The Adventures Continue!

It's been awhile since I blogged, so I figured y'all were due for an update. I have to say, I love my life, I have so much fun! I have truly been blessed!!!

In September I had the opportunity to do hair and make-up for my former student Julia for a pageant. She didn't win, but it was fun to be able to do it for her-

Here she is!

I also was able to sing in my Grandma's ward. I happened to have my camera in my purse so I was able to take some pictures with her and my Mom.

Oh, and this guy played the piano for me, he is pretty much one of my favorite people ever.

I also just recently returned from my third annual trek to Disney World for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party! This year I took my friend Charron and my friend Sarah. I am so blessed to have had friends and family who work and have worked for Disney because I am able to visit the parks for free! THANKS BEN & LUANA!!!

And they are expecting a baby soon! I will have a little nephew!!!!

I ate crab for the first time-

And rode my favorite ride ever!

Yep, life is grand!

Next week is spirit week at school, and I have been a little bit stressed. Since I am in charge of student government, I have to organize and spear head all of the crazy activities! AAAA! I just hope it all runs smoothly! I must remember to buy ice cream on my way to school Monday morning. GO LIGERS!

Videos from my classroom

Isiah and Moses pantomiming a Lion and a Lion Tamer!

The infamous Pantomime Birth!

Moses Pantomiming a Mermaid Character!

Oh, I love my job!

Being Inspired

I just finished watching the first episode of the Biggest Loser season eight. Nothing like a wake-up call. There is a woman this season (Abby) who had lost her husband and two children in a car accident- and she has the most amazing positive attitude. She said the following after her 1st week at the ranch, "My experience was totally different, because the fact is that death doesn't scare me, it doesn't. Death would be a much easier choice for me. It's here (meaning the ranch) that's hard. It's getting up and taking that step that's hard. Because there's not anyone else- it is just for me. So, I get up and I give it my best... and it feels good."
I love it.
It's more than just losing the weight, it's making your life the best it can be. Loving others, finding opportunities to serve, learning, growing, making mistakes and living. I think we have one of two choices in life- we can either live daily or die daily. What do we choose?
I also have a friend who never ceases to amaze me with his quiet strength. His determination in the face of such incredible odds inspires me daily. I am privileged to know him.

Back in the Saddle Again!

Tomorrow will be two weeks back in the saddle at school. And already, things are shaping up to be pretty darn wacky!!! I love teaching drama & speech, you never know how the kids will entertain you- my favorite moment of the year thus far-
I was teaching my 8th grade theatre class pantomime and the assignment was to pantomime doing a simple task (for example: painting a wall, throwing a football etc...) So this group of boys go up on the stage to complete their assignment. I knew something was awry when one of the boys laid on his back with his legs spread apart, then the boys proceeded to pantomime a baby's birth with the doctor catching the baby like a football... I died... it was SOOOO funny and unexpected! Hoo-boy!
My classroom has been insanely hot lately. I swear it's inhumane. I can't wait for the weather to cool down. I know it's hard on the kids too, I mean how am I supposed to teach 40+ kids for 90 minutes when the classroom feels like a sauna and smells like a locker room? Someone please give me a raise... or at least a medal. Yeah, I could settle for a medal, and a ticker tape parade- ooh, where I get to wave to the crowd from the back of a convertible! Yes, that would make it all worth it.
So, I was at the grocery store the other day looking at steak when I heard a cow moo... Seriously. It creeped me out, and no, I did not buy steak that day.
Life has been really good lately. I am still working out and have lost 16 lbs!! And I really feel great about my progress. I am learning and growing and I feel at peace with how my life is right now. I have amazing friends and family and I am so grateful for their words of encouragement and support. They never cease to amaze and inspire me.

Ode to a Sweaty Classroom

Well, I survived the first week of school in our non air conditioned building built in 1949! (Although the office has A/C, as does the science/math building which was built in 2004) Today when I should of been paying attention in faculty meeting, I wrote this poem instead-

Ode to a Sweaty Classroom

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The bell rings, the day has begun

And I wonder when my mascara will run-

The intense heat, minds are a whirlin'

How long till the fans start a twirlin'?

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Attempt to stay awake- learn something too.

But with this heat? Oh what can you do?

And in addition, the smell is o'powering

You'd think by now the kids would 'get' showering!

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The day is done- you drag your tired feet

Wondering how you could ever repeat...

The sun is shining, oh when will it end?

The pits, the back- You're sweating AGAIN!

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Try to look cute? HA! That's a laugh!

With all of this heat? I wish I taught math-

Then A/C would be my blessed, blessed friend

In the science building, I wish I could send!

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Alas, the heat is here- come now to stay

At least until fall- when it'll finally go away!

And, so I bear it all with a smile-

Because I love it- the kids are worthwhile.

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So, I entertain and try now to teach-

289 kids... yep, all within my reach.

Though I smell- look like a wilted flower...

Let's face facts- I REALLY NEED A SHOWER!

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Here we go again-

Next Monday starts my 4th year as a teacher. Where does the time go? I am excited, but also apprehensive and irritated that I still don't have a sound system, blinds in my classroom and a light board that is functioning. I know I will have tons of stress putting together a show with blood, sweat, tears and duct tape... for one brief shining moment. It's coming so soon!

I have no problem believing in others, seeing their potential, having complete faith in them. Why do I falter with myself? Recently, I've been working with a personal trainer. I started with him before I went to Europe and have been working with him since. He is VERY expensive. I've learned the key to results is really the food you eat more than working out, but I digress. I originally signed up for 20 sessions which round out to about $45 bucks a pop. You do the math... Anyway, I knew the end of my sessions would be coming really soon, I just didn't realize how soon. Tonight he texted me and told me I have five sessions left and he was wondering if I am planning to continue...
I want to. I really want to. I see it as an investment in myself. But, after Europe, my new car last January and day to day life- I cannot afford it.
Besides having him train me, he is such a source of knowledge, and there is the accountability factor. I really want to continue until I reach my goals.
I guess I am just doubting that I can be successful without him. I know on some level I can be, but I've finally felt empowered and like "this is it"...

I went and saw Julie & Julia this evening. Delightful. I miss cooking, I don't do it much for myself. I love food... hence my problem.

Have I learned enough to fly solo? I have no intentions of being super muscular, I just want to be healthy. I like my curves, they just need to be smaller, I like being feminine. Why is it that I have more faith in others than I ever have for myself?

Shhhh... don't tell anyone!

So, I have a secret. Don't let my students know.

I love being a teacher. NO REALLY- DON'T LET THEM KNOW!

As the summer is quickly winding to a close, my thoughts have started thinking about the upcoming school year and I can't help but get a little excited! I have always loved the start of a new school year, the anticipation, the back to school shopping and starting out with a clean slate! Ahhhhh!

So many things in my life have been uncertain, being a teacher is not one of them. Although I may complain at times, may get discouraged, may wonder if it is worth it. I remember, it is. It just makes my heart happy, thinking of the wonderful things that will shape this upcoming school year, the students I will meet and who will have such a profound impact on me. I love these kids, I hope they know that. I can't think of a higher honor than being a teacher.

Things I love about it:

-I am the master of my domain!

-Making the kids laugh by being goofy and doing accents!

-Being there for a student when they need someone to listen

-Seeing a student 'get it'

-Quiet moments

- The applause at the musicals (curtain call always makes me cry when I see my kids take their well-deserved bows, it makes all the headaches, long hours and pain worth it for one shining moment to see the looks on their faces as they bask in the moment!)

-Giving a kid a chance

- Sharing my passion with my students

-Telling stories

- Students just stopping by to say hi

-A Student's genuine smile

-Sharing our lives

-Knowing that in some small way, I can change the world.

Look out world, here I come! :)

Oh dear...

So, I was at the gym yesterday and there was a commercial for a limited edition Michael Jackson lithograph. Which in of itself, isn't very strange. But what I found to be strange was the way the commercial presented the product. A woman hung it on the wall and there were candles all around as she stroked the portrait. I found it to be creepy.
I think it is interesting how people immortalize dead celebrities. I also find it to be a bit creepy.

The power of Hope

I love the word Hope. Hope that someday all the craziness will make sense. Hope that my dreams will come true. In the darkest moments, Hope is still there.
Sometimes it seems like Hope is all I have to hold onto. But, it is enough.

Hope for a dream-

Hope for a love-

Hope for tomorrow-

Hope for a smile-

Hope for a difference.

I truly do love my life. Even the things I don't understand, because then I can grow and learn.

The joys of an ice cold Diet Dr. Pepper

Ahhhhhh... I love ice. While I was in Europe, I developed a greater appreciation for ice. Cold Drinks, Air Conditioning...

I also LOVE DIET DR. PEPPER! Yes, I know it is caffeinated and yes it is carbonated, but oh so tasty! And whereas I am trying to not eat sweets, sometimes it just hits the spot! Ahhhhh!

As y'all know (who read this blog with some frequency) I've been rather pensive these last few months, trying to figure out a lot of things, learning from a lot of things and making a lot of mistakes. So what conclusions have I reached?

In short, very few. I used to scoff at the saying 'the older I get the more I realize the less I know', or something like that- I think this is becoming my new mantra. When I was younger, I knew EVERYTHING, had all the answers, I was very smart. And now... life has schooled me. And not always in the most pleasant way. But, I do know, no matter what it is important to try to maintain a positive attitude and enjoy the happiness in life. Forgive others when they have hurt your feelings, spend time with those who love you, take time to dream...

What is it that prevents us from reaching our full potential? When I first started this blog, I talked about my desire to lose weight, and my efforts to do it. And here I am, months later in essentially the same situation- why?

I got home from Europe a week ago, lost 4.5 lbs. (A result of a ton of walking), worked out all week, but ate whatever I wanted. As a result, I am dreading seeing my trainer tomorrow as he gives me the I am disappointed in you look. What is stopping me? I feel like sometimes I am two people- the conscious me and the unconscious me. The conscious me is aware, goes to the Gym, sets goals, takes care of herself... the unconscious me is autopilot and before I know it, I've eaten a half gallon of ice cream in one day (which happened to me last week). The unconscious me doesn't give a rat's patootie about changing and becoming better. And when it comes to eating, the unconscious me often rules the day. I guess this could also be comparable to the natural man.

Becoming aware.