cute to see him just run from one game to the next to the next haha. Over all I've been really tired but it's been great to hang out with just him and me. We have done that for babysitting and what not but not for this long. It makes me excited for what is to come in ten years or so.
I am extremely happy right now and this is based upon a certain person. We met a little over a week ago. His name is Steven and he's Rachel's boyfriends best friend. I'm not going to go into all of the details right now but let's just say I have never felt this way before and we have EVERYTHING in common, and I'm not kidding on the everything, we keep saying that we are the same person because we agree on everything from politics to religion to every day comments. :-) I had a freak out moment on Thursday but everything is fine now, I just realized I would rather be scared with him than sad without him. You can't meet a person like him and just walk away, it's just not possible. :-) Ok.. I'm going to stop now or this blog is going to be waaaaayyy to long.
Pandora: I started playing Pandora in my classroom a few months ago to help have a calming atmosphere. (I play classical music.) I have now put on my own station for lunch time and after school and it's pretty awesome. I am finding some new songs that I'm going to add to my repertoire. Also, I did not know that Harry Connic Jr. sang. He has an amazing voice. I am rather impressed because I always think he is so goofy and his voice definitely is not.
That is all for today. Have a wonderful whatever time of day you are reading this! :-)
I have been on Operation Eythan since Sat. morning. Sophia and Rick went out of town for the terrazzo convention and asked if I could watch my nephew, and of course I did. It's actually been a lot of fun. Lauren and I took him to Chuckie Cheese on Saturday and it was a blast! We went there for his birthday a few weeks ago but it was still cute to see him just run from one game to the next to the next haha. Over all I've been really tired but it's been great to hang out with just him and me. We have done that for babysitting and what not but not for this long. It makes me excited for what is to come in ten years or so.
I am extremely happy right now and this is based upon a certain person. We met a little over a week ago. His name is Steven and he's Rachel's boyfriends best friend. I'm not going to go into all of the details right now but let's just say I have never felt this way before and we have EVERYTHING in common, and I'm not kidding on the everything, we keep saying that we are the same person because we agree on everything from politics to religion to every day comments. :-) I had a freak out moment on Thursday but everything is fine now, I just realized I would rather be scared with him than sad without him. You can't meet a person like him and just walk away, it's just not possible. :-) Ok.. I'm going to stop now or this blog is going to be waaaaayyy to long.
Pandora: I started playing Pandora in my classroom a few months ago to help have a calming atmosphere. (I play classical music.) I have now put on my own station for lunch time and after school and it's pretty awesome. I am finding some new songs that I'm going to add to my repertoire. Also, I did not know that Harry Connic Jr. sang. He has an amazing voice. I am rather impressed because I always think he is so goofy and his voice definitely is not.
That is all for today. Have a wonderful whatever time of day you are reading this! :-)
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Best Birthday EVER
Hello internet world! I had the best birthday weekend ever. It really all started on Wednesday with celebrating Sophia's birthday (we have the same birthday) at her house. It was really nice to all get together for dinner and just sit and chat. Sophia and Rick got me pillows!! I know that's lame but I have been needing new pillows for a long time.
Thursday (my actual birthday) we went to eat sushi and my parent's surprised me for my birthday cake to go to the Rose Tattoo (VERY nice place- the chef is awesome) and have a slice of his amaretto cheesecake. TO DIE FOR! After that it was just a lazy night with my shows but it was nice to have the relaxation.
Friday I had an interview in Allen that went really well and I actually got a second interview for next week. That night I was able to hang out with the beautiful and intelligent Rachel Yedlowski. We had a really great night filled with our normal Olive Garden and movie. (side note: Date Night was really good! Based on the previews it didn't look very good but it was actually one of the best I've seen in a while. Full of action and heart felt moments. My kind of movie.) After that I was able to meet her boyfriend Charles and his room mate Steven. We had a great night laughing and getting to know each other.
Saturday was crazy! I had a screening interview in Lewisville (you had to be invited to it) which went really well. They asked the same questions as last year so I was prepared and felt a lot more comfortable. It's crazy looking back on a year ago when I did that. It was my first interview and I drove away balling because I had been so nervous and thinking I wouldn't find a job. It's amazing what 525, 600 minutes can do. After that I went on a pub crawl in Uptown for Crawl for Cancer. I actually went with people I have never met before! It's my sister's client's son and his friends. It was great to meet new people and I did not partake in the festivities because it was all beer and I was going out that night. I was rather proud of myself for having the guts to go out with people I have never met for five hours. Go me! Soooo that night! We went to The Quarter in Addison for my birthday because they have karaoke and holy cow it was awesome! I had almost all of my Dallas (of course missing people in different towns) friends there and my older sisters and brothers and it was just amazing for everyone to finally be able to meet each other and sing at the top of our lungs (I finally got my voice back Monday). The only thing I'm sad about it that I didn't get pictures of everyone (I know, me!). I was just having to much fun. :-)
I want to thank everyone that wished me a happy birthday and was part of me turning 24. I love all of you and could not make it through life without you by my side. Thank you!
Thursday (my actual birthday) we went to eat sushi and my parent's surprised me for my birthday cake to go to the Rose Tattoo (VERY nice place- the chef is awesome) and have a slice of his amaretto cheesecake. TO DIE FOR! After that it was just a lazy night with my shows but it was nice to have the relaxation.
Friday I had an interview in Allen that went really well and I actually got a second interview for next week. That night I was able to hang out with the beautiful and intelligent Rachel Yedlowski. We had a really great night filled with our normal Olive Garden and movie. (side note: Date Night was really good! Based on the previews it didn't look very good but it was actually one of the best I've seen in a while. Full of action and heart felt moments. My kind of movie.) After that I was able to meet her boyfriend Charles and his room mate Steven. We had a great night laughing and getting to know each other.
Saturday was crazy! I had a screening interview in Lewisville (you had to be invited to it) which went really well. They asked the same questions as last year so I was prepared and felt a lot more comfortable. It's crazy looking back on a year ago when I did that. It was my first interview and I drove away balling because I had been so nervous and thinking I wouldn't find a job. It's amazing what 525, 600 minutes can do. After that I went on a pub crawl in Uptown for Crawl for Cancer. I actually went with people I have never met before! It's my sister's client's son and his friends. It was great to meet new people and I did not partake in the festivities because it was all beer and I was going out that night. I was rather proud of myself for having the guts to go out with people I have never met for five hours. Go me! Soooo that night! We went to The Quarter in Addison for my birthday because they have karaoke and holy cow it was awesome! I had almost all of my Dallas (of course missing people in different towns) friends there and my older sisters and brothers and it was just amazing for everyone to finally be able to meet each other and sing at the top of our lungs (I finally got my voice back Monday). The only thing I'm sad about it that I didn't get pictures of everyone (I know, me!). I was just having to much fun. :-)
I want to thank everyone that wished me a happy birthday and was part of me turning 24. I love all of you and could not make it through life without you by my side. Thank you!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Reflection on the year of 23
Well, with it being my birthday and all I feel I should write a post reflecting on the past years events. Although a lot has not gone well or according to plan I will try to put a positive spin on things. A few weeks (2 or 3) after my birthday is when we found out my mom's cancer was back. A week after that I graduated from college. Two months after that I started my first real job. A lot of transition and life events happening. I look back on those months and they are really just a blur. I think I was just trying to make it day to day. Get by in the best way I could.
I have paused and I'm really trying to think of a way to not have this be a completely depressing post, and I don't really know how to spin it. The only thing I can think of is that I am a lot stronger than I thought I was. I knew I was strong, very strong, because of everything else I have gone through in my life. But I really didn't think I would make it this year. There were several times I thought about just quiting my job and giving up on teaching. But I didn't, I stuck through it. I stuck through the concussion, the two months of restraining from 8-3, being put on administrative leave for things I didn't do, and working with the person who tried to get me fired. I did it. I made it. I even think I did it pretty well. There were awful days. A lot of days I would just come home crying and go to sleep because I just didn't want to think about having to do it all again the next day. But now looking back I can't believe I made it. I really made it. And I still want to teach, I still love kids, and I still want to make a difference, and I know that I can.
God. This has been a difficult subject for me the past year. And I think I am finally ready to talk about Him. He has royally pissed me off this year. I feel like I have always been a good servant, have tried to be the example of Christ He wants me to be. I always ask Him what he wants of me and I try to follow through with what I think He wants. Here is the problem. I prayed a lot about which job I should take this year. And I really felt at peace with that He wanted me to work at the school I am at. So this brings up two things. Either this is where He wanted me to be and for some reason wanted me to go through the hell I have gone through this year. Or that is not what He was saying and I don't know how to listen to Him. I have never stopped believing He is there. And I am sure He has been watching me this whole time struggling and wanting to help. But I just don't get it. Because if He wanted me to go through this year my big question is WHY? I have been through enough events to say that I am strong, I can make it through anything. Was this another story that I can tell people to strengthen their relationship with God because it will (I am no where near having it strong right now but I'm sure eventually it will get there- just don't the path right now to get to that place) strengthen mine. Or was I just not listening correctly? Which makes me think was I really listening or just making up stuff? I know He is there, I can't see the beauty in the world and the stars in the sky and the love in people's hearts to see that something larger than science has made all of this. I'm just so angry with what has happened and why it has happened. And I don't know if I will ever get an answer. I just don't know why so many people have to suffer in this world. To be honest I would rather have pure bliss and no free will then to have all of the pain I have had. That has been weighing on me for a while so thank you blog space for letting me get it out there. There is no real answer or specific response that I want. Just kind of putting it out there and hoping for an answer at some point in my life.
Another topic from this year is friends. I could not have made it this year without them by my side. With every catastrophic event always brings the realization of how matters the most to you and who you matter the most to. I am very happy to say that this go around and I have realized that all of the friends I have are the ones I thought they were. :-)I really can't express how much it has meant to me, and I know I just said this but I REALLY could NOT have made it without you. And if you are reading this blog than you are definitely one of those people. :-) Love you guys.
The only conclusion I can come to from the year of being 23 is that I am a beast. ;-) I have amazing friends and family. And that next year can only get better. :-)
I have paused and I'm really trying to think of a way to not have this be a completely depressing post, and I don't really know how to spin it. The only thing I can think of is that I am a lot stronger than I thought I was. I knew I was strong, very strong, because of everything else I have gone through in my life. But I really didn't think I would make it this year. There were several times I thought about just quiting my job and giving up on teaching. But I didn't, I stuck through it. I stuck through the concussion, the two months of restraining from 8-3, being put on administrative leave for things I didn't do, and working with the person who tried to get me fired. I did it. I made it. I even think I did it pretty well. There were awful days. A lot of days I would just come home crying and go to sleep because I just didn't want to think about having to do it all again the next day. But now looking back I can't believe I made it. I really made it. And I still want to teach, I still love kids, and I still want to make a difference, and I know that I can.
God. This has been a difficult subject for me the past year. And I think I am finally ready to talk about Him. He has royally pissed me off this year. I feel like I have always been a good servant, have tried to be the example of Christ He wants me to be. I always ask Him what he wants of me and I try to follow through with what I think He wants. Here is the problem. I prayed a lot about which job I should take this year. And I really felt at peace with that He wanted me to work at the school I am at. So this brings up two things. Either this is where He wanted me to be and for some reason wanted me to go through the hell I have gone through this year. Or that is not what He was saying and I don't know how to listen to Him. I have never stopped believing He is there. And I am sure He has been watching me this whole time struggling and wanting to help. But I just don't get it. Because if He wanted me to go through this year my big question is WHY? I have been through enough events to say that I am strong, I can make it through anything. Was this another story that I can tell people to strengthen their relationship with God because it will (I am no where near having it strong right now but I'm sure eventually it will get there- just don't the path right now to get to that place) strengthen mine. Or was I just not listening correctly? Which makes me think was I really listening or just making up stuff? I know He is there, I can't see the beauty in the world and the stars in the sky and the love in people's hearts to see that something larger than science has made all of this. I'm just so angry with what has happened and why it has happened. And I don't know if I will ever get an answer. I just don't know why so many people have to suffer in this world. To be honest I would rather have pure bliss and no free will then to have all of the pain I have had. That has been weighing on me for a while so thank you blog space for letting me get it out there. There is no real answer or specific response that I want. Just kind of putting it out there and hoping for an answer at some point in my life.
Another topic from this year is friends. I could not have made it this year without them by my side. With every catastrophic event always brings the realization of how matters the most to you and who you matter the most to. I am very happy to say that this go around and I have realized that all of the friends I have are the ones I thought they were. :-)I really can't express how much it has meant to me, and I know I just said this but I REALLY could NOT have made it without you. And if you are reading this blog than you are definitely one of those people. :-) Love you guys.
The only conclusion I can come to from the year of being 23 is that I am a beast. ;-) I have amazing friends and family. And that next year can only get better. :-)
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