My next week in pictures...

Today:

Sunday:

Monday:

Tuesday:

Wednesday:

Irvington, VA

Thursday:

Friday:

Not one to miss out on a good opportunity....

I am totally stealing this from BitP and a few other blogger friends, I am aiming to get some free Holiday cards from Shutterfly.com. YOU CAN TOO! Share on Twitter, Facebook, and in a post: Bloggers get 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly… sign up: http://bit.ly/sfly2010!!!

As I mentioned in my previous post, I am planning on moving by the end of the month and with a new roommate. I'll save the details of the new roommate but I was thinking what a fun way to start off living together by having Christmas cards together. We actually just took a very fabulous picture together this past Friday and we're all gussied up and it would be perfect. So I was thinking I would get one of the following for our Holiday/We just moved card!! 50 free cards would be a great starting place!

This one would be perfect with the colors in the picture we took. I love simple cards. Also, thanks to my sister, I've tended to veer towards non-Merry Christmas cards and gone to more of the over all "Happy Holiday" sentiment. {so, for those non-Christmas cards, check out some Hanukkah cards, too, at http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/hanukkah-cards}

Now the one above I like because it's simple but what a cute saying!! I'm going to use that all the time now! I love picture cards SO much more than plain cards and though more expensive, I do appreciate when cards are folded like the above one because then I can set them on the mantle or hang them along a string on display. And what a stinkin' cute baby! {http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery}

This one just might be my overall favorite card; but I'll be honest, it might just be because I want this little boy to be my future child. Blonde, shaggy, wearing a polo, got a little smirk, he's got it going on.... http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards

So check out the links and get some free cards too! Can't hurt to spread the word! Thanks to Shutterfly.com for this fabulous opportunity and to all of you for reading. The past few years my sister has helped the mother do X-mas cards and we have used Shutterfly for other things and it always impresses me how fast, reliable, and good quality their products are. Some things really are what they claim to be; how refreshing :)

Happy (beginning to the) Holidays!!!

The times they are a'changin'

Wow.....

Since August:

New job

Ended the relationship

Little Bro turned 20

Sister still in Africa

Moving out

New roommate

And that's only 2 months.....

Who knows where the next 2 months will find me.

Teacher note: I have left my comfort zone of Kindergarten and moved on up! I am now teaching 1st grade after 4 years in Kindergarten. Not only did I change grade levels, but I'm also at a different (year round!!) school. I have a VERY challenging class which in the 13 school days I have been there have given me the flu, almost broken my hand (on purpose), literally affected my blood pressure, and made me rethink teaching. I NEVER thought I would have to defend and argue with other teachers about how I have to be ''naive'', I have to think I can change the world one child at a time. If I didn't have that little nugget of hope, I wouldn't get through the day. But in the past 3 weeks, I have cried on the phone to my mother more times than I can remember about how lost and unprepared I already feel with this class. They had a teacher quit on them when they needed stability more than anything and they do not respect a single adult in that building mostly because every day one of them asks me when I plan on leaving them. It breaks my heart, but it doesn't shock me. We have made baby steps, and I see the kind of class they can be.

Some things that have really helped:

Music - Greg and Steve as found on grooveshark.com (totally check out this website!). We have a very active class and before any transition (going to specials, before lunch, assemblies, the library, even when we're about to go outside) we play a song that gets our wiggles out. Thank God for music and childrens' love of dancing.

Fuzzies - This is a gem that I stole from a teacher I worked with at my last school. We have a 'fuzzy jar' and whenever I think as a class they are doing something wonderful they get a fuzzy. Whenever they are given a compliment by another teacher or student or any adult such as "What a nice quiet line" or "They were great today in Art"; they get a fuzzy. They have really taken to compliments and I see them giving each other compliments without me prompting them! I love seeing good manners in young children because unfortunately it seems so rare these days. I like the tangible idea of a fuzzy (ya know, those little puff balls) and it makes me think of warm fuzzies. So when they fill the fuzzy jar, we get to have a little celebration. It could be having a pajama day, popcorn for snack, Magic School Bus video, etc. A good class bonding activity. This certainly isn't a new concept, you can even buy a pre-made kit: http://www.reallygoodstuff.com/product/warm+fuzzy+jar+kit.do

But I like mine..

2 Dollar store bags of fuzzies: $2

a jar from my pantry: recycled sauce jar, about $2

Teaching kids the great feeling from earning, receiving, or giving a compliment: priceless

I'm a happy girl....

I'm heading to the beach today and will be back on Saturday. One guess who is taking me!!! We've been doing great and I'm so excited to get to spend this time with the boy. And get this; I'll be meeting the mother! Can't wait to come back and tell you all about it, but lot's to do before hitting the road.

So late this afternoon, I'll be sitting on the back porch with an adult beverage looking out to this...........

And this evening I can't wait to snuggle up and watch this......

(Both pictures taken by Bboy from the house!!!)

Summer Reading

I have started reading Pat Conroy's 'South of Broad'. I have loved his other books, especially "Prince of Tides" and "Beach Music". But I wanted to share one passage that I just adored.

"Sometimes a woman needs flowers, Leo. Sometimes she needs a massage, or to hold hands, or to cuddle. Sometimes she needs to call an old friend she hasn't talked to for years, or read a trashy book with a lot of dirt thrown in. Sometimes a woman needs to get laid. Or run a mile, or play three sets of tennis. But then there are nights like this one, nights when a woman needs to get drunk".

Surprise!

Top favorite things from the past two days:

Bboy getting off of work at 11pm on Wednesday and driving through an awful storm to come see me at a moment's notice.

Dancing in the kitchen until 4am listening to every random song we could think of.

Billy Joel's Scenes from and Italian restaurant :)

Traditional hangover at the corner table at Courtney's; my new favorite place to have breakfast.

Snuggling while watching movies.

Late night fabulous conversations with TWF.

Trail running in Umstead Park. I have a new favorite place to run (walk). My entire body is sore. Perhaps because BBoy is a far better athlete than I could ever imagine being, and he definitely pushed me through the whole thing. But it feels great.

Least favorite thing about the past 2 days:
Saying goodbye until...............................

Thanks a lot Hollywood

Are we ruined by Hollywood and it's stories? I don't think we're ruined, but they sure as hell have me confused. The perceptions we have of how romance is supposed to be is completely corrupted by Hollywood. We're supposed to lock eyes and just know. We're supposed to feel and see fireworks. Yet we say "that only happens in the movies". So when it really happens, why do we let it scare us. How do we know when to fight for it because it's worth it, or not to fight just to fight because high drama is what sells a story. Bboy is a wonderful and amazing person, and even he has said how much he has seen a change in me the past month we've known each other. He says there is this glow about me that he didn't used to see. He knows and understands parts of me that I never even understood. When I'm not with him or talking to him I'm thinking about him and wondering when I'll see him again. When I am with him all I want to do is be near him, touch him, even if it's just our fingers. Yet the mere presence of the past coupled with geographical distance, I'm finding a part of my world crumbling around me. I'm angry, I'm hurt, I'm dissapointed. Do I fight for it. But damnit, isn't it supposed to happen if it's supposed to happen?? Is he backing out because it's difficult? Or is he being smart? Or is he backing out at all?? I know this is so incredibly cryptic and completely negative and I'm sorry. But my world has people in it that say they love me and want the best for me, and sometimes I believe them. Yet why are they not genuinely happy for me? Why do they always find the negative, the wrong, the bad, the eventual end? Screw circumstances, screw the past, look and live now. Be happy. Be happy in your life and be happy for me. I just want to scream outloud how much my heart is aching right now because I know what it could be like to be happy, genuinely and beautifully happy. It isn't a perfect happiness, it isn't an easy happiness, but to have that last call of the day; someone who even at the end of their horrible day calls and makes me laugh. I look in the mirror and wonder if it's me; am I making this so incredibly more difficult and confusing on myself? Nah, it's a whole lot easier to blame someone else. And well, I'll just blame Hollywood. I know Hollywood won't take it personally, they aren't holding on to the past, and they certainly won't interfere on purpose. They're just happy if they make me laugh, cry, sing, dance, and sometimes, they make me do it all at once.

"just so we're even"

Just had to share this little story. Bman(really need to get a new name) is at the beach with his family and one of his best friends joined them for the week. Since we are still a fledgling whatever we are, the idea of bringing me to the beach where his mother was, well, I saw the panic in his eyes and I said FEAR NOT. BUT, it was raining yesterday at the beach and just gorgeous here and I was sitting at the pool with KR (bestest neighbor ever) for about 5 hours. I sent him the classic picture of my view point including my legs and the pool and the beautiful blue sky. Apparently he didn't appreciate that very, and wanted a picture from the waste up (if you know what I mean), seeing how I was in a bathing suit. WELL, I am not that kind of girl, but I'm all high on endorphins of lovey dovey whatever, so I did it.. As soon as I pushed send on my phone I immediately regretted it and was annoyed with myself. He must have sensed that and after a long luxurious dip in the pool trying to forget how silly I'd just been, I come back to my phone and there is a picture of him, from the waste up, with the caption... "just so we're even".

How can someone you've known barely a month know you so well?

Bless MY heart

So throughout my blogging time there has been a smattering of boy talk. There have been very hopeful highs and then quickly deleted lows. Right now, you could say I'm floating up there around a pretty decent high. I met a boy. He is smart, handsome, tall!, soo funny, so sweet and caring, beyond sincere and honest, and I'm pretty sure he likes me too. We've only gone on a few dates and they may not seem grand or utterly romantic, but I never knew what it was like to have 2 people so at ease and on the same wavelength. Our first 'date' was to see 'Oceans', the Disney version of Planet Earth type stuff. I was a little nervous, it was a group setting and to be honest wasn't entirely sure if this was a 'date' or not. But he made a point to sit next to me and my skin was absolutely on fire every time our arms would touch. There was one point in the film, you definitely had to be there, but we both turned to each other at the exact same moment and made the same joke. We couldn't stop laughing for a few minutes and I know we annoyed some around us. I was giddy. He later admitted it was at this point he wanted to kiss me and couldn't focus on the rest of the movie.. awwwww.. He doesn't live in Raleigh, so I wasn't sure when we'd be able to get together again, but as a teacher on summer break, it helps that I'm about as flexible as it can get. About a week after our first 'date', he calls me one morning after we were on the phone until the wee hours of the morning, and says, "I'll be in town at this time and we're going to see this movie at this time after dinner... I'll pick you up". Perhaps cuz I'm just not used to guys liking me and actually taking me out, I didn't pick up on the whole fact that he was driving an hour and a half to Raleigh, just for me, had made no plans with any of his friends or family, and didn't plan on making them. And what movie was he taking me to see; Toy Story 3!! I had been whining incessantly about how all the kids I know had already seen it and I really wanted to. So we went :) and it was cute and we held hands the whole time and when my eyes kinda teared up at the end, well, it was just cute, ok. Then, the next day, when all my walls really started crumbling, he took me to meet his dog (that his dad now takes care of), and after meeting Buddy, he said we have another stop! We were going to the SPCA to play with puppies. Some of you may be gagging, some of you may be saying 'awwwwww', and I'm right in the middle, hahaha. I had the best time and I think we were so ourselves during our time there, rolling around playing, picking our favorite dogs, and in the end I was almost worried we were coming home with our first son, an all white puppy we named Sam. This may sound all good and dandy, but it's hard with our pasts never seeming to get away from us and not living in the same town, but we have both acknowledged this and I'm doing my best to be fun and flexible. It's hard for me, real hard, you have no idea... because I like him a whole lot, a lot a lot, and that's scary as hell. But for now, he is my new man friend, and we shall call him B Boy (I don't love the name, but I can't think of anything else now, so deal).

F-unemployed

Yep, that's what I've been this summer.. NOT unemployed, Funemployed..

So that's why I had to get my act together, get to the pool, get some tanning on and some highlights in the hair because for being funemployed I was looking AND feeling a little washed out. I have had some great alone time at the pool, alone time with my thoughts and getting my head straight and other things just figured out. (on a random LIVE sidenote, I'm sitting here at my dining room table in shorts and a bikini top and some guy drove by in his truck and was definitely just staring at me and then waved... damn, I always forget people can see me...) So I'm getting ready to head back to the pool because come the weekend it's just way too crowded, as in, other people might actually be there. I have loved being alone in my little oasis. This is all thanks to BitP. She may not know it but this is exactly what I needed and though I wish more than anything she could take a little stay-cation and come to the pool with me, it makes me happy because once again without even doing anything she is giving me exactly what I needed..

SO, enough talk, I'm wasting precious pool/sun time..... BUT, I'll be back this evening with updates on the boy :)

Alright, I'm getting a little better

So I've thought about blogging all week! Just haven't gotten to it until now, my lazy Sunday. One day I had a fever of 101 (so weird, so random). Two days I was in Chapel Hill for a teacher workshop, 2 days I tutored and babysat. Had a dinner date with an old friend. Had a REAL date (more on that in another post). All around a good week. BUT, I promised pictures :)

http://laurasimsonphotography.blogspot.com/2010/07/celebrating-americas-birthday.html

This is a link to the pictures that Laura took at my 4th of July gathering at my house (love the bungalow at party times, she always looks so good!). laura is a wonderful photographer, please check out the rest of her pictures!

Sadly, I did not take pictures but other people took tons, but thanks to facebook I can't steal them anymore so I have to actually interact with the people and ask them to email me or something along those lines. geeeeez ;)



Look at the Bungalow all decked out!! Got lots of red, white, and blue going on! Two of my best friends in the pictures, and coolers full of beer!! You can even see my Volvo!! Wooo America!

Thanks Laura and everyone for taking lots of pictures....

Happy Freedom Weekend!!!

Sunday is our annual Kickball and Freedom loving day in honor of the 4th. We drink, we eat, we play kickball and other games and just love on America. I'll be sure to take some fun pictures!

No excuses, play like a champion

Unemployment does not suit me. Over the past two summers I have tried to embrace the "take advantage of being a teacher and having summers off and enjoy yourself" outlook, but I'm just bored. I am cranky, lazy, annoying, annoyed, needy, and just plain hungry. I have found this to be true when I go home to my parents in Virginia. There isn't much to do in Bum, VA, especially with dial-up internet and little to no cell phone reception. So what do we do, watch movies and eat food. Nowhere else do I spend SO much time staring into an open refrigerator. I have to stop and ask myself every time, "Are you actually hungry, or just plain bored and don't know what else to do?" I have slowly been accumulating some babysitting and tutoring sessions to fill some days, and I could definitely use the money with lots of weddings coming up (so if anyone in Raleigh has a job idea for me HOLLLLEERRRRR!). I've signed up for lots of teacher development workshops (before the budget for that gets completely cut), and school will be here before I know it, but I've been doing some thinking (scary, I know).

1) I should blog more: there is so much in this world that I do not take advantage of, and I have no excuse not to explore and do it up.
B) I should do all those things I keep saying I'm going to do (I know, real light bulb moment there, huh... geez).
a) Clean my freaking room: I brought a lot of stuff home from school, things I don't trust the custodians not to throw around when they clean (I love them, they do wonderful things, but they literally throw things around in the room and when I come back in the fall the room is a MESS with furniture knocked over). So I have a bunch of boxes just sitting in my room. Also, I got a 2nd roommate for the summer and had to clear out my stuff from the extra closet so that is literally sitting in a pile on the chair in my room and I have NO idea where it is supposed to go. I love old houses, but their severe lack of storage room is a real pain in my side.
2) Excercise: you have nothing else to do, lose the damn weight you've been talking about losing for 2 years now. I don't have money so it's not like I'm spending it on food, so go for a freaking run. Do all those stupid workout videos/dvds you have. For the love!


But I'll leave you with this little gem.... seriously, check it out... it's hilarious

Hyberbole and a Half

Gots to get paid son

Last day of school: June 10th
Summer Employment: non-existent

I wish I was freaking out about this......

The good die young...

Wyatt Ellyson Flory
7/31/1995-4/25/2010


Loved his big brother


Always there behind you, making you laugh


In everything he did, he found joy.. and always had a smile on his face


Just this past Easter, I began to see the man he was to become. Here, at the ODH races making fun of the big bro...


Philip (my brother), Will (Philip's BF and Wyatt's big brother), and Wyatt

Though he will be utterly and unbearably missed, I know this sweet young boy is in a good place. I have known him since the day he was born, changed his diapers, made him more PB&J sandwiches than I could ever imagine. He was the "little brother" of my little brother; the younger brother of my little brother's best friend since Kindergarten. He was an ever present laugh, a hug, a smile, a sweetheart. He was an angel here on Earth, but God must have needed someone to make him laugh for him to take him so soon. RIP Wyatt, you are so loved.

just got caught in a thunderstorm in pouring down rain while running with Millie our neighbors dog.. LOVED IT

Summer I am so ready!!!

Kindergarten and Skirts

My entire life I have wanted to be a teacher. Even to this day, almost at the end of my 3rd year of teaching Kindergarten, I marvel that I was lucky enough to fall into this position and realize exactly what I wanted to teach. I am walking around, sitting on the floor, squatting, bending, pacing the entire day. One day I really want to wear a pedometer to see exactly how far I walk. Due to this type of movement all day, it's difficult or just plain inconvenient to wear a skirt. Now, I wore a long flowy skir the other day that was perfect for squatting, sitting criss-cross applesauce, and hiding 2 children under the excess fabric while still being completely clothed. But I have so many cute things in my closet that I just can't bring myself to wear. I look at the 1st grade teachers and they wear cute things and sometimes short (well, teacher short) skirts. But they do not get on the ground, pick children up, or do Kindergarten level things nearly as often. I'm straight up jealous sometimes. I woke up this morning, sun is shining, and it's absolutely wonderful outside. I love spring. So I said, Ms. T, suck it up, wear a dress, look cute, feel great. So I did. And I love it. So here is to not letting the job stop me from wearing what I want. Below is a dress similar to the one I'm wearing. Paired with a little white cardigan and my white "tori burch" flats, I think I look darn cute :)

BYOB

It truly feels like spring today and everyone is pining away for their already long lost winter clothes. This is what it's supposed to feel like!!! I don't mind it though I have LOVED getting a good start on a tan. In honor of spring and yet still trying to embrace summer, it's BYOB at the Bungalow this evening. Throw some stuff on the grill, play some yard games, and hopefully have a relaxing evening in the comfort of my own home.

Now, what beer do I feel like this evening? I bought a 12 pack of Corona for the races this past weekend because it was 85 degress, but I did not have a single one of them (hooray for younger brothers and his underage friends). So do I try that again since I still have all the limes. Or hmmm, go for economics here and stick to some Miller light action.

Any suggestions for a cheap yet fun beer I should give a chance to?

A new era... Go Tribe

Frankly, just happy to have the Green and Gold.. feathers :)

"work day"

Today is our last day of "spring break". It is technically a workday but seeing how I am still sitting here at home and it's almost 10:30AM, I'm not breaking my neck to get into school this morning.

When I first started this blog, I used it as a sounding board, a place to vent, to let it out, to get feedback. A few minutes ago, the reason I logged into the computer was to come here and write about my weekend and everything that happened. When it comes down to it though, I'm just over it. Everyone has their problems, personally, romantically, and of course with their family. So why would you want to come here and hear me whine and complain. For those of you that do read me from time to time, thank you for all my previous whine sessions.

I watched a movie last night when I couldn't sleep called "Mister 11". I needed a mindless stupid (what I thought to be a) rom-com. It was not so much. It's about a woman so obsessed with numbers and statistics, that on her wedding day she throws everything away because she finds out that the man she just married was not actually her number 11. How stupid. But me not letting things just be as simple as they are and needing to make it all that much more deep and complicated, let my mind run away with it. It just shows how we take stupid little inane things and let them screw up the big picture. We are all so scared. OK, maybe not all of us, but I sure am. I look at my time here in Raleigh; 4 years in August. I have not had a single legit relationship. I've had things that I longed to be real, prayed one day would be everything I imagined. I wasted time with guys being exactly what they wanted and nothing that I did. It took a coworker of mine, a married woman with 3 children, 30 seconds to tell me how messed up in the head I was after me whining about my (lack of a) romantic life. It's not their fault I fall for guys that are emotionally unavailable at the time. I did it so I knew I was safe and it would end on it's own. I don't know if I'm ready for something real now, but I don't want to end up looking back and be able to say I didn't try. I'm ready to try and open up and let someone in. And I know, that if it doesn't work out, I have people in my life that love me and support me and I'll be OK.

So, long story now short: I think I met someone. We've hung out a grand total of 3 times, only 1 official date, but he's a sweetheart. Nothing like I ever really looked for, but sometimes, that's what you need to get things jump started. So I'm trying to play it cool, if he likes me he likes me, if not, we move on. BUT, here's to the man friend. Thanks for coming around at the perfect time.

Explanation

OK OK OK.

Yes, beer on a porch is a little redneck. BUT, hear me out. I was having a slumber party at a friend's house while the husband was out of town. We were all bringing over beer, eating pizza, watching movies, playing games, and maybe even throw in painting our nails. But since a lot of us were crashing, and I wanted to make sure I slept on something somewhat comfortable, I was bringing a lot. I had an air mattress, sleeping bag, pillow, blanket, my overnight bag, a bag of groceries with chips and salsa in it, AND a whole case of beer. Now my friend, CLJ, lives in this older community, with lots of little sidestreets with 3 or 4 houses on it, no sidewalks, either older couples or really young families. It's also VERY hilly. I turn off onto her cul-de-sac (with a grand total of4 houses on it), no street lights, no sidewalk, and her long, steep up hill driveway. Now, the list above of stuff, I decided to carry all at once. I figured just pile it on, one trip, DONE. I get it all together, start walking up the driveway, halfway through I'm losing circulation, but refuse to give up. I finally make it to the front door and it takes most of the strength I have left not to DROP the beer on the porch. I put it down so I can open the door and go inside. It was cold, I figured it be ok for a few minutes while I get settled, etc. Everyone starts showing up, we order the pizza, pizza comes very quickly, woooooo time for a beer!!!

Ummm, guys, where's my beer???

The pizza delivery boy stole my case of beer off the porch.

Day 3

Here we are. Raleigh, NC. Day 3 of the completely (un)necessary house arrest. The storm has passed us now (4 days ago). You can barely see (the snow on) the roads. There is a massive amount of snow left everywhere.. almost half an inch.. in some spots. The wind blowing is an intense calm. And the sky, oh the foreboding winter sky, of partly sunny. Do I dare venture outside?!?! Yes, I bundle up in my tshirt and jeans and bravely force open the (barely used lately) front door. GASP! My skin, I can hardly handle this blistery temperature of 40 degrees and rising. Oh the humanity. OH Wake County Public Schools. How could I have ever doubted your decision to cancel classes for the 3rd day in a row. Monday, I saw the reasoning and embraced your decision. Tuesday, I openly mocked you, but occasionally gave in to your will. But today, today oh what have you done to us. Thank you, thank you, for taking away the workday the day after my birthday. THANK YOU, for adding a day to the end of the year. And then for today, thank you, for taking away, a day from my spring break. I truly do not know how I will every repay you for looking out for our safety in such a manner.

So here's to you school board. Hope you slept in today.


***** Please do not take this as bitter and cynical as it blatantly is. I love sleeping in, I love snow, but I also love my kids and I LOVE my spring break. I'm just bored and sarcastic as hell.

Never.... ever....

I am never drinking again. Well, starting tomorrow.... until my birthday.... in 2 weeks.... damnit

WARNING

So as I drove home today after school, I really wanted to get something specific for dinner. I rarely venture to our the local Teeter after school for multiple reasons. At the end of the day I rarely look good enough to venture into the Cam Vill one, as I do not wish to meet my future husband with paint all over me.. then again, I guess that's something he'll have to get used to. Also, the parking is brutal. And the one up Oberlin, well, sometimes I just don't want to run into my girls from St Marys at the end of a long day and do the "COACH T!! How are you?! I miss you!" routine. BUT, today was an exception.....

Dear Raleigh,
Yes, it might snow. Yes, there could be freezing rain. Yes, it could be real slippery. So please listen. A) don't overstock on milk.. what if the electricity goes out B) if you don't already have bread in the house, do you really need 3 loaves RIGHT NOW C) get a (excuse my language) freaking grip here. If part of drivers education was learning about how to NOT freak out in winter weather, the south would (seriously) not be made fun of as much. As someone only from a state up, I get it, it doesn't happen all that often. But for the love of Pete, whomever he may be, just go slow, know your car, and stay on major roads if you have to, and just stay home if you can.

This has been a friendly public service announcement.

PS: SNOW PARTY HERE I COME

The Bar

There is a place in Raleigh that is unlike all others. R&WP calls it, "The Bar". I'm not entirely sure how I would describe this place, except... well, just simply amazing. If you weren't fully convinced how small ITB was, go to The Bar, and it'll get thrown in your face. That guy you were making out with on the dance floor last weekend, yea, he's over there talking to your roommate and you're new favorite friend that you're hanging out with at the moment, yea, they know each other. You can show up at this bar and you will find someone you know. It could be someone you went to Kindergarten with.... in Virginia. Or it could be some of your best friends, because they are awesome and amazing and I love that I know they'll be there. But last night, was a night for the books.

III, JHS, and Watkins were at The Bar. Now hear me out. This shouldn't happen. Just like KTP said, we should be safe at The Bar. But there they were. They hate The Bar. Have refused with promises of free alcohol AND food. Yet in they walked. Worlds were colliding ALL OVER THE PLACE. Now I apologize for those that do not know me, these people, this bar. But for those that do, you understand. In the end, it was a very fun night, definitely one to remember, made lots of new friends, danced, drank, and was very merry. But I believe I was in what I like to call "people overload". Every time I turned around someone else was there. I have this new friend and we seem to click very well. He's very easy to talk to. Without him and his "slutty", "desperate", "wasted", etc, commentary on the people around us, I think I may have been in shock. He was my comic relief for the night. So I've decided I like making new guy friends. No, seriously. I think things can get so wrapped up and though I didn't have someone to go home to/with, it put a huge smile on my face when I got a phone call saying he got home safe and was checking on me....

Something to be said about southern gentlemen.....

But let me reiterate, my new life theme song:

It's a small world after all.
It's a small world after all.
It's a small world after all.
It's a small
small
world!

Gratitude

If you asked my mother, I am a very ungrateful person. She believes this can come easily from being unhappy, but she finds it hard to tell the difference between the two when it comes to me. I think I have been bred from a hard learned truth that life has been really bad when its bad, but also really good when it's good. I seem to miss those middle of the ground periods. I try to be positive; or atleast I am now. A new year's resolution of mine is to take the little things in life, remember them, hold on to them, and let them bring me joy even in the darkest of days. 2 years ago, a student of mine gave me a Christmas present. At the time, I scoffed at it, thinking this was simply a re-gift from his mother and was honestly somewhat annoyed. This child made my day to day, well, not so awesome; and the mother wasn't so swift either. Sometimes these types of parents realize what they put us teachers through, and on occasion have really stepped it up and sucked up at Christmas time. This present, however, almost annoyed me more. The Simple Abundance Journal of Gratitude. This was a hardback book, with quotes of gratitude randomly throughout a calendar of sorts. It's a diary I guess, where you write a few words, a sentence at most, about what you were grateful for that day. At the time I threw it on a shelf and hadn't looked at it again until just a few days ago... and it hit me. This is my new year's resolution. How dare I take a gift from a student and not cherish it with my whole heart. How dare I take a gift from a mother who may realize she does not know me and does not have the first clue what to do for me (or her child). But instead of looking at the negatives like that, I was happy. Happy I waited to use this book 2 years later for I believe I need this book now more than ever. In his own writing, whether coerced by his mother or not, a young boy wrote to me: "Ms. T, Thank you for being a wonderful teacher. Thank you for everything. Sterling". He may have made my first year in Kindergarten damn tough, but he's doing amazing in 2nd grade, he has grown into a very handsome young successful student. And you're damn right I take some credit.

So I figured I would every now and then, update and let you know what I've entered into my GB (grateful book). I think the whole point, or as I interpret it as, is you don't need to write a book to explain what you're thankful for. I may forget the specific things I reference from day to day, but the idea of it will remain. I may not remember what movie made me laugh, which child gave me an unexpected hug, but I'll know it made me happy.

The opening quote is:

"If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough."
~ Meister Eckhart

Jan 1: Being with friends to start the new year
Jan 2: A roaring fire and a good movie
Jan 3: The Goat
Jan 4: A job
Jan 5: Kindergarten hugs, even when you don' "need" them
Jan 6: Sense of humor - mine and other's