Jumping in..

Lots of big things have happened lately. I feel like I really am, finally, "jumping in" to life.


1. I moved! I love my family and I loved living at home, but it was time to move out and on my own.  I now live alone in a 2 bedroom condo and I am loving it. What could be better than getting to walk around naked without anyone getting offended? (just kidding..kind of)   I always thought that I would hate being alone. If I can be completely honest, I'm not even sure I want a roommate anymore.  I have felt strangely independent recently, and I think it's good for me.

2.. I  got a job!  As many of you know, I absolutely love the school that I student taught in and have been working in ever since.  However, since no jobs were open there when I graduated, I decided to branch out and apply to other schools as a back up.  Well, I was offered a job after my very first interview about 12 hours after the interview.  It just so happens that this school is about 5 minutes away from my new condo.  If that isn't a work of God aligning the stars right just for me, I'm not sure what is.

3. As the school year comes to a close, camp is just beginning.  I LOVE camp season.  As much as I might complain about it being hot and exhausting, there is nothing that I would rather do with my summer days than spend it around 300 kids and counselors, planning out activities, cutting things out, organizing glitter, and calling parents.  I joke about it, but I probably will literally work at camp forever.  This is my 4th summer at the Y camp, but second summer as theme camp director.  I mean really, what could be more fun than pirate camp, animal camp, or cowboy camp?

 What big things have happened for you lately?

Creepy crawlies.

I love my job. I can't say that enough.

I'm terrified of bugs. Petrified. Completely irrational, I know, but it is what it is. anything creepy and crawly is not for me.

The air conditioning is not turned on in the building yet and for anyone who lives near me knows that it was very warm today. That being said, my windows were wide open allll day today from 7am on. Well apparently during the course of the day, several little critters came into my classroom. I was perfectly intent to let them stay right where they were (I mean hey, the bugs weren't bothering me at all); however, my kids wanted them gone. Well, of course I was not going to pick them up or even get near them. I had to go across the hall to get a student from my student teaching class whom I knew would save the day. She proceeded to come in and pick up the bugs to take them outside where none of us could hurt them.

Talk about courage. Sometimes I wish I were as fearless as an 8 year old.

Test day anxiety ...

I think over the years I have learned to hate standardized tests of any type.  I know sometimes they may be necessary, but really? Is teaching to the test really as beneficial as teaching the information that students need in order to progress and succeed in life?  I'll save that rant for another day.

This morning, I'm about to go take the Praxis II which determines not only if I can get a teaching license, but a job in January.  aka: it's a big deal.  I've already taken half of it with means this morning all I have to take is the writing portion.  But did I study? Not nearly as much as I probably should have.

I have never been great at studying.  I've learned to get by over the years without studying at all.  My philosophy? If I can get by with an A- not studying at all, why be the overachiever trying to be that person we all hate who make 100s on everything? 

I hope it doesn't come back and bite me in the butt this time! 

Also on the agenda for this weekend is shopping for a birthday dress (15 more days! ahh!) and the Panthers vs. Tennessee game tomorrow with daddy! 

Hope everyone has a spectacular fall weekend!

Desperate.

Ohh, Tuesdays.

Is anyone else just as ready for this long weekend as I am?  

I know my kids are.  As much as I love them, they have just been wild lately.  I never raise my voice with them--ever.  Yesterday, I did just that.  I feel like sometimes I am speaking another language without even realizing it.  I think we are all ready for a nice long break. 

Lately, my addiction to Desperate Housewives has become slightly ridiculous. 

Netflix is killing taking over my free time.  For some reason, I have totally submerged my life in the lives of the women on Wisteria Lane.  Unhealthy or a nice brain break from reality?

Sorry for such a short post--too exhausted for tonight! More to come tomorrow.

I'm back, na na na na na.

Well I'm back!  For good this time, I promise!

What have I been doing since I've been gone, you might ask?

Teaching.  Since student teaching has started, I have devoted basically every ounce of my heart and soul to my 3rd graders, and I have loved every moment of it.  There is truly nothing like going into school everyday and having a class of twenty 8 and 9 year olds to make you feel like a rock star.  I cannot believe that it has flown by, and I'll be graduating in a month and a half!

Working.  In addition to teaching 5 days a week, I also work as a hostess at a nice restaurant here in Charlotte.  I try to work about 3 or 4 shifts a week in order to start saving up my money for after graduation.  While it is exhausting going from school to work, I enjoy being able to do something that gets my mind off school every once in a while. 

Papers.  This whole impact project for student teaching?  Sucks.  I'm so ready to submit the final product next week.  Then I'm officially done with papers for undergrad career.

Having fun.  The new boy in my life has made me incredibly happy.  More about it will come, I promise:).

I've been absolutely loving life lately, even though I feel like it is flying by. 

I would love to fill you all in on the past few months, but there is too much work to be done for tonight!