Tomorrow I am taking 11 students across the country to a National Convention for a club that I am an advisor for. I am thrilled and excited, only a tad bit nervous. Thankfully these are all really great kids and we also have another teacher and a couple of chaperones going, but I am the organized one who is running a lot of the activities. I can't help but think about how just 5 years ago I was making this trip, but as a student. Sometimes I have a hard time believing how far I have come. Teaching has been my dream for so long, taking kids to this convention was a life goal that I set for myself when I was a student attending the convention. I never could have imagined that my first year of teaching I was already accomplishing it. I am blessed, God is good.
Things I'm hoping for:
-That there are no airport issues or freak outs about airplanes/flying
-That we get safely to our hotel tomorrow evening
-That we don't get lost downtown, or lose any kids downtown...or lose any kids anywhere
-That we have at least one student get into the top 3 in the Nation
-That the kids have the time of their life and leave feeling inspired and more motivated to be involved in this organization
I'll be back to report on those hopes on Saturday, have a great week!
Monday, October 28, 2013
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Happy Sunday!
On an unrelated note, I saw this on another blog this week and I couldn't not re-post it because of how perfect the quote seems. As I grow on my journey of building this relationship with Jesus I feel so much more confident in my prayer. I used to not know where to start with my prayers but now it feels like it just flows out so easily. It is like a conversation with a friend, I can just let everything out, it's amazing. I am so thankful to have a Lord who listens to us at all times and is always looking out for us.
I hope you all had wonderful, relaxing, weekends!
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
life is short.
I hate coming back just for a sad post, but today is a sad day. I came home after school and one of my friends from college facebooked me and asked, did you hear about Becca? Now I don't know about you, but whenever I hear a question like that you can assume that it wasn't good. Well...it wasn't.
Becca was killed in a car accident this morning. Nobody expected it, her facebook statues from a couple hours earlier talked about how tired she was but how much she loved her job and that it made it worth going to work. It breaks my heart.
More than anything I hurt for her family and her friends. She was so young, just graduated from college and so excited for her new job. I know that she had great plans for her life and now it was all cut short. I can't imagine the pain that they are going through but I know they need all of the prayers they can get.
It makes me think about my life. I'm only 23. I'm looking forward to getting engaged, married, getting my masters, having children, and accomplishing things in my career. We make all of these plans but we never know the ultimate plan, how long we will be on these earth. If today was my last day, did I live it happily? Today the answer would probably be no. I struggled with kids being on task, I was stressed about school, I was upset at my boyfriend for not texting me back...all of this while a mother was crying for her daughter, a best friend was grieving for her partner in crime. This is a terrible wake up call, but that is exactly what it is. I need to chose to be thankful. I used to be good at it and then school and stress got in the way. There is so much to be thankful for each and every day, look for it, thank God for it.
Becca was killed in a car accident this morning. Nobody expected it, her facebook statues from a couple hours earlier talked about how tired she was but how much she loved her job and that it made it worth going to work. It breaks my heart.
More than anything I hurt for her family and her friends. She was so young, just graduated from college and so excited for her new job. I know that she had great plans for her life and now it was all cut short. I can't imagine the pain that they are going through but I know they need all of the prayers they can get.
It makes me think about my life. I'm only 23. I'm looking forward to getting engaged, married, getting my masters, having children, and accomplishing things in my career. We make all of these plans but we never know the ultimate plan, how long we will be on these earth. If today was my last day, did I live it happily? Today the answer would probably be no. I struggled with kids being on task, I was stressed about school, I was upset at my boyfriend for not texting me back...all of this while a mother was crying for her daughter, a best friend was grieving for her partner in crime. This is a terrible wake up call, but that is exactly what it is. I need to chose to be thankful. I used to be good at it and then school and stress got in the way. There is so much to be thankful for each and every day, look for it, thank God for it.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
craziness.
Sorry for my lack of posting in this blog, this year has truly kicked it into high year and I feel like I barely have a moment to breathe.
School is still great, for the most part I still love teaching and the joy that it brings me every day. Yes, there are times when my students don't cooperate, or when they ask the same question 10 times since they didn't listen to directions, or when my lesson is a total flop, but I am trying to accept that this is okay, People kept telling me that the first year would be hard, and it is. I think the hardest thing is having so little free time. I am worried about what that will be like when my boyfriend moves here and I want to spend time with him but I'm hoping that I will be better at managing my time by then. I am convinced that I could literally spend every free moment doing school stuff and I still wouldn't feel like I am ahead.
I haven't worked out in at least three weeks. It makes me sad because I miss it and miss how good it makes me feel. It's all my own excuses but between meetings, other commitments, being sick, and being exhausted, it just isn't happening for me right now. I hope that I can change that soon.
I have been going out of town almost every other weekend to see my boyfriend and that makes planning hard but it makes me so happy. I am so thankful that we have been able to see each other so much and when he finally moves here I will be one happy girl.
We had homecoming at our school this week and it is a big deal around here. I dressed up for all of the spirit days and went to the football game last night, it was a blast. I am heading out to chaperone the dance in about two hours. That is sure to be an experience.
Overall life is good. Crazy, stressful, hectic, but good. <3
School is still great, for the most part I still love teaching and the joy that it brings me every day. Yes, there are times when my students don't cooperate, or when they ask the same question 10 times since they didn't listen to directions, or when my lesson is a total flop, but I am trying to accept that this is okay, People kept telling me that the first year would be hard, and it is. I think the hardest thing is having so little free time. I am worried about what that will be like when my boyfriend moves here and I want to spend time with him but I'm hoping that I will be better at managing my time by then. I am convinced that I could literally spend every free moment doing school stuff and I still wouldn't feel like I am ahead.
I haven't worked out in at least three weeks. It makes me sad because I miss it and miss how good it makes me feel. It's all my own excuses but between meetings, other commitments, being sick, and being exhausted, it just isn't happening for me right now. I hope that I can change that soon.
I have been going out of town almost every other weekend to see my boyfriend and that makes planning hard but it makes me so happy. I am so thankful that we have been able to see each other so much and when he finally moves here I will be one happy girl.
We had homecoming at our school this week and it is a big deal around here. I dressed up for all of the spirit days and went to the football game last night, it was a blast. I am heading out to chaperone the dance in about two hours. That is sure to be an experience.
Overall life is good. Crazy, stressful, hectic, but good. <3
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Midweek Confessions
I'm linking up with E for some lovely midweek confessions!
- I am really, genuinely, starting to feel overwhelmed with school. I still love my job and it is such a blessing but some days I am just so drained that I want to cry. People weren't lying when they said it was hard.
- I want new boots, really bad. I find myself wanting to wear them almost daily because they are comfy and I love being able to wear leggings but I only have one pair that I like so I limit myself to once a week. I went shopping this weekend and tried to find some but between my monster calves and my cheap budget it didn't happen. I need to splurge and get nice ones. Any suggestions?
- I said on Friday that this week I would force myself to go to the gym. Well it's wednesday and all the days I could have gone have passed. Oops. That's what happens when you live at home and your mom tempts you with better things to do after school than go to the gym.
- I forgot to put mascara on today. I wore a super cute outfit, curled my hair, && as I was driving to school I remembered that I didn't finish my make-up. lovely.
- I am going back to my college this weekend to go to a football game this weekend and I'm so excited! I don't even care that it's a 5 hour drive after a night of little to no sleep from supervising a lock-in. I get to eat at my favorite places, see some of my best friends, have a fabulous football weekend, and see my boyfriend. <3 Fun weekends are what get me through the week.
Halfway there! Happy Wednesday Hump Day!
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Fall
This weekend we had a streak of two sunny days in the 70s and this was amazing after a stretch of record breaking rain in my area. I'm not sure if it was the weather or the fact that I had a lot of time to myself but this weekend was a really good one.
On Friday we had a silent auction to raise money for my students and their trip to Nationals. I was basically in charge of it so it was pretty stressful but the night was such a success. All of the people who attended were so generous and it was a really fun event. We made a lot of money for the kids and that makes me so happy.
Since I got my first paycheck this week I told my mom that I wanted to go shopping, so we did! I didn't spend too much but got some more school clothes, including a scarf and dress that I am super excited about. I still need to find some good new boots but those are always a struggle for me. I need to splurge and by expensive ones that will last but I am so cheap! it's a serious issue.
Today I spent most of the day at church, serving, attending service, then at a leaders meeting for kids ministry but in the afternoon I went to a pumpkin patch and corn maze which was a blast. The sunny weather was perfect and the group I was with was a lot of fun.
This evening I even had time to catch up on some quality reality tv that I had on my dvr and relax. It's so nice to have a little time to myself. This week is going to be a lot less busy (I hope) and I get to see my boyfriend this weekend. It should be a good week!
Happy Monday!
On Friday we had a silent auction to raise money for my students and their trip to Nationals. I was basically in charge of it so it was pretty stressful but the night was such a success. All of the people who attended were so generous and it was a really fun event. We made a lot of money for the kids and that makes me so happy.
Since I got my first paycheck this week I told my mom that I wanted to go shopping, so we did! I didn't spend too much but got some more school clothes, including a scarf and dress that I am super excited about. I still need to find some good new boots but those are always a struggle for me. I need to splurge and by expensive ones that will last but I am so cheap! it's a serious issue.
Today I spent most of the day at church, serving, attending service, then at a leaders meeting for kids ministry but in the afternoon I went to a pumpkin patch and corn maze which was a blast. The sunny weather was perfect and the group I was with was a lot of fun.
This evening I even had time to catch up on some quality reality tv that I had on my dvr and relax. It's so nice to have a little time to myself. This week is going to be a lot less busy (I hope) and I get to see my boyfriend this weekend. It should be a good week!
Happy Monday!
Friday, October 4, 2013
Five on Friday.
I'm linking up with to share five things that happened for me this week! I apologize in advance that they are basically all related to school but it pretty much consumes my life.
1. This week was the first time I felt so overwhelmed that I literally wanted to cry. We were sitting at a training for this insane evaluation system we have to use and I was just so stressed out. I try to always be the happy teacher and put a smile on my face but that day it was hard to even make it through the day.
2. The earliest I was home from school this week was 7pm. Considering the fact that I go to bed by 10 this does not leave me enough 'me' time and I think contributed to the feelings above. I really need to work on balance in my life.
3. We had a 'secret staff dress up week' this week which meant casual outfits every day. It was glorious. I love dressing up but jeans sure felt great.
4. I didn't make it to the gym once this week...and I ate like crap. I'm not feeling to good about it. I am forcing myself to the gym next week.
5. I got my first real paycheck and it was glorious! Since I've never had a 'real' job before the check felt massive. My mom and I are going shopping this weekend and I can't wait to buy some new clothes. I am also booking a hotel and flight to vegas for my best friend's bachelorette party. Woo!
Happy Friday!
1. This week was the first time I felt so overwhelmed that I literally wanted to cry. We were sitting at a training for this insane evaluation system we have to use and I was just so stressed out. I try to always be the happy teacher and put a smile on my face but that day it was hard to even make it through the day.
2. The earliest I was home from school this week was 7pm. Considering the fact that I go to bed by 10 this does not leave me enough 'me' time and I think contributed to the feelings above. I really need to work on balance in my life.
3. We had a 'secret staff dress up week' this week which meant casual outfits every day. It was glorious. I love dressing up but jeans sure felt great.
4. I didn't make it to the gym once this week...and I ate like crap. I'm not feeling to good about it. I am forcing myself to the gym next week.
5. I got my first real paycheck and it was glorious! Since I've never had a 'real' job before the check felt massive. My mom and I are going shopping this weekend and I can't wait to buy some new clothes. I am also booking a hotel and flight to vegas for my best friend's bachelorette party. Woo!
Happy Friday!
Thursday, October 3, 2013
share the good news
This week at bible study we are talking about Evangelism and we had some really intense conversations. I still consider myself kind of a 'baby Christian' because I am still learning and haven't been involved in the church for very long. I find these talks so interesting because I am thinking about things I never thought about before.
When talking about evangelism our pastor made a point that we are pro at evangelizing, when there is a new starbucks, we all talk about it...when there is a new iphone, the same. We are forgetting the greatest news of all, Jesus died for us and we can all have eternal life! Why are we not shouting this from the rooftops? I'm guilty of this, I use my blog to talk about my faith but ask me how often I talk about it with friends who are non-believers and I probably couldn't tell you the last time I did. I am so thankful for my small group and friends from church who help me grow but I wish I could do that for other people.
I want to become more intentional. I want to spread the good news and find ways to show God's love.
How do you share the good news?
When talking about evangelism our pastor made a point that we are pro at evangelizing, when there is a new starbucks, we all talk about it...when there is a new iphone, the same. We are forgetting the greatest news of all, Jesus died for us and we can all have eternal life! Why are we not shouting this from the rooftops? I'm guilty of this, I use my blog to talk about my faith but ask me how often I talk about it with friends who are non-believers and I probably couldn't tell you the last time I did. I am so thankful for my small group and friends from church who help me grow but I wish I could do that for other people.
I want to become more intentional. I want to spread the good news and find ways to show God's love.
How do you share the good news?
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Dear October...
You are my first full month of school and I hope that you are kind to me. Please help my kids to not be totally hyped up on sugar or totally zombies from lack of sleep as we move into the year. This is the time that 'fall' really hits and I'm excited to see the leaves change color but not excited to see our days dwindle down to nothing. Clearly I'm conflicted on how I feel but here are some of the things I'm looking forward to this month.
1. FFA National Convention! Even though it is only my first year teaching I get to go on a trip to Louisville, KY with 11 of my students who qualified for Nationals! I am absolutely thrilled! Since I student taught and helped many of them last year I don't feel bad about the school paying a ridiculously high amount of money to send me. I went to Nationals as a student and I can't wait to see my students experience it.
2. Homecoming...high school style! My school has homecoming this month and I'm excited for all of the hoo-rah that accompanies it. I love participating in Spirit Weeks and being silly with my kids. It also will be the first home football game I can go to, FINALLY! It will be a fun week.
3. Marching Band Competitions. My boyfriend teaches drumline for a couple of high schools and October means marching band competition season, which means he will be traveling closer to me more often and I get to see him almost every other weekend. :]
4. Fall clothes! I am wearing my first outfit of leggings and a sweater dress today and I love it. So comfortable yet it looks like it's actually cute. I also have been wearing quite a few scarves and my boots with skinny jeans. All of these are total wins. Now I just want to go buy some new boots!
5. Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch adventures! I am going to go to the corn maze this weekend with some of my friends and I haven't done that since high school. Nothing says October like a pumpkin patch and corn maze!
I hope you all have some equally wonderful things to look forward to this month!
1. FFA National Convention! Even though it is only my first year teaching I get to go on a trip to Louisville, KY with 11 of my students who qualified for Nationals! I am absolutely thrilled! Since I student taught and helped many of them last year I don't feel bad about the school paying a ridiculously high amount of money to send me. I went to Nationals as a student and I can't wait to see my students experience it.
2. Homecoming...high school style! My school has homecoming this month and I'm excited for all of the hoo-rah that accompanies it. I love participating in Spirit Weeks and being silly with my kids. It also will be the first home football game I can go to, FINALLY! It will be a fun week.
3. Marching Band Competitions. My boyfriend teaches drumline for a couple of high schools and October means marching band competition season, which means he will be traveling closer to me more often and I get to see him almost every other weekend. :]
4. Fall clothes! I am wearing my first outfit of leggings and a sweater dress today and I love it. So comfortable yet it looks like it's actually cute. I also have been wearing quite a few scarves and my boots with skinny jeans. All of these are total wins. Now I just want to go buy some new boots!
5. Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch adventures! I am going to go to the corn maze this weekend with some of my friends and I haven't done that since high school. Nothing says October like a pumpkin patch and corn maze!
I hope you all have some equally wonderful things to look forward to this month!
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