The time has come. The inevitable that I cannot stop.
I think back to when I went to college I was sad I was happy. I was out on my own. Freedom was finally mine! After years of acting as if I was an adult the time had finally come. Put on your big girl pants and show the world your determined face. Thankfully when I went into this uncharted territory I managed to have some VERY awesome people enter my life. People sometimes make comments about how much in debt I am due to choosing the private college that I attended, the truth is, I cannot imagine my life any other way. I met so many people that I cannot live without today. My education was priceless.
I met a woman who I think the world of! When we first met I was hanging out with her group of friends because I desperately needed someone in my life. I love being alone and doing things my way, but I knew I wouldn't survive on my own in this world away from my family. So I tagged along. That is exactly what I felt like, a tag along. I didn't really fit in but these people were fun! I wanted to fit in and maybe if I tagged along enough, they would just accept me. The awkward college freshman that I was. :)
Well, about seven years later one of those people just couldn't shake me. I tagged on very closely to her. We were college roommates, we were post college roommates. We are best friends and we have decided since God didn't give me a sister and she could use one more sister, that is what we are. Sisters at heart. Would do anything for, share anything with, be each others right arm if needed.
For the past 5 years she has been my rock. When I would freak out about life, she was there. When I could have unbelievably great luck, she is who I shared it with, When I hit walls, she was standing there ready to bandage my life back together with me. She is so level headed, but also the life of every party. She is brilliant. She either knows the answer or she will find the answer. She is organized and task oriented. Put a task, or challenge in front of her and she will find a way.
I guess that is why this is all happening. (I make it sound like a bad thing. It's really not.) She is off to take on the world. At lease a different part of it. She will be off to Africa to work for the Peace Corps. She leaves today to start the adventure. I am very sad that she is leaving, but I am sooo excited to share her adventures through e-mails, blogs, face time, letters, and maybe even a trip for myself. I can't wait to share what she is doing with the world and be able to say, that is my best friend out there. People say you take on different characteristics of those you are around the most. I won't be around her for the next two years, but I hope I can be just like her. Being fearless, and legen...wait for it dary. :) A little HIMYM humor, one of our favorite shows.
Bottom line, lesson to be learned here. I am so proud of her, she has taught me soo much. I can't wait to see what God is going to teach her in Africa which in turn she will teach the rest of us. I also can't wait to see how God is going to shape me and work in my life now that my rock is floating overseas. These next two years will be a great chapter for her and me.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Reflecting on past reflections
This week marked the end of my 3rd year teaching in the same school district. Each year has been a little bit different with grade levels and responsibility and that will be changing again in my 4th year, but it makes me a little bit more rounded of an individual in my teaching abilities for the day when I decide to make new leaps and bounds.
We are starting to go 1:1 as a school district meaning every kid will have technology in their hands and we will try to incorporate these devices into daily learning to help mold our kids even more in their future- which will be filled with technology. While at a professional development day I stumbled up on a new tool to use on Google and I found some documents that appeared from out of nowhere. -this verified what I have been told and telling my students "what you put on the web is out there and will continue to be out there. You can't erase all the footprints you leave on the web." Seriously this document that I found was from a Thanksgiving post a few years ago. While I realize it is on my blog and will forever be on the blog I had forgotten about this rough draft that was saved in some random space on the web.
Here is my reflection one Thanksgiving after my decision to take my first ever teaching job.
God then laughed at me a bit and said his plan was a little town of Webster City. Thank goodness He takes care of the details and I don’t need to worry (although yes, I do). I didn't know why he sent me there but I knew after I accepted this job and nearly bounced out the front entrance this was going to be something good. (Yes, I actually remember saying with tears running down my face from fear, excitement and just being very overwhelmed, “this is going to be something good.”) While I was content with the feeling of “something good” I still knew I wanted to know/ find my purpose. Why was I sent here? What am I suppose to be doing? Why, How, When, For how long???? The questions still come but I have my amazing family and friends that remind me not all the answers are there right now and not all the answers will come, even in my lifetime. But as a great friend once told me, in summary of course I cannot remember the actual quote, “My faith in God frees me from needing to know all the details.”
I am still looking for some of those answers but a few have come. Why am I here? Of course for the kids that I have had the privilege of being part of their lives for 180 days. For being near my best friend who could be my support and family in this uncertain chapter. For bringing me to meet the man of my dreams. I still don't know the exact purpose, duration and other details but I do know that this is still "something good".
Year 4 to commence in two months. Maybe in 2+ years I will stumble up on this entry again and have a reflection on past reflections of reflections. either way, life is still chugging along and I am pretty content where God is leading me. :)
We are starting to go 1:1 as a school district meaning every kid will have technology in their hands and we will try to incorporate these devices into daily learning to help mold our kids even more in their future- which will be filled with technology. While at a professional development day I stumbled up on a new tool to use on Google and I found some documents that appeared from out of nowhere. -this verified what I have been told and telling my students "what you put on the web is out there and will continue to be out there. You can't erase all the footprints you leave on the web." Seriously this document that I found was from a Thanksgiving post a few years ago. While I realize it is on my blog and will forever be on the blog I had forgotten about this rough draft that was saved in some random space on the web.
Here is my reflection one Thanksgiving after my decision to take my first ever teaching job.
God then laughed at me a bit and said his plan was a little town of Webster City. Thank goodness He takes care of the details and I don’t need to worry (although yes, I do). I didn't know why he sent me there but I knew after I accepted this job and nearly bounced out the front entrance this was going to be something good. (Yes, I actually remember saying with tears running down my face from fear, excitement and just being very overwhelmed, “this is going to be something good.”) While I was content with the feeling of “something good” I still knew I wanted to know/ find my purpose. Why was I sent here? What am I suppose to be doing? Why, How, When, For how long???? The questions still come but I have my amazing family and friends that remind me not all the answers are there right now and not all the answers will come, even in my lifetime. But as a great friend once told me, in summary of course I cannot remember the actual quote, “My faith in God frees me from needing to know all the details.”
I am still looking for some of those answers but a few have come. Why am I here? Of course for the kids that I have had the privilege of being part of their lives for 180 days. For being near my best friend who could be my support and family in this uncertain chapter. For bringing me to meet the man of my dreams. I still don't know the exact purpose, duration and other details but I do know that this is still "something good".
Year 4 to commence in two months. Maybe in 2+ years I will stumble up on this entry again and have a reflection on past reflections of reflections. either way, life is still chugging along and I am pretty content where God is leading me. :)
Sunday, June 2, 2013
A new found blog purpose
For some reason I haven't had the ambition nor inspiration to blog. Until now. I had thought that I was sick of blogging because #1 who wants to read about me. #2 nothing important is going on in my life. #3 It bothers me that I felt like all I was writing about was my day- I had pancakes for breakfast, or complaining about something- no need for an example on this one. Or I turn this blog into a personal work out keep me accountable thing and then I fizzle out.
So with a new found purpose I will hopefully be blogging more, however not on a regular basis just when I feel moved to do so.
I realized after having a girls weekend that there was nothing special about the weekend, except the people who I was with. That being said I was inspired to take my everyday ordinary life find some transforming, inspirational things and post them.
A quote that has inspired this is: "Do not live on default. Live a life aware of those around you." So instead of just passing through life telling you about my humdrum day. I will seek to look deeper into those days and find meaning for myself and for those around me.
Enjoy!
So with a new found purpose I will hopefully be blogging more, however not on a regular basis just when I feel moved to do so.
I realized after having a girls weekend that there was nothing special about the weekend, except the people who I was with. That being said I was inspired to take my everyday ordinary life find some transforming, inspirational things and post them.
A quote that has inspired this is: "Do not live on default. Live a life aware of those around you." So instead of just passing through life telling you about my humdrum day. I will seek to look deeper into those days and find meaning for myself and for those around me.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Sitting back
Well, I have become lazy and therefore I have not posted in a while. Sorry folks. Something about it being dark a little after 5, cold weather and no ambition that have not combined well for this lady. Hello winter pudgy, you are here faarrr too soon!
The few things I have been productive on were a door decoration, and winterizing my apartment (aka putting plastic on the windows, flannel sheets and heat pads are on all beds)
My door decoration was inspired by Pinterest, of course. It was fun, time consuming and it hurt...a lot. You see, I realized after I had begun that I would need a lot of hot glue. I burned my fingers sooo much. However I survived and my door is sooo cute.
What you will need:
Twine
letter of choice- to big it will take a ton of twine, to small and it will be difficult to cover
hot glue
ribbon
felt for making flowers.
Now in additional news. I have a movie review for all of you. Disney's movie Brave was a whirlwind of emotions for a children's animated movie.
However, I loved it! ( partially because I secretly want her bright red, curly hair) I definitely think I will be considering buying it if I ever have a daughter someday. It focuses on the difference of a little girl and her mom and how in the end all are views are correct when taken time to look at the deeper meanings. Also it was my first time ever going to a $1 theater, which was actually $2 due to inflation. :)
Even bigger news.
The few things I have been productive on were a door decoration, and winterizing my apartment (aka putting plastic on the windows, flannel sheets and heat pads are on all beds)
My door decoration was inspired by Pinterest, of course. It was fun, time consuming and it hurt...a lot. You see, I realized after I had begun that I would need a lot of hot glue. I burned my fingers sooo much. However I survived and my door is sooo cute.
What you will need:
Twine
letter of choice- to big it will take a ton of twine, to small and it will be difficult to cover
hot glue
ribbon
felt for making flowers.
Now in additional news. I have a movie review for all of you. Disney's movie Brave was a whirlwind of emotions for a children's animated movie.
However, I loved it! ( partially because I secretly want her bright red, curly hair) I definitely think I will be considering buying it if I ever have a daughter someday. It focuses on the difference of a little girl and her mom and how in the end all are views are correct when taken time to look at the deeper meanings. Also it was my first time ever going to a $1 theater, which was actually $2 due to inflation. :)
Even bigger news.
This crazy kid, not me people, is moving back to Iowa. Wooohooo!! Even better and bigger news the reason he is moving back to Iowa is because of a job, which is 20 min. away from me!! Yup watch out surrounding area, we may be old but we still have some of our crazy left in us. However, those crazy activities need to be done prior to 9 pm. I have a bedtime now. :)
So in conclusion. I may be feeling "lazy" However, it might just be content being confused for lazy. OR the end of my 24th year of life may be kicking my butt and really preparing me for year 25 aka...old age ;)
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Cooking
Today I decided to cook! I have been pretty good at eating eggs and salads or takeout for the past...way to long to remember. Today I decided enough was enough and I would put on the oven mitts and get to work. Ok you caught me, I really was doing anything possible to avoid correcting papers. Which I found one more thing to do, blog about my cooking!!! Anyways, a friend of mine had been telling me about the cauliflower crust pizza. Here is the recipe I followed. Which is from a blog here... http://www.eat-drink-smile.com/2011/04/cauliflower-crust-pizza.html
Serves 2; Adapted from Your Lighter Side.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp crushed garlic
1/2 tsp garlic salt
olive oil (optional)
pizza sauce, shredded cheese and your choice of toppings*
Take 1 large head of fresh cauliflower, remove stems and leaves, and chop the florets into chunks. Add to food processor and pulse until it looks like grain. Do not over-do pulse or you will puree it. (If you don't have a food processor, you can grate the whole head with a cheese grater). Place the riced cauliflower into a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 8 minutes (some microwaves are more powerful than others, so you may need to reduce this cooking time). There is no need to add water, as the natural moisture in the cauliflower is enough to cook itself.
One large head should produce approximately 3 cups of riced cauliflower. The remainder can be used to make additional pizza crusts immediately, or can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
To Make the Pizza Crust:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, stir together 1 cup cauliflower, egg and mozzarella. Add oregano, crushed garlic and garlic salt, stir. Transfer to the cookie sheet, and using your hands, pat out into a 9" round. Optional: Brush olive oil over top of mixture to help with browning.
Bake at 450 degrees for 15 minutes.
Remove from oven. To the crust, add sauce, toppings and cheese. Place under a broiler at high heat just until cheese is melted (approximately 3-4 minutes).
Enjoy!
*Note that toppings need to be precooked since you are only broiling for a few minutes.
I forgot to buy pizza sauce when I got groceries today. Epic fail! So I went to Dollar General to get some, they don't have pizza sauce. So I used Alfredo sauce with Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies for my sauce. Pretty sure that is what made my crust a bit soggy. But anyways it tasted good and I will try it again! Hope the weekend treated you well and the week even better!
Cauliflower Crust Pizza
Serves 2; Adapted from Your Lighter Side.
Ingredients:
1 cup cooked, riced cauliflower1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp crushed garlic
1/2 tsp garlic salt
olive oil (optional)
pizza sauce, shredded cheese and your choice of toppings*
Directions:
To "Rice" the Cauliflower:Take 1 large head of fresh cauliflower, remove stems and leaves, and chop the florets into chunks. Add to food processor and pulse until it looks like grain. Do not over-do pulse or you will puree it. (If you don't have a food processor, you can grate the whole head with a cheese grater). Place the riced cauliflower into a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 8 minutes (some microwaves are more powerful than others, so you may need to reduce this cooking time). There is no need to add water, as the natural moisture in the cauliflower is enough to cook itself.
One large head should produce approximately 3 cups of riced cauliflower. The remainder can be used to make additional pizza crusts immediately, or can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
To Make the Pizza Crust:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, stir together 1 cup cauliflower, egg and mozzarella. Add oregano, crushed garlic and garlic salt, stir. Transfer to the cookie sheet, and using your hands, pat out into a 9" round. Optional: Brush olive oil over top of mixture to help with browning.
Bake at 450 degrees for 15 minutes.
Remove from oven. To the crust, add sauce, toppings and cheese. Place under a broiler at high heat just until cheese is melted (approximately 3-4 minutes).
Enjoy!
*Note that toppings need to be precooked since you are only broiling for a few minutes.
I forgot to buy pizza sauce when I got groceries today. Epic fail! So I went to Dollar General to get some, they don't have pizza sauce. So I used Alfredo sauce with Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies for my sauce. Pretty sure that is what made my crust a bit soggy. But anyways it tasted good and I will try it again! Hope the weekend treated you well and the week even better!
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Things I'm loving this week and Please don't judge me :)
I'm going to be very creative here and do a bit of a twist from my previous post.
Things I'm Loving and Things the Rest of the World Should be slightly concerned about
#1 The Fall crisp weather mixed with the Pumpkin Spice Latte and Chai I have been having this weekend!
#2 My new nonstick skillet that I splurged on yesterday- guess who had perfect pancakes and now grilled cheese (ish) tonight. Ahh I am a flipping master again!
#3 Blue Bunny Chocolate and Salted Carmel Ice Cream is officially my favorite fall flavored Ice Cream.
#4 Michelob Ultra Light Cider- Brush your teeth and then drink this stuff. It tastes just like a green apple, enjoy this fall flavored drink while reading....(see #5)
#5 The book Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me and other concerns by Mindy Kaling. She is Kelly Kapoor from The Office and now the new comedy The Mindy Project. She is hilarious. Want a fast/ fun read check out her book.
Now onto part two of this post. Things the Rest of the World Should be Slightly Concerned About. Aka....the please don't judge me portion. :)
#1 the expiration date on my Turkey Bacon in my fridge. Yes it probably should go, No I have not gotten sick yet...yet.
#2 The fact that most of my meals consists of things in my fridge thrown together. For example:
Tonight's meal was grilled BLT with cheese and jalapeno. Yes, first I made my slightly expired turkey bacon, then I buttered both of my slices of bread and quickly assembled my cheese, jalapeno, bacon, tomato and lettuce with the top slice of bread. (all while singing "Hammer Time" Since speed was clearly very important or so I thought). It turned out tasting ok, however the lettuce was a bit soggy, probably won't ever try it again.
#3 I was going to eat Chili, made a few weeks ago and then frozen, but REALLY wanted to use my new skillet again. Oh the simple things in life.
#4 I enjoy watching Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader, and get VERY competitive while watching it. Comparable to when the elderly watch Wheel of Fortune.
#5 I am very close to not giving a hoot about this upcoming election until each candidate tells me where they stand on adding Ice Cream to My Plate, formerly known as the food pyramid. I've eaten so much ice cream that I now think it's a food group!
Things I'm Loving and Things the Rest of the World Should be slightly concerned about
#1 The Fall crisp weather mixed with the Pumpkin Spice Latte and Chai I have been having this weekend!
#2 My new nonstick skillet that I splurged on yesterday- guess who had perfect pancakes and now grilled cheese (ish) tonight. Ahh I am a flipping master again!
#3 Blue Bunny Chocolate and Salted Carmel Ice Cream is officially my favorite fall flavored Ice Cream.
#4 Michelob Ultra Light Cider- Brush your teeth and then drink this stuff. It tastes just like a green apple, enjoy this fall flavored drink while reading....(see #5)
#5 The book Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me and other concerns by Mindy Kaling. She is Kelly Kapoor from The Office and now the new comedy The Mindy Project. She is hilarious. Want a fast/ fun read check out her book.
Now onto part two of this post. Things the Rest of the World Should be Slightly Concerned About. Aka....the please don't judge me portion. :)
#1 the expiration date on my Turkey Bacon in my fridge. Yes it probably should go, No I have not gotten sick yet...yet.
#2 The fact that most of my meals consists of things in my fridge thrown together. For example:
Tonight's meal was grilled BLT with cheese and jalapeno. Yes, first I made my slightly expired turkey bacon, then I buttered both of my slices of bread and quickly assembled my cheese, jalapeno, bacon, tomato and lettuce with the top slice of bread. (all while singing "Hammer Time" Since speed was clearly very important or so I thought). It turned out tasting ok, however the lettuce was a bit soggy, probably won't ever try it again.
#3 I was going to eat Chili, made a few weeks ago and then frozen, but REALLY wanted to use my new skillet again. Oh the simple things in life.
#4 I enjoy watching Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader, and get VERY competitive while watching it. Comparable to when the elderly watch Wheel of Fortune.
#5 I am very close to not giving a hoot about this upcoming election until each candidate tells me where they stand on adding Ice Cream to My Plate, formerly known as the food pyramid. I've eaten so much ice cream that I now think it's a food group!
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Things I'm loving
A lot of blogs I read have had these posts. Things I'm loving right now. Today was a great (slightly sleepy) Wednesday so let me share why.
#1 fall leaves outside my window.
#2 Treats in the break room. We had Danish Kringle, candy corn, and fire hot Cheetos, what a great day that was (not for my waist but oh well.)
#3 No cross county practice on Wednesday. The town has church night on Wednesday and since several middle school students participate in confirmation class, we aren't allowed to have middle school sports practice after school on Wednesday, therefore, day off to catch up.
Which leads me...
#4 Kids working hard. Had my first kid stay after school to do homework today. I didn't have to assign it to him, or chase him down after school. I came in at 3:25 and he was sitting in a desk waiting to have homework help!
#5 New Girl, The Office and Glee have started their fall seasons. My DVR will fill up fast with these shows and I get such good laughs all week!
#6 Being exhausted because you feel like you have accomplished so much! Today while washing my face I realized the folder that I thought I lost yesterday was just put next to another folder, which is why I didn't see it yesterday. Sure enough got to school today, looked for the folder, yup exactly where I remembered it was while washing my face. Seriously, teacher's get three months off in the summer because our brains are always on for 9 months straight 24 hours a day!
#7 Six beautiful babies born this summer! I swear there was something in the water last year because six of my friends in this town had babies born from May- Sept. Today the last beautiful boy was born. I guess this means I might need to stick around til these kiddos are in 8th grade so I can tell them all "I remember the day you were born!"
Thus concludes the things I am loving. I could go on forever but will keep it to a short list of 7. I think that means things are pretty good in these parts.
Happy Wednesday!
#1 fall leaves outside my window.
#2 Treats in the break room. We had Danish Kringle, candy corn, and fire hot Cheetos, what a great day that was (not for my waist but oh well.)
#3 No cross county practice on Wednesday. The town has church night on Wednesday and since several middle school students participate in confirmation class, we aren't allowed to have middle school sports practice after school on Wednesday, therefore, day off to catch up.
Which leads me...
#4 Kids working hard. Had my first kid stay after school to do homework today. I didn't have to assign it to him, or chase him down after school. I came in at 3:25 and he was sitting in a desk waiting to have homework help!
#5 New Girl, The Office and Glee have started their fall seasons. My DVR will fill up fast with these shows and I get such good laughs all week!
#6 Being exhausted because you feel like you have accomplished so much! Today while washing my face I realized the folder that I thought I lost yesterday was just put next to another folder, which is why I didn't see it yesterday. Sure enough got to school today, looked for the folder, yup exactly where I remembered it was while washing my face. Seriously, teacher's get three months off in the summer because our brains are always on for 9 months straight 24 hours a day!
#7 Six beautiful babies born this summer! I swear there was something in the water last year because six of my friends in this town had babies born from May- Sept. Today the last beautiful boy was born. I guess this means I might need to stick around til these kiddos are in 8th grade so I can tell them all "I remember the day you were born!"
Thus concludes the things I am loving. I could go on forever but will keep it to a short list of 7. I think that means things are pretty good in these parts.
Happy Wednesday!
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