first day jitters

Well, I have officially survived the first day of my second year of teaching. I would say that overall today was a really good day. I caught myself thinking about how the heck I got here. I know that the first year was hard, and at times seemed like it was dragging on but really...it flew by and here I am starting another year. I also kept thinking about where I will be 5, 10, 30 years down the line. How many lives I will come across and which ones I will actually leave a mark on. It was in high school that I figured out the goal of my grown up life. I didn't know what career I wanted to work towards; I had no specific interests. But I did know that I wanted and needed to pursue something where I would make a difference in at least one life.

I know a lot of people say that teaching is one of the most under appreciated professions and at times I agree. However, if I can make a difference in at least that one life if not more, I know that I will be one of the most appreciated people in this world. At least by one person.

I am so excited to take on this year. A bit nervous, but overall really excited. I grew so much last year. More than I ever thought I could. Not only as a teacher but as a person and my personal goals in this life. I'm so ready to see what lessons I am going to learn and how this school year will change me. Here goes!

seven quick takes: take 6

I intended on posting yesterday however I was sucked into the vortex that was pre-school room getting ready-ness and then had family commitments in the evening so sorry - blog post took a toasty seat on the back burner. However, still linking up with some other lovely bloggers to post 7 thoughts for your reading enjoyment.

1. This was our first week back in Dallas as a married couple. The transition has been good thus far. It's been a process to start unpacking from the wedding, honeymoon, and my move the week before the wedding. I know that it will all get done...eventually. I am just having a hard time with the eventually part of that statement. Accepting the perfection in imperfection, this is the daily reminder I am saying to myself every time I trip over something or spend 20 minutes looking for a shoe.

2. I think a part of my holy cow could I be more overwhelmed mentality this week came from heading back up to school. Walking into my room that first time gave me a small heart attack and sent me thinking thoughts about how I won't be ready for meet the teacher night next Friday. After working in there for a few days things are coming along. Lots of changes coming with this second year of teaching. I'm excited to have a better grasp on what I'm doing and to NOT be planning a wedding on the side.

3. If I were a good little blogger and had actually posted this yesterday I would have said, "I'm so excited to go to Legoland tomorrow!" But it's Saturday and I'm slacking so instead I'll say, we went to the Legoland Discovery Center today with my husband's (!!!) little brother and it. was. AWESOME. I thoroughly enjoyed our adventure. Pictures and commentary coming your way soonish.

4. Yesterday afternoon my beardyman husband and I went to IKEA semi-spontaneously (semi only because we have been planning a trip but we weren't sure when) and got a new dresser, desk, and office chair for meeeeeeeeeeeee!!! Oh, I am so excited. SO excited. My dresser drawers are currently living on the floor of our bedroom and I could not be happier to have them in their proper place. I never thought I would come to a point in my life where I would be excited about a  new desk to do my work or a dresser to put my clothes away. I'm old. EXCITED and old.

5. This afternoon has been blissful. Ever since we got back I have felt like things, activities, and events have just been going on nonstop. But this afternoon my beardyman put together my new desk and I worked on spray painting some wooden letters for school. Now we are both enjoying some quiet time whilst drinking coffee and eating chocolate chip banana almond muffins. Jeally? 

6. Earlier in the summer I was struggling somewhat with thinking of things to write about. Recently I have been having spurts of inspiration throughout my days. I'm happy to start sharing and writing more regularly.

7. This week will be the teachers first week back to work! I'm actually looking forward to getting this school year started. Getting new students and getting into a new routine. I have a lot of goals in mind for the coming school year. I'm eager to get things started.




Happy weekend!

...and we're BACK! and MARRIED! and so HAPPY!

Hello!

So after an insane, crazy, happy, fun, whirlwind of a past two weeks we finally tied the knot, honeymooned, moved into our apartment and are MARRIED PEOPLE! It was an amazing time. The wedding weekend could not have been more perfect, the ceremony was wonderful, and our reception was AMAZING! However, I am really happy to be back and starting our new normal life together. I can't wait to share stories, pictures, and experiences of the whole wedding/honeymoon with you all and get to blogging on a semi-regular basis.

The school year is also swiftly approaching and with that will come various posts about my classroom and happenings of my second year as a third grade teacher, so be on the lookout for that as well. I am interested in seeing where this year will take me, us, and this little bit of blog space!


For now, here are a few sneak peek pictures from out photographer, Jessica Renee Photography (she is wonderful and if you are looking for a wedding/life style photographer in the New Orleans area you should definitely check her out!!)

squeak, squake: seven quick takes, take 5

It's been a while since I posted seven quick takes! Joining these lovely ladies over here in the posting frenzy. I have a lot going on so I figured I could find seven things that might interest someone out there besides the constant voice in my head.

1. It's hot people. Like really hot, I have made a promise to myself to not complain a lot on my little space of the internet but really. I'm so sweaty all the time and this is not ok. I walk to another room, sweaty. I walk between the new apartment and my apartment, sweaty. I breathe, SWEATY. I'm ready for fall, so. ready. In thinking about fall I find myself still wanting the same beautiful, delicious, wonderful, amazing boots from The Frye Company that I want every year. Go ahead, fall in love:

 

(you can find these pretties right here.)

2. I like good conversations. I feel like those have been happening a lot in my life lately and I don't want it to stop any time soon. I was able to visit with a friend and her new baby this week and we talked about everything under the sun and it was fantastic. 

3. Bachelorette season finale this Sunday. It's getting cray up in here. Jef with one f or slobber mouth Arie. Decisions, decisions. I know who I would like to win (Jef with one f) but I have a feeling that Super Tongue takes the win in the end. BLAH. If you choose Arie, Emily I am going to be shooting rays of supreme disappointment from my eyes at the TV screen. SUPREME. 

4. Happy domestic moment of the day: beasting the grocery store! I came in way under budget AND took reusable bags with me, not to mention the right amount of reusable bags. Oh and I made a meal plan for the week and a list before going to the store. Look who's becoming wifely! 

(next step in domestication domination: matching reusable bags)

5. So many people I know are stepping out into the blogging world and it has been motivation to update mine more. Go ahead, read all of the awesomeness here and here. Both girls that I teach with and am lucky to call my friends! 

 6. 15 days until the married times roll! I tried to wait until the last few takes to mention wedding stuff. I can't believe we are getting so close! So much to do! Emotionalness! I know that everything will get done, things will be great, but I'm at the point where I can't really see that light yet and still feel like everything is kind of going crazy. Reminding myself to breathe from time to time helps. 

7. Bachelorette PARTAY this weekend! Pretty stinking pumped to hang out with a bunch of lovely ladies from many a different friend group. I have a feeling it's going to be a pretty great time. 

(there aren't going to be any scantily dressed men at my bachelorette party but we are kicking off the weekend by seeing Magic Mike so I thought these funnies my find some humorous appreciation)

Happy weekend!

 

FREEEEEEEEEEEDOM

Holy cow. Did I really take another mini hiatus? Accidental. Promises. This time it was not of my own doing (like applying to teach summer school...) but I had the privilege of serving jury duty for the fine county I live in. This was my first experience with this public service I can honestly say it was both completely boring and interesting. The fact that I was chosen for the jury was the interesting part. Everything else, preeeeeeeeeeeeetty boring. Thus is my life!

So now that I have my life back and am no longer committed to driving down town and listening to grown people argue every day, lets say I get back on the update-your-blog-bandwagon! Wahoo!

L is for love song link up!

One of my favorite blogs is doing a love song link-up today and my summer slow self has decided to join in the fun. ya dig?


1) The Civil Wars - "I've got this friend"

I am pretty much in love with them and their harmonies. This is on the list of songs for me and the beardyman to learn. I want to be them.

2) Bright Eyes - "First day of my life"

We recently sang this at my teaching partner's wedding in April. So it's on the brain as a good love song.

3) Andrew Peterson - "Dancing in the minefields"

This one gets me excited for married times. :)



4) Ben Harper - "Forever"

This is the song I was sung the night I got engaged. ;)

5) Dashboard Confessional - "Stolen"

So it seems my music selections are not the most traditional songs. But they are songs I love about love and maybe someone will like them as well. We still have yet to decide on our song that we are going to dance to at our wedding (in 32 days. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) so listening to everyone's favorite lurve songs has been nice inspiration!

slowing down

Today was what I would consider my first official day of my summer vacation. It wasn't the weekend, all of my friends are once again preoccupied with their jobs and so I was left to determine my own routine for the day. I am always scared when vacations come around. I love the break. I love that being a teacher I will always have predetermined vacation times to look forward to, but I am always scared of not appreciating my time.

I love being busy.

I love moving constantly, having my days to filled so the brim that I can barely fit in a full nights sleep. I love being a little bit tired because it's telling me that I am living full, hard days. I love being around people constantly, hence my career path. But unlike other first days of vacation...today was different. I had a lot of time alone and I was ok with that. I am feeling recharged and more motivated to get things done. I'm trying to be thankful for every moment of this month no matter how slow. I realize that I will still be somewhat busy with the last of our wedding to-do list to accomplish but overall I know the slow times will come and I know at least a little part of me might be frustrated with those times. So maybe this post will serve as a reminder to savor each and every slow moment that July gives me.

The above picture was something I found while wandering through Target today. Apparently it's my personality according to my birthday. There are a couple of things that are true but overall I found it really amusing. Especially the, "...punctual in your appointments and fastidious in your dress..." Considering the older I have gotten, the later I have shown up to things. Try as I might to be on time. Also, I plan on living in gym clothes during the month of July. ;)


Happy Monday!