Uncharted

What in the world? You might be wondering where in the world am I going with this map...Wixom, Michigan!  That is right, ROAD TRIP!!!  The wonderful freshman roomie, sister, and best friend (all one person people) and I are road tripping to see a pretty great guy.  The three of us freshman year...well we were freshman we studied...a lot, :) but through the years I don't know if I loved Central for giving me a great education or amazing friends.  Either way I thank God daily for these two.  With that being said it only makes sense that now, in my super emotional, semi-freaking out about the future stage, I get away and get to them!  Trust me I am not excited about this at all.(sarcasm for those of you that do not know me)
The trip begins Friday after work, pick up Lizzy in Iowa City and off we go only to return Monday evening.  So stay tuned folks!


Unfortunately "The Foz" will not be joining us, but really its too great of a picture to pass up.



Peanut oil is flamable

On the menu for this evening was a delisious panini, sweet potato fries, and beer battered green beans.  Then the adventure started. 
(For mom's sake let me just say I am ok, for dad's sake, you might want to find a soft place to read this you will want to hit your head on something due to my stupidity...I am sure of it) 

 I found a recipe on Down Home with the Neelys from the Food Network. I then read the directions and saw that you needed to set your fryer to 375 degrees.  I do not own a fryer.  Instead I poured my peanut oil into my favorite pan...actually the roommates and cranked the heat.  After several minuets I saw from the corner of my eye that the pan was nearing the boiling over stage, concerned about the cleanliness of my stove I wanted to avoid this at all costs.  I ripped off the lid and to my surpise it burst into flames!  Not just a few, oh no, huge...reaching into the exhaust fan.  Immediately shut off the fan, grabbed a towel and tried to walk the flamming pan outside.  In the process we only lost, some hairs on my hand, a bit of a rug, some grass, a pan and a towel.  I know, I know, it seems to be a long list.  But..I have my life and the house...we are all good!  I am not sure if anyone was driving past at the moment or if any of my neighbors saw.  No one came rushing over so they either thought I could handle it or didn't see it happen.  I almost wish someone would have seen the flames being flung out of the side door.  However, if you drive past on our street...you can definately see the burnt grass. 

The pictures of the damages...

I am pretty sure we own a total of 4 dish towels...make that three.

The rug in the entry way. Luckily the second it started up it went right out.

The grass next to the driveway.  The pan hit, spread and then...

Landed here safely in the driveway. 

In a matter of 20 seconds, life flashed before my eyes and thankfully it all turned out ok with just some minor mishaps.  I must say, someone upstiars was looking out. 

#1 Before cooking I said to myself, I should pull my hair back, don't want any to end up in the food!

#2 It never once occured to me to put water on a fire...thank God! 

#3 I always cook with a clean kitchen, nothing else had a chance of getting lit up.

I could ramble on and on and on.  But the meaning I am finding in all of this is once again, God is always with us. 

Last week I had one of my major questions answered.  The lady who went on sabbatical will be back next year, which means I will not be an 8th grade resource teacher at this school.  Not all hope is lost there is an elementary opening in the school district but I still need to look at this job as being put back into the pool of amazing fishy teachers that are all deserately searching for a job.  However as I just said to my roommate, he saved me from starting this place on fire today, what is he going to save me or see me through tomorrow.  Hopefully to help me not shed so many tears when it is announced to my team, and the rest of the school tomorrow. 

"Sometimes when a door closes, he kicks down an entire wall."

Also after the flames I still had an amazing supper.  A flat bun with basil white bean hummas, cucumber, onion, and tomoto, a side of sweet potato fries, and some baked green beans.  Healthier than the beer batter fryed anyways. 



Change is a good thing!...?

I don't even know where to start!  What a day.  A beautiful, wonderful, semi- spontaneous day.  Ok the day was not spontaneous at all.  I had been planning it for nearly two weeks now but it was filled with all kinds of firsts, and no lasts.  I went to the early church service this morning.  I loved how everyone was so eager to see who the new girl was.  I informed them I had been going for a while, just the late service, but they still wanted to know everything about me. 
Then it was off to Des Moines for a day of shopping!  I don't usually do this on a Sunday  but with working at the bridal store and my only pair of black flats having a blow out, it was time to buy shoes!!  I took a new way to Des Moines, same way I took with some friends for the birthday weekend.  Through the country, a straight shot, and little to no small towns to stop you or much traffic.  It was beautiful.  When I arrived in Des Moines the first place to stop was .... Trader Joe's.  A grocery store that I read about so often in my favorite blog, Iowa Girl Eats.  It is filled with organic foods, a huge wine section and just fun, never before seen items. I got out of my car and smelled the humid, Iowa spring day weather and nearly skipped into the store.  I was so excited I forgot a cart!  I went up and down every isle in the store and decided on a new kind of hummus, it was sooo cheap.  Only $1.99 for a big tub of it, Hy-Vee that same thing would be $4 easy.  Some very tasty crackers, that are healthy as well, frozen sweet potato fries, frozen Brussels sprouts, and a reusable bag to cherish the memories!  ( I had this trip so planned out I took along a cooler with ice, I knew exactly what I wanted.) 
Then another first... Bed Bath and Beyond.  I have never been in this store.  Now I know why, waaay too many options for a kitchen lover like myself.  However, all I bought was a doughnut pan.  Once again Iowa Girl Eats was raving about this pan.  $10 and you can make your own doughnuts with half the calories of a Casey's doughnut.  Yes, please! 
Then it was off to the "Big Mall" as an out of stater calls it, or as us Iowans call it, Jordan Creek.  The usual hustle and bustle of people and here is the real miracle...I only bought what was on my list!  Of course I also divulged in some Coldstone, also on my list. :) 
Some random stops along the way and then back home it for this shopped out girl!  There is only one thing on my list after this trip which I had planned all along to get in town...Vibrum Five Finger running shoes.  However, I got home too late and the store had already closed.  No running for today, but tomorrow...I can't wait!  
Now as usual there is some sort of reflection I feel I need to share with you.  There was also a good drive to reflect so here it goes.  When I was at church this morning there was a couple that we had a prayer time for because they are both active members of the church and are moving to Kansas City.  When the pastor announced it my heart sunk.  While I do not know this couple well I still always enjoyed seeing them at the Encounter service with theirr cheery attitude.  Plus he plays the piano in church, who will play it now?  Things were going to change.  Then the image of those spare change containers at stores popped into my head.  Those spare change containers are usually for unfortunate children or something.  Change (money) for them is a good thing, it helps save a life.  When has change (unannounced events) turned out completely bad?  Never.  In the end, the change turns out exactly how it should and I come out alive and unharmed.  So why do I fear the unknown of this possible change that could happen?  As I took my trip to Des Moines the change to my usual Sunday routine was amazing!  Change was a good thing, it was so exciting.  Why do we fear change? 

"With God on my side, who can be against me. " Romans 8:31

It's going to be all good!

Also a side note, my first timer NCAA bracket is looking pretty good.  Come on Notre Dame! ;)

http://osorhan.com/bigo/ Check out this link.  It is from the book "Missing Piece Meets the Big O" by Shel Silverstein.  The little guy goes through a change too.  Enjoy!

Blessed

Have you ever read Matthew 5 from The Message?  After yesterday's blog I tried really hard to block out any frustrations that I cannot control.  I did a pretty good job might I add considering two of my fellow teachers flat out asked me if I knew anything about next year.  I took a deep breath and calmly stated, "nope, but if you find anything out fill me in.  I will probably be the last to know...as usual."  I am always the last to find things out at this school.  ha

Anyways...Wednesday means the Encounter service at my church.  Today we had a special message from Mama Janis.  Her and her husband (our pastor) have traveled a lot this year and felt God showing her how blessed she truly is.  Ahem...cue the "ahhh, God you are sooo good" moment.  After my selfish post yesterday I should have seen this one coming. 

Anyways....
Matthew 5- The Beatitudes
"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope.  With less of you there is more of god and his rule." 

"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you.  Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you."

"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are-- no more, no less.  That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought."

"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God.  He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat."

"You're blessed when you care.  At that mom net of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for." 

"You're blessed when you get your inside world--your mind and heart--put right.  Then you can see God in the outside world."

"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete and fight.  That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family."

"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution.  The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom."

Wow, I have never heard it in those words.  For the first time I understand the Beatitudes.  I memorized them in my Sunday School class.  But that was all, memorized.  Ha.  I just thought I would share these familiar verses in a different version. 

Enjoy!  Happy Wednesday!

Word Vomit

Embrace Life...The Twists, the Turns, the Miracles of this Life.

Only read the rest if you want to hear the blah, blah, blah of life.  Otherwise STOP now and just live, God gave you today...do something wtih it!


Here it goes.  Krystal in the open. 
Allow me to introduce myself.  I am a very outgoing person.  I enjoy being around people but need my time for myself.  I am very good at blocking things out.  I prefer to hurt before I get hurt.  I am a volcano.  Completely silent before I erupt.  I don't erupt often and try to look at the glass half full.  I am a control freak.  I love sticky note and to plan, plan, plan. 
This is where I am putting myself out there.  Not only am I erupting but I am doing so in a blog. 
A few weeks ago I wrote saying I was in a bad mood.  Needed to get out.  I thought I was doing alright, then it got worse.  I shut everyone in my current life out and desperately went to all the people in my past.  I went back to my college for a weekend, want to go home, want to get away from this current life.  Why you ask?...
Before you ask that question let me ask a few...

• When will contracts be handed out?
• Will I get one?
• If I stay at this school do I want to stay living a town away and continue to commute?
• Could I afford to move?
• What if I don't stay in this district?
• Would it be all that bad?
• What can i do that is GREAT, would glorify God and give my life a purpose?
• If I start to hate everything about this life will it hurt less when it gets taken away from me?
• Should I apply for a new job or hope to keep this one?
• Where can I escape to make myself feel better?

Now you can see where my problem is coming from.  So let me start at the beginning.  When I was applying for my current job I was informed that it was only secure for one year since the position was for a person on sabbatical, who is also retirement age.  For nearly a year now I have been crossing my fingers that she will retire.  The end of the school year is getting closer and closer.  Debate over contract issues is causing the district to delay their handing out contracts thus prolonging this waiting game that I am now in chin deep.  I would be lying if I told you I still show up everyday with a smile on my face ready to dive in.  Reality is I walk through the doors of the school thinking what if... these are the lasts.  It breaks my heart every time. 

Now that I have showed you my true colors and how easy it is to get sucked into this deep blue feeling.  Let me tell you about a run I had today, thoughts that went through my head and what I am trying to do to conquer them. 

I went running on a new path.  The path had a very nice little stream.  I found myself needing to go near the stream.  I have been frustrated but have not cried over all of this.  Very strange for me, I cry super easy.  I cried.  There at the stream I cried.  I prayed and I cried.  Then I stopped, crying, praying and the  music on my ipod.  I heard the stream near some rocks and the song, "It is Well with  my Soul" came to me. 
"Whatever my lot thou has taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul".  Whatever happens it will be all good. I know how awful this possibly could be.  I know that it could end exactly how I dream it will every night.  I know that whatever happens, it has to be God's plan, not mine.  (that right there is tough, that is why I still cry.)  Letting go and letting God.  Even though it appears that is impossible, it's not.  Devout Christians all around the world have had to conquer this same mindset.  People in Japan are doing that right now.  When the world falls apart, or you think it might...fall on God.  He is our rock. 

Many times this year I have been thankful that God has given me what he has, kept what he should, and saved me from a lot.  Now I must trust that whatever happens this year...2011-2012 will end the same, far better than I could ever imagine. 

Now that I have spent too much time on this blog trying to feel better, had some word diarrhea (as a student said today :) )  Allow me to share with you what I woke up saying for nearly an entire year from my favorite book Eat, Pray, Love

 "I will not harbor these unhealthy thoughts anymore"

I'm over it!  Onto bigger and better things!

I also know I just need to get over myself and my problems.  Japan and other devastated countries should be our main focus.  A dear colleague is in the hospital fighting for his health, people are starving, and many many more issues in our world.  Which is why I am sick of having these awful thoughts.  I'm going to try to embrace the gift of everyday. 

Fruit Fruit Fruit

10 out of 10.  This was a the rating that I would have to give my supper last night.  I worked this weekend which meant that I would eat out for supper on Saturday night.  Now living in a town that has every fast food place you can imagine this should be an easy task.  However, when there are so many options it make it so much more difficult!  Just so you can get the whole picture for my final decision let me start at the beginning. 


I got a phone call from my brother on Thursday night.  Odd, I know.  Anyways he was going to be coming to through town this weekend and was asking me where I was goign to take him for breakfast.  I was pretty excited and decided that I would have to make this a great breakfast since I do have a hard time giving up my, Saturday morning tradition of pancakes and having a delicious breakfast so...Hy-Vee was on the top of my list.  ( we would frequently go and have Hy-Vee breakfast as a family) Then the even better news came that my cousin was coming with my brother!  Yay, two of my favorite guys, to eat my favorite meal with.  Can it get much better?!?!Then...the dreaded text came on Saturday morning, plans had changed they were running late and thus our breakfast date had to be postponed.  I masked the pain of not seeing my family with a plate of pumpkin pancakes drenched in syrup.( Not too painful, just went on with a normal Saturday and I do love those pancakes!)  However, the classic sit-down Hy-Vee meal was still on my brain.  Thus my 10 our of 10 supper.  That is right out of all the fancy places I could go to, I went to Hy-Vee for the unlimited Fruit and Salad bar!!  It is cheaper to do the one plate but I had waited long enough and no...I did not feel like a fatty getting the unlimited rather than the one plate...its fruit and lettuce salad! 
It was so amazing, fresh pineapple, strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, with some yogurt and granola it was a heaping plate of parfait.  Mixed with a lettuce salad with all the fixings= perfect.  Not to mention there was  some pretty good people watching.  I think I made the most of my half hour break.  :)  If your Hy-Vee has a buffet fruit and salad bar, DO IT!!!  Best light/ satisfying meal away from home ever!!!!


My shopping has also started to include more fruit!  You know what that means.  Time to shed the winter pounds that is right spring is here.  Cheaper fruit prices!!!!

Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!"  ~Robin Williams

Preparation for Celebration

Trustworthiness, Respct, Responsiblity, Citizenship, Caring, Fairness

6 Pillars of Character Counts should be seen in schools all year round.  This week we have a specific focus.  Yes, it is Character Counts week.  At the school we don't do a week long celebration, thank gooness, instead we decorate our doors with the theme and then have a whole day celebration on Friday.  Both of my classroom doors are decorated.  The one that I really cared about and wouldn't let my student's touch was the 8th grade door.  The theme for this year is "Pay it Forward with Character Counts"  Focusing on the theme that is shown in the movie "Pay it Forward"  a great movie if you have never seen it.  So without further delay... the door decoration!


"Small Miracles Inspire Living Everyday"



Yes I do realize the door says today rather than everyday...I ran out of room :). 

A recap from this weekend.  So much fun!  Which was ended with a long nap, leftovers and netflix.  Well onto the week.  Make sure your character counts!