Merry Christmas! Being the second day of Christmas, I hope you are enjoying your two turtle doves and a new partridge in a pear tree :) I guess partridges have a short life, I'm not sure what anyone would do with 12 partridges....at least they'd all have their own home. Ok, this is so not the point of my blog, I got distracted. :) I've been sitting at my parent's kitchen table since we came home from mass/ grocery store this morning. I ate lunch with mom and we listened to some great music together. Then I decided to get some work done ( I KNOW, DON'T BE SHOCKED). But last semester the college Algebra class required some extra work on my part, so I'm getting a head start on the Dual Credit Trigonometry class for next semester. I even bought a new spiral notebook. :) Then I got distracted by my mom and my sleepiness. I posted on my facebook a few days ago that I was looking to start acting at the local little theatre. I however am rethinking this. A few weeks ago, I noticed that Amarillo College is offering a "Traditional Archery II" class on Tuesday nights. It's taught by the same person that taught me back in the day at Camp K, and it's an advanced class for people "looking to further their skills with the traditional bow and arrow." Its dates are January through March. So I think I'm going to use a portion of my Christmas money, which includes extra money for house-sitting and baby-sitting, to take this class on Tuesday nights. I've wanted to take it FOR A LONG TIME. Plus, the play that I was looking to audition for only has like 3 male parts and 3 female parts, and while I think I'm fantastic :), there's a lot of other really great people out there. Of course, this also means I may have to wait until next season to audition cause the other play this season is a musical. While I enjoy music, I generally enjoy music in my car or house when no one is watching. I don't think anyone wants to hear me sing or watch me dance on stage, hahaha. Which is okay again, cause I have quite a few things to do with school this spring semester; PSIA is happening SUPER FAST after the break, which if you're in Amarillo or the surrounding area and would like to judge at our campus competition, it's Saturday Jan. 22nd, and I do not feel ready for it at all. Plus, my new year's resolution is to go to Confession/Reconcilliation at least twice a month, I'm going to aim for every week, but I'm a busy person :/ Oh, and don't worry, I will be continuing my blog :) I know you're ALL SUPER PSYCHED ABOUT THAT :) I'm going to end the blog asking about your Christmas, it can't always be about me. Share your stories in the comments section so we can all get to know each other a little better :) How is your holiday season? What is your favorite part of the holiday season? Did you get what you wanted for Christmas? What are your plans for New Years? The last question is a selfish one, I don't have plans yet ;)
Merry Christmas!
Can you guess what languages these are without using google?
I'll post the answer in the comment section sometime this week. :)
Warning! IF YOU ARE UNDER THE AGE OF LIKE 13, YOU MAY NOT WANT TO READ IT. IN FACT, I DON'T WANT YOU TO READ IT. SO STOP NOW AND GO WRITE A LETTER TO SANTA...
As promised here is my Christmas blog, I honestly wasn't expecting it to come so soon either, but I was inspired. Any of you writers out there can testify that when the inspiration comes, you must let it flow. So let me just give you some background info, in case you don't actually know me, or don't know me as well as you should. I LOVE CHRISTMAS MUSIC. When I was a kid, I remember listening to a Christmas tape of my mom's in like August! I still listen to the same music I did when I was 7 and I know every single word. I love our family's CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS! First the Nativity Scene: we usually set it up near the Christmas tree, with the Baby Jesus hiding of course until after Christmas Eve Mass. The wise men are also separated from the rest of the scene and they get moved closer each day until the Epiphany. We always going to mass on Christmas Eve, whether the Children's liturgy or the Midnight Mass, my personal favorite is the Midnight service. Usually either before or after mass, we open our "Christmas Eve Gift," which coincidentally is also how your greet people on Christmas eve. Nine times out of ten the Christmas Eve Gift is cutesy matching pajamas. For the past 18 years or so, I, along with my brother, will watch "Muppet's Christmas Carol" on Christmas Eve. For as long as I can remember, I have never been able to sleep on Christmas Eve. I have ALWAYS BEEN the first one up on Christmas day. In fact, Harry Connick, Jr. sings a song "I'm Gonna Be The First One" that he wrote just for me. :) FYI: WE from now includes Cassi and I as children and Bobby and I for the last 13 years. :) So WE get up and go through our stockings that we strategically placed the night before so that Santa could fill them up with all kinds of goodies. I would like to say this is my favorite, but the WHOLE HOLIDAY is my favorite! So "WE" go through our stocking bit by bit, usually with one or two big-ish presents sitting outside of our stocking. WE of course are super quiet during this time, cause mom and dad are still asleep, seeing as how it's like 5 am. Around 6:30- 7, we finally get brave enough (hungry enough/excited enough, take your pick) to go wake up mom and dad, usually showing them one of the gifts that Santa got for us. Next all of us, go through our stockings, children dumping it all out now that we don't have to be quiet. Then, the parade or something gets turned on the TV, WE play with something new that we just got, while mom and dad start to cook us pancakes (occasionally waffles) for breakfast. After breakfast, we pass out all of the presents to the members of the immediate family. Once all presents are passed out, the opening bananza begins. You can usually tell when you're opening something good cause mom will stop and watch and have her camera ready to take a picture, this is true even to this day. Then the rest of the family comes out, which is normally Bernetta, perhaps Genece, nowadays Cassi, Josh and the kids. And the present process happens again. I'm sure very similar things happen, or happened at your house, but I'm not sure if I would be ok with something just similar. haha. Which brings me to my point... (I know that was a lot of background info, but I think this next part is going to good so stay with me)
So, I was about Bobby's age when Bobby came around and I'm fairly certain if he hadn't come around, I would have had this brainblock then, but as I said getting up early and seeing the Santa gifts is one of my favorite things to do at Christmas, in fact there were a couple of years where I was more excited than bobby, so I took a Tylenol PM before bed so I could actually SLEEP on Christmas morning. So Bobby has overtaken my joy for Santa and christmas and until this year, at least as far as we know, still believed in Santa. Most people may mock him for such a thing, I however applaud him. I also think it comes from having me as a big sister and from watching "The Santa Clause" too many times as a kid. So this year he found out, which means no more Santa. I shamefully admit that I was saddened by the discovery of this fact. I started wondering what I had to look forward to on Christmas Day. Coupled with the fact that I don't really make a lot of money and wasn't really sure that my gifts wouldn't just be a dissappointment, I just completely lost the Christmas Spirit. I stopped listening to Christmas Music, I didn't go shopping at all, I just wasn't interested. It was my students, actually I think that changed my mood. Our school newspaper had an editorial about Christmas by one of the students. She said something close to the following: Christmas isn't about buying gifts or getting up at 4 am. Christmas is about showing love, we buy gifts to see our loved ones reaction knowing that we put effort into it. God showed us his love by giving us his son, so we show love to one another with our gifts.
I think this is where it gets tricky, cause our love is not measured by the amount of money we spend on each other. Rather, our love is shown by the time we spend with our loved ones.
One day, I hope to carry on the traditions with my own family, of course combining with those of my husband's. I'm also plan to challenge myself, as I challenge you, the reader, now, to add other acts of love to your Christmas traditions: serving those less fortunate, helping salvation army, the Angel Tree, or be creative and find some other act of love or kindness. So that when the "magic" of Christmas fades away, the meaning is there as a reminder of the "Reason for the Season."
Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! Here is My Christmas Gift to you all :)
Monday, December 13, 2010
Hello family and friends and random blog readers. I'm not sure how many people actually just read this that I don't shove it down their throats...lol. Anywho...I'm still on Michael Buble euphoria and so I'm going to start this blog with a list. Here are the concerts I have attended in somewhat of an order...we'll see how well my memory is:
New Kids on the Block- Lubbock, TX
Tim McGraw, Black Hawk Down, Little Texas
Wade Hayes (and some other people)
The Beach Boys
Clay Walker
there was another random high school concert...
K-Ci & Jo-jo
Breaking Benjamin & Three Doors Down
Blake Shelton
Montgomery Gentry, Kenny Chesney
Willie Nelson & Pat Green
Big & Rich
WT's 2007 Homecoming concert (I don't remember who it was)
Blue Man Group
Nickelback, Puddle of Mudd and Finger Eleven
Miranda Lambert
Toadies
Jack Ingram
Honeybrowne
Justin Cooper (i think that's right....)
New Kids on the Block- Reunion Tour in Dallas
Michael Buble- Oklahoma City, OK
I feel like that's it, but I also feel like I'm missing someone...
So Michael Buble was on my bucket list and so now to complete my concert bucket list I just need to see Jason Mraz and Harry Connick Jr. Oh, and a show on Vegas! Well that's my blog for now. I have more to blog but I am getting sleepy right now so. I'll have to blog again after the vacation has started, which is just 20 school hours away :) be jealous...very jealous :)
I hope this blog finds you all safe and healthy. You're probably all recovering from the return back to work. like myself. So how was my holiday, you ask. FANTASTIC, actually!! I think it was one of the BEST of all times. There were a total of 29 people at our house at any given time, that includes, Aunts, Uncles, cousins, second cousins, first cousins once removed, nieces, nephews, and Bernetta, our "adopted Grandmother", who also happens to be my dad's Godmother. As most of you probably heard, I was really excited for this family gathering and I was not disappointed. So the festivities really began on Wednesday, I didn't make it out to mom and dad's as soon as I would have liked, but I didn't get my stuff done early enough. So some of the highlights of the holiday weekend would be Pictionary game that lasted until 3 AM, Scattegories, "Gluten-Free Baking", my dad losing the Scrabble game, laughing to the point of tears, the Pace Family Video, Cowgirl Birthday Party, Trampoline Jumping, Boys and the Four Wheelers, the Hula-Hoop competition, Bingo, the Estimation Jar, and Thanksgiving in the New millennium- aka everyone playing on their iPhones/iPads/iPods. Of course, the Aggies won the football game against UT, the Cowboys lost to the Saints, two more highlights of the weekend. I didn't go shopping on Black Friday nor did I end up in the paper, also highlights. My cousin Kim got us all addicted to new apps on the iPhone, "We Doodle" which was free and is basically pictionary, and "Train Conductor" which was .99 but is so addicting. I've mastered the day shift, and I think I just mastered the night shift this evening. All the little second cousins are bonding which is super cute. There are four little girls that are pals: Renee, 8, Aubrey, 8, Sarah, 6, and Rylee, 4. The boys are a little more spread out: Josh, 11, Andrew, 10, Jakob, 6, and Cedric, 4. My brother is becoming a typical teenager, unfortunately. He's almost 14 and spent just about the ENTIRE weekend playing video games. On Saturday morning, he looked awful, so now I'm anxious for him to outgrow that phase. My pictures are all on facebook and shutterfly so you should check them all out. Unfortunately the weekend wasn't ALL fun and games. My mom's aunt Betty (my grandpa's sister) passed away on Thanksgiving Day and her uncle Jay ( Nanny's brother) passed away on Sunday morning. Betty I didn't know very well cause they used to live in Fritch but moved to Oklahoma when I was a kid. Uncle Jay though I did know quite well. Jay lived a sort of gypsy life in that he moved around alot. He also was a very good storyteller. He always used accents and his stories always had lots of details. My mom was able to drive to Oklahoma today for Betty's funeral though and I'm glad she got to see some of her family. I love you MOM! Well, I would like to end the blog on a brighter note though. As of publication time, I had 8 paying travelers on my trip to Italy & Greece which means that my trip is now paid for and I'm only 4 away from the next free chaperon place. And on another happy note, our school's raffle was a very successful fundraiser. We sold over 2000 tickets! Oh and my principal told me today that people are noticing how much the school's been in the news lately! We were in the paper 3 times just last week alone!! Someone told Father that "someone must be doing their job right" ahhh, that's ME! Well, I think my new laptop is about to die so I better wrap it up and get this thing on the World Wide Web! Eight more regular school days until Semester Tests start! By the way I have half-days that whole last week of exams!! Isn't that neat? Have a GREAT WEEK! Thanks for reading. Until next time~
Notable November to you all! I have a couple of neat things to blog about. First, my roommates and I just hosted our first gathering in celebration of Halloween and Teresa's birthday. Not going to lie, it was pretty great. My costume was alot of fun, for me at least. Haha. I was Antoine Dodson and if you don't know who that is you should go look him up on YouTube. I won apples to apples and it was the first time I had ever played. They say that the cards you get are supposed to describe you and my five cards were Easy, Cool, Tough, Sensual and Stunning. I'm not really sure I have an opinion on that.... If any of my friends are reading this though, THANKS so much for coming!!! Also thanks to Neon, without whom I would have never had such a great costume.
Red Ribbon Week was last week and while I was completely stressed most of the week, I really think that it was a great week! I got to go around to each homeroom and show an anti drug video that focused on pain killers and I had some really good discussions. I had never really thought that my ex-friendships (just one really) would come out to be helpful, at least in this manner. It was kind of sad talking about someone that used to be my best friend. I have started to just accept the fact that she just isn't the same person that was my friend, not really sure she ever will be..
I told you all last week that I'm going on the trip to Italy & Greece with some students from school. We started telling the students about it, set up a meeting. So, one of the 10th graders asked the other sponsor if this was an "academic trip" and of course he answered yes. The student seemed dissappointed but he explained that this was not a trip for him to find an Italian girlfriend. Well, we were saying this in front of my principal, who looked at him and said "Isn't that why you're going?" HAHA, anyway. She then went on to say that Italian women and men are very emotional and dramatic. My response to that was the inspiration to the title, I don't do emotions. Then someone was saying that you wouldn't be able to understand them anyway, which made me think that he could be throwing a fit and I would just be staring at him saying "oh, how cute." Well, I better wrap this up. Only 16 more school days until Thanksgiving BREAK!! Yeah!!
So, I guess I'm running a little short on creativity, cause "Rocktober" was the best that I could come up with tonight. I decided to blog "midbook" because there's something about this book that I REALLY, REALLY LIKE and it's better to blog while, well, I should just start my blog now.
So, I'm curently reading "The Lost Hero" by Rick Riordan and I've really enjoyed it so far. As I'm reading, I find myself thinking of all the reasons that I like reading. One reason I enjoy reading so much is because I find it very similar to solving a puzzle, which I guess it is. I like predicting what's going to happen and changing the prediction as I continue reading. I like BEING RIGHT! I mean, who doesn't right? Same reason I like Math. For example, I've been tutoring someone fo Trig and tonight there was one problem that had me stumped so I came home and drew one picture, and when that didn't work I drew another picture. I just kept adjusting my picture until it made sense and was something you could work with and I finally got it. I'm not sure where one gets the desire to figure things out like that. I'm not sure if it's from childhood, genetics, school. I don't know, but however you get bitten by the bug, I've been bitten. It seems as though being a teacher has sparked my interest in learning.
Something else being a teacher has sparked, my interest in travel. I never realized before how connected it was to learning but it really is. Which brings me to another announcement that isn't new to those of you that already read it on facebook. I will be traveling with a group of students from Holy Cross to Italy & Greece duing Spring Break of 2012. I'm REALLY excited about this!! Í'm planning it with another of the younger teachers from Holy Cross and I've talked to a couple of the students about it and they seem really stoked about it. So let this be my first plea for help fundraising. We will be doing LOTS of fundraisers cause we have so long until the trip. I'm hoping to do some really fun, creative fundraisers, instead of the same old boring ones.
Another thing I've decided to try and take on is a Girl Scout Troop. My wonderful niece Aubrey has been involved every year until now and she says she doesn't want to do it anymore. When I asked her if she would join if I were her leader she said yes. At the time, I was just kind of saying it. Then I was asked to lead a troop last weekend at Camp Kiwanis through an overnight. Even though I didn't know any of the girls, I had such a FANTASTIC TIME, so noooww, I'm looking into becoming a real leader for Aubrey, with my wonderful sister as the Assistant Troop leader of course. :) My roommate says I'm crazy, and I'm sure she's right, but WHATEVER. I'm only young once, right? I mean, some day, I'll have a family and what not and won't have the time to do ALL OF THIS STUFF. Well, maybe I'll find a way, haha. Anyway.
It's late. I have a workshop with my Senior High Student council tomorrow and next week is Red Ribbon Week, so needless to say, I'm ready for October to be over. Plus, NOVEMBER MEANS THANKSGIVING. Pace Family, I have an email in my "Draft" Box that I will send out immediately after finishing this. So, it should have already made it to your inbox. :) Have a great rest of the week!
Until next time!
I can't believe that almost all of September has gone by and I haven't blogged. I think part of is cause I've BEEN RIDICULOUSLY BUSY! I quickly want to say that I've finished another book, "The Lucky One" by Nicholas Sparks, not the most depressing book he's ever written..you should check it out. I don't guess I've told you everything that I've gotten myself into this school year. I know I told you at the end of last year that I would be taking a Public Relations Coordinator at my school, as a way to make extra money. I found out when I got back from my trip that I'm also the Student Council Sponsor, which I'm really excited about. Then at the first staff meeting they asked for volunteers for PSIA coordinator, which is basically Private School UIL for 1st-8th grades. Again, I'm REALLY excited about that. I LOVED taking my Advance Science class to that competition at Tech last year! It was GREAT! So I'm excited to get to do that some more!! Then a few weeks ago, I volunteered (sort of ) to take over the 6th grade homeroom! The teacher who had them, also had them for like 3 other classes in the morning which is too much for ANYONE! Which if anyone from Jones is reading this, you probably know how STINKING EXCITED I AM ABOUT HAVING A HOMEROOM!! My 4th grade homeroom a few years ago, was my homeroom soul mate!! They LOVED COMPETING and I'm fairly certain we won (or at least tied) every competition that year!! So I'm hoping to work my magic and bring this sixth grade class to life! They're a little immature and have been a challenge, but I've had worse :) Oh and I'm currently planning something else, that if you have a facebook you've read about my super secret project :) I'm a little hesitant to announce it just yet since it's not completely official but hopefully in a matter of weeks it will be OFFICIAL! Plus, since I'm not working another job, well at least not one somewhere else, I have been able to participate in the Young Adult activities at St. Thomas which has been a lot of FUN! I've also made it to several volleyball games, middle school and high school. Oh- I'm also teaching (facilitating) a Dual Credit College Algebra, which has been a challenge. I've enjoyed having the seniors in class, but I have to spent time the night before going over what I'm supposed to teach them....I'm hoping it's one of those things I get to do again, so I can do it better....Oh, I also attended my last wedding of the past year. From October 2009-October 2010, I attended SEVEN, yes 7, weddings. Apparently this is something that happens to everyone at some point in their life, and at least I had a really awesome black dress that I was able to wear and uniquely accessorize for each occasion! Well, I've got a trip this weekend. I'm going to Irving for a PSIA workshop on Saturday until 2, then I'm heading South for AUSTIN! It's Betsy's Birthday!! So I'm really excited about that!!!!! So I guess I better start putting things together so I can leave after school on Friday! So until then....
Thanks for reading.
So I just wanted to type a quick blog this wonderful Sunday afternoon. I'm just hoping I can actually keep it quick. First, I finished reading Mockingjay in like record time- it was ridiculous, there's nothing to even blog about cause I don't want to give anything away. So just READ THEM. Second, 2010-2011 School Year is off to a great start. I think I'm going to be really busy, but that's good, maybe I will actually save money this year! Which brings me to three, I've moved in with Paula and Teresa and so far things are going pretty great! It's been a couple of weeks and there's been no bloody noses or slammed doors, so I'm optimistic. Next, this weekend was pretty fantastic. I LOVE BEING AN AUNT! I love that Aubrey, Andrew and Jakob are becoming their own little person with their own little personality. I was supposed to go see Eclipse with Cassi last night, before you judge- it's been out two whole months and I'm just now seeing it for the FIRST time. But things didn't work out, so I asked Aubrey if she wanted to come, we were all hanging out at "Grandma & Grandpa's" and she of course said yes, but then surprisingly, so did Jakob! So off to the movies for our birthday movie date. It was fun. Aubrey and I had fun dancing to my new album on the way to the theater (Justin Bieber....feel free to judge me for that, but the songs are catchy...) So now I'm about to head off to mom and dad's again. Then it's week 3 of school. This weekend one of my wonderful friends from Midland is getting married in Dallas and I can't wait to help her celebrate. Cool thing is that I will also get to be in Dallas to celebrate Aunt Lou Ann's Birthday!! Then hopefully between school, student council, public relations, workshops, weddings, homecoming, football games and birthdays....I'll get to do something else that will inspire me to write a blog. Until then!
Thanks for Reading!
Also I don't feel like proofreading this so sorry for any mistakes....
This list is in no particular order, just typing as they come to mind, which may be random since I've been back for almost 2 weeks...
There are a few ideal situations for maximizing your cruise enjoyment, that does not include a single 26 year old going with a 13 year old brother and parents that go to bed at 9 o'clock...
...it could include going with a group of friends, family reunion, or honeymoon/couple. (HINT! HINT! FAMILY....)
If your dad says he will pay for you to go fishing in Ketchikan, THEN GO FISHING IN KETCHIKAN!!! No matter who goes with you!!
Don't pack sweaters or jackets cause you'll end up buying three of them that say Alaska and then won't have room to pack them in your suitcase.
Bring along plenty of games that your group can play together. Things that include cards, dice, etc.
Sign up for at least ONE WHALE WATCHING excursion, hearing someone tell about thier experience just isn't quite the same.
Make sure the camera gets turned off every time it's used, unless you want to spend 25 minutes in Juneau finding a spare battery and/or charger.
There is no "Redneck Night" on the ship...no matter how much your dad wants there to be...
Head to the bow of the ship early for the glacier stop, unless you just want to remember what the back of every one's head looks like after you get home.
Go to the gym on the FIRST DAY you're on the ship, otherwise, you never will....
Participating in the trivia with your cruise director Anthony and making a group with other single people will win you prizes, especially if one of you shouts "I want a coffee mug!" :)
Have someone in your group that can act as a moderator for at least MOST of the trip...no one can be THAT patient for 11 days...
Listen for people shouting "OOooh!" pretty much anytime you're on the ship, it means there's probably a whale or other sea life outside the ship
UNDER PACK! I know that sounds crazy but the ship has a washing machine, and you'll wear the clothes you buy.
If you're shoving things in a bag, buy a $20 carry-on so you don't end up having to pay $50 for the 5 extra pounds you "shoved"...
If someone in your group likes to go to bed early, make them stay up at least ONE night on the ship for a program or activity. Even if they act like they don't want to, you will all end up having a blast!
Order the milk & cookies every night for room service. Holland has the BEST DAMN chocolate chip cookies I've ever had, EVER!
Send the postcards you buy as soon as you buy them, otherwise half of them will end up coming home with you...
Go to every dining room (the free ones at least) and try all the different kinds of foods they have to offer...
If someone is offering a food you REALLY want to try, don't pass it up, there aren't repeats on a cruise ship's menu.
Convince as many people as you can that they need to go back with you on your next cruise.
Have someone in your group that knows how to work cameras and other electronics...
.....And make sure they're willing to help you figure out how to work them.
Keep your phone OFF until you are on land
ALASKA IS AWESOME!!!
Yesterday was my first day of school, and I've spent a whole week at my new place now, so hopefully in the next few weeks I will have an opportunity to upload all of the pictures and videos on the computer so that you can all see what a blast we had...at least most of the time :)
Thanks for reading!
I'm sure that as an informed citizen of the USA, many people would assume that I've researched everything there is to know about Seattle and the various stops in Alaska. And in truth, I have at least read the information given to me by the cruise line and the few things that Uncle Don sent to us. But I think that sometimes, the best things to see in a place are the ones that aren't advertised or promoted a whole lot. My plan is to get off the boat at every shop and just walk around the different towns, do some shopping, eat some food or drink some drinks. The only thing that I HAVE TO SEE in Alaska is the Totem Pole collection!! I've always had a slight fascination with totem poles, not one that is very dominant or anything. I don't like research them or know a lot about them, but if one's in front of me, I will look at it. And of course, I'm hoping to see LOTS of Wildlife!! A few weeks ago, I purchased an 8 GB SD card, and with mom's camera, I can take up to 4000 pictures!! I'm sure you're saying "YOU are taking pictures with your mom's camera??" Well, you're only saying that if you haven't seen mother try to take pictures....HAHAHA! sorry mom, there's lots of things that you do much better than me, but we all know that photography is not your strength! My 5Th grade pictures include absolutely NO HEADS, it's like I went to an alien school where everyone was headless that year.... anyway- I'm sure like everyone I've told this to before you're thinking "FOUR THOUSAND PICTURES?!? IS THAT A TYPO?" or "I'm not sure that I want to look at 4,000 pictures..." And don't worry, I don't really plan on taking that many pictures, but the girl scout in me would rather be over prepared for this situation. I mean what happens if I can only take 400 and the 401st picture is like a whale or bear or something bad ass like that....I mean WOULDN'T THAT SUCK!! OH, something else that I'm looking forward to is Seattle, maybe it's because we're going to be there for several days so we're actually making plans, but we're going to a Seattle Mariners game, the only disappointment is that a week or two before we're going, they're playing the Yankees!! But that can't be helped. So I'm missing a few things on this trip. I'm missing Staff Party at Camp, which I'm kind of sad about, but when you compare it to Alaska- I mean...sorry camp staff, but it just doesn't compare. so enough about the trip already.... I've moved out of my apartment!! YEAH!!!! I'm so glad for several reasons: 1) I HATED those apartments, sure they were close, but ugh- I HATED THEM! 2) I know have TWO FANTASTIC ROOMMATES!! (of course, I'm sure some of you are laughing at me, especially since I've never had roommates that weren't related to me, or that were temporary (camp) but I'm pretty pumped about it.) 3) I just feel like living alone was not good for me, it's not good for most people, but if I find room for all of my crap I'll really like it- I may have to sell most of it... I'm also missing some school stuff, but my principal knows about it and is cool with it. One thing I'm nervous about missing is a meeting at Amarillo College, cause instead of teaching Calculus as originally planned, it looks like I'm going to be teaching Dual Credit College Algebra. I'm unsure of this. Honestly though, I was unsure about pretty much everything this year and I made it through that, so I'm going to work really hard to make sure I do well this year. You can't screw up a thing like college Algebra, but maybe since it's through the college, it'll be better than I thought. Well, I will more than likely NOT post a blog before the trip. I may write one during the trip and post it afterwards but you know for a fact that there will be one at the conclusion of the trip! 9 days until the cruise 3 days until my birthday Thanks for reading guys! Happy summertime!
Ok, so to start of, if you've never seen my Stewart impression, then I'm very sad for you. In case you don't know who "Stewart" is, he is a character from MadTV, and in high school/early college I did a pretty good impression, haven't done one lately, so I'm not so sure how great it would be these days....
On with the blog now, I'm sorry it's been more than a whole month since my last blog. School ended and camp started with a whirlwind. Camp is busy, but I really couldn't imagine not spending my summer out here. First I have some cool/good news. You guys all now that I've been working to get in shape, and I'm still working on it. I haven't been as dilligent as I would like to be, but I'm still trying and working and NOT GIVING UP! So looking on my camp computer, I found last year's staff picture and I happened (ugh) to be in the front row.... so the "Salmon" shirt is me in last year's X-Large staff shirt. And I've worked really hard to get the size I am now. First of all, when I put on last year's staff shirt a few weeks ago, it did not fit- it was way too big!! So a picture of me in this year's yellow shirt (which is a Large...) is also attached. I think you can tell that there's been process, mostly in my legs...so let me first say a big thank you to everyone who motivated, encouraged, pushed me to work hard this year. Also to those of you who called/texted/invited me to work out with you. I REALLY APPRECIATE IT!! A LOT!!
I need to say a few things before I forget. I have a new address now, well I will very soon at least. I'm in the process of moving, but I'd rather not post that on the internet, so send me an email, text, letter (at camp) or carrier-pigeon and I will let you have my new address. In case you don't have the camp address (hint, hint. cough, cough)
802 N. Girl Scout Road
Amarillo, Tx 79124
for those of you who have written me, this week is a shorter week so HOPEFULLY I will get a chance to write you back this week! Some other cool news, Speedo and I looked at our numbers for camp this season SO FAR and we are at 498!! So CLOSE TO 500, WITH ROOM TO GROW AND 3 MORE WEEKS OF CAMP!! :) We are all a little excited around here!! If you have daughters, nieces, granddaughters, friends, cousins that are going into the 3rd grade and up, send them to camp!! :)
so I have to cut this short, cause it's late and I HAVE TO GET UP IN THE MORNING- but I'll close with this 25 days until the cruise, 18 days until my birthday!!
I'm sorry I went past my 10 minutes, Speedo! :) I have more to blog about.....but it'll have to wait, keep you all in suspense for the next edition :) thanks guys!
I’ve noticed that the last few blogs have been a little lengthy so I will try to not be so verbose this blog around. Sorry for the length, but lots happened! This week alone, I thought I was going to Vegas for a workshop and that my school was paying, then I found out that I don’t get to go to Vegas. I’m really okay about not going. It will be much more fun to go to Vegas with a group of people for a weekend or something than by myself to a workshop. Plus it would have been a short trip and I would have missed part of pre-camp. So I’m currently investigating another opportunity for a make-up workshop that could involve a nice Fall trip to South Texas! So stay tuned South Texas Residents! I guess I can say this next thing out loud now, but I signed my contract today for the 2010-2011 school year to be a teacher at Holy Cross Catholic Academy! Sorry I had to drag it out a little bit! I was looking for some other opportunities to make more money and I thought that meant going to a public school. Well I was kindly reminded that I don’t make the plans!! Fortunately, I am being taken care of in other ways. Not only will I save more money moving in with 2 amazing friends, I will also be taking on more responsibilities at school which means more money, at least enough to replace my current second job. Now that I know what my plans are for next year, I can focus a little easier. I’ve started to get excited about next year, which is CRAZY, I KNOW! But I’ll be teaching a group of kids that I taught or at least saw everyday! And I’ll know what the heck I’m doing, so it will go much, much smoother- which can’t be a bad thing cause this year was pretty dang smooth! I also requested this week to teach GEOMETRY next year, which I’m excited about. My Geometry teacher was one of my LEAST FAVORITE MATH TEACHERS! I had the most fun but it was the lowest math grade I’ve ever had! So this will be like my second chance at Geometry! Well, there’s not much more going on! I put in my notice at the Funeral Home which means camp is getting closer!! There are only 5 regular school days left, a Mustang Fun Day and then 4 half-days of Semester Tests! You’ll probably get one more blog from me before camp starts, but I hope all the teachers out there have a wonderful end of school year festivities and such! IT’S ALMOST SUMMERTIME!!
Alright, so we are currently in route back home from Michigan. I think we are a few hours away from saint Louis, where hopefully we will be staying near a casino and the arch....not sure yet. It'll mean a little longer driving tomorrow but we all have Monday off from work. And the only thing I would like to be in town for is too early in the afternoon for me to be able to make it at all. Which actually brings me to some sad news before I get onto this weekend. My school was saddened to learn this week that a student passed away. Unfortunately this is the second student that I will have buried in my short teaching career. Deann Campos was a bright happy 7Th grader whom I rarely saw without a smile on her face. She was out all of last week and on Wednesday we learned of her death. The autopsy came back on Friday and it turns out she had a fast growing tumor that even if it had been detected, a surgery would have been unlikely and could have possibly caused permanent brain damage. So I am thankful that she did not have to suffer through the pain of surgery or the fear of death. She will be deeply missed but she has a wonderful school community that is praying for her and I appreciate everyone keeping Holy Cross in your prayers as we close out our school year. Unfortunately the rosary is this evening (Sunday) and the services Monday at 3. I think that my school will be having a memorial service at some point though. Plus I think staying home from this trip to go would have been a mistake. So let me tell you about it. We, being me, mom, Bobby and dad, left Thursday evening around 6.30; we stopped somewhere in Oklahoma for dinner and then drove on through stopping for breakfast in Saint Louis, Illinois :) then the next like 9 hours were SOOO long. It seemed like we were close but it was like waiting for water to boil, it just didn't seem that we would ever make it to Grand Rapids!! But we finally did. After washing off the previous 20 hours and getting all dolled up we made our way to the rehearsal dinner, where I got to see my cousins whom I haven't seen in 8 years!! Which after making this trip, I can't blame them. It's a looong drive!! We got to catch up a little. I got to meet my like second cousins, at least I think- they're my cousins children. I had met Caleb before, seeing as how mom and dad are his godparents, but Nicholas I had never met, along with Hailee, Ty and Amy whom I met the next day at the wedding. Along with a whole slew of people that if I listed here you would get bored, but if any of you happen to read this, know that it was great to meet you so please don't feel slided. Also know that I hope to see you again soon. I can't wait until I get to post all of my pictures up on facebook. One cool thing, there were a few so this is just one, is that at the reception, someone put together a slide show that had pictures of Katie and pictures of Duke and then pictures together and I was in one of Duke's pictures! It was us hanging out at nanny's house when I was about 9 or 10. It was really a cool moment for me but also the moment that I lost control of my emotions. After this week of school and then being around family, I knew I would lose it if I ever got close to the edge of my emotions. A part of that, too, is that I couldn't help thinking right before the wedding that nanny was there, enjoying the moment, sharing her own stories and memories with whomever she wanted up in heaven. Sorry. I know I was going somewhere else with that but I got a little emotional and had to take a minute to compose myself. The reception last night was a blast, I had some of the best dance partners there and took LOTS of pictures!!! Oh, and this morning we all met for breakfast at Big Boy, even the newlyweds, which was great!!! All I know is that we have to find ways to get together more often. Maybe we can meet somewhere in between that way our round trips are the same instead of one person taking like two days vacation to travel. So, if you're reading this aunt Dee, which I know you are, let's think of some place we can meet in the middle and have a goal of meeting there sometime in the next year or two. Maybe Saint Louis or I don't know where, but I'll do some research. Anyway, let's make it happen!! :) oh, and some of you asked about the big decision I asked for prayers for, and they worked! Lol, so I'm just going to say for now that MY mind is made up, so I'm going to ask you to keep praying that some important people make the right decision :) hopefully, I'll have an announcement to make soon. Sorry to be so mysterious, I just don't want to jinx it, but if You're really curious you can send me an email and I may tell you :) well I can't decide if I want to end this blog for now or just pause and finish the rest on Tuesday at school. I think I'll finish it later....
So that was all written on Sunday afternoon in the midst of a road trip. It's now Tuesday evening and it's been edited, but now you meed to hear the rest of the story. So we ended up staying the night at Hotel Lumiere that is connected to a Casino. I have to say that I haven't seen Bobby THAT excited in a LONG time! At one point when Mom and Dad were trying to decide where to stay, Bobby sent Mom this text "just make up your dang mind please before you have [two] dead bodys in the backseat from anxiety" which made us ALL laugh, which actually happened ALOT of the time in the car! We may have been cramped, crowded and exhausted, but we had fun. It's another family memory that I'm grateful to have. There may not be pictures or specific stores to share but I have lots of memories of laughter. So back to St. Louis- None of us had ever been there before so after we checked in to the hotel, we walked to the Arch, which I knew was known as the "Gateway to the West" but didn't know why it was in ST. Louis. Well, luckily for us, my dad knew and educated us on the background of the arch. Then we went back to the hotel and ate in the nice Italian Restaurant. On our way back to the room, Bobby said "Well, this trip has not only been fun, but also educational" HAHAHAHA! That kid! We drove by Busch Stadium, unfortunately they had an afternoon game so we didn't get to see the Cardinals play. BUT I'm okay with that CAUSE..... I'm going BACK! In our hotel, our suite had 2 Queen Beds, a pullout Sofa in the living area, 2 TVs, a Pool, a Gym and it's connected to the Casino. That room cost $140 for the night. With 5 people in a room that's less than $30 a night!! You don't need a cab cause it's close enough to walk to alot of the bars and even the stadium. Buy yourself some baseball tickets, bring some gambling money and you're good to go! So when this trip happens depends on a few things, but I know I'm going to need to at least recover from my trip to Alaska first. It needs to be during baseball season, sometime. So anyway if you're reading this- know that you're invited to come along, in fact I hope you do. The more, the merrier, right? In case you couldn't tell, I think I've been bitten by the travel bug! I'm really motivated right now! I really had a FANTASTIC, PHENOMENAL, AMAZING, SUPER weekend! (couldn't decide on just one cheesy adjective) A BIG THANK YOU AND A BIG HUG TO ALL INVOLVED- especially Dad for driving the majority of the time! Oh and Duke and Katie for getting married! :) Be sure to check out the pictures on facebook :)
Alright so first things first, WITH SEMESTER TESTS, I only have 23 school days left!!!! I'M PRETTY PSYCHED ABOUT THAT!!! It would be 25 if it weren't for item #2... I'm also pretty stoked about next weekend! My cousin Duke is getting married!! It's been WAY TOO LONG since I've seen them, so I'm very excited to get to spend a couple of days up there in Michigan....not excited about the 18 hour-both ways-road trip with my mom, brother and dad...but I'm assigning a vocabulary project so I should have some grading to do. :) plus I've got the iPhone and a portable DVD player so I should survive...hopefully. If not, this could be my last blog..just kidding :) So some of you may have read from facebook or heard it from me, but I'm moving out of my apartment this summer!! No, not back to mom and dad's...(ugh- love you guys)... a friend of mine has a house and two empty bedrooms, so Teresa and I are moving in! I'm pretty stoked about this as well. I've never really had roommates, with the exception of girl scout camp, but that doesn't really count cause we had to share a living space. The other thing that this has inspired is a case of puppy fever!! I can't currently have a dog in my apartment, so it has even been on my radar, but when Teresa brought it up with Paula the other day- something sparked. Then I went to Midland to visit my wonderful friends (I'll come back to that) and my wonderful hosts, Karrie and Jason, had the cutest little Maltese dog, Grace, that completely stole my heart. So once we get moved in and everything, I anticipate having a conversation about a getting a puppy/dog :) So as I said, last weekend I drove down to Midland to visit my amazing, wonderful teacher friends! Friends really isn't the right word. They really were my second family. They took me to the doctor, they brought me food when I was sick, they laughed, talked, shared pretty much everything with me! They're really the most amazing group of teachers EVER! I was a little disappointed that some of them couldn't make it, some of them already had plans or children to be responsible for, or..something. But at least we have Facebook! Is it weird that part of me is worried that after a year, they're not going to want to be my friends anymore? Just like a year after college, I started talking to most of my friends from college less, I'm worried that's going to happen. It was a very bittersweet drive home. If you're reading this Midlanders, know that I'm truly blessed to know all of you and I thank you for a wonderful evening last week. I don't remember what number we're on, but there are only 45 MORE days until CAMP STARTS!! (I'm sorry if that freaks you out Natalie, but I'm stoked and let me know if I can help do anything else..) This is a pretty big year for me- this summer will be my TENTH SUMMER to be on Staff at Girl Scout Camp Kiwanis!! That's pretty dang cool, don't ya think? Sure that only adds up to like 20 months or something, but still TEN SUMMERS!! I actually think that's just about it, except don't forget to donate to my March of Dimes Walk this weekend! www.marchforbabies.org/teddyzzil Every little bit counts and I'm getting closer to my goal! Thanks to those who've donated- and if you know anyone that wants to donate, just send them my link! It'll be much appreciated! Also, sorry for the 1990's surfer dude vocabulary, I guess I need to look up a couple of synonyms for "stoked" and "psyched." Well, I'll hopefully I'll get to see you all someplace other than the Cyber-world, but until then! HAVE A GREAT DAY! --DON'T TAKE MY WORD FOR IT :) (Kudos to my sister for getting that reference a couple of blogs ago)
First, let's start with some good news!! In case you haven't heard, I passed my high school math certification test!!! YEAH!! I was concerned mostly because it's been a long time since I've taken Calculus but it didn't matter. Second, I don't do this very often, but I may be having to make a decision about something soon and I would very much appreciate your prayers. I'll share more as it happens, but I'd rather not share anything publicly until I know something. Thank you in advance for that. OK, now onto "the blog" So, it's kind of weird that I was inspired to blog today while at school. I use mostly the chalkboard at school for teaching and such. I was using the overhead at the beginning of the year, but the chalk board is just so much better and fits with my big handwriting. I also learned from my high school Physics teacher, who did the same thing, that a rag or cloth erases the board MUCH better than an eraser. So I bought a pack of washcloths from Walmart and they work GREAT! Unfortunately, I also use colored chalk, which creates more chalk dust while erasing with more ease than the white chalk. I know that's probably alot more than you ever wanted or needed to know about my chalkboard use, but it will help with the story....well at least I think it will. Anyways, on Friday after school, I decided to clean my board because our cleaning people only vacuum the dust from the tray. So I cleaned it with water and a towel. I used the chalkboard in all 6 of my classes today and I have to say that my chalkboard still looks pretty clean. Which made me think "mistakes are easier to fix with a clean start." This sentence has many meanings for me and I'm still pondering it. So, I'm not going to elaborate on my little insight anymore, I'm just going to let you ponder on it. I would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all of my "loyal readers," and even my "unloyal readers" or "occasional readers" I'm very thankful for the Internet and facebook and this blog for allowing me to stay in contact with my family and friends, many of whom live far away. Frankly I think that's pretty cool. Just like in the "old days" when people would write letters to their family members to let them know what was going on. I kind of feel like that, just a modern day version, mostly cause you don't have to wait 2 weeks to get the letter. Any who. Those are my thoughts as they stand today. I hope your April is just AWESOME!! :)
Um, so I'm pretty sure that 2010 is pretty...(before I finish this sentence, know that I am hesitant about using this word based on the fact that I will sound like a teenager, but it fits..) epic, at least it really has the potential to really be that way!! So first, I really feel like I'm the happiest that I've been since I shouted " I'm trying to study!!" during finals at the student center, which if you don't know that story... It's also classified near the epic category. So far, 2010 has begun with me kicking ass and losing 20 pounds!! Then I've reconnected with some childhood friends. Then I just had a FANTASTIC spring break!! We are approaching April and I have to say I'm psyched. I'm taking a new certification test to be certified for teaching high school Math. I'm going to visit Midland and see all of my wonderful friends!! I'm walking in the March of Dimes walk. In May, my cousin is getting married in Michigan!! I haven't seen them in a looong time so that's AWESOME!! then it's CAMP TIME!!! THEN it's ALASKAN CRUISE TIME!! of course somewhere in there I'll turn 26!!! What happens after that is a little more up in the air, I'm taking that one as it comes....but now hopefully you can see-epic is an appropriate word. I know I blogged about bishop Matt already but his funeral today brought back lots of memories. I remember lots of masses being the altar server at St. Laurence with father pat or Ed or the bishop. I remember his retirement mass!! One of my favorite things was, standing in front of all of the priests as they said the eucharastic prayer in unison!! It happened today and brought me back 13 years. It was an intense moment. Of course now I'm on a mission to find a picture from the mass. Mom and I got out some pictures of dad and looking at them it was the first timethat I REALLY saw how much I look like my dad. People at family reunions or different functions for most of my childhood came up to me and said "are you david's daughter?" I never saw it. Now my brother- yes! They could be twins. Those pictures are on facebook and I may add them here later. Anywho, I think I had more to blog about but I'm watching the third season of grey's anatomy- which is a really good one. So I'm distracted. So in case I don't blog before Easter, have a happy one! Also don't forget to donate to my March of dimes walk. www.marchforbabies.org/teddyzzil thank you!!
I know this year isn't technically over yet, and when I say year, remember that I'm a teacher, so my years are according to school years and summers! Also, I hope this sounds right, you know how sometimes I say things that don't make sense, this could be one of those times... Anyway, today in Mass at school, I started thinking. About how all of the things that have happened have gotten me here for a reason. I honestly think that moving to Midland and teaching at Anson Jones was the absolute right thing for me to do. I would not be the teacher that I am today if it weren't for the two years I was there. I also would not have the wonderful friends that I now have from there, at least I think they're still my friends- even though I haven't been able to visit. Also, I wouldn't have the wonderful supply of Math Games that I now have, thanks to EveryDay Math. But other than that, nothing has REALLY happened the past two years. This has been the first year that things have started happening, or that I've started doing them, however you want to look at it. It all started with the passing of my best friend's dad in August. It's weird to say that I was motivated by Death, but I have been. Not long after that, a Girl Scout Friend and Mentor also passed away. A few months ago, Olga Lange, a childhood "friend" and pseudo-grandma, passed away, which I've already blogged about so I won't repeat myself. A few weeks ago, a friend/student's father also passed away, along with a friend's grandmother and fellow teacher's mother and then last night Bishop Leroy T. Matthiesen passed away. Now, maybe I'm noticing it more because I'm working in a funeral home or maybe because I was actually able to attend all of these services, where as the past two years, I was unable to attend any, but that's quite a few. Also, I need to add, I've been a little unmotivated about lots of things lately. So this morning in mass, I started to feel like I was just sitting around waiting for life to happen again, when here is this list of people who are no longer around here to live their own life. So as the end of Lent approaches and Easter Season is around the corner, I am rededicating myself to joining the Military. I completely full-heartedly believe that it is the correct place for me to be. I'm having to deal with the fact that it's not happening NOW, because of past mistakes and choices that I've made. But I'm handling it, I'm ready for it, I'm excited for it. I feel like Spring Break was a nice break from everything. I got to shoot some guns. I got to hang out with my best friend, who unfortunately/fortunately reads my mind better than I do sometimes. My nephew spent the night at my apartment also. I was nervous about this, it was his idea and he has a past track record of being kind of "choosy" (one of his birthday parties, he rejected almost every present because it wasn't what he thought it should be). But I realized that even though I don't buy them flashy toys or loud games, my nieces and nephews (and my brother) know that I love them, which is really the most important thing. Andrew was happy just to hang out with me- he didn't care what we did. They also know, that they can be whomever they want to be when they're with me and not suffer any judgement for it, or so I like to think. Those qualities are those that I think every person should have at least one person like this in their life. Along with someone who constantly pushes them to be the best. So there you have it, my life as I see it right now. My life as I see it to be and as it was and WILL BE NO MORE! I had to blog quickly about the book I just read, cause I think it's possible it's having an effect on my current attitude, The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. I haven't seen the movie yet, but the book was....good...interesting...different. I also just saw the movie Remember Me. And Yes, I saw it because Robert Pattinson was in it, but you know what? It was actually a GOOD movie. I would recommend to anyone...including non-twilight fans. :)
Hello! I have to blog about the newest book, or actually bookS that I've just finished. A friend recommended "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins to me, and since she's a librarian, I figured she should know what she's talking about. AND SHE DID!! It took me a while to get into the first one, but once I did- I could not stop!! I finished the first book on Thursday night at about 2 in the morning cause I COULD NOT STOP READING!! On Saturday, I took Bobby out for his annual birthday meal and movie celebration. We went to Olive Garden for lunch, per his request. Then went and saw Percy Jackson & The Olympians. It was a fun afternoon, we tried to remember all the other movies that we've seen each year, but considering I take him to the movies more than just that one time a year, it wasn't easy. It's weird sometimes sitting in the movie theatre with him. I remember that first year I took him to the movies and he had to sit on the edge of the seat so that it didn't fold up on him. I think he was like 4 that first time. I also took him to the mall that first time and bought him a CD, he picked out New Kids on the Block!! Proof that from an early age, I've had an unfortunate influence on him! HAHAHA!! Anyways, after the movie, I took him to Barnes & Noble so we could get the rest of the books in the Percy Jackson series, along with the second book in the Hunger games series and a few others. I even let him pick something out. So I started reading "Catching Fire," the second book in the series, while waiting for Bobby's basketball game to start that afternoon and I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN! I ended up finishing it Sunday around Midnight cause I couldn't put it down. If I hadn't gone out with a friend Saturday night, I probably would have finished it sooner. ANYWAYS- IT'S REALLY GOOD! I'm not going to tell you what it's about, because that's one of the reasons I couldn't put it down, cause I was trying to figure out what they were talking about, or what would happen next. But if anyone has read it, and would like to discuss it, or is reading it and would like to discuss it! I would be GLAD TO DISCUSS IT WITH YOU! So now, I'm on to read the second book in Percy Jackson's series. I'll get back to you when I finish that one. OH AND SOME MORE EXCITING NEWS- WE'RE GOING ON A CRUISE TO ALASKA!!! I'm so stoked!! Mom and dad have been talking about going but I thought they would be going in the middle of the summer, and there's no way I would miss a whole week, or more, of girl scout camp. So when they decided on one that would allow me to miss only two days (including staff party) of camp, well I tried to act like it was a hard decision, but ultimately- it wasn't!! So I made it official!! I decided that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity and had to go for it! So expect a picture blog in August. We're cruising on Holland cruise ships, taking the inside passage, to include Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Victoria, B.C., leaving to and from Seattle, Washington. We'll even be on the ship for dad's 60th Birthday!! I'm sure he's not too happy that I just put that, sorry dad, but IT'S EXCITING!! Plus it's just like a week after my 26th birthday!! I'm currently deciding if I want to buy a new digital camera before we go. I have my iPhone, but what happens if I run out of room? So if anyone has any insight on this, or suggestions for an affordable but better-than-decent camera, bring 'em on. Well, I decided to order an intense workout series. I ordered Power 90, it's by the same guy who did P90X, but this is more of a beginner's version, or just not the expert version... It just came in the mail yesterday so I haven't had a chance to start it yet, but I also am going to take those awful Before and After pictures, not that anyone besides ME will ever see them, I just think it will be cool to see the difference. It's one of those programs that says, if you stick to the program, in 90 days, things will happen. So let's hope so, cause while I've done really good, getting started, I NEED MORE! More motivation, more intensity, just MORE! So I'll keep you updated on that as well! Well, my lunch break is just about over so I better run. Thanks for reading!
To start off, I should say that right now, I'm not really sure where this blog is heading, but we'll find out when we get there, eh? Today was a nice little school-vacation day for me, we didn't have MLK day off. It was a semi-productive day; I went to the gym at least! Went saw a movie, HORRIBLE, Dear John, sorry if I led you astray before but really the book was terrible and so was the movie. Anyways, I did some thinking earlier as I drove out to mom and dad's house after work (it wasn't a total vacation) and I'm going to share some of the thoughts, mostly cause these days my thoughts run through my brain as blogs, so it's sometimes the only way to figure stuff out...sorry for the really long run-on sentence... I started thinking about the things I have to be thankful for, after all Thanksgiving should not be reserved for a month in the fall. Here's a list of some stuff I came up with:
I'm thankful that I have a teaching job, many people who took a risk like me ended up with nothing.
I'm thankful that I found a part-time job so close to my apartment that I was also blessed enough to find.
I'm thankful for my family and friends that I can call, text or drive to see so that I complain or vent or just talk.
I'm thankful that when I have a bad day, the most embarrassing thing that I do is blast Perry Como or Rod Stewart or any MUSIC and drink a diet Dr. pepper to improve my mood.
I'm thankful that I have a mission of being commissioned in the Air Force, even though my life has changed directions quite a few times, I've at least always known which direction I was pointing.
There are more things but I'll move on now. For anyone who has ever worked with me or who knows me, you know that I'm a fan of rules and not a fan of change, and that I'm a people pleaser, also known as an ass-kisser. I like to not only do my job, but do it well. Some may call me a "ladder-climber" I think you may call it, I'm not satisfied doing just enough or only what is asked of me. (and if you didn't know that, you do now and now you'll understand why I'm frustrated and needed to take a brief inventory of my life.) You know that I have a part-time job at a funeral home. It's in walking distance to my apartment, not many late nights and only during the week. When I was hired, my manager told me the wardrobe requirements "closed-toe shoes, skirts or pants would be fine, dark clothing- no bright colors, long sleeves like a cardigan or jacket or something. and I don't care if you wear the same thing every night." So I did that. I had some gray pants and a couple of black cardigans with some dark shirts that I wore every night. Until December, I got a new cardigan. It was a dark purple and I loved it so I switched it around with my black cardigan. Well she pulled me aside and told me that I needed to only wear black and it had to be a jacket. I'm not going to lie, I was frustrated, this was not what she told me, however I had a black jacket I bought a few years ago so I started wearing it with my grey pants EVERY NIGHT. It's all I had. Tonight I wore my new pants, that are really a darker grey, almost had black stripes and my black jacket with a purple tank top. Mind you- that I SIT at a desk and answer the phones and tell people where the restroom is...LITERALLY. Well tonight the FIRST thing she says to me is, we really need to get you a skirt. I probably looked like my head was going to explode and I said 'but you said that pants were fine' she said well honestly I don't remember what she said, there were lots of people and too much to do so she walked away after she said something??! I mean I've been wearing pants for FIVE MONTHS!! I don't wear skirts, I told her that when she hired me that it would be pants!! So once I calm down, I'm going to talk to her about whether or not I should continue working there. One of the reasons I moved home was to be closer to family and friends so that work wouldn't stress me out as much, now it's not even my school that's stressing me out. I had a dream last week that I got fired from there and woke up at 4 in the morning! It's a part time job, if anything I should be having bad dreams about dead people or something, but THAT'S NOT EVEN THE PROBLEM! Did I mention that I'm thankful that I have a blog that I can write and get my thoughts out? Well, the other "problem" that this ordeal has brought up, is that if I were teaching at public school, I wouldn't need to get a second job...BUT I'm hopefully going to the Air Force within the next 2 year period. So do I find another job until then even though I'm emphatically happy at my new school, I could see myself teaching there forever and ever if I weren't going into the Air Force? Or do I get over it and try and hope to find a public school job so that I can enjoy my last two years at home with my friends and family? I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. Well I'm going to do an exercise tape to unwind and the go to bed so that I can get up and go to the gym in the morning. Oh, one more thing- I have a deadline! The next non-rated (non-pilot) board is this summer, so my application is due by June 11th, which means my tests, both fitness and AFOQT, have to be done before that (April/May) along with all of my recommendations and every thing else. If I get all of that stuff done and I'm selected than I could be leaving for OTS school as Early as September of 2011!! The next board after that is in December, so the earliest class date I would get would be January 2012! So here's hoping that everything keeps coming into play there, I'm considering buying either the Insanity Workout or P90X, both distributed by the same company and many people on the OTS Forum use them. Plus it would help me over come my BIGGEST (and only) obstacle in applying to OTS. Well, I think I'm done for tonight. I hope you got something out of that blog, or at least didn't lose anything, hahaha HAPPY PRESIDENT'S DAY! Don't Forget- Mardi Gras, aka FAT TUESDAY is tomorrow and Ash Wednesday marking the start of lent the day after that- and no, I have no idea what I'm doing for lent yet...
So I realized that today's date 2-5-10..is MATHEMATICAL!! Okay I'll try not to be a nerd...at least for a few more minutes.... So I forgot to blog last week. Last week was...interesting!! It started out somewhat normal until Tuesday evening. I took off work to go to a Rosary with my mom and dad for someone I hadn't really seen for like 13 years. So at the time I didn't think much about it. Until I got there...and saw all of her family, most of whom for the first 12 years of my life were part of my family! The Gabel's and the Lange's were like cousins to my sister and me. The Gabel's only lived 3 or 4 blocks away so were often at each other's houses, trying to spend the night. I even experienced my first tornado scare in the middle of the night at the Gabel's house. Leon Lange was(and is) dad's best friend so we were always hanging out together too. We all went on camping trips together, sat together at church- at least Cassi and I would sneak over there and sit with them. One thing I remembered last week is that when extended family came to town we were always invited to Grandma Olga's house on Sundays. Well, all of these memories came flooding back as I sat and listened to their stories. I was sad at the memories we didn't get to make after we made the move across town. You know, I can't really find the words still to describe the emotional overload that happened that night. The next day after the funeral we were invited to a dinner that the family hosted in the Knights of Columbus Hall behind St. Laurence-right off the Railroad tracks. It was good and weird- I don't think I've been in that hall since I was probably 11 or 12, and being back there with those same great people- I almost felt like I was 11 or 12 again! I have to thank Olga Lange for all the wonderful memories I was allowed to have because of her AMAZING family! And then came THURSDAY! and with Thursday came SNOW!! LOTS AND LOTS OF SNOW!! Enough for schools to cancel two days in a row! So with talks of Power outages around town and friends bragging about their family time, my dad came and picked me up Thursday afternoon and I spent the weekend with the family! Watching movies, playing scrabble and Monopoly (we stick with the oldies) and most of all- EATING MOM AND DAD'S COOKING!! Needless to say, I really felt like a kid again after all of last week's events... This week was my first experience with Catholic Schools Week! Well, most of it at least, I woke up sick on Tuesday, but I'm almost 100% again. It was fun-Catholic Schools Week not me being sick... Today I'm really excited for several reasons! FIRST OF ALL, SINCE STARTING MY FITNESS QUEST AS OF TODAY- I'VE LOST 20 POUNDS!! I'm super psyched! I know I still have a ways to go, but I'm getting there- I'M GETTING THERE!! Second of all, tomorrow night is the Catholic Student Center Auction and Dance!! I LOVE GOING to hang out with my Catholic Friends, both new and old! It's my guaranteed once a year time to dance too!! Well, I've read another book too- Percy Jackson & the Olympians: the Lightning Thief. It's the first book in a 4 book series! It's REALLY GOOD!! I'm sure you've seen the previews for the movie that's coming out. Just in case, if you have ever been interested in Greek Mythology- you should READ this book! It's also really good for teenagers or kids with ADHD or dyslexia! "But don't take my word for it!"
Alright. Hello there. The year is officially up and running. I have just finished book #2 of the year. I've changed it a little, my resolution that is, so that I will read at least 25 books this year....that's approximately 2 a month, and I'm off to a good start on that. Anyway to get to the book first. Book #2 is also a movie-based decision. As some of you may know a few years back when they really started turning books into movies, cause lets face it- Hollywood couldn't do much better, I made the decision that if a movie came out that was based on a book, I would read it first. Some of those being Eragon and The Wedding Date. I've been almost sticking with this theme in my choices so far, with Dear John and now- My sister's keeper. I want to start out my saying I hadn't really wanted to read this book. I saw the previews for the movie and just thought- no, not for me. Now, I'm very glad I did. Unfortunately, after discussing it briefly with someone who watched the movie but not the book, I'm not certain if I want to really watch the movie....for reasons that I will not discuss here. Let's just say, I'm tired of being disappointed in "Hollywood." Now, unfortunately, curiosity may still inspire me to watch the movie, but nonetheless... I enjoyed the book for several reasons. I love reading stories that are not necessarily told from an "omniscient" point of view, like a narrator-type of story. (just for the record I just spent 5 minutes trying to figure out the word "omniscient") I love it when we hear stories from the character's view point, and this book tells different parts of the stories from different character's perspectives, ie., one chapter from Anna, one from her mom, one from her dad and so on. I also really like it when stories you think are completely unrelated end up coming together and it turns out they are actually the same story all along! I won't say anything else about the book, but if you have read and would like to discuss- I'm game, just don't want to give anything away to those that haven't. If you would like to read along with me, my next book I have chosen from our school library and it is Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver, author of Poisonwood Bible. As for other things, I've been pretty good about going to the gym. It gets harder towards the end of the week, but even if I have to take gym clothes to work and go late at night as opposed to early in the morning- that's what I do, as I will have to do tonight cause I stayed up late trying to finish that silly book! I also joined the "Fittest Member" contest at the YMCA. It's a six week competition, and we'll just have to see how I do. Oh, and in case you haven't heard already about my other new current obsession- if you have an iPhone or an iTouch then you should get "Words with friends" It's basically scrabble, but you can play other people on other phones or you can play on one device with people sitting around you. I currently have about 12 games going and I think I'm ahead in about 9 or 10 of them. One game I have is against my dad, whom as most of you relatives know, is a scrabble maniac! He's currently beating me, but not by much- unfortunately the last six letters I was stuck with were consonants, so he's probably going to win THIS game! But there will be more....so if you have it, create a game with "Teddyzzil" if you don't have, WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU? If you can't have it, well, I'm sorry...how sad. Have a great weekend coming up, most of you probably have a 3 day weekend- I however will have a 3 day weekend in February for President's day instead- which I'm very excited about! Until next time, THANKS FOR READING!
So I'm pretty sure I told you about my new year's resolution, but just in case. My plan is to read at least one book a month...well I think it's going to be a lot more than one, at least in some months. My thinking on this is because I've already finished the first book I bought. I was going to utilize the Library during this expedition, but I just like the thought of having them all on a shelf and someday telling someone, I read all of those books in 2010. That may sound wierd or whatever, but it's what I want to do...just may have to get a third job in order to afford it, lol. So my first book to take on was Dear John by Nicholas Sparks. As you may have heard, it's soon to become a major motion picture and I like to read the books before I go see the movie, otherwise I have no motivation to read it, knowing how it will end. It was an interesting book, I'm going back in forth on whether or not I want to see the movie but I will probably end up seeing it anyway- if nothing else, out of pure curiousity. I told you that I wouldn't give anything away about the book, and I will stay true to that. In case you haven't heard of it, well, go watch a preview, cause the book is really about so much more than the preview. Anyways, one of the things I enjoy when reading, is finding a way to relate to the characters or the story or some part of it. I wanted to share an excerpt from the book, that I think expresses my feelings on something that I've never been able to express this way.
"I know it's not as immediate as email, but that's what I like about it," she wrote me. "I like the surprise of finding a letter in the mailbox and the anxious anticipation I feel when I'm getting ready to open it. I like the fact that I can take it with me to read at my leisure.....I like to imagine the way you looked when you wrote it: what you were wearing, your surroundings, the way you held your pen..."
In case you didn't catch it, she's talking about the reason that she prefers to use "snail mail" as opposed to email. And I TOTALLY GET IT! I love getting mail! I took out parts of it that I didn't want to put in there to give anything away, but it's a really good book. For my next book, I think I will either continue the Harry Potter series or read "My Sister's Keeper." Mostly cause those are the books I have and I need some recovery time after Christmas :) HAPPY NEW YEAR! :)
