23 Days

So apparently an entire summer has gone by since my last post, which means I have a lot of updates.  A student I was working with today kindly informed me that there are 23 days left until the first day of school....umm how did that happen?? This summer has been extremely busy for me (hence, the lack of posts).  It started off with a two week trip to CA for Kimberly's wedding.  It was an amazing trip that wet by way too fast.  The best part was getting to stay with Kim and Mike for the majority of the trip.  We were able to have some long over-due quality best friend time, as opposed to the typical one dinner a year we usually get.  Shortly after my California trip the family headed to Florida for a cruise.  It was our first family vacation in who knows how many years and my first cruise.  We went to Key West, Grand Cayman, and Ocho Rios.  It was definitely a vacation to remember.  I even got to cross off a big bucket item list: swimming with dolphins!  It was such a fun experience and I can't wait till the next time.  After the back-to-back vacations it was back to reality, which also meant it was time to start the oh so fun job search process.  As stressful as it was, it all paid off in the end.  I am happy to say that I have officially accepted an offer to teach 4th grade!!!  I am beyond excited to begin this next chapter in my life.  This is what the last two years has been preparing me for, and I am so blessed to be working in a position that I am truly passionate about.  I know this school year will be full of challenges, but I know that I am equipped to face them head on with an amazing support team and that I will come out of this being an even better teacher because of it.  So for now, it is time to get to work on setting up my classroom and preparing myself as much as I can for the year to come....oh and enjoying the last 23 days of summer! :)

Lately

So I guess it's about that time again.  The last month has been a whirlwind of ups and downs but as always, I've made it out on the other side.  Grad school is unofficially over. I am in the process of submitting my application for my teaching certification, as well as in full on job search.  I think the most stressful part of it all is not knowing where I am going to end up.  I have faith that I will find something; I just don't know where.  Which means I also have no idea where I will be living in three months. The unknown has always been a difficult concept for me to accept, but I'm learning to just believe that it will all work out for the best; because it always does.

In other exciting news, I am leaving for California in 5 days!!  I will be there for two weeks and the best part is that I get to spend it with my life-long best friend, Kimberly. Why? Oh, because she's getting married!! When did we become old enough for that?!  Nevertheless, I am thrilled I get to be a part of this milestone in her life and that we finally get to spend some quality time together.  Usually I only get to see her a day (or two if we're lucky) each year when I go to CA. I didn't get to make my annual trip last year though, so needless to say, this trip is MUCH needed.  I am definitely looking forward to getting away from reality for a couple weeks.

And...as usual, a few photos to fill in the rest of the details of my life lately:

Cousin, Julie's Wedding...Loved getting to spend time with everyone!

Brothers

I caught the bouquet...yikes!

:)

Let go, Let God

It's amazing what can happen when you give up control and decide to let things take their natural course.  Far too often, we think we have a great plan, when in reality a better plan is in the works behind the scenes.  I've learned over the past couple of months that I don't always need to have all the answers.  Once you stop worrying over things that may not even happen, you are free to see the things that have been right in front of you all along.

This past Friday was my last official day in the classroom.  I say official because I know I will be back.  I miss the kids like crazy already, but I will be seeing them next week for the field trip we were supposed to go on, before it got canceled.  I'm glad it didn't work out the first time around thought because it gives me an excuse to go back :)  If you would have asked me two years ago if this is where I saw my life going, I would have said no. But I could not be happier with where I am in my life.  Like I said, the best plans are the one we can't even imagine for ourselves.  I know that I am exactly where I am supposed to be and I cannot wait to see where this path I am currently on will take me.  Sure I am stressed about finding a position for the fall and everything that comes with that, but I know either way I will be okay. 

In other news, I am running my first 5k tomorrow.  I am really excited about it...which I never thought I would ever be one of those people, but with a little discipline and pushing motivation from my sister I am happy to say I actually enjoy running. We'll see how long that lasts though, because I still have a long way to go.  But until next time, I hope you all find a way to let go of whatever it is that is stressing you out and find peace in knowing it will all work out one way or another. 

A Penny for Your Thoughts

1. I have 4 weeks left of student teaching. I cannot believe how fast it is going by.  I know that these next few weeks are going to fly and I will not be ready to leave my adorable first graders who make me laugh every single day.
2. On the other hand, I am looking forward to going back to my job at the reading center...and not just because it means I will finally have an income again.
3. It is about that time where I have to start the dreaded job search process in order to secure a teaching position for the next school year. Anyone...?
4. My birthday is in 2 weeks???
5. That also means spring is around the corner, which means summer soon after!
6. The next few months are going to be consumed with baby showers, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and weddings. I am genuinely happy for you all, but talk about overload! (and for all my single friends out there, if you haven't see this tumblr yet, you're welcome)
7. On the same note, I am ecstatic to be going to CA in May for my best friend's wedding.  The trip is going to be much needed after student teaching and I cannot wait to spend some real quality time with her before the big day!
8. These next couple of months are going to be a crazy, busy, and exciting time for me.  I know that I will soon have a lot answers to some uncertainties and that in itself is enough to keep me pushing forward.
9. With all of that said, I will do my best to not be MIA for the next couple of months.  I am hopeful that I will have a good news to share.
10. You all owe me a penny.  (And don't think I can't track my page views.)

Update

So I guess it is about that time to give you guys a little update.  I should probably go back and read my last post so I know where I left off, but instead, just ignore any repeats.  I am in the middle of my third week of student teaching in 1st grade and I absolutely love it!! The kids are great and make me laugh everyday.  The team of teachers I work with are wonderful and there is so much collaboration.  I could not have asked for a better placement.  I finally feel at home. For awhile there I was really starting to doubt myself and my decision to teach. However, after finally getting to work with the age group I love, I have completely reassured myself and remember why I made this decision in the first place.  Good thing too, because I just found out this week that I passed the GACE test, which certifies my to teach!! Such a relief.  I am SO close to finally beginning my career.  It is almost time for me to start sending out resumes and hopefully securing a job for the next school year.  I am really turning to God for this one because it is so critical and challenging to get into a good school your first year.  I am torn as to which direction I want to go, but I know that wherever I am supposed to be is where I will end up. I cannot wait, though, to finally have a classroom of my own.  Not only that, but to also have my sense of independence back as well.  It has been such a roller coaster being back in grad school, especially after working full time for two years and being on my own.  It was a big adjustment and continues to be as I get use to living at home again.  You don't realize how much freedom you have when you live on your own until you no longer have it.  It's the little things that get me, like having to shower at a certain time so I can make sure I have hot water.  Nonetheless, I am extremely thankful to have parents who support me and help me during this time.  Not being able to work this semester has obviously been a big financial strain on me and I don't know what I would do if I had to pay rent on top of everything else right now. I truly am blessed and God seems to be reminding me of that a lot lately.

I will continue to update as all of these exciting and unknown new beginnings start to happen. On a side note, this week was my dad's birthday, so Happy Birthday Dad! And as my 1st graders would say: Eat more Chicken!

Stuck in Her Daydream

Hello, hello.  I'll skip the usual complaints/excuses explanation about why it has been so long since I last posted. Fact is, I'm busy.  Reality has hit me. Hard. I started my student teaching this month.  Which means early mornings and an even earlier bed time.  I feel like by the time I get home all I want to do is eat and go straight to bed.  And that is usually about all I have time for.  I can't imagine what is going to happen when I actually have to start planning lessons (which is next week).  Sorry, I said I wasn't going to complain, didn't I....Honestly though, it has been really good to be back in the classroom.  I've been in 5th grade for the last couple of weeks but I will be starting in 1st grade tomorrow.  I could not be more excited about it! It is definitely going to be a challenging, but very rewarding 10 weeks.  It that short time I will be done with school and hopefully lining up a job for the fall! You have no idea how badly I want to be at the point where I can finally be settled.  Lately I've just had the weight of the world on my shoulders feeling like I don't have control over anything right now (finances, job, living situation, social life, ect.).  I know it will all work out, but it's just that overpowering feeling that comes with the uncertainty of it all. 

Okay this is quickly turning into a therapy session so in other news, I signed up for my first 5k today!! This was a goal I set for myself at the beginning of the year (don't ask me why!) It's just been something I've wanted to do. I have approximately 10 weeks to train so day one starts tomorrow :)  I have a feeling I may be saying that a lot...seriously, guys. I am NOT a runner! Yet. (working on this positivity thing).  So until next time, which should give you plenty of time, I encourage you to work towards a goal of your own.

 "Don't let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use. " -Earl Nightingale