I turn 30 tomorrow. I'm not sure why I'm feeling like this is a big deal, but I am. I've been reflecting quite a bit about it. I've also been looking forward from it. I don't know how I'm supposed to feel in my 30's. When I turned 20, I had so many possibilities in front of me...graduating college, going to grad school, getting a job, getting my own place, growing up, figuring out who I am. I knew that my 20's held the promise of adulthood. And now, I guess I'm an adult, although I still feel like I'm just 17. I have graduated college, graduated grad school, have worked for 6 years and am starting my 7th year, have a car, have an apartment, pay bills... I guess I just don't know what to expect in my 30's. I have hopes, but I don't want to jinx myself.
Over the past several months, I've been thinking of all of the things that I've done and experienced in my 30 years. I've been to 25 states (actually 28, but I'm not counting airports or states that I didn't really get a feel for), been in 3 countries, and have flown only 3 trips. I've seen both the Pacific and the Atlantic Ocean and have seen 4 Great Lakes. I've been to weddings and funerals. I've held babies and comforted the elderly. I've learned how to walk, talk, read, write, drive, use a computer, play the drums, and have learned more than I can possibly remember. I've had friends and enemies. I've loved, cried, laughed and hoped.
I've also been thinking about what life could hold for the next 30 years (yep, just like the Tim McGraw song...maybe that's why I'm thinking about turning 30). Most things I'm too afraid to say outloud for fear that they won't come true. But, in my heart, I have dreams.
So, here's to the next 30 years and the dreams that will be fulfilled!
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
Sunset
Sunset. Dusk. To say this is my favorite time of day is a gross understatement. Summer sunset drives on back country roads are what calm me, ground me, center me. To experience one of these drives is for one to begin to understand my soul. The sight surpasses description. The sounds are soothing. The smell, the smell transports me back to a much simpler time of sitting on a front porch swing with someone who was very important to me. I feel this time of day with every fiber of my being. I feel it so deep down in my soul that if it would cease to exist I fear that I would shrivel up and die. Dusk. The time when the world calms. The day is finished, no need to rush off anywhere. The time to pause, reflect, consider. The time to realize that there is something bigger, that you are a part of something bigger, something outside of the chaos man creates. Words, pictures cannot do justice to this display. Images, sounds will be kept in the recesses of the mind and soul and used when tired and weary.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
A little recap...
Well, I guess that November was a while ago, huh?!? Apparently I was busier than I thought. Or, maybe I just neglected blogging.
Anyway, I've now finished another school year and am in the middle of summer vacation. While this past school year started out better because we had 4 therapists instead of 2, it just ended badly. In the end, everyone was creating drama about everyone else and now I'm asking myself who I should really trust in the department. The economic situation in the state has caught up to the school districts and the district has cut back on a lot of things. Luckily, the worst of it was just shuffling people around and only laying off a handful of staff/teachers. Although, they keep telling us that this next year will be the worst of it. Right now, I'm thankful to have a job and will continue to work on building up my savings and paying off debt in case things do get worse. This coming year, the district is opening up a new building that will house all of our 4, 5, and 6th grade students. So, this means I get a new building and have to set it up when I go back in a few weeks. In addition to a new building, we all moved rooms in the building I am currently in, so I get to set up another whole room too. But, at least I'm now out of a closet sized room and into an actual classroom. I'm looking forward to the next school year and hopefully pulling everyone together in the department. I'm already brainstorming ways to do this. We'll see what happens.
In other news, I've been going to a Catholic Church for about 8 or 9 months. I started to go because I've always been kind of curious about the Catholic Faith. I've found it to be humble and reverent and actually kind of refreshing. After being submerged in the "contemporary" wave of churches in college, it's kind of nice to kind of get back to the basics. I'd love to know any thoughts anyone has on the Catholic Church. I'm so new at all of it and I'm still forming my opinion about it. I've read a book on it, but it seemed to be more about how the Catholic Church was the original church and the "right" way. I'd like to find more information about their beliefs. We'll see where it all leads. I just want to make sure that I'm doing it for the right reasons and not because my good friends at work are Catholic or because I'm just church shopping.
My family is doing pretty well. My mom seems to have improved, although she still has a hard time getting up from a chair. She has fallen 5 times in the past year, which has all of us scared. My dad turned 80 in December and has good days and bad days, I guess like we all do.
Well, I guess that's a pretty good recap. Now I'll have to just keep up on blogging.
Anyway, I've now finished another school year and am in the middle of summer vacation. While this past school year started out better because we had 4 therapists instead of 2, it just ended badly. In the end, everyone was creating drama about everyone else and now I'm asking myself who I should really trust in the department. The economic situation in the state has caught up to the school districts and the district has cut back on a lot of things. Luckily, the worst of it was just shuffling people around and only laying off a handful of staff/teachers. Although, they keep telling us that this next year will be the worst of it. Right now, I'm thankful to have a job and will continue to work on building up my savings and paying off debt in case things do get worse. This coming year, the district is opening up a new building that will house all of our 4, 5, and 6th grade students. So, this means I get a new building and have to set it up when I go back in a few weeks. In addition to a new building, we all moved rooms in the building I am currently in, so I get to set up another whole room too. But, at least I'm now out of a closet sized room and into an actual classroom. I'm looking forward to the next school year and hopefully pulling everyone together in the department. I'm already brainstorming ways to do this. We'll see what happens.
In other news, I've been going to a Catholic Church for about 8 or 9 months. I started to go because I've always been kind of curious about the Catholic Faith. I've found it to be humble and reverent and actually kind of refreshing. After being submerged in the "contemporary" wave of churches in college, it's kind of nice to kind of get back to the basics. I'd love to know any thoughts anyone has on the Catholic Church. I'm so new at all of it and I'm still forming my opinion about it. I've read a book on it, but it seemed to be more about how the Catholic Church was the original church and the "right" way. I'd like to find more information about their beliefs. We'll see where it all leads. I just want to make sure that I'm doing it for the right reasons and not because my good friends at work are Catholic or because I'm just church shopping.
My family is doing pretty well. My mom seems to have improved, although she still has a hard time getting up from a chair. She has fallen 5 times in the past year, which has all of us scared. My dad turned 80 in December and has good days and bad days, I guess like we all do.
Well, I guess that's a pretty good recap. Now I'll have to just keep up on blogging.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Integrity
A few weeks ago, someone told me that I had integrity. I'm still mulling over what that means. I'd never had anyone tell me that before. I even had to look it up in the dictionary. I'm trying to figure out what it means to me and why someone would say that because I don't feel like I do. So, I'm wondering, what does integrity mean to you?
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Seasons Change
This is a post that I've been meaning to write every time the season changes for about the past year and a half, but I just never sat down to do it.
I love the change in seasons. This may be contradictory to my life because I've never been a huge fan of change in general, but I love when the seasons change.
One of the questions that I ask my students, in an effort to spark conversation, is "What is your favorite season (winter, spring, summer or fall). I'd have to say that my favorite season is the time when they change. I feel like it's a starting over. Just when you get tired of the heat of summer, fall comes along and changes it up, brings cool breezes and pretty colors. When you get tired of the drab brown of fall after the leaves have blown away, along comes the cleansing white of winter snow and brightens up those dreary days. When you are so tired of being cold and seeing brown slush everywhere, along comes the smell of warming soil and new blooms of spring. When you get tired of the April showers, along comes the warm, sunny days of summer. And when you get tired of the heat and brown, dried out grass, the cycle starts again.
I really like all of the seasons. I don't think that I could live in a place that didn't have all four seasons. In addition to the refreshment that each change in season brings me, I hold a special place in my heart for each season. Fall brings back to school and pumpkins and fall fests. I grew to love fall in college when a friend of mine and I were in charge of the fall fest that our student activities office held. Seeing it all come together and seeing so many people enjoy it was amazing! Fall also brings Thanksgiving, which has many memories itself. I remember the smell of turkey in the oven. I remember gettting up and watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. I remember packing up the car with turkey, gravy and pies and heading to Grandma's house. I remember sitting on the stairs at my Grandma's house watching the end of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade and watching the bustle of the women in my family in the kitchen.
Winter brings snow! I love snow! It's because it makes everything clean and calm. Have you ever been outside when it is snowing? Everything becomes quite. It insulates. And when the sun, or moon, hits snow, it's brilliant! My favorite part in "Twas the Night Before Christmas" is "And the moon on the breast of the new fallen snow, gave the luster of midday to objects below." And Winter brings Christmas and New Years and family and more memories. Memories of sled riding, of opening presents, of going back to Grandma's house and being with aunts and uncles and cousins. And winter brings a sense of hibernation. Of resting.
Spring brings the smell of baseball! Yes, I said the smell of baseball. I can smell baseball. It has to do with the smell of warm dirt and the smell of the breeze. Each year I wait and wait and finally, one morning, I'll take a deep breath and I can smell it! And then I start hoping and beliving that the Pirates will pull off a miracle season! And spring brings the smell of flowers. Of lilacs and hyacynths. And spring brings Easter and more memories of Grandma's house. Easter dinner with cousins and aunts and uncles. And eating boston cream pie and ham and scalloped potatoes. It brings memories of fishing in the pond at my Grandma's farm...and of "catching" my cousins finger with my fishing hook.
Summer brings no school! And when I was a kid, it brought my friends from Oklahoma! It brings memories of fireflies and being at the Big House. It brings bon fires and talks long into the night. It brings mowing the grass and rides on the John Deere. It brings family reunions. It brings memories of staying at Grandma's house, even though I was scared and didn't want to be away from my mommy! It brings memories of being stung by a bee at Grandma's and Grandma taking care of me and putting a paste of baking soda and something on it. It brings memories of Grandma reading "Little Brown Cocoa" and saying our prayers before bed.
So, as you can see, I love all of the seasons, I love the change in seasons. Maybe I just love weather? They say songs and smells can bring memories to a persons mind. Maybe seasons have the same effect?
I love the change in seasons. This may be contradictory to my life because I've never been a huge fan of change in general, but I love when the seasons change.
One of the questions that I ask my students, in an effort to spark conversation, is "What is your favorite season (winter, spring, summer or fall). I'd have to say that my favorite season is the time when they change. I feel like it's a starting over. Just when you get tired of the heat of summer, fall comes along and changes it up, brings cool breezes and pretty colors. When you get tired of the drab brown of fall after the leaves have blown away, along comes the cleansing white of winter snow and brightens up those dreary days. When you are so tired of being cold and seeing brown slush everywhere, along comes the smell of warming soil and new blooms of spring. When you get tired of the April showers, along comes the warm, sunny days of summer. And when you get tired of the heat and brown, dried out grass, the cycle starts again.
I really like all of the seasons. I don't think that I could live in a place that didn't have all four seasons. In addition to the refreshment that each change in season brings me, I hold a special place in my heart for each season. Fall brings back to school and pumpkins and fall fests. I grew to love fall in college when a friend of mine and I were in charge of the fall fest that our student activities office held. Seeing it all come together and seeing so many people enjoy it was amazing! Fall also brings Thanksgiving, which has many memories itself. I remember the smell of turkey in the oven. I remember gettting up and watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. I remember packing up the car with turkey, gravy and pies and heading to Grandma's house. I remember sitting on the stairs at my Grandma's house watching the end of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade and watching the bustle of the women in my family in the kitchen.
Winter brings snow! I love snow! It's because it makes everything clean and calm. Have you ever been outside when it is snowing? Everything becomes quite. It insulates. And when the sun, or moon, hits snow, it's brilliant! My favorite part in "Twas the Night Before Christmas" is "And the moon on the breast of the new fallen snow, gave the luster of midday to objects below." And Winter brings Christmas and New Years and family and more memories. Memories of sled riding, of opening presents, of going back to Grandma's house and being with aunts and uncles and cousins. And winter brings a sense of hibernation. Of resting.
Spring brings the smell of baseball! Yes, I said the smell of baseball. I can smell baseball. It has to do with the smell of warm dirt and the smell of the breeze. Each year I wait and wait and finally, one morning, I'll take a deep breath and I can smell it! And then I start hoping and beliving that the Pirates will pull off a miracle season! And spring brings the smell of flowers. Of lilacs and hyacynths. And spring brings Easter and more memories of Grandma's house. Easter dinner with cousins and aunts and uncles. And eating boston cream pie and ham and scalloped potatoes. It brings memories of fishing in the pond at my Grandma's farm...and of "catching" my cousins finger with my fishing hook.
Summer brings no school! And when I was a kid, it brought my friends from Oklahoma! It brings memories of fireflies and being at the Big House. It brings bon fires and talks long into the night. It brings mowing the grass and rides on the John Deere. It brings family reunions. It brings memories of staying at Grandma's house, even though I was scared and didn't want to be away from my mommy! It brings memories of being stung by a bee at Grandma's and Grandma taking care of me and putting a paste of baking soda and something on it. It brings memories of Grandma reading "Little Brown Cocoa" and saying our prayers before bed.
So, as you can see, I love all of the seasons, I love the change in seasons. Maybe I just love weather? They say songs and smells can bring memories to a persons mind. Maybe seasons have the same effect?
Friday, August 20, 2010
New Year's Eve/Happy New Year
Anyone confused yet?
I'm getting ready for a new year. My calendar does not run January to December. My calendar runs from September to August. When you work in a school, the "next year" does not refer to one year, such as 2011, but rather refers to a school year, such as 2010-2011. So, when I refer to last year, it could be a few months ago.
Anyway, my new year will be starting soon. So, I'll spend the next few days fitting in some "rushed" relaxing, if that makes sense. I'll also be reflecting and hypothesizing about the new school year. I'll set resolutions, just as normal people do in January.
So, if you don't mind, I'm going to go get some noise makers and some bubbly of some kind and send this year off and start the new one out right, hopefully.
I'm getting ready for a new year. My calendar does not run January to December. My calendar runs from September to August. When you work in a school, the "next year" does not refer to one year, such as 2011, but rather refers to a school year, such as 2010-2011. So, when I refer to last year, it could be a few months ago.
Anyway, my new year will be starting soon. So, I'll spend the next few days fitting in some "rushed" relaxing, if that makes sense. I'll also be reflecting and hypothesizing about the new school year. I'll set resolutions, just as normal people do in January.
So, if you don't mind, I'm going to go get some noise makers and some bubbly of some kind and send this year off and start the new one out right, hopefully.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Because I always mean to post and...
Since Aola said she'd be around to check for updates... and since I haven't posted anything since April... Here goes, although there are only like 2 people that read this anyway.
Where to start? It's summer and I'm recovering from an insane school year. Along with the usual pressures of working in a school, one member of our speech therapy department quit in February. Because the school district was unable to find a replacement, this added all of her work onto myself and the other speech therapist, bringing our caseload numbers to new high levels (as if they weren't already over the state recommended number). How we managed to actually juggle everything and still come out the other side still makes me shake my head. But, we did and now I'm trying to regroup and refocus and destress before another school year starts. Fortunately, we have hired two additional speech therapists, brining our total to 4. This has the promise of being a lot less work. Let's hope that is actually how it plays out. I think in my 5 years of working, there has only been 1 year that I would consider "normal". My sanity needs an easy year.
Other than regrouping from work, my summer has been filled with family and friends. I've taken two vacations. The first one was to Philly with my parents and sister. We went to Valley Forge (George Washington's winter camp during one year in the Revolutionary War), of which, I think I enjoyed this the most. The rest of my family probably could have skipped it. I'm not sure why I love history things like this, but I do. We also went to Byer's Choice. It's a place where they make hand carved carolers for Christmas decorations. The place is set up in different Christmas scenes and is really cool to go through. My mom was able to go through it. Since she is unable to walk for long periods of time, on vacations she usually sits in the car while the rest of us go tour things. We rented a wheelchair for the trip and she was able to get out and see some sights. This made me happy...beyond words. We also went into New Jersey to see where my great grandpa on my father's side had lived and to try to find his gravesite. There was some controversy, you could say, involving my great grandfather. When my great grandmother died, he left his young son (my grandpa) to be raised by my great, great grandparents. My great grandfather moved to another state and started another life. No one really knows exactly why he left. It was neat to hear stories from my dad about his family and things that he remembers. I really do love my parents stories.
The second of my vacations was to Kentucky with my sister. Louisville, to be specific. For the past 3 years, my sister and I have taken vacations. It's a nice time to just get away. The past two years have been trips to the beach, so this year we decided to head "inland". This trip included a stop at Churchill Downs, Zachary Taylor's gravesite, one of Frank Lloyd Wright's houses in Ohio and a breif stop in Ohio Amish Country. However, the main events were the stop at The Louisville Slugger Museum, the Jim Beam distillery, and the Kitchen Aid factory store in Ohio. Yes, I bought a baseball bat. Anyone that knows me shouldn't have to question that. Yes, I tried Jim Beam bourbon. I've decided that I'll stick to beer and wine. Yes, I bought myself a Kitchen Aid mixer. I've already made a chocolate cake using it. It was a very fun vacation. We've decided that we'd definitely do Kentucky again.
Other than vacations, I've been running around getting different check-ups done for myself and my car. I've been to two Pirate baseball games so far, with hopes to go to a third. I've had a girls day with two friends that I grew up with, and we have plans to do another girls weekend with more of the group hopefully in September. I've enjoyed a bonfire and sitting on the porch with the friend that's known me the longest. We have plans for many other things this summer.
Daily activities have included helping out at my parents house. My mom fell in June and has been having a hard time recouperating. Luckily nothing was broken, but she's scared that she'll fall again. She's very sensitive and downhearted about life. I keep hoping that she'll come back around and be herself. My dad will be 80 in December. He's trying to juggle taking care of a garden and the land while dealing with tractors and equipement breaking down. He's also trying to figure out what it is to be 79 and not be able to do things he used to, both in the physical and mental sense. It's literally heartbreaking to see your parents like this. My older sister deals with this daily and has taken on the task (whether she had wanted it or not) of caring for my parents. I have no idea how she does it. But, I'm thankful that she's there. I worry about her to. I try to help out as much as I can during the school year, but I'm 4 1/2 hours away. My other two sisters live closer, but are married and apparently have lives that don't often include my parents, unless asked or invited. Not sure if this has to do with their husbands or what. But, it's discouraging to say the least.
All in all, it's been a good summer. It's not over yet, but it seems to be winding down fast. I don't feel prepared to start back to work, but I'm thankful that I do work in a job where I get this break and am able to "start over" each year.
If you've made it through my "update", props to you. This was a long one. But, just ask Sandy, this is usually what my emails are like.
Where to start? It's summer and I'm recovering from an insane school year. Along with the usual pressures of working in a school, one member of our speech therapy department quit in February. Because the school district was unable to find a replacement, this added all of her work onto myself and the other speech therapist, bringing our caseload numbers to new high levels (as if they weren't already over the state recommended number). How we managed to actually juggle everything and still come out the other side still makes me shake my head. But, we did and now I'm trying to regroup and refocus and destress before another school year starts. Fortunately, we have hired two additional speech therapists, brining our total to 4. This has the promise of being a lot less work. Let's hope that is actually how it plays out. I think in my 5 years of working, there has only been 1 year that I would consider "normal". My sanity needs an easy year.
Other than regrouping from work, my summer has been filled with family and friends. I've taken two vacations. The first one was to Philly with my parents and sister. We went to Valley Forge (George Washington's winter camp during one year in the Revolutionary War), of which, I think I enjoyed this the most. The rest of my family probably could have skipped it. I'm not sure why I love history things like this, but I do. We also went to Byer's Choice. It's a place where they make hand carved carolers for Christmas decorations. The place is set up in different Christmas scenes and is really cool to go through. My mom was able to go through it. Since she is unable to walk for long periods of time, on vacations she usually sits in the car while the rest of us go tour things. We rented a wheelchair for the trip and she was able to get out and see some sights. This made me happy...beyond words. We also went into New Jersey to see where my great grandpa on my father's side had lived and to try to find his gravesite. There was some controversy, you could say, involving my great grandfather. When my great grandmother died, he left his young son (my grandpa) to be raised by my great, great grandparents. My great grandfather moved to another state and started another life. No one really knows exactly why he left. It was neat to hear stories from my dad about his family and things that he remembers. I really do love my parents stories.
The second of my vacations was to Kentucky with my sister. Louisville, to be specific. For the past 3 years, my sister and I have taken vacations. It's a nice time to just get away. The past two years have been trips to the beach, so this year we decided to head "inland". This trip included a stop at Churchill Downs, Zachary Taylor's gravesite, one of Frank Lloyd Wright's houses in Ohio and a breif stop in Ohio Amish Country. However, the main events were the stop at The Louisville Slugger Museum, the Jim Beam distillery, and the Kitchen Aid factory store in Ohio. Yes, I bought a baseball bat. Anyone that knows me shouldn't have to question that. Yes, I tried Jim Beam bourbon. I've decided that I'll stick to beer and wine. Yes, I bought myself a Kitchen Aid mixer. I've already made a chocolate cake using it. It was a very fun vacation. We've decided that we'd definitely do Kentucky again.
Other than vacations, I've been running around getting different check-ups done for myself and my car. I've been to two Pirate baseball games so far, with hopes to go to a third. I've had a girls day with two friends that I grew up with, and we have plans to do another girls weekend with more of the group hopefully in September. I've enjoyed a bonfire and sitting on the porch with the friend that's known me the longest. We have plans for many other things this summer.
Daily activities have included helping out at my parents house. My mom fell in June and has been having a hard time recouperating. Luckily nothing was broken, but she's scared that she'll fall again. She's very sensitive and downhearted about life. I keep hoping that she'll come back around and be herself. My dad will be 80 in December. He's trying to juggle taking care of a garden and the land while dealing with tractors and equipement breaking down. He's also trying to figure out what it is to be 79 and not be able to do things he used to, both in the physical and mental sense. It's literally heartbreaking to see your parents like this. My older sister deals with this daily and has taken on the task (whether she had wanted it or not) of caring for my parents. I have no idea how she does it. But, I'm thankful that she's there. I worry about her to. I try to help out as much as I can during the school year, but I'm 4 1/2 hours away. My other two sisters live closer, but are married and apparently have lives that don't often include my parents, unless asked or invited. Not sure if this has to do with their husbands or what. But, it's discouraging to say the least.
All in all, it's been a good summer. It's not over yet, but it seems to be winding down fast. I don't feel prepared to start back to work, but I'm thankful that I do work in a job where I get this break and am able to "start over" each year.
If you've made it through my "update", props to you. This was a long one. But, just ask Sandy, this is usually what my emails are like.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Happy Easter!
Happy Easter, everybody! I was thinking this morning that I like Easter better than Christmas. There isn't the rushing around, trying to find the perfect present for everyone. You just sit back, enjoy the spring weather, eat chocolate bunnies, and see family. Okay, so there is some rushing around to make sure the ham is cooked and deviled eggs are made, but it's a lot less stressful.
So, sit back, relax, eat those ears off of your chocolate bunny, and enjoy the nice weather!
So, sit back, relax, eat those ears off of your chocolate bunny, and enjoy the nice weather!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Diversity
I read a post from Pioneer Woman today about diversity. Go read it, please. It made me smile. It made me think. It made me aware. I particularly liked her photo of all of the "people" in a big pot with a spoon. I was also glad that it included elderly people and persons with disabilities. I try not to be prejudiced, but I know that I am in some ways. I HATE intolerance of any kind, be it intolerance of other races, disabilities, sexual orientation, age, gender, weight, religion...whatever. I think that it's just silly and shows how little a person knows rather than how "smart" they think they are when they talk about or make jokes about another "group" of people. Does the fact that a person is black/asian/white/hispanic make their views less important? Does the fact that a person is gay/lesbian/straight change their personality? Does a persons age make their opinions less valuable? I mean, what do I care where a persons ancestors came from/who a person chooses to sleep with/what they weigh/who or what they worship?!? I care about the person that I'm talking to. I care about their personality, their opinions. I mean, yes, I care about their views about life, but I hope that I don't let that influence my decision as to whether I can be their friend/co-worker/family.
Maybe I'm way off base. Maybe I'm living in a dream world. Maybe I'm more prejudiced than I think I am. Who knows. But, I'd like to know your reaction to Pioneer Woman's post.
Maybe I'm way off base. Maybe I'm living in a dream world. Maybe I'm more prejudiced than I think I am. Who knows. But, I'd like to know your reaction to Pioneer Woman's post.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year!!!
Well, we are leaving 2009 behind and looking forward to 2010. I thought I'd spend time reflecting on 2009 and then I realized that I'll just look forward to 2010. Then I thought, well, maybe I'll just take it one day at a time. Here's the thing...I work in a school, so this New Years thing...well, my New Year starts around the end of August. I consider summer my time to reflect about the past year. So, New Years isn't really that big of a deal. But, I have done some thinking about this whole New Years Resolution thing... And I've come to the conclusion that when I set resolutions...be it now or at the beginning of each school year...I just set myself up for failure. I don't often, if ever, keep my resolutions and then I end up feeling worse about the fact that I couldn't even keep my resolutions and I didn't change anything. So, I'm not making any resolutions this year. I will try hard to live life...whatever that means. And I guess we'll see at the end of the year what exactly it ends up meaning.
Happy New Year, everyone!!!!
Happy New Year, everyone!!!!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Thankful Days 8, 9, & 10
Today...okay, I missed a few days... I am thankful that I work with a great group of people! I really like hanging out with them!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Thankful Day 7
Today I am thankful that my Christmas tree is up, lights on, angel on, and tree skirt around it. That seems to be the hardest part. Now I just have to put the ornaments on.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Thankful Day 6
Today I am thankful for a four-day week. And for a comfy bed that I'm about to crawl into!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Thankful Day 4
Today I am thankful for the familiar. Familiar people, familiar places and familiar routines. It's nice to know people and feel like you belong somewhere.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Thankful Day 3
Today I am thankful that we had a successful family baking experience. My three sisters and I were at my mom and dad's and we all baked Christmas cookies. We made 5 different kinds...not sure how many total, but we all came away with quite a few to enjoy now and some to save for our family Christmas on December 27th. We all seemed to enjoy ourselves and no one got mad at anyone. And even though we are all tired, I think that we all had a good time and are glad that Mom suggested the idea.
Thankful Day 2
I know, I know, I missed saying what I was thankful for yesterday. So, here is what I was thankful for yesterday...
I'm thankful to have seen the first snowflakes of the season! I LOVE SNOW!!!!
I'm thankful to have seen the first snowflakes of the season! I LOVE SNOW!!!!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thankful
I know I haven't blogged in a while. I really have no excuse.
I meant to start this yesterday, but I was too busy. So, I'll do it today.
I have a friend or two who have been posting all month what they are thankful for. Kind of a way to get in the Thanksgiving spirit. I realized this week that I was not at all in the Thanksgiving spirit. In fact, I wasn't very thankful at all. So, I decided that I'd start on the 25th of November and post something every day that I'm thankful for until Christmas...or New Years. I'm hoping that that will also put me in the Christmas spirit.
Today...I am thankful that I can come home. I am thankful that I can still come home to the place where I was raised. I am thankful that I can be surrounded by family and friends. I am thankful that it is a place that lets me unwind and leave the stress behind. I am thankful that I can come home.
I meant to start this yesterday, but I was too busy. So, I'll do it today.
I have a friend or two who have been posting all month what they are thankful for. Kind of a way to get in the Thanksgiving spirit. I realized this week that I was not at all in the Thanksgiving spirit. In fact, I wasn't very thankful at all. So, I decided that I'd start on the 25th of November and post something every day that I'm thankful for until Christmas...or New Years. I'm hoping that that will also put me in the Christmas spirit.
Today...I am thankful that I can come home. I am thankful that I can still come home to the place where I was raised. I am thankful that I can be surrounded by family and friends. I am thankful that it is a place that lets me unwind and leave the stress behind. I am thankful that I can come home.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
All Will Be Right In My World
Later this evening, all will be right in my world.
For the past 10 years or so, there has been something that has been off about my summers. The fireflies weren't as bright, the appeal of summer hasn't been there for me, and time just seemed to pass like any other day.
Why? Why have I not had amazing summers for the past 10 years? Oh, there have been plenty of great summers. Nice weather, great trips, ocean fun. But, it just hasn't been the same.
But tonight, tonight, all will finally be set right. My summer world will be placed firmly back on its axis.
Why and how, you ask??
Tonight, the missing piece, the missing person from my summers will be back in her rightful place! And the heavens will rejoice!
For as long as I can remember, the start of summer, for me, was always signaled by the arrival of twins from Oklahoma. It always happened around the end of May. My family would know when our neighbors, Lou and Dale and their son Johnny would leave for Oklahoma. That's when the waiting would begin. We would know when they were leaving and how long they planned to be gone. Around the expected date, I would always try to be outside after school. I would watch the road and my neighbors house, not knowing if the truck would come up the road or down the road. Then the day would finally come. The truck would come past and either honk the horn or sometimes they didn't have to because the sounds of girls in the back of the truck was enough to alert me that summer was offically here. Sandy and Brandy had arrived! Then it was the waiting for a phone call to be invited up or for them to come walking down the road! That's when summer began! And, boy, did it ever begin. Nights at the Big House, hanging out watching movies at Lou and Dale's, being invited to stay for dinner with Lou's cooking (I remember mac and cheese for some reason), catching fireflies, playing that game with the two ropes that you pull apart and the thing in the middle, bible school, playing in the park, birthday parties at the Big House, eating watermelon that had been chilled in the creek at the Big House, swimming in the pool at the trailer, Teen Time, Church Camp. I have so many memories and could probably go on forever...
Then, the beginning of August would roll around and it was time for them to pack up the truck again and time to say good by until next May. Summer was over and my friends were leaving town. But, I always had next May to look forward to.
Then we all grew up and went different ways. They didn't come in the summers any more. We went to college, got married, had kids, moved to different parts of the country. Summer was never the same.
Until last summer when one half of the duo came in July! It was the same anticipation! Waiting to see their car up the road. And sure enough, didn't I get a call from her aunt the second they pulled in the driveway at Lou and Dale's house. And this time, Sandy decided to stay full time!
And so, today, I sit with the same anticipation that I remember having for all those summers of my childhood. Brandy is coming tonight! I feel like I'm 10 years old again, waiting for the call that she's here, half ready to ask my mom if I can go play with Sandy and Brandy. (Don't worry, I don't have to ask anymore...I have my own car and I just tell her that I'm going to play ;)).
Tonight, all will be right with the world because two of the greatest people from my childhood, and life for that matter, will be here as a cohesive unit. All is right in the world. Now we just have to convince her to stay ;)
For the past 10 years or so, there has been something that has been off about my summers. The fireflies weren't as bright, the appeal of summer hasn't been there for me, and time just seemed to pass like any other day.
Why? Why have I not had amazing summers for the past 10 years? Oh, there have been plenty of great summers. Nice weather, great trips, ocean fun. But, it just hasn't been the same.
But tonight, tonight, all will finally be set right. My summer world will be placed firmly back on its axis.
Why and how, you ask??
Tonight, the missing piece, the missing person from my summers will be back in her rightful place! And the heavens will rejoice!
For as long as I can remember, the start of summer, for me, was always signaled by the arrival of twins from Oklahoma. It always happened around the end of May. My family would know when our neighbors, Lou and Dale and their son Johnny would leave for Oklahoma. That's when the waiting would begin. We would know when they were leaving and how long they planned to be gone. Around the expected date, I would always try to be outside after school. I would watch the road and my neighbors house, not knowing if the truck would come up the road or down the road. Then the day would finally come. The truck would come past and either honk the horn or sometimes they didn't have to because the sounds of girls in the back of the truck was enough to alert me that summer was offically here. Sandy and Brandy had arrived! Then it was the waiting for a phone call to be invited up or for them to come walking down the road! That's when summer began! And, boy, did it ever begin. Nights at the Big House, hanging out watching movies at Lou and Dale's, being invited to stay for dinner with Lou's cooking (I remember mac and cheese for some reason), catching fireflies, playing that game with the two ropes that you pull apart and the thing in the middle, bible school, playing in the park, birthday parties at the Big House, eating watermelon that had been chilled in the creek at the Big House, swimming in the pool at the trailer, Teen Time, Church Camp. I have so many memories and could probably go on forever...
Then, the beginning of August would roll around and it was time for them to pack up the truck again and time to say good by until next May. Summer was over and my friends were leaving town. But, I always had next May to look forward to.
Then we all grew up and went different ways. They didn't come in the summers any more. We went to college, got married, had kids, moved to different parts of the country. Summer was never the same.
Until last summer when one half of the duo came in July! It was the same anticipation! Waiting to see their car up the road. And sure enough, didn't I get a call from her aunt the second they pulled in the driveway at Lou and Dale's house. And this time, Sandy decided to stay full time!
And so, today, I sit with the same anticipation that I remember having for all those summers of my childhood. Brandy is coming tonight! I feel like I'm 10 years old again, waiting for the call that she's here, half ready to ask my mom if I can go play with Sandy and Brandy. (Don't worry, I don't have to ask anymore...I have my own car and I just tell her that I'm going to play ;)).
Tonight, all will be right with the world because two of the greatest people from my childhood, and life for that matter, will be here as a cohesive unit. All is right in the world. Now we just have to convince her to stay ;)
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