So technically I've had two days to think of someone in history that
I'd like to have dinner with, and what I would eat with them. I have
gone back and forth between a few people and I think I would like to
have dinner with Queen Elizabeth I. What an amazing time period, number
one, and what rockin' lady, number 2. As for what we'd eat, I would
definitely say pizza and beer. I can only imagine that eating with
Queen Elizabeth would be extremely awkward and having beer would
hopefully lessen the tension. I'm not a big history buff, and she's
probably not keeping up with any Kardashians, so we would probably run
out of things to discuss pretty quickly, but it would still be a
fabulous experience.
As fun as it was to think about people in history, my day was consumed with some toddler antics.
Hang onto your hats folks. I have a hilarious Audrey story coming your way.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Yo Ho Ho
So. Many of you know that Audrey has learned some funny "animal" sounds.
For instance, if you ask her what Fozzy Bear says she replies "Waca Waca" and she will see a pirate and say "Yo ho ho."
Audrey's become curious (as toddlers do) during diaper changes, so Scott and I have been saying the word private a lot lately. (Can you see the foreshadowing?)
Today as I was giving her a bath she was pointing and saying body parts. When she got to private she got a big grin on her face, looked up and said "YO HO HO".
This will be a story that lives in infamy.
For instance, if you ask her what Fozzy Bear says she replies "Waca Waca" and she will see a pirate and say "Yo ho ho."
Audrey's become curious (as toddlers do) during diaper changes, so Scott and I have been saying the word private a lot lately. (Can you see the foreshadowing?)
Today as I was giving her a bath she was pointing and saying body parts. When she got to private she got a big grin on her face, looked up and said "YO HO HO".
This will be a story that lives in infamy.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Day 25: Dinner with a Popular Notion
Whoops! I jumped ahead looking at the list and spent my time today thinking about a popular notion I would like changed, instead of someone in history I would like to have dinner with. Since it's my blog, I'm making the executive decision to flip flop, and make tomorrow "Famous Person in History" day, and today, it's "EXPLORE the INNER WORKINGS OF EDUCATION" Day.
As they say in Jarassic Park (the Original of course...). "Hold onto your butts!"
There are so many things I could talk about. State mandated testing, how the people who make decisions have most likely never stepped foot in a classroom, let alone taught for an extended period of time in one, how every year I get a salary "increase" I actually make less money because with that increase comes an increase in my contribution towards retirement, taxes, and health insurance (don't get me started. The longer I teach, the less I make. And the more work I'm required to do! I shouldn't say every year. Last year I made 5 extra dollars. I spent it each month on a Redbox, medium fry and large coke at McDonalds. Be jealous :))
And with all of the above topics that I would be more than happy to visit with you about, today, I choose...
It's Okay that Teachers Don't Make as Much Money, They Love What They Do
Now, I do love what I do, but believe me. There are days that I wished I loved to be an architect also. I dream of loving a job that pays a salary that would allow for some flexibility in spending each month. Scott and I have a home and live like we do because we live on a strict budget (and we have a LOT of help from our family). I dream of days when I'm not tallying our expenses with each purchase we make.
I went to a Christmas party last year with some staff members and I left feeling so sad. Without finances being the topic I was a part of three different conversations. Each conversation was about doing without just for the opportunity to have one child. One. It meant no vacations. One car. Cutting back on grocery bills.
I'm not talking cutting out the all expenses paid resorts and imported cheese and wine. I'm talking regular living expenses. And these families have two parents with full time, salaried positions.
Our job is to provide an education and life experiences to children. My whole day consists of making sure that children have all the resources they need to be well rounded and educated and I and my colleagues go home and struggle to do that, at times, for our very own children. Children are our passion. We want to teach them and have our own to impart our wisdom on.
I know money is tight in a lot of families. I know it's not just teachers. I know some families have made huge sacrifices to keep their homes, live where they want, etc. I'm not trying to say "join my pitty party" I am saying that perhaps loving what you do is not reason enough to keep the status quo. I would not be depressed if I got to love what I do and make some money while doing it... :)
I do love what I do. It's why I do it. It's worth it. I love it. But, sometimes I wish I loved architecture or engineering also.
As they say in Jarassic Park (the Original of course...). "Hold onto your butts!"
There are so many things I could talk about. State mandated testing, how the people who make decisions have most likely never stepped foot in a classroom, let alone taught for an extended period of time in one, how every year I get a salary "increase" I actually make less money because with that increase comes an increase in my contribution towards retirement, taxes, and health insurance (don't get me started. The longer I teach, the less I make. And the more work I'm required to do! I shouldn't say every year. Last year I made 5 extra dollars. I spent it each month on a Redbox, medium fry and large coke at McDonalds. Be jealous :))
And with all of the above topics that I would be more than happy to visit with you about, today, I choose...
It's Okay that Teachers Don't Make as Much Money, They Love What They Do
Now, I do love what I do, but believe me. There are days that I wished I loved to be an architect also. I dream of loving a job that pays a salary that would allow for some flexibility in spending each month. Scott and I have a home and live like we do because we live on a strict budget (and we have a LOT of help from our family). I dream of days when I'm not tallying our expenses with each purchase we make.
I went to a Christmas party last year with some staff members and I left feeling so sad. Without finances being the topic I was a part of three different conversations. Each conversation was about doing without just for the opportunity to have one child. One. It meant no vacations. One car. Cutting back on grocery bills.
I'm not talking cutting out the all expenses paid resorts and imported cheese and wine. I'm talking regular living expenses. And these families have two parents with full time, salaried positions.
Our job is to provide an education and life experiences to children. My whole day consists of making sure that children have all the resources they need to be well rounded and educated and I and my colleagues go home and struggle to do that, at times, for our very own children. Children are our passion. We want to teach them and have our own to impart our wisdom on.
I know money is tight in a lot of families. I know it's not just teachers. I know some families have made huge sacrifices to keep their homes, live where they want, etc. I'm not trying to say "join my pitty party" I am saying that perhaps loving what you do is not reason enough to keep the status quo. I would not be depressed if I got to love what I do and make some money while doing it... :)
I do love what I do. It's why I do it. It's worth it. I love it. But, sometimes I wish I loved architecture or engineering also.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Day 24: Family Dynamic
Describe your family dynamic of your childhood vs. your family now.
I can tell I'm tired b/c I just had to look at my blog three times in 10 seconds to remember what day I'm on.
Sheesh! Our schedules have been crazy busy. Scott's been working very hard on a work project and going back to school is always a busy time of year. The good news is that it's almost September, and September is where things start to hit their groove. Plus, it's a long weekend this weekend and I'm looking forward to heading to the mountains and running the WINDSOR LABOR DAY 5K where I will not medal for another 16 years ... (still bitter...).
Anyways- family dynamics. Sorry to disappoint folks, but I'm going to alter this post a little. I love my family, and they read my blog, and I don't think this is the place to lay all of our business out there for everyone to read. Not that we have bad family dynamics (in fact, we have fabulous dynamics if I do say so myself), but part of what makes the dynamics what they are is trust and the individual relationships.
Instead, I will document the cute things Audrey is saying so if you run into her in the next couple of days you can keep up with the conversation.
She knows what a pirate says (yo ho ho) and Fozzy Bear also (Waca Waca).
She loves to watch SuperWhy (forWhy) and if she wants your attention she will take your face in her hands and whisper "listen". She says "Semenee" in the car which means turn up this song, I want to listen to it. This one is important. If you don't provide instant tunes you will PAY!
Today, in the car, she was requesting a certain song by making no intelligible sounds whatsoever, and was getting very upset when I was OBVIOUSLY choosing the wrong one. In between wails I got her to listen to reason, and told her she could say "yes" or "no" when I played each song on the CD until I found the one she wanted. She immediately quieted down and one by one we went through the songs. "No" she would say, shaking her head, until we got to track 13, "Everybody Talks" by Neon Trees. THAT was the magic song.
Who knew?
She's so petite that she cannot open the doors in our house because she cannot reach. Apparently the doorknob to the pantry is a little shorter because yesterday she walked over and opened the door, and was so surprised she immediately closed it and ran into the living room. She also loves to carry around the baking soda from the lazy susan. It's an acquired taste...
We learned that Tober likes to eat crayons (the hard way) and that Audrey is not a fan of when that happens. We also know that she associates baseball caps with mowing lawns, so she dresses up in Scott's hats and pretends to mow the living room. She tells us "I mowing" as she works. Our neighbor is a retired man who works most days in his yard, and the first thing she says when we turn the corner to our house is "Dan mowing?" She talks about Dan all the time, but will never go up and actually say something when she sees him. He's the only person she's shy around, in a cute way (not in a scary next door neighbor way). She also is becoming proficient at dressing herself in Scott's shirts by placing her head through the arm holes and dragging the extra fabric around her feet.
Speak of the squirt she's struggling to sleep. We're all worn out, and ready for a 3 day weekend.
Until tomorrow!
I can tell I'm tired b/c I just had to look at my blog three times in 10 seconds to remember what day I'm on.
Sheesh! Our schedules have been crazy busy. Scott's been working very hard on a work project and going back to school is always a busy time of year. The good news is that it's almost September, and September is where things start to hit their groove. Plus, it's a long weekend this weekend and I'm looking forward to heading to the mountains and running the WINDSOR LABOR DAY 5K where I will not medal for another 16 years ... (still bitter...).
Anyways- family dynamics. Sorry to disappoint folks, but I'm going to alter this post a little. I love my family, and they read my blog, and I don't think this is the place to lay all of our business out there for everyone to read. Not that we have bad family dynamics (in fact, we have fabulous dynamics if I do say so myself), but part of what makes the dynamics what they are is trust and the individual relationships.
Instead, I will document the cute things Audrey is saying so if you run into her in the next couple of days you can keep up with the conversation.
She knows what a pirate says (yo ho ho) and Fozzy Bear also (Waca Waca).
She loves to watch SuperWhy (forWhy) and if she wants your attention she will take your face in her hands and whisper "listen". She says "Semenee" in the car which means turn up this song, I want to listen to it. This one is important. If you don't provide instant tunes you will PAY!
Today, in the car, she was requesting a certain song by making no intelligible sounds whatsoever, and was getting very upset when I was OBVIOUSLY choosing the wrong one. In between wails I got her to listen to reason, and told her she could say "yes" or "no" when I played each song on the CD until I found the one she wanted. She immediately quieted down and one by one we went through the songs. "No" she would say, shaking her head, until we got to track 13, "Everybody Talks" by Neon Trees. THAT was the magic song.
Who knew?
She's so petite that she cannot open the doors in our house because she cannot reach. Apparently the doorknob to the pantry is a little shorter because yesterday she walked over and opened the door, and was so surprised she immediately closed it and ran into the living room. She also loves to carry around the baking soda from the lazy susan. It's an acquired taste...
We learned that Tober likes to eat crayons (the hard way) and that Audrey is not a fan of when that happens. We also know that she associates baseball caps with mowing lawns, so she dresses up in Scott's hats and pretends to mow the living room. She tells us "I mowing" as she works. Our neighbor is a retired man who works most days in his yard, and the first thing she says when we turn the corner to our house is "Dan mowing?" She talks about Dan all the time, but will never go up and actually say something when she sees him. He's the only person she's shy around, in a cute way (not in a scary next door neighbor way). She also is becoming proficient at dressing herself in Scott's shirts by placing her head through the arm holes and dragging the extra fabric around her feet.
Speak of the squirt she's struggling to sleep. We're all worn out, and ready for a 3 day weekend.
Until tomorrow!
Monday, August 27, 2012
Day 23: Hobbies
List your top 5 hobbies and why you love them.
My first hobby is keeping everyone in my family busy. I am always up to something and always have an errand to run or a fun place to visit. There are days that I spend in my jammies getting laundry done and catching up on school work but most of the time I'm on the go. Because I'm a grip-it-and-rip-it kind of girl I don't always have the best-laid plans, but I always have the best intentions and we've had some great family memories (along with a few family arguments when things turn a little stressful. Keeps the marriage fresh...)
My second hobby is making things off Pinterest. Before Pinterest I made things from random websites but am in love with all of the step-by-step tutorials. I've made three skirts, two dresses, pillow cases, outfits for Audrey, cookies, muffins, bread, multiple dinners, hair bows, a wreath, decorative boxes, a ladybug costume, baby shower gifts, necklaces, and have so many more ideas pinned and ready to go. Our house has turned into a home with the personal touches I'm able to create with the help of others who so graciously take pictures step-by-step. I've tried documenting my own projects and don't have the patience to document each individual step, so for those with more patience than me.... THANK YOU.
My third hobby is being overly competitive in a totally non-competitive way, if that makes sense. I'm not fast, I'm not strong, I'm not a whiz at trivia, but I sure do pretend I am and try to keep competitions light and fun with my over-exaggerated need for a gold medal (or any medal/award for that matter). I find it kind of lessens the actual competitiveness when being over the top. To this day I still only have one actual medal that I've won, and another that I bought for 15 dollars :) And remember, 16 years from now I'm planning on medaling at the Windsor Labor Day 5K.
My 4th hobby is running. Who would have guessed I would like to run? I attribute my love of running to my friend Cortney. She loved to run and she got me going back in Prairie Village, KS. Scott had moved to Colorado and she and I basically became roommates. We would run, then go out to dinner and eat (I always had more dessert than she did, and more mac and cheese too, go figure). We have both since moved away from Kansas, but I love to run because I know she's running too, and she instilled such a sense of happiness with running in me. Now, because she got me started, I can run with my mom, and with Scott. I can run with Dave, and someday perhaps I'll run with Audrey. I love spending time with my family. Scott and I have run in Hawaii and in San Diego. I've run in the humidity and in the dry mountain air. I've run pushing a stroller and I've run carrying my weight in water and snacks. Having Audrey makes running with Scott more difficult, but I sense that this spring/summer will be our new beginning. Hopefully Audrey's up for some stroller rides... !
My 5th hobby (much to my husbands dismay) is social media and reality t.v. I group these together because they share one thing in common - they suck the time away from life. I love Facebook, Twitter, The Bachelor/Bachelorette, The Real World Challenges, Dance Mom's, America's Got Tallent, Teen Mom, 16 and Pregnant, Project Runway, any Kardashian series, basically anything that sucks away time and leaves little in it's wake. I haven't gotten onto the Youtube train. I watch videos that others post, sometimes, but for some unbeknownst reason I just don't have the patience to watch 3 minutes of animals doing random tricks (go figure?). Perhaps it's for the best. There's only so much time in a day, and I can't sacrifice one second of Teen Mom, especially since I'm only watching it after a certain toddler goes to bed! (I'm just not sure I want her to experience Amber's complete melt down with Gary every 2 minutes until she's at least riding a bicycle...).
There you have it. My hobbies. I love them because they are fun, and because I get to do them with the people I love most in this world.
Now, off to finish Bachelor Pad!
My first hobby is keeping everyone in my family busy. I am always up to something and always have an errand to run or a fun place to visit. There are days that I spend in my jammies getting laundry done and catching up on school work but most of the time I'm on the go. Because I'm a grip-it-and-rip-it kind of girl I don't always have the best-laid plans, but I always have the best intentions and we've had some great family memories (along with a few family arguments when things turn a little stressful. Keeps the marriage fresh...)
My second hobby is making things off Pinterest. Before Pinterest I made things from random websites but am in love with all of the step-by-step tutorials. I've made three skirts, two dresses, pillow cases, outfits for Audrey, cookies, muffins, bread, multiple dinners, hair bows, a wreath, decorative boxes, a ladybug costume, baby shower gifts, necklaces, and have so many more ideas pinned and ready to go. Our house has turned into a home with the personal touches I'm able to create with the help of others who so graciously take pictures step-by-step. I've tried documenting my own projects and don't have the patience to document each individual step, so for those with more patience than me.... THANK YOU.
My third hobby is being overly competitive in a totally non-competitive way, if that makes sense. I'm not fast, I'm not strong, I'm not a whiz at trivia, but I sure do pretend I am and try to keep competitions light and fun with my over-exaggerated need for a gold medal (or any medal/award for that matter). I find it kind of lessens the actual competitiveness when being over the top. To this day I still only have one actual medal that I've won, and another that I bought for 15 dollars :) And remember, 16 years from now I'm planning on medaling at the Windsor Labor Day 5K.
My 4th hobby is running. Who would have guessed I would like to run? I attribute my love of running to my friend Cortney. She loved to run and she got me going back in Prairie Village, KS. Scott had moved to Colorado and she and I basically became roommates. We would run, then go out to dinner and eat (I always had more dessert than she did, and more mac and cheese too, go figure). We have both since moved away from Kansas, but I love to run because I know she's running too, and she instilled such a sense of happiness with running in me. Now, because she got me started, I can run with my mom, and with Scott. I can run with Dave, and someday perhaps I'll run with Audrey. I love spending time with my family. Scott and I have run in Hawaii and in San Diego. I've run in the humidity and in the dry mountain air. I've run pushing a stroller and I've run carrying my weight in water and snacks. Having Audrey makes running with Scott more difficult, but I sense that this spring/summer will be our new beginning. Hopefully Audrey's up for some stroller rides... !
My 5th hobby (much to my husbands dismay) is social media and reality t.v. I group these together because they share one thing in common - they suck the time away from life. I love Facebook, Twitter, The Bachelor/Bachelorette, The Real World Challenges, Dance Mom's, America's Got Tallent, Teen Mom, 16 and Pregnant, Project Runway, any Kardashian series, basically anything that sucks away time and leaves little in it's wake. I haven't gotten onto the Youtube train. I watch videos that others post, sometimes, but for some unbeknownst reason I just don't have the patience to watch 3 minutes of animals doing random tricks (go figure?). Perhaps it's for the best. There's only so much time in a day, and I can't sacrifice one second of Teen Mom, especially since I'm only watching it after a certain toddler goes to bed! (I'm just not sure I want her to experience Amber's complete melt down with Gary every 2 minutes until she's at least riding a bicycle...).
There you have it. My hobbies. I love them because they are fun, and because I get to do them with the people I love most in this world.
Now, off to finish Bachelor Pad!
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Day 22: The FUTURE!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?
Yikes! 15 years? I'll be 45. That's almost 50. That's halfway to 100. And now I'm thinking about it for this blog and it feels like it's right around the corner!
Here's an interesting fact I found out tonight. I was online registering for a 5k (the only 5k where I've officially medaled). I was checking out last year's results to see if my current time per mile would earn me another medal, and low and behold, when you hit 30, you're supposed to run like lightening! The 18-29 year olds medaled with times in the 30's. TOTALLY DOABLE. The 30-45? 20, 21, 22 min. I'm screwed! I missed my chance. Last year was my golden year. Now, apparently I'm supposed to be FASTER? Where is the justice? I thought my new age group ensured a win, since when I was running with the "young crowd" I had no competition... I'm in a deep state of depression. Getting old is terrible!
So, anyway. All race-day tears aside, looking towards the future. Five years from now I see myself with a 6 year-old-almost-seven-year-old who is in school. GULP. I also see myself with at least one other baby and perhaps a third. Scott and I have a goal to be settled in our permanent home by the time Audrey is in kindergarten (possibly 1st - 2nd grade) so I also see myself living in a slightly larger house with the jobs we are both going to have for a while. Hopefully it all works out so that we are still in this area and I'm still working at my perfect job. 6 months ago we had no idea Scott would be working his current position so with his job I feel like anything is possible.
10 Years from now I see our family entering the fun years. Soccer practice, ballet recitals, swimming lessons, piano practice... I hope Scott is at a job where there is less work on the nights and weekends and we're able to do more family weekend activities. I know Scott will always be involved in college athletics so I see us at many sporting events with our favorite little sports fans in tow. I'm hoping to find some kind of job where I can work 80 percent or so. Not sure how that's possible or what that job is, but my goal is to have some time to volunteer in my kids classrooms while staying involved in education. I don't really have a desire to get another Masters degree, or pursue a doctorate, so I won't be at a university, but perhaps some sort of job share? I think it's apparent in my other posts that I love teaching, so I don't see myself leaving teaching, but I wonder if I could teach (have my cake) and work 80 percent or so (and eat it too???).
15 years from now, I"ll be 45. I'll still be in the freaky-fast age category at the Windsor Labor Day 5k. I won't be able to run a 7 min mile and I'll be looking forward to when I turn 46 and I have the possibility of medaling again. Sucks I have to wait 16 years to medal at an event.
I'll have at least one child who is SEVENTEEN! That's driving, college visits, AP classes, school dances, etc. How exciting. I'll also have other kids entering middle and late elementary school. Where did the time go? I'm hoping we live in a house that has dark grey shutters and have time to have a nice yard and go on family vacations every year. I hope I've made a trip to Europe and that I live close to all of my brothers. I hope our families get together all the time so our kids can play and I hope that one of my brothers marries someone who likes to shop so we can ditch the boys and take the kids annual back-to-school shopping (hear that brothers? You have 15 years to provide Audrey with aunties/uncles and cousins. That's plenty of time).
I would have never predicted, 7 years ago, that we would be living in Greeley, Colorado, so who knows where our life will actually take us. Scott and I try to never close any doors and always try to think positively about our future prospects. Fifteen years is a long and short time. It's going to be a fun ride.
And 16 years from now, I hope to win another medal in the Windsor Labor Day 5K race.
Yikes! 15 years? I'll be 45. That's almost 50. That's halfway to 100. And now I'm thinking about it for this blog and it feels like it's right around the corner!
Here's an interesting fact I found out tonight. I was online registering for a 5k (the only 5k where I've officially medaled). I was checking out last year's results to see if my current time per mile would earn me another medal, and low and behold, when you hit 30, you're supposed to run like lightening! The 18-29 year olds medaled with times in the 30's. TOTALLY DOABLE. The 30-45? 20, 21, 22 min. I'm screwed! I missed my chance. Last year was my golden year. Now, apparently I'm supposed to be FASTER? Where is the justice? I thought my new age group ensured a win, since when I was running with the "young crowd" I had no competition... I'm in a deep state of depression. Getting old is terrible!
So, anyway. All race-day tears aside, looking towards the future. Five years from now I see myself with a 6 year-old-almost-seven-year-old who is in school. GULP. I also see myself with at least one other baby and perhaps a third. Scott and I have a goal to be settled in our permanent home by the time Audrey is in kindergarten (possibly 1st - 2nd grade) so I also see myself living in a slightly larger house with the jobs we are both going to have for a while. Hopefully it all works out so that we are still in this area and I'm still working at my perfect job. 6 months ago we had no idea Scott would be working his current position so with his job I feel like anything is possible.
10 Years from now I see our family entering the fun years. Soccer practice, ballet recitals, swimming lessons, piano practice... I hope Scott is at a job where there is less work on the nights and weekends and we're able to do more family weekend activities. I know Scott will always be involved in college athletics so I see us at many sporting events with our favorite little sports fans in tow. I'm hoping to find some kind of job where I can work 80 percent or so. Not sure how that's possible or what that job is, but my goal is to have some time to volunteer in my kids classrooms while staying involved in education. I don't really have a desire to get another Masters degree, or pursue a doctorate, so I won't be at a university, but perhaps some sort of job share? I think it's apparent in my other posts that I love teaching, so I don't see myself leaving teaching, but I wonder if I could teach (have my cake) and work 80 percent or so (and eat it too???).
15 years from now, I"ll be 45. I'll still be in the freaky-fast age category at the Windsor Labor Day 5k. I won't be able to run a 7 min mile and I'll be looking forward to when I turn 46 and I have the possibility of medaling again. Sucks I have to wait 16 years to medal at an event.
I'll have at least one child who is SEVENTEEN! That's driving, college visits, AP classes, school dances, etc. How exciting. I'll also have other kids entering middle and late elementary school. Where did the time go? I'm hoping we live in a house that has dark grey shutters and have time to have a nice yard and go on family vacations every year. I hope I've made a trip to Europe and that I live close to all of my brothers. I hope our families get together all the time so our kids can play and I hope that one of my brothers marries someone who likes to shop so we can ditch the boys and take the kids annual back-to-school shopping (hear that brothers? You have 15 years to provide Audrey with aunties/uncles and cousins. That's plenty of time).
I would have never predicted, 7 years ago, that we would be living in Greeley, Colorado, so who knows where our life will actually take us. Scott and I try to never close any doors and always try to think positively about our future prospects. Fifteen years is a long and short time. It's going to be a fun ride.
And 16 years from now, I hope to win another medal in the Windsor Labor Day 5K race.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Day 21: Superpower
If I could have any super power, what would it be, and what would I do with it first?
Two little second graders touched my heart this 8th day of school. We wrote list poems with sentence starters.
For example:
I am _____
I wonder _____
I touch ____
I worry ____
18 second graders wrote very egocentric poems (appropriate for their age, and very cute. We are saving them with the hope that some of them decide they want to make a final copy. I think parents will really enjoy seeing what most 2nd graders are thinking about...
2 second graders seemed very touched by problems in the world. One worried about sick children and the other wrote about wanting to be a good man when he grew up and wanted to donate his toys to kids in need.
Amazing. It was so genuine and honest.
So, for my super power I would like to make people feel happy and safe. My biggest fear is that Audrey will get sick. How will we find our strength when she needs us more than ever? Our little-girl night time prayer ends with the prayer that all the sick babies, their mommies, and daddies find peace and safety, even if for a brief moment, with their thoughts. The first thing I would do with my super power is try to comfort as many people as possible.
These two little honest second graders are the future for this country and they are already making strides to think of others in an honest and genuine way.
And that, in itself, is kind of a real life super power, don't you think?
Two little second graders touched my heart this 8th day of school. We wrote list poems with sentence starters.
For example:
I am _____
I wonder _____
I touch ____
I worry ____
18 second graders wrote very egocentric poems (appropriate for their age, and very cute. We are saving them with the hope that some of them decide they want to make a final copy. I think parents will really enjoy seeing what most 2nd graders are thinking about...
2 second graders seemed very touched by problems in the world. One worried about sick children and the other wrote about wanting to be a good man when he grew up and wanted to donate his toys to kids in need.
Amazing. It was so genuine and honest.
So, for my super power I would like to make people feel happy and safe. My biggest fear is that Audrey will get sick. How will we find our strength when she needs us more than ever? Our little-girl night time prayer ends with the prayer that all the sick babies, their mommies, and daddies find peace and safety, even if for a brief moment, with their thoughts. The first thing I would do with my super power is try to comfort as many people as possible.
These two little honest second graders are the future for this country and they are already making strides to think of others in an honest and genuine way.
And that, in itself, is kind of a real life super power, don't you think?
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Day 20: Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.
Three significant childhood memories ... If only I had a memory! I'm not sure I can remember waking up this morning. The wrong person in our family is writing this blog. Scott has a memory like a trap. I on the other hand tend to gloss over the details :)
I remember when my mom married Bob she forgot one of her shoes. She left it at home and someone had to go get it once we were at the church. I remember getting to pick out the dress I wore and I thought it was such a pretty dress. It was pink chiffon with flowers and a pink bow. Very 90's. Very awesome. I was supposed to play the piano at the ceremony but shortly before the wedding I broke my thumb and had to wear a cast (There is no evidence I did it on purpose, although the thought has been brought up a time or two...). I remember having the reception at our house and thinking that mom and Bob got a lot of gifts. Mom and Bob left for a weekend away and left me with my Grandma Rosebrough. Miss America was on t.v. and I put on a performance for the family that I'm sure paralleled the actual event.
I remember when Promenade Mall had puppet shows on the weekend. My dad would take me to the mall and we would watch a puppet show and play house on the staircases. They had multiple levels and each level was a different room of our house. My dad and Anne would put their spare change in my piggy bank and we would count it and I would go to the mall and agonize over the Hello Kitty department in Hallmark. My favorite thing to purchase were these miniature pieces of paper and envelopes. Who knows why someone needed 50 billion of them, but I definitely did. It's disappointing to go to a mall and see only escalators. Audrey and Scott could have carried on the tradition!
As a 30 year old adult I can now officially call my teens my "childhood" and one of my favorite memories is my 18th birthday. My dad, Anne, David, Brian, Mom, Bob, and Luke all got together to celebrate, have dinner, and cake. I felt so lucky that night to have everyone in my family happy and spending time together. I had plans with my friends for that evening and it remains with me to this day that I left everyone at the house, still enjoying each others company.
Thank you, mom, dad, Bob, and Anne for my childhood. It was a really great one. Full of play dates, cute clothes, hair bows, dance recitals, piano lessons, math homework,vacations, "Murphy Brown Mondays" and "Friends" Thursdays, movies (remember how many times David and I watched the Rescuers Down Under?), days at the pool, days with relatives, lunch dates at elementary school, shopping for back to school clothes and shoes, swing sets in the backyard... You get the idea.
I'm going to post this blog letting everyone believe I was never in trouble, there were never any arguments, I never had an attitude, and I always did what my parents told me to do.
It's my blog. That's how I remember it!
I remember when my mom married Bob she forgot one of her shoes. She left it at home and someone had to go get it once we were at the church. I remember getting to pick out the dress I wore and I thought it was such a pretty dress. It was pink chiffon with flowers and a pink bow. Very 90's. Very awesome. I was supposed to play the piano at the ceremony but shortly before the wedding I broke my thumb and had to wear a cast (There is no evidence I did it on purpose, although the thought has been brought up a time or two...). I remember having the reception at our house and thinking that mom and Bob got a lot of gifts. Mom and Bob left for a weekend away and left me with my Grandma Rosebrough. Miss America was on t.v. and I put on a performance for the family that I'm sure paralleled the actual event.
I remember when Promenade Mall had puppet shows on the weekend. My dad would take me to the mall and we would watch a puppet show and play house on the staircases. They had multiple levels and each level was a different room of our house. My dad and Anne would put their spare change in my piggy bank and we would count it and I would go to the mall and agonize over the Hello Kitty department in Hallmark. My favorite thing to purchase were these miniature pieces of paper and envelopes. Who knows why someone needed 50 billion of them, but I definitely did. It's disappointing to go to a mall and see only escalators. Audrey and Scott could have carried on the tradition!
As a 30 year old adult I can now officially call my teens my "childhood" and one of my favorite memories is my 18th birthday. My dad, Anne, David, Brian, Mom, Bob, and Luke all got together to celebrate, have dinner, and cake. I felt so lucky that night to have everyone in my family happy and spending time together. I had plans with my friends for that evening and it remains with me to this day that I left everyone at the house, still enjoying each others company.
Thank you, mom, dad, Bob, and Anne for my childhood. It was a really great one. Full of play dates, cute clothes, hair bows, dance recitals, piano lessons, math homework,vacations, "Murphy Brown Mondays" and "Friends" Thursdays, movies (remember how many times David and I watched the Rescuers Down Under?), days at the pool, days with relatives, lunch dates at elementary school, shopping for back to school clothes and shoes, swing sets in the backyard... You get the idea.
I'm going to post this blog letting everyone believe I was never in trouble, there were never any arguments, I never had an attitude, and I always did what my parents told me to do.
It's my blog. That's how I remember it!
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Day 19: My dream home
If I could live anywhere I would live in Stars Hollow, CT - a totally fictional town created for the cast of Gilmore Girls. Not only would I live there, but I would like to be Rory Gilmore please - her vocabulary, her attendance at Yale, her seemingly simplistic middle class lifestyle with unbelievably rich grandparents, her love of all kinds of literature and pop culture, her ability to eat at a Diner every day and not gain an ounce of body fat - is that too much to ask?
I think I've always wanted to live in a small town on the east coast. When I was a senior in high school I proclaimed I wanted to go to the university of Maine - that is until we visited and it was, how shall we say, disappointing. I love the east coast and I would love to be closer to big cities but live in a small community where everyone knows everyone and neighbors are quirky, but the schools are good and kids have lots of opportunities to fly the nest and expand their horizons.
It seems to me my friend Michelle has found a real life Stars Hollow in Ithica, New York. Perhaps I should visit her some day and see if it truly does live up to my imaginary expectations.
I could also live in California or Oregon, on the coast. When our oil and gas mineral rights start rolling in from the millions of dollars in oil they are going to find beneath our less-than-an-acre property I'm going to buy a 100,000,000 house on the coast and eat breakfast with the ocean breeze blowing my perfectly groomed morning hair. Then, I'll visit my vacation home on the east coast and eat at a diner ever day and never have an ounce of body fat.
On a side note - These places that I'm mentioning above will only work out if family is living close by, so hopefully my family and extended family all have the same dream homes...
Until then, I'll live in Greeley, CO where your nose hairs are burned off from the smell emanating from the cow pastures on the Eastern Plains. It's not so bad, if you squint and hold your nose...
As they said on South Park- "Greeley - the exact opposite of Hawaii". What more do you need to know?
I think I've always wanted to live in a small town on the east coast. When I was a senior in high school I proclaimed I wanted to go to the university of Maine - that is until we visited and it was, how shall we say, disappointing. I love the east coast and I would love to be closer to big cities but live in a small community where everyone knows everyone and neighbors are quirky, but the schools are good and kids have lots of opportunities to fly the nest and expand their horizons.
It seems to me my friend Michelle has found a real life Stars Hollow in Ithica, New York. Perhaps I should visit her some day and see if it truly does live up to my imaginary expectations.
I could also live in California or Oregon, on the coast. When our oil and gas mineral rights start rolling in from the millions of dollars in oil they are going to find beneath our less-than-an-acre property I'm going to buy a 100,000,000 house on the coast and eat breakfast with the ocean breeze blowing my perfectly groomed morning hair. Then, I'll visit my vacation home on the east coast and eat at a diner ever day and never have an ounce of body fat.
On a side note - These places that I'm mentioning above will only work out if family is living close by, so hopefully my family and extended family all have the same dream homes...
Until then, I'll live in Greeley, CO where your nose hairs are burned off from the smell emanating from the cow pastures on the Eastern Plains. It's not so bad, if you squint and hold your nose...
As they said on South Park- "Greeley - the exact opposite of Hawaii". What more do you need to know?
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Day 18: Forgiveness
Today's topic: What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?
Scott and I had an interesting conversation about this topic. Scott is one of the most forgiving people I know. He really and truly holds no grudges. I don't think he's ever really gotten worked up over any drama, which drives his over energetic wife crazy!
When I started making my list of things I've had to forgive, it got me thinking. If I spend time telling the blogosphere about all of the times I've shown forgiveness, have I really found forgiveness?
I've talked with my mom a lot lately too, about forgiveness. Not because I have anything I'm really working to forgive, but because I find the topic of forgiveness really interesting. I think forgiveness is best for the soul, but I kind of think there are some things that you can't truly forgive. I think we can find acceptance, and happiness but, if the opportunity arises and we've been drastically wronged, can we truly say we have found forgiveness and those old feelings don't have power over our thoughts any more? I'm not saying we act on those feelings or that those feelings even interfere with the relationships we've formed since the forgiving, but do the feelings ever really go away?
If I type my list of things I feel I've forgiven in my life I feel like I'm dragging up situations that I've accepted and moved past. I've forgiven. But does forgiving really mean forgetting? Can we really erase those things completely from who we are? And do we want to? I know some of the reasons why I am the way I am and feel the way I do is because of the things I've had to forgive. It's made me a better friend and a better wife. So do I really want those feelings to go away when they remind me to stay true to who I am?
Phew! Heavy stuff for a Tuesday night. These blog topics are getting a little intense. Here's hoping tomorrow's topic is something like : FAVORITE TV SHOW.
Don't even get me started (as I put the blog away to get lost in terrible reality TV).
Scott and I had an interesting conversation about this topic. Scott is one of the most forgiving people I know. He really and truly holds no grudges. I don't think he's ever really gotten worked up over any drama, which drives his over energetic wife crazy!
When I started making my list of things I've had to forgive, it got me thinking. If I spend time telling the blogosphere about all of the times I've shown forgiveness, have I really found forgiveness?
I've talked with my mom a lot lately too, about forgiveness. Not because I have anything I'm really working to forgive, but because I find the topic of forgiveness really interesting. I think forgiveness is best for the soul, but I kind of think there are some things that you can't truly forgive. I think we can find acceptance, and happiness but, if the opportunity arises and we've been drastically wronged, can we truly say we have found forgiveness and those old feelings don't have power over our thoughts any more? I'm not saying we act on those feelings or that those feelings even interfere with the relationships we've formed since the forgiving, but do the feelings ever really go away?
If I type my list of things I feel I've forgiven in my life I feel like I'm dragging up situations that I've accepted and moved past. I've forgiven. But does forgiving really mean forgetting? Can we really erase those things completely from who we are? And do we want to? I know some of the reasons why I am the way I am and feel the way I do is because of the things I've had to forgive. It's made me a better friend and a better wife. So do I really want those feelings to go away when they remind me to stay true to who I am?
Phew! Heavy stuff for a Tuesday night. These blog topics are getting a little intense. Here's hoping tomorrow's topic is something like : FAVORITE TV SHOW.
Don't even get me started (as I put the blog away to get lost in terrible reality TV).
Monday, August 20, 2012
Day 17: What is the thing you most wish you were great at?
This is an easy topic for me. I know right away what I wish I was better at - cooking. It's not that I'm a bad cook, I think most of the food I make ends up tasting good (if I do say so myself... right?). It's that I don't have a knack for understanding the flow of cooking. When I watch cooking shows they make everything sound so easy! Then, when I try, a 30 min. meal turns into hours and by the time the last food is prepped the first food has gotten cold.
I not only wish cooking made more sense to me I also wish I knew what spices went with what and how to alter recipes so they tasted the way I want them! I'm such a picky eater that when I watch the shows mentioned above I can think of at least 3 ingredients I wouldn't want when I make the dish, but then I'm sad when the dish has no flavor! It's a never ending cycle. If I better understood spice combinations then I could make flavorful food without gross things (like cilantro, rosemary, cumin, etc.). I watch people eat such yummy food at the lunch table and wish I had the sense to make the same dishes but with the flavors I like.
Instead, I eat Kraft macaroni and cheese, brownies, skittles, cotton candy flavored yogurt, and peaches. It's not a terrible life, but it could use some variety :)
I not only wish cooking made more sense to me I also wish I knew what spices went with what and how to alter recipes so they tasted the way I want them! I'm such a picky eater that when I watch the shows mentioned above I can think of at least 3 ingredients I wouldn't want when I make the dish, but then I'm sad when the dish has no flavor! It's a never ending cycle. If I better understood spice combinations then I could make flavorful food without gross things (like cilantro, rosemary, cumin, etc.). I watch people eat such yummy food at the lunch table and wish I had the sense to make the same dishes but with the flavors I like.
Instead, I eat Kraft macaroni and cheese, brownies, skittles, cotton candy flavored yogurt, and peaches. It's not a terrible life, but it could use some variety :)
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Day 16: What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?
I didn't realize I forgot to post yesterday until Scott said this morning "I was looking for your new blog when I got home last night and nothing was there". WHOOPS! Looks like a fun day of playing and snuggling Audrey wore me out! It was really nice to have a day back with just Audrey and I while Scott worked. It felt a lot like summer. I am also in love with the cooler temperatures. Fall is my favorite season, and it's sneaking around the corner! Audrey and I went "Back to School" shopping for her, and I found the cutest long sleeve t-shirts. I can't wait for fall so she can show off her sylin' new duds!
Thinking about my 5 greatest accomplishments will be a fun way to spend this nap time. As I type this Audrey has woken up, but she's in her room talking to her stuffed animal, which adds to the fun of this post.
1. Audrey. She and all of my children will be my greatest accomplishment. She is our legacy. With her, I get to try and be the best version of myself. When I was pregnant I could never wrap my mind around the fact that I was growing a human being. Even now, when I look at her and I remember feeling her kick and squirm in my stomach, it seems like some sort of alternate reality. I'm so proud of her already. Her sweet disposition, her ability to talk, the way she mimics and learns new things. My love for her truly knows no bounds, and pushes me every day to be the best mom, wife, teacher, daughter and friend I can be.
2. Getting my Masters. I worked really hard on my Masters degree and graduated with a 4.0. I attended actual classes and wrote many research papers and really tried hard to learn and be present in my classes. In high school and undergrad I was all about a balance between making decent grades and having fun with my friends. I really wanted to work hard on my Masters and earn an advanced degree. Even though I didn't walk at an actual graduation (I inherited a distaste for graduation speeches from my mom. We bond over it every graduation season) I was very proud to have graduated with honors and to have finished my degree.
3. My relationship with Scotty. At first I was trying to write about my marriage, but being and staying married is not something I would call an accomplishment. I don't feel a sense of pride from staying married. It's not a goal I set or anything so I couldn't make that paragraph sound right. Then I realized, it's not my marriage I'm proud of, but it's the relationship I have with my husband I'm proud of. I'm proud of the way we respect each other, support each other and love each other. We've made it through many transitions and through each hardship have been each others best friends and partners. It's not our marriage that makes us that way, it's our relationship. I'm very thankful to have someone that I love so much and who I know loves me just as much back (even AFTER I type a blog about how much he annoys me!)
4. Running a Half Marathon. Talk about goal setting. We started training in May, where our long run was 3 miles and ended up running a Half Marathon 13 weeks later. I went for a 4 mile run on Wednesday and when it was over it was unbelievable that just 4 days earlier I had run 9 more miles. I'm really proud of our training and had a great time running the race. It will definitely not by my last to run. My next goal is to run one with Scott. We just have to find a way to convince our 1 year old that riding in the stroller for a couple of hours is fun...
5. My teaching jobs. I'm proud of my teaching jobs for different reasons. My two teaching jobs have had very different challenges. I'm proud that I can rise to different challenges and continue to grow as an educator. I was worried, after having such a great summer, that I would feel differently about teaching this year. It's actually the opposite. I'm in love with my job. I work with amazing people and in the 4 days that I've had students have already had a great time getting to know them. It's going to be a great year. Although I miss the special time with Audrey that we had over the summer, having this weekend has reminded me that those moments are not gone. We still have weekends and evenings to play and talk. I was worried once I went back to work I would understand less of what she says because I wouldn't have the context to apply it to, but so far she and I are still in sync, which makes a mom feel good. It's nice to have a fun job and sweet students to return to on Mondays at a great school in a great community. It's not an individual effort, it's a team effort, and I'm really proud to be a part of such a great team.
Thinking about my 5 greatest accomplishments will be a fun way to spend this nap time. As I type this Audrey has woken up, but she's in her room talking to her stuffed animal, which adds to the fun of this post.
1. Audrey. She and all of my children will be my greatest accomplishment. She is our legacy. With her, I get to try and be the best version of myself. When I was pregnant I could never wrap my mind around the fact that I was growing a human being. Even now, when I look at her and I remember feeling her kick and squirm in my stomach, it seems like some sort of alternate reality. I'm so proud of her already. Her sweet disposition, her ability to talk, the way she mimics and learns new things. My love for her truly knows no bounds, and pushes me every day to be the best mom, wife, teacher, daughter and friend I can be.
2. Getting my Masters. I worked really hard on my Masters degree and graduated with a 4.0. I attended actual classes and wrote many research papers and really tried hard to learn and be present in my classes. In high school and undergrad I was all about a balance between making decent grades and having fun with my friends. I really wanted to work hard on my Masters and earn an advanced degree. Even though I didn't walk at an actual graduation (I inherited a distaste for graduation speeches from my mom. We bond over it every graduation season) I was very proud to have graduated with honors and to have finished my degree.
3. My relationship with Scotty. At first I was trying to write about my marriage, but being and staying married is not something I would call an accomplishment. I don't feel a sense of pride from staying married. It's not a goal I set or anything so I couldn't make that paragraph sound right. Then I realized, it's not my marriage I'm proud of, but it's the relationship I have with my husband I'm proud of. I'm proud of the way we respect each other, support each other and love each other. We've made it through many transitions and through each hardship have been each others best friends and partners. It's not our marriage that makes us that way, it's our relationship. I'm very thankful to have someone that I love so much and who I know loves me just as much back (even AFTER I type a blog about how much he annoys me!)
4. Running a Half Marathon. Talk about goal setting. We started training in May, where our long run was 3 miles and ended up running a Half Marathon 13 weeks later. I went for a 4 mile run on Wednesday and when it was over it was unbelievable that just 4 days earlier I had run 9 more miles. I'm really proud of our training and had a great time running the race. It will definitely not by my last to run. My next goal is to run one with Scott. We just have to find a way to convince our 1 year old that riding in the stroller for a couple of hours is fun...
5. My teaching jobs. I'm proud of my teaching jobs for different reasons. My two teaching jobs have had very different challenges. I'm proud that I can rise to different challenges and continue to grow as an educator. I was worried, after having such a great summer, that I would feel differently about teaching this year. It's actually the opposite. I'm in love with my job. I work with amazing people and in the 4 days that I've had students have already had a great time getting to know them. It's going to be a great year. Although I miss the special time with Audrey that we had over the summer, having this weekend has reminded me that those moments are not gone. We still have weekends and evenings to play and talk. I was worried once I went back to work I would understand less of what she says because I wouldn't have the context to apply it to, but so far she and I are still in sync, which makes a mom feel good. It's nice to have a fun job and sweet students to return to on Mondays at a great school in a great community. It's not an individual effort, it's a team effort, and I'm really proud to be a part of such a great team.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Sigh... End of Summer
| Summer went out with a bang! Scott's college roommate and my good friend Eric brought his girlfriend to Colorado at the end of July. He is a huge Reds fan so we took Audrey to her first baseball game. She was amazing! Such a charmer in a hot environment. |  | |||||||
| Rockies VS Reds |
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| 4 AM... Ready to run! |
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| Our Family Legacy |
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| Farewell Summer... |
Day 16: If you were an animal...
Today's question: If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
Um. Hello. I AM an animal. I'm a human last time I checked (although I was accused of being inhabited by aliens since I made quinoa for dinner...)
If I could be any animal, I would choose to be a veterinarian's dog. Can you think of a better life out there for an animal? To live with someone who loves animals enough to work with them all day? They would know the best foods, provide dental care, and go to drastic lengths to save me should I decide to eat my weight in chocolate on Christmas morning.
I've thought about this though, and wonder if being a veterinarians dog is like being a teacher or minister's kid...There would be so much pressure to be the perfect pet! But then I would be a dog, and dog's don't seem to be bothered by much in this world (Unless you are Tober, and then you have an anxiety disorder, which is okay because that makes him truly one of the family....)
Short post today! That leaves time for a picture update. Stay tuned!
Um. Hello. I AM an animal. I'm a human last time I checked (although I was accused of being inhabited by aliens since I made quinoa for dinner...)
If I could be any animal, I would choose to be a veterinarian's dog. Can you think of a better life out there for an animal? To live with someone who loves animals enough to work with them all day? They would know the best foods, provide dental care, and go to drastic lengths to save me should I decide to eat my weight in chocolate on Christmas morning.
I've thought about this though, and wonder if being a veterinarians dog is like being a teacher or minister's kid...There would be so much pressure to be the perfect pet! But then I would be a dog, and dog's don't seem to be bothered by much in this world (Unless you are Tober, and then you have an anxiety disorder, which is okay because that makes him truly one of the family....)
Short post today! That leaves time for a picture update. Stay tuned!
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Day 14: 5 Strengths
I like how this blog challenge works. Yesterday's theme: knock you down a peg so today you can build yourself up. It's like that Tubthumping song *cue music* "I get knocked down, but I get up again, you're not ever gonna keep me down..." (Yes, I know the actual meaning of this song has a little to do with drinking, but my high school Anatomy teacher announced to the class it was her favorite song because it was so motivational without realizing it's actual meaning, and that made a very lasting impression ... :)
Today's theme: 5 Strengths.
Not to toot my own horn but...
NUMBER 1! I think I'm a very positive person. Not in the way that I always say sweet things or never have a fowl thought, but the kind that can always find the silver lining in a sarcastic, appropriate, and uplifting way. I tell you, I'm a hit in tragedies. I really do try to see the positive in life and although I have had a few complaints in my life, in general I try to stay really positive about life. Take tonight for instance. There is obviously something terribly wrong with our sprinkler system. When zone five starts our basement shakes. That can't be good. Sure, we'll eventually have it fixed but my first thought was GREAT! That's one less zone to water which will lower the water bill. A+
NUMBER 2! I think I'm a patient person (Scott is the exception, as always. Poor husband. Can't catch a break!). I try to be really patient with the students at school and with Audrey. I imagine it can't be easy for a 1 year old making her way in this world with whacky parents, and as much as I love education I can imagine it's not a 7 year old's top priority... Sometimes I have to give myself pep talks (say when Birthday Party Friday falls on a super windy/inside recess/day before Christmas break...). But overall I have to say this is one of my strenghts.
NUMBER 3! I think I'm a really nice person (if I do say so myself....). I like to do things for my friends and I like to do things for my family. I dream of days when Scott and I make that 1,000,000 dollars for being stay at home parents so I can shower the people I love with gifts. It may not seem like I'm a nice person when I forget your birthdays or lose track of an email and never return it (one of my strengths is NOT attention to detail...), but if a friend or family member calls, I'm there. It's really important to me.
NUMBER 4! I'm level headed. I like to help people think of solutions to problems, I like to balance the check book, and I don't mind when life throws a lemon or two. I have a really supportive family, which has helped me remain level headed. I have a supportive husband, which helps as well. I hope I can provide the same sort of comforting support my family provides so Audrey can approach her life with the same positive and level headed attitude as her mother (her father on the other hand, well, in the phrase "fight or flight" Scott is 100% flight. Once the garbage disposal backed up and he was ready to move. Like that night. When Audrey bonked her head, he was ready to just drive around yelling for a hospital. He's lucky to have such a balanced lady in his life... *Side note: I just read this post to Scott and he insists he is level headed. I'll give him a little bit of credit, but this is my blog, and I call the shots. *Second side note: I once went to a wedding where I knew the majority of the wedding party but Scott had yet to be introduced. Apparently in all my stories I said "Scot was sooo mad..." It became a lasting joke because if you've ever met Scott you can see immediately that he probably never actually loses his temper...)
NUMBER 5! I'm efficient at work. Teaching makes a lot of sense to me. I find it really natural and love my job. I try to be as efficient as possible with my time at school so I can also be the best mom and wife I can be. Scott always gets so excited when he gets "summer time" wife. My goal is to try and be "summer time" wife in the evenings and on the weekend. So far I'm rockin' it (day 3 of work...). I'm starting to feel a little sleepy though (from a brownie sugar coma), and with sleepiness comes a little grouchiness... It's probably best I stop blogging or people won't believe the strengths I listed above... :)
Well... there you have it. I've tooted my own horn enough for one night. With strengths as awesome as these it's hard to believe I have any weaknesses right? Good thing you read that post yesterday...
(Note to self: Humbleness is not a strength... :)
Today's theme: 5 Strengths.
Not to toot my own horn but...
NUMBER 1! I think I'm a very positive person. Not in the way that I always say sweet things or never have a fowl thought, but the kind that can always find the silver lining in a sarcastic, appropriate, and uplifting way. I tell you, I'm a hit in tragedies. I really do try to see the positive in life and although I have had a few complaints in my life, in general I try to stay really positive about life. Take tonight for instance. There is obviously something terribly wrong with our sprinkler system. When zone five starts our basement shakes. That can't be good. Sure, we'll eventually have it fixed but my first thought was GREAT! That's one less zone to water which will lower the water bill. A+
NUMBER 2! I think I'm a patient person (Scott is the exception, as always. Poor husband. Can't catch a break!). I try to be really patient with the students at school and with Audrey. I imagine it can't be easy for a 1 year old making her way in this world with whacky parents, and as much as I love education I can imagine it's not a 7 year old's top priority... Sometimes I have to give myself pep talks (say when Birthday Party Friday falls on a super windy/inside recess/day before Christmas break...). But overall I have to say this is one of my strenghts.
NUMBER 3! I think I'm a really nice person (if I do say so myself....). I like to do things for my friends and I like to do things for my family. I dream of days when Scott and I make that 1,000,000 dollars for being stay at home parents so I can shower the people I love with gifts. It may not seem like I'm a nice person when I forget your birthdays or lose track of an email and never return it (one of my strengths is NOT attention to detail...), but if a friend or family member calls, I'm there. It's really important to me.
NUMBER 4! I'm level headed. I like to help people think of solutions to problems, I like to balance the check book, and I don't mind when life throws a lemon or two. I have a really supportive family, which has helped me remain level headed. I have a supportive husband, which helps as well. I hope I can provide the same sort of comforting support my family provides so Audrey can approach her life with the same positive and level headed attitude as her mother (her father on the other hand, well, in the phrase "fight or flight" Scott is 100% flight. Once the garbage disposal backed up and he was ready to move. Like that night. When Audrey bonked her head, he was ready to just drive around yelling for a hospital. He's lucky to have such a balanced lady in his life... *Side note: I just read this post to Scott and he insists he is level headed. I'll give him a little bit of credit, but this is my blog, and I call the shots. *Second side note: I once went to a wedding where I knew the majority of the wedding party but Scott had yet to be introduced. Apparently in all my stories I said "Scot was sooo mad..." It became a lasting joke because if you've ever met Scott you can see immediately that he probably never actually loses his temper...)
NUMBER 5! I'm efficient at work. Teaching makes a lot of sense to me. I find it really natural and love my job. I try to be as efficient as possible with my time at school so I can also be the best mom and wife I can be. Scott always gets so excited when he gets "summer time" wife. My goal is to try and be "summer time" wife in the evenings and on the weekend. So far I'm rockin' it (day 3 of work...). I'm starting to feel a little sleepy though (from a brownie sugar coma), and with sleepiness comes a little grouchiness... It's probably best I stop blogging or people won't believe the strengths I listed above... :)
Well... there you have it. I've tooted my own horn enough for one night. With strengths as awesome as these it's hard to believe I have any weaknesses right? Good thing you read that post yesterday...
(Note to self: Humbleness is not a strength... :)
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Day 13: 5 Weaknesses
Just Kidding... Perhaps I have some imperfections, although you have to dig EXTREMELY DEEP to find them.
1. I have a weakness for candy. Last night as I was typing my blog I was also plowing through a half pound bag of M&M's. I asked Scott to physically remove them from my hands and put them away because I just kept eating, and eating, and eating. Most days I can show restraint. Anyone who has been to our house knows we have a candy bowl and cookies at ALL times. One of the reasons I usually don't have a problem eating too many sweets is because I know they are always available, should I need a quick pick-me-up. The first day of school with students is the exception. I have no self control.
2. I agonize if people are angry with me. I won't sleep, I'll fret and worry, and usually make the situation bigger than it needs to be if I think someone is mad at me. I sometimes transfer this weakness onto Scott, and worry if people are mad at him (which never bothers him... this makes arguments interesting. He doesn't care if I'm mad and I over care if he's mad. Then I'm mad that he's not more upset that I'm mad.. You get the picture...)
3. I'm not very clean. I would much rather leave the dishes for later, leave the bed unmade, leave clothes in the hamper instead of in their drawers... But then I married a neat freak. Go figure.
4. I chew my fingernails. I have tried to stop. I have painted them with pepper, kept them manicured, set up reward systems, nothing words. I look around to see if other people chew their finger nails and they aren't which makes me chew my finger nails more. The other day I saw Audrey chew her finger nails and I was sad. Her dad chews his finger nails too, so unfortunately it seems like a family trait.
5. Cooking. I wish I liked to cook because I really like to eat and I think I would eat better food if I liked to cook. I find the whole process overwhelming, especially after working. This summer (in my opinion) I did a good job cooking different meals. Pinterest has really helped with it's step-by-step magic (usually with pictures!). In order to be a good cook you have to let go of thoughts about bacterias in meats and that's very hard for me to do. I spend more time washing my hands then cooking, and dirty almost every utensil in an attempt to keep things sanitary. Being friends with a friend whose husband is a chef helps. I realized that perhaps I have over exagerated my worries about kitchen germs...
On a side note, I just asked Scott what he thought my weaknesses are and he said "It's hard to say anything, because they aren't weaknesses, they are what make you who you are." He's kind of a nice guy (he's also making me brownies as a second-day-of-school-treat!).
On a second side note Audrey's babysitter told me a funny story yesterday. She took Audrey through the pharmacy drive through and was handed a white paper sack with medicine in it to which Audrey yelled "HAMBURGER!" Turns out we've eaten a few too many fast food meals...
1. I have a weakness for candy. Last night as I was typing my blog I was also plowing through a half pound bag of M&M's. I asked Scott to physically remove them from my hands and put them away because I just kept eating, and eating, and eating. Most days I can show restraint. Anyone who has been to our house knows we have a candy bowl and cookies at ALL times. One of the reasons I usually don't have a problem eating too many sweets is because I know they are always available, should I need a quick pick-me-up. The first day of school with students is the exception. I have no self control.
2. I agonize if people are angry with me. I won't sleep, I'll fret and worry, and usually make the situation bigger than it needs to be if I think someone is mad at me. I sometimes transfer this weakness onto Scott, and worry if people are mad at him (which never bothers him... this makes arguments interesting. He doesn't care if I'm mad and I over care if he's mad. Then I'm mad that he's not more upset that I'm mad.. You get the picture...)
3. I'm not very clean. I would much rather leave the dishes for later, leave the bed unmade, leave clothes in the hamper instead of in their drawers... But then I married a neat freak. Go figure.
4. I chew my fingernails. I have tried to stop. I have painted them with pepper, kept them manicured, set up reward systems, nothing words. I look around to see if other people chew their finger nails and they aren't which makes me chew my finger nails more. The other day I saw Audrey chew her finger nails and I was sad. Her dad chews his finger nails too, so unfortunately it seems like a family trait.
5. Cooking. I wish I liked to cook because I really like to eat and I think I would eat better food if I liked to cook. I find the whole process overwhelming, especially after working. This summer (in my opinion) I did a good job cooking different meals. Pinterest has really helped with it's step-by-step magic (usually with pictures!). In order to be a good cook you have to let go of thoughts about bacterias in meats and that's very hard for me to do. I spend more time washing my hands then cooking, and dirty almost every utensil in an attempt to keep things sanitary. Being friends with a friend whose husband is a chef helps. I realized that perhaps I have over exagerated my worries about kitchen germs...
On a side note, I just asked Scott what he thought my weaknesses are and he said "It's hard to say anything, because they aren't weaknesses, they are what make you who you are." He's kind of a nice guy (he's also making me brownies as a second-day-of-school-treat!).
On a second side note Audrey's babysitter told me a funny story yesterday. She took Audrey through the pharmacy drive through and was handed a white paper sack with medicine in it to which Audrey yelled "HAMBURGER!" Turns out we've eaten a few too many fast food meals...
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Day 12: A Typical Day
I laugh at this post because has anyone really ever had a "typical" day? I have dreams of what a typical day is, but somehow things always get off kilter.
A typical work day is as follows:
My alarm clock goes off at 6:00 a.m. I hit the snooze button and lay in the bed wishing for just three more hours of sleep... It never happens.
At 6:10 when the alarm goes off again I kiss my husband (still dead to the world) and go straighten my hair. This usually takes about 10 min (I shower the night before so my hair is looking LOVELY before this process). Then I go into the bedroom and stare at my closet until the PERFECT outfit jumps out at me.
Once I'm dressed I go into the kitchen and make breakfast and pack my lunch. I eat my breakfast at the kitchen table to the quiet of my house, then I go and wake up peanut. She's so sweet in the morning, she usually tries to jump right up but is still half asleep so she stumbles around, ready to be picked up.
After a diaper change we get back in jammies to get a cup of milk. She drinks it down while we snuggle and get her bag ready for Julia's. After about 15 min. we get in the car and head to school/daycare.
I get to work around 7:30 and do one or two things with the 2nd graders before it's time to head home. Nothing too important, just changing the future of the world one child at a time...
At 3:45 I leave to pick Audrey up and head home. I call Scott on the way to see his schedule and usually give him a rough time because he has to work and I'm ready for dinner at 4:45.
Audrey and I come home and play/read the mail/do things around the house and then it's time for dinner. Anyone who knows us knows we rarely cook. We have good intentions, but we always tucker out so a typical day includes our family grabbing a quick bite or someone going to grab something to eat for dinner. I feel much better about Audrey's dietary needs during the school year when I have less control over what she eats - she eats FAR better with Julia (who grows her own vegetables!... swoon).
Audrey goes to bed around 7:30 - 8:00. At that point we usually pick up the house. Scott sweeps and mops the floor while I creep on people on Facebook (hehehe). Then we watch some sort of ridiculous reality show and head to bed (usually around 10:30).
A typical weekend day is much easier to describe.
Our family wakes up to the sound of a 1 year old. Audrey has a glass of milk and Scott makes a cup of coffee (that I steal for myself). We lounge in our pajamas and do a few things here or there. I usually create some sort of errand for the family so we leave the house in the afternoon, after Audrey's nap. We get home, make Audrey dinner, scrounge around for something we want to eat, put Audrey to bed, and watch more reality t.v.
When Scott gets busy our lives are much more complicated, but I have to say, a typical day is pretty great.
Scott's version of this day:
Sarah wakes up - checks her i phone, stays on her iphone all day, then goes to bed....HE'S BITTER!
A typical work day is as follows:
My alarm clock goes off at 6:00 a.m. I hit the snooze button and lay in the bed wishing for just three more hours of sleep... It never happens.
At 6:10 when the alarm goes off again I kiss my husband (still dead to the world) and go straighten my hair. This usually takes about 10 min (I shower the night before so my hair is looking LOVELY before this process). Then I go into the bedroom and stare at my closet until the PERFECT outfit jumps out at me.
Once I'm dressed I go into the kitchen and make breakfast and pack my lunch. I eat my breakfast at the kitchen table to the quiet of my house, then I go and wake up peanut. She's so sweet in the morning, she usually tries to jump right up but is still half asleep so she stumbles around, ready to be picked up.
After a diaper change we get back in jammies to get a cup of milk. She drinks it down while we snuggle and get her bag ready for Julia's. After about 15 min. we get in the car and head to school/daycare.
I get to work around 7:30 and do one or two things with the 2nd graders before it's time to head home. Nothing too important, just changing the future of the world one child at a time...
At 3:45 I leave to pick Audrey up and head home. I call Scott on the way to see his schedule and usually give him a rough time because he has to work and I'm ready for dinner at 4:45.
Audrey and I come home and play/read the mail/do things around the house and then it's time for dinner. Anyone who knows us knows we rarely cook. We have good intentions, but we always tucker out so a typical day includes our family grabbing a quick bite or someone going to grab something to eat for dinner. I feel much better about Audrey's dietary needs during the school year when I have less control over what she eats - she eats FAR better with Julia (who grows her own vegetables!... swoon).
Audrey goes to bed around 7:30 - 8:00. At that point we usually pick up the house. Scott sweeps and mops the floor while I creep on people on Facebook (hehehe). Then we watch some sort of ridiculous reality show and head to bed (usually around 10:30).
A typical weekend day is much easier to describe.
Our family wakes up to the sound of a 1 year old. Audrey has a glass of milk and Scott makes a cup of coffee (that I steal for myself). We lounge in our pajamas and do a few things here or there. I usually create some sort of errand for the family so we leave the house in the afternoon, after Audrey's nap. We get home, make Audrey dinner, scrounge around for something we want to eat, put Audrey to bed, and watch more reality t.v.
When Scott gets busy our lives are much more complicated, but I have to say, a typical day is pretty great.
Scott's version of this day:
Sarah wakes up - checks her i phone, stays on her iphone all day, then goes to bed....HE'S BITTER!
Monday, August 13, 2012
Day 11: Describe 10 pet peeves you have
Whooo Boy! This will be a fun one. This post is dedicated to Scott who plays a large part in the majority of these pet peeves....ON PURPOSE!
1. Tardiness - (This applies ONLY to Scott). My number 1 pet peeve is when Scott is late (we're talking 30 min to HOURS late and he calls on his way home to say "I'm running late". REALLY? REALLY? could you have called hours ago to mention you're not lying dead somewhere on the road gasping for help? As much as I love my husband and have said wonderful things about him, his tardiness might take years off my life.
2. Pokeyness when we're running late (this also applies ONLY to Scott). When it's time to leave the house and Scott is moving at a snails pace I feel like I might explode. I've learned in my almost-eight-years-of-marriage that actually exploding does nothing to help him get moving so I have to have an internal battle while I will him to move FASTER!
3. Double jointed fingers (Again, thank you honey). Scott has double jointed fingers that make an awful sound when he moves them. They also bend freakishly far backwards when he types or pushes a button. The button pushing has grown on me but the noise will always and forever make my skin crawl.
4. Being told to relax when I'm obviously stressed. Nothing makes my blood boil more than being told to relax when I'm mad. If I could relax I would, trust me. No one likes to walk around with bulging head veins and a high-pitched-screech emitting from their throat.
5. Putting laundry away when I'm heading to bed. We will do a load of laundry and it will sit in the bedroom all night, and as I get up to go to bed Scott will say "Let's put the laundry away before we go to bed." The old me fought tooth and nail, and the new me still fights tooth and nail against this one.
6. vacuuming. The sound of the vacuum makes me anxious. The one thing Scott likes to do more than once a week? vacuum. At least the carpet feels nice while I'm recovering from my nervous break down.
(Scott, you took the top 6. Nicely played. It's a good thing you're so handsome, and nice, and honest, and... well you get the picture. You aren't all bad...)
7. Harold Reynolds. He is a baseball sportscaster and the voice on Scott's old video game. Don't ask me why, but his commentary is my 7th pet peeve. It has nothing to do with the video game itself, I can hear my good old buddy Reynolds anywhere and everywhere.
8. Blackouts on our DVR. During the last summer Olympics we DVRed the race that Phelps won by a millisecond. Our DVR blacked out for 1 second- the second the won. I hate when I think I have a show recorded and come home to see "this is a partial recording". Darn the clouds, darn the weather, darn the wind. Anyone who knows me knows I love my TV shows. I love them in their entirety!
9. When Chris Harrison comes on and says "Ladies/Gentlemen, this is the final rose tonight". It's his only line for the entire episode and it's the most obvious. I wonder if it's his pet peeve also...
10. Sentences that end with a preposition. When I was growing up my step dad had to pay my mom a quarter when he ended a sentence with a preposition. I have this instinct to hold my hand out asking for money whenever someone ends a sentence with "at".
There you have it! My top 10 pet peeves. Now that it's out in the open I'm expecting to never be annoyed again!
1. Tardiness - (This applies ONLY to Scott). My number 1 pet peeve is when Scott is late (we're talking 30 min to HOURS late and he calls on his way home to say "I'm running late". REALLY? REALLY? could you have called hours ago to mention you're not lying dead somewhere on the road gasping for help? As much as I love my husband and have said wonderful things about him, his tardiness might take years off my life.
2. Pokeyness when we're running late (this also applies ONLY to Scott). When it's time to leave the house and Scott is moving at a snails pace I feel like I might explode. I've learned in my almost-eight-years-of-marriage that actually exploding does nothing to help him get moving so I have to have an internal battle while I will him to move FASTER!
3. Double jointed fingers (Again, thank you honey). Scott has double jointed fingers that make an awful sound when he moves them. They also bend freakishly far backwards when he types or pushes a button. The button pushing has grown on me but the noise will always and forever make my skin crawl.
4. Being told to relax when I'm obviously stressed. Nothing makes my blood boil more than being told to relax when I'm mad. If I could relax I would, trust me. No one likes to walk around with bulging head veins and a high-pitched-screech emitting from their throat.
5. Putting laundry away when I'm heading to bed. We will do a load of laundry and it will sit in the bedroom all night, and as I get up to go to bed Scott will say "Let's put the laundry away before we go to bed." The old me fought tooth and nail, and the new me still fights tooth and nail against this one.
6. vacuuming. The sound of the vacuum makes me anxious. The one thing Scott likes to do more than once a week? vacuum. At least the carpet feels nice while I'm recovering from my nervous break down.
(Scott, you took the top 6. Nicely played. It's a good thing you're so handsome, and nice, and honest, and... well you get the picture. You aren't all bad...)
7. Harold Reynolds. He is a baseball sportscaster and the voice on Scott's old video game. Don't ask me why, but his commentary is my 7th pet peeve. It has nothing to do with the video game itself, I can hear my good old buddy Reynolds anywhere and everywhere.
8. Blackouts on our DVR. During the last summer Olympics we DVRed the race that Phelps won by a millisecond. Our DVR blacked out for 1 second- the second the won. I hate when I think I have a show recorded and come home to see "this is a partial recording". Darn the clouds, darn the weather, darn the wind. Anyone who knows me knows I love my TV shows. I love them in their entirety!
9. When Chris Harrison comes on and says "Ladies/Gentlemen, this is the final rose tonight". It's his only line for the entire episode and it's the most obvious. I wonder if it's his pet peeve also...
10. Sentences that end with a preposition. When I was growing up my step dad had to pay my mom a quarter when he ended a sentence with a preposition. I have this instinct to hold my hand out asking for money whenever someone ends a sentence with "at".
There you have it! My top 10 pet peeves. Now that it's out in the open I'm expecting to never be annoyed again!
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Day 10: Most Embarrasing Moment
I'm the kind of person who grips-it-and-rips-it so I've had my fair share of embarrassing moments. I often confuse people for others, stick my foot in my mouth in conversation, and leave the house with some sort of outfit faux pas. My most embarrassing moment that comes to mind happened my first year on the job in Windsor.
We were having our first whole-district staff training. I was a new teacher hoping to make a good impression. The entire district had gathered at the Windsor Recreation Center and suddenly there was a parking problem. The district asked us all to move our cars to another parking lot. A friend and I thought that we would just leave our cars and grab a quick cup of coffee at the local coffee shop next door (because hey - if everyone else moved their cars then there was plenty of room in the parking lot with our two measly cars left over right?). So, it took a little longer than expected to get our cup of coffee and by the time we got back to the meeting we were late. We were hoping to sneak in the back door (which was surrounded by a wall of windows) and drew attention to ourselves as that door was locked. Not only are we late but we're both carrying two cups of coffee- couldn't leave our friends out right? So then we have to take the walk of shame past the wall of windows to the side door. We met up with another colleague of mine in the hallway and the three of us entered the presentation together. At this moment the presenter stopped presenting and said "So nice of you to join us with your coffee." I'm already embarrassed beyond belief at this point when my colleague (bless her heart) saved the moment with her response "Well, you're on the same slide you were on when we left, so we didn't miss much."
That broke the tension and we quickly found our seats and hid for the rest of the afternoon. After a profuse apology to my principal and a guarantee I am most definitely a punctual person I felt a little better, although I checked my mailbox for a month afterwards looking for a letter demanding my resignation.
I know this moment was embarrassing and memorable because the two or three times I've brought it up with district people who didn't know me at the time their response is always... "That was YOU? I remember it happening but didn't remember it was YOU!"
YES. It was me.
We were having our first whole-district staff training. I was a new teacher hoping to make a good impression. The entire district had gathered at the Windsor Recreation Center and suddenly there was a parking problem. The district asked us all to move our cars to another parking lot. A friend and I thought that we would just leave our cars and grab a quick cup of coffee at the local coffee shop next door (because hey - if everyone else moved their cars then there was plenty of room in the parking lot with our two measly cars left over right?). So, it took a little longer than expected to get our cup of coffee and by the time we got back to the meeting we were late. We were hoping to sneak in the back door (which was surrounded by a wall of windows) and drew attention to ourselves as that door was locked. Not only are we late but we're both carrying two cups of coffee- couldn't leave our friends out right? So then we have to take the walk of shame past the wall of windows to the side door. We met up with another colleague of mine in the hallway and the three of us entered the presentation together. At this moment the presenter stopped presenting and said "So nice of you to join us with your coffee." I'm already embarrassed beyond belief at this point when my colleague (bless her heart) saved the moment with her response "Well, you're on the same slide you were on when we left, so we didn't miss much."
That broke the tension and we quickly found our seats and hid for the rest of the afternoon. After a profuse apology to my principal and a guarantee I am most definitely a punctual person I felt a little better, although I checked my mailbox for a month afterwards looking for a letter demanding my resignation.
I know this moment was embarrassing and memorable because the two or three times I've brought it up with district people who didn't know me at the time their response is always... "That was YOU? I remember it happening but didn't remember it was YOU!"
YES. It was me.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Day 9:List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how
I was kind of worried about this post when I saw it 9 days ago. I wondered if I could think of 10 influential people without listing all of my parents individually. It's not that I haven't been influenced in my life, it's just I'm not a detail oriented person so I have a hard time narrowing things down to the specifics.
I mentioned this post to Scott and without a blink he was able to rattle off a very detailed list of people who have impacted MY life and specific examples that I've told him over the course of our relationship (one of the many reasons I married him). So. This post comes to you thanks to Scott and thanks to the many people who have helped me become the medal-winning-college-graduate-mother-teacher-wife-and-friend that I am today.
1. My parents - step parents included! (notice, I'm not listing them separately, because I need 9 more spots to fill!) Of course my parents have been influential. They taught me kindness, thoughtfulness, pushed me to become well educated, how to be a good friend, be honest, and be a little competitive in life. As I've become an adult I see parts of each of my parents and step parents in myself. As a parent I hear their voices in my head. I consider their thoughts in major decisions. I look to them for guidance and can count on them for a good laugh. I think we are all influenced by our parents, how could we not be? Good or bad they are ours forever. It's a pretty big responsibility as a parent to take all of that on!
2. My husband. Again, how could I not be influenced by him? I attribute my more organized lifestyle to him, and he has also taught me the art of patience as we continue to work through this crzy life together. I have learned the art of forgiveness from him and have also learned the importance of being a good listener. He has to put up with a lot of independence from me and I have learned how to compromise and try to collaborate on decisions instead of going the grip-it-and-rip-it method. I'm not going to pretend I'm this way all the time. I'm very independent and strong willed in my marriage but Scott has influenced me to try to be more methodical... at times. He is so supportive that I wouldn't have been able to finish my Masters degree or train for a half marathon without him. And when I finish tasks, big or small, he tells me how proud he is. He's also so wonderful at making Audrey laugh that I'm reminded not to take life too seriously.
3. Audrey. Audrey has influenced me as an adult teaching me patience and understanding but more importantly she has influenced my teaching. I see children in a different light now that I have my own. Each of my students is their parents Audrey. I have a better understanding for why students struggle on some days and a better understanding of what it takes to have a well adjusted child entering school. It's hard work people!
4. My dance teacher - Ms. Jane. I took ballet lessons from when I was 2.5 until I graduated high school. The dance studio was where I spent most of my time. It was my first and really only job until I went to college. I made lifelong friends there. I leader poise and self worth. I learned balance and grace, but most of all she really believed in me. She made me feel like I was something really special with my talent. When I graduated and went to college I realized there are far better dancers in the world, and I by no means wanted to make a career out of dancing, but I never ever felt inadequate at my dance studio. It was a place where I felt special and important. Not everyone has that place. I'm lucky to still have mine.
5. My brother Brian and my cousin Mary. Each of my brothers are influential and I love them all so much and I have to say my cousins are pretty great, but Brian and Mary are special in that they both do not deny who they are in this life and they live a life of love and struggle. This is not the place to get into the specifics but I want them to know they are influential in my life every day.
6. Julie Johnson. Julie was the teacher I worked with during my student teaching. She and I were connected from the start. We had the same philosophy of education and the same love for primary students. I learned so much that semester in her classroom and still keep in tough with her today. She taught me how to teach thoughtfully and supported me as I became independent in my career. We had many laughs and shared many wonderful ideas. She is pretty great.
7. Dr. Durham. That is how I will always refer to my first principal. She was the idea of structure and discipline and was just the right amount of scary. My first teaching job was a challenge and the school I worked at would not have been what it was or is without Dr. Durham. She drove a hard ship but she supported her teachers and stood up for the students in some very sticky situations. She told it like it was but also influenced my teaching and gave me confidence in the classroom. I wouldn't have had the relationship I had with her without my good friend Heather, who was able to break through her hard exterior. But in the end I left my first job with an ally and a very powerful role model.
8. Dan Seegmiller. My current principal. I cannot say enough about Dan. He is so supportive and positive. He keeps things light while at the same time demanding excellence from the teachers in his building. I want to do a good job for Dan. I want to make him proud. I want to continue bettering myself because he sets that example. He is a family man, a friend, a mentor, and a very kind person.
9. This spot is dedicated to everyone ever wrote or sang a show tune. I've sang show tunes since before I could talk and still sing them at the top of my lungs to this day. Some of my favorite memories with all my favorite people are at musical theater events. I've sang or heard a show tune with almost everyone I love. I want to thank them for the gift of dramatic and spontaneous bursting into song. I try to live my life through that example.
10. Ruth Wakefield. The name might not ring a bell to anyone and I'll be honest that I hadn't heard of her until I googled her, but she is credited with the invention of the chocolate chip cookie - my life blood. I would have wasted away in life without the creation of the chocolate chip cookie. Because of Ruth I am living this day so I can continue to be influenced by wonderful people.
There you have it! The 10 people who have influenced my life. I owe them a lot of gratitude.
I mentioned this post to Scott and without a blink he was able to rattle off a very detailed list of people who have impacted MY life and specific examples that I've told him over the course of our relationship (one of the many reasons I married him). So. This post comes to you thanks to Scott and thanks to the many people who have helped me become the medal-winning-college-graduate-mother-teacher-wife-and-friend that I am today.
1. My parents - step parents included! (notice, I'm not listing them separately, because I need 9 more spots to fill!) Of course my parents have been influential. They taught me kindness, thoughtfulness, pushed me to become well educated, how to be a good friend, be honest, and be a little competitive in life. As I've become an adult I see parts of each of my parents and step parents in myself. As a parent I hear their voices in my head. I consider their thoughts in major decisions. I look to them for guidance and can count on them for a good laugh. I think we are all influenced by our parents, how could we not be? Good or bad they are ours forever. It's a pretty big responsibility as a parent to take all of that on!
2. My husband. Again, how could I not be influenced by him? I attribute my more organized lifestyle to him, and he has also taught me the art of patience as we continue to work through this crzy life together. I have learned the art of forgiveness from him and have also learned the importance of being a good listener. He has to put up with a lot of independence from me and I have learned how to compromise and try to collaborate on decisions instead of going the grip-it-and-rip-it method. I'm not going to pretend I'm this way all the time. I'm very independent and strong willed in my marriage but Scott has influenced me to try to be more methodical... at times. He is so supportive that I wouldn't have been able to finish my Masters degree or train for a half marathon without him. And when I finish tasks, big or small, he tells me how proud he is. He's also so wonderful at making Audrey laugh that I'm reminded not to take life too seriously.
3. Audrey. Audrey has influenced me as an adult teaching me patience and understanding but more importantly she has influenced my teaching. I see children in a different light now that I have my own. Each of my students is their parents Audrey. I have a better understanding for why students struggle on some days and a better understanding of what it takes to have a well adjusted child entering school. It's hard work people!
4. My dance teacher - Ms. Jane. I took ballet lessons from when I was 2.5 until I graduated high school. The dance studio was where I spent most of my time. It was my first and really only job until I went to college. I made lifelong friends there. I leader poise and self worth. I learned balance and grace, but most of all she really believed in me. She made me feel like I was something really special with my talent. When I graduated and went to college I realized there are far better dancers in the world, and I by no means wanted to make a career out of dancing, but I never ever felt inadequate at my dance studio. It was a place where I felt special and important. Not everyone has that place. I'm lucky to still have mine.
5. My brother Brian and my cousin Mary. Each of my brothers are influential and I love them all so much and I have to say my cousins are pretty great, but Brian and Mary are special in that they both do not deny who they are in this life and they live a life of love and struggle. This is not the place to get into the specifics but I want them to know they are influential in my life every day.
6. Julie Johnson. Julie was the teacher I worked with during my student teaching. She and I were connected from the start. We had the same philosophy of education and the same love for primary students. I learned so much that semester in her classroom and still keep in tough with her today. She taught me how to teach thoughtfully and supported me as I became independent in my career. We had many laughs and shared many wonderful ideas. She is pretty great.
7. Dr. Durham. That is how I will always refer to my first principal. She was the idea of structure and discipline and was just the right amount of scary. My first teaching job was a challenge and the school I worked at would not have been what it was or is without Dr. Durham. She drove a hard ship but she supported her teachers and stood up for the students in some very sticky situations. She told it like it was but also influenced my teaching and gave me confidence in the classroom. I wouldn't have had the relationship I had with her without my good friend Heather, who was able to break through her hard exterior. But in the end I left my first job with an ally and a very powerful role model.
8. Dan Seegmiller. My current principal. I cannot say enough about Dan. He is so supportive and positive. He keeps things light while at the same time demanding excellence from the teachers in his building. I want to do a good job for Dan. I want to make him proud. I want to continue bettering myself because he sets that example. He is a family man, a friend, a mentor, and a very kind person.
9. This spot is dedicated to everyone ever wrote or sang a show tune. I've sang show tunes since before I could talk and still sing them at the top of my lungs to this day. Some of my favorite memories with all my favorite people are at musical theater events. I've sang or heard a show tune with almost everyone I love. I want to thank them for the gift of dramatic and spontaneous bursting into song. I try to live my life through that example.
10. Ruth Wakefield. The name might not ring a bell to anyone and I'll be honest that I hadn't heard of her until I googled her, but she is credited with the invention of the chocolate chip cookie - my life blood. I would have wasted away in life without the creation of the chocolate chip cookie. Because of Ruth I am living this day so I can continue to be influenced by wonderful people.
There you have it! The 10 people who have influenced my life. I owe them a lot of gratitude.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Day 8: 5 Passions
Yesterday was a busy day! I got to meet my new students at "Meet the Teacher" night and came home to prepare our "team" shirts for the big half marathon this weekend. I've been so caught up in getting back to work I feel like I've already run the race (that's probably a bad sign...).
I've had a couple of days to think about my passions, and here they are in no particular order.
1. My family - no brainer right? Right now I'm all about trying to be a good mom who raises a well-balanced little girl. These past few days have been a little difficult with long hours and adjusting to a different schedule. She's also entering toddler-hood with lots of "nos" and "stops". Today we had our first public time out (on the aisle at Target) as Audrey thought it was a good idea to poor her water onto the floor. I'm looking forward to getting into our groove and having things settle back down. The happiest parts of my day are when we are all three together laughing and playing in the house.
2. My job - right now I'm passionate about getting off to a great start. We had a great planning session today to prepare for the kids and I'm so excited about getting off to a new school year. I got to meet my new students last night and am already excited thinking about the things we'll get to do this year. It's a lot of prep work and long hours at first but once things start falling into place it's a great job. I'm lucky to work with great people who also like to laugh and have fun. If I have to have a job (and not get paid 1,000,000 dollars to stay at home as I mentioned in previous posts) then it's nice to work at a place that is fun, inviting and rewarding.
3. Sweets - I love to eat sweets. I love home made sweets, pre-packaged sweets, chocolate sweets, hard candy sweets, sweets in liquid form, hard candy, chewy candy, you name it, I love it. When I'm not thinking about my family or my work day I'm planning the next delicious morsel I'm going to pop into my mouth.
Because of the above passion, my 4th passion is - running. I've been training all summer with two friends for a half marathon and have found a real love for running. I used to run because I thought it helped me level out my anxieties, and perhaps it does, but this summer I've found a love of running because it just feels good to be outside and get some exercise (and it doesn't hurt that it allows for the intake of more sweets...).
5. Project Runway - I am so happy this show is back for another season. I love Heidi and Tim and look forward to their banter with the contestants each week. I love hating on the designs while secretly liking them. I also can't get enough of the phrase "Thank you MOOOOD!"
Speaking of which I have an episode saved from last night that is calling my name!
I've had a couple of days to think about my passions, and here they are in no particular order.
1. My family - no brainer right? Right now I'm all about trying to be a good mom who raises a well-balanced little girl. These past few days have been a little difficult with long hours and adjusting to a different schedule. She's also entering toddler-hood with lots of "nos" and "stops". Today we had our first public time out (on the aisle at Target) as Audrey thought it was a good idea to poor her water onto the floor. I'm looking forward to getting into our groove and having things settle back down. The happiest parts of my day are when we are all three together laughing and playing in the house.
2. My job - right now I'm passionate about getting off to a great start. We had a great planning session today to prepare for the kids and I'm so excited about getting off to a new school year. I got to meet my new students last night and am already excited thinking about the things we'll get to do this year. It's a lot of prep work and long hours at first but once things start falling into place it's a great job. I'm lucky to work with great people who also like to laugh and have fun. If I have to have a job (and not get paid 1,000,000 dollars to stay at home as I mentioned in previous posts) then it's nice to work at a place that is fun, inviting and rewarding.
3. Sweets - I love to eat sweets. I love home made sweets, pre-packaged sweets, chocolate sweets, hard candy sweets, sweets in liquid form, hard candy, chewy candy, you name it, I love it. When I'm not thinking about my family or my work day I'm planning the next delicious morsel I'm going to pop into my mouth.
Because of the above passion, my 4th passion is - running. I've been training all summer with two friends for a half marathon and have found a real love for running. I used to run because I thought it helped me level out my anxieties, and perhaps it does, but this summer I've found a love of running because it just feels good to be outside and get some exercise (and it doesn't hurt that it allows for the intake of more sweets...).
5. Project Runway - I am so happy this show is back for another season. I love Heidi and Tim and look forward to their banter with the contestants each week. I love hating on the designs while secretly liking them. I also can't get enough of the phrase "Thank you MOOOOD!"
Speaking of which I have an episode saved from last night that is calling my name!
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Day 7: Dream Job
I think this is a bad day to answer this question. Today was my first day back to my REAL job after a wonderful summer. I repeated the words of my mother all day today: "Take solace in knowing you made the most out of your entire summer vacation". We just got back from a whirlwind trip to Oklahoma to celebrate the life of my 97 year old grandmother who passed away on Thursday. We were lucky to have the chance to fly to Oklahoma to be with family but it was a whirlwind three days. Now, we are home. I left for work at 7, got home at 7:30 (after a fun staff bbq), bathed squirt, put her to bed, ran (because my half marathon is SATURDAY) and now am resting on the couch while Scott still works at the office to catch up.
PHEW!
So today, my answer is this. My dream job is a job where I get to stay at home and play with Audrey and get paid 1,000,000 dollars a month. Is that too much to ask??
Reality check: My dream job. I have to say I don't think a lot about any job other than the one I have because it is as close to perfect as I can imagine. I am under the leadership of an amazing principal who is both professional, educated, friendly, caring and funny. I work with a young staff who almost all have young children so for each difficult day there is always a shoulder to lean on. I have a great supportive teammate who has been with me from the opening of our building and we are excited to work with two new people who seem just wonderful. I work daily with amazing students who keep life interesting and give me a reason to continue growing as a person. Those students have awesome families who make me laugh and push me to be my best version of myself.
Tonight at our staff bbq I was out on the playground with a few of my friends and their kids. I watched our kids play together and thought how wonderful it is that they have the same relationships growing up that I did having a mom as a teacher. I know some will move on and away but for now we have such a sweet little community. So yes, my dream job is staying home being a mom with enough money to travel, shop, make projects, volunteer, and learn to cook, but until someone knocks on my door with such an offer I think I'll stay where I am - Even on the first day back after summer vacation.
PHEW!
So today, my answer is this. My dream job is a job where I get to stay at home and play with Audrey and get paid 1,000,000 dollars a month. Is that too much to ask??
Reality check: My dream job. I have to say I don't think a lot about any job other than the one I have because it is as close to perfect as I can imagine. I am under the leadership of an amazing principal who is both professional, educated, friendly, caring and funny. I work with a young staff who almost all have young children so for each difficult day there is always a shoulder to lean on. I have a great supportive teammate who has been with me from the opening of our building and we are excited to work with two new people who seem just wonderful. I work daily with amazing students who keep life interesting and give me a reason to continue growing as a person. Those students have awesome families who make me laugh and push me to be my best version of myself.
Tonight at our staff bbq I was out on the playground with a few of my friends and their kids. I watched our kids play together and thought how wonderful it is that they have the same relationships growing up that I did having a mom as a teacher. I know some will move on and away but for now we have such a sweet little community. So yes, my dream job is staying home being a mom with enough money to travel, shop, make projects, volunteer, and learn to cook, but until someone knocks on my door with such an offer I think I'll stay where I am - Even on the first day back after summer vacation.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Day 6: Hardest Thing I've Experienced
I've been thinking about this post knowing it was coming up. I wouldn't say there has been one thing in my life that has been extremely difficult. My parents are divorced but that happened when I was two and now I have awesome step parents. Leaving for college was difficult in a homesick kind if way but once I got settled it was also an amazing experience. The hardest thing I've probably experienced is my first year of teaching. I was way out of my element and had never really been told I wasn't good at something. I was working in the inner city and really had no idea what I had signed up for. That year my principal sat me down and told me I needed to change my teaching or move on. It was hard to hear bc my peer and friend was a rock star. After some reflection and observations of others in the building I found my inner super hero. I taught summer school to practice my new approach and come my secon year of teaching I met every challenge head on. There were daily challenges at that job that I never thought I'd see -- situations is be more than happy to share over a piece of chocolate cake :). What I didn't know at the time is those daily challenges were preparing me to be the teacher I am today. Although I'm no longer in the inner city I still work daily with young kids and work my hardest to do my very best for them not only with their education but with their livelihood. Those years gave me confidence that I am meant to be a teacher. I didn't give up then and I won't give up now. For every situation there is a logical and calm solution. I love what I do, even on the last day of summer. :)
Monday, August 6, 2012
5 Things That Make Me Happy
I must say I consider myself a very happy person. I'm sure Scott would agree and tell anyone I never suffer an unpleasant moment. At this moment in time these are the 5 things that make me most happy.
1. My daughter (duh, right?). Right now she's supposed to be taking a nap but all I hear is a tiny voice chit chatting about her goings on of the day. She loves kids her own age, snuggling her parents, running in the garden, snuggling her dog, drinking her milk, watching cartoons, and dumping her toys. Each day she gets a little older and says something new and it astounds me and melts my heart a little more.
2. My husband (again, predictable). He is pretty awesome. Although I'm a happy person I'm also a LITTLE stubborn and decisive. He knows me so well and together we have a lot of love, laughter, and happiness. He is such a nice person I feel so lucky to be partnered with him for life.
3. My family - There are so many of them! My parents, my siblings, my grandparents, my cousins, aunts, uncles, ... You get the picture. We have a great time when we get together. It is a family of love and although we have our faults like all families out there underneath everything is love.
4. Soda with cafine. I swore I wouldn't drink one every day once Audrey slept through the night but it just makes me happy to taste the sugar and drink the bubbles. I savor my soda for the afternoon when I can really sit and enjoy it.
5. The camera on my I phone. It's ALWAYS there. It takes video, pictures, posts to Facebook, etc. and that just makes me so happy. I have some of my favorite pictures with me in my pocket at all times.
Who can stop there? Here are a few of the other things hat make me happy:
Candy, friends, running, second graders, new clothes, Target, pop music, reality tv, cake, sleeping in, shopping, swimming pools, scarves, cross county skiing, compliments, winning medals, winning in general, processed foods, new running shoes, being a mom, being a teacher, being a friend... My time is up! The peanut beckons. :)
1. My daughter (duh, right?). Right now she's supposed to be taking a nap but all I hear is a tiny voice chit chatting about her goings on of the day. She loves kids her own age, snuggling her parents, running in the garden, snuggling her dog, drinking her milk, watching cartoons, and dumping her toys. Each day she gets a little older and says something new and it astounds me and melts my heart a little more.
2. My husband (again, predictable). He is pretty awesome. Although I'm a happy person I'm also a LITTLE stubborn and decisive. He knows me so well and together we have a lot of love, laughter, and happiness. He is such a nice person I feel so lucky to be partnered with him for life.
3. My family - There are so many of them! My parents, my siblings, my grandparents, my cousins, aunts, uncles, ... You get the picture. We have a great time when we get together. It is a family of love and although we have our faults like all families out there underneath everything is love.
4. Soda with cafine. I swore I wouldn't drink one every day once Audrey slept through the night but it just makes me happy to taste the sugar and drink the bubbles. I savor my soda for the afternoon when I can really sit and enjoy it.
5. The camera on my I phone. It's ALWAYS there. It takes video, pictures, posts to Facebook, etc. and that just makes me so happy. I have some of my favorite pictures with me in my pocket at all times.
Who can stop there? Here are a few of the other things hat make me happy:
Candy, friends, running, second graders, new clothes, Target, pop music, reality tv, cake, sleeping in, shopping, swimming pools, scarves, cross county skiing, compliments, winning medals, winning in general, processed foods, new running shoes, being a mom, being a teacher, being a friend... My time is up! The peanut beckons. :)
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Day 4: Dear Sarah at Sixteen...
Ah, 16. How I miss thee. Here are some things you shoul know:
1. Go buy a bikini. You will never look this good again.
2. Be nice to your friends. They will be there for a life time
3. Don't turn left on Memorial after fighting with your boyfriend. It's an accident waiting to happen.
4. Spend more time with your family without complaining. Turns out they are pretty great.
5. Perhaps study a little more. You get good grades but you could also learn something too.
6. Enjoy your extra curricular activities. You get old and no one wants I see you in a leotard anymore.
7. You will meet a pretty great guy and have a cute little girl. No worries.
8. If you get the opportunity to study abroad, TAKE IT!!
9. Goin out of state for college is a great idea.
10. Don't go camping and lie about it. You'll be in big trouble...
1. Go buy a bikini. You will never look this good again.
2. Be nice to your friends. They will be there for a life time
3. Don't turn left on Memorial after fighting with your boyfriend. It's an accident waiting to happen.
4. Spend more time with your family without complaining. Turns out they are pretty great.
5. Perhaps study a little more. You get good grades but you could also learn something too.
6. Enjoy your extra curricular activities. You get old and no one wants I see you in a leotard anymore.
7. You will meet a pretty great guy and have a cute little girl. No worries.
8. If you get the opportunity to study abroad, TAKE IT!!
9. Goin out of state for college is a great idea.
10. Don't go camping and lie about it. You'll be in big trouble...
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Day 3: Family Relationships
I know the idea is to post about my relationship with my parents, but I would rather focus on my relationship AS parents. I love my parents. I have an individual relationship with each of them that I wouldn't trade for the world, and each relationship is different and unique. I hope they read this blog and see that not only do I love them for being the parents they are to me and Scott, but also for being the grandparents they are to Audrey.
My relationship as a parent is something I spend a lot of time thinking about. Being a parent has been something Scott and I have always spoken about, even when we were first dating. We did the typical "I'll NEVER parent like that (lie) or MY child will not do _____ (another lie), but we had not idea what we were really in for.
I can't speak for Scott, but becoming a parent in a relationship was something that was difficult for me. I have loved Audrey more than I can ever describe from the moment I knew she was even beginning to grow, and I've never seen someone love their little girl more than Scott (I'm sure every mom feels this way, but sorry folks, I'm right... ) :) It wasn't always kittens and butterflies though. Scott and I had to learn to evolve in our relationship from being married and independent and married with a child. It wasn't always smiles and hugs. I never doubted our love but it took a lot of communication, conflict, tears, and laughter to evolve into our relationship as parents. It's hard to find that balance of maintaining an adult identity while also spending all of your time with your tiny little human. We were tired, anxious, and also wildly happy with our new little family.
I'm not saying we're experts. Each day brings decisions and compromises. What do we say when she wants sweets between meals? How much tv does she watch? Who watches her while the other cleans (okay, those who know us know who cleans our house...). Who leaves work early to get home in time to make dinner, play, and snuggle? There are times our anxieties and sleep deprivation catch up to us and we lose sight of the bigger picture, but I would say our relationship as parents is one of love, respect, and most of all laughter. It's because of our parents that we are where we are today, and hopefully someday Audrey will say the same of us. My hope is that my relationship as a parent is a model of love, respect, humour, and trust.
My relationship as a parent is something I spend a lot of time thinking about. Being a parent has been something Scott and I have always spoken about, even when we were first dating. We did the typical "I'll NEVER parent like that (lie) or MY child will not do _____ (another lie), but we had not idea what we were really in for.
I can't speak for Scott, but becoming a parent in a relationship was something that was difficult for me. I have loved Audrey more than I can ever describe from the moment I knew she was even beginning to grow, and I've never seen someone love their little girl more than Scott (I'm sure every mom feels this way, but sorry folks, I'm right... ) :) It wasn't always kittens and butterflies though. Scott and I had to learn to evolve in our relationship from being married and independent and married with a child. It wasn't always smiles and hugs. I never doubted our love but it took a lot of communication, conflict, tears, and laughter to evolve into our relationship as parents. It's hard to find that balance of maintaining an adult identity while also spending all of your time with your tiny little human. We were tired, anxious, and also wildly happy with our new little family.
I'm not saying we're experts. Each day brings decisions and compromises. What do we say when she wants sweets between meals? How much tv does she watch? Who watches her while the other cleans (okay, those who know us know who cleans our house...). Who leaves work early to get home in time to make dinner, play, and snuggle? There are times our anxieties and sleep deprivation catch up to us and we lose sight of the bigger picture, but I would say our relationship as parents is one of love, respect, and most of all laughter. It's because of our parents that we are where we are today, and hopefully someday Audrey will say the same of us. My hope is that my relationship as a parent is a model of love, respect, humour, and trust.
Friday, August 3, 2012
3 Legitimate Fears
Hmm... Seeing as I'm someone known for my anxiety it's going to be difficult to narrow it down to only 3! I would say my legitimate fears depend on the day, the hour, and possibly the minute :)
Today's legitimate fears:
1. I'm afraid of driving with Scott. We can hardly take a road trip together because I never feel like he hits the breaks soon enough. I think he takes years off my life each time we drive through Denver. He's much less accident prone than I am, so yes, this is ironic, but a legitimate fear none the less.
2. I'm afraid of making people angry. I avoid it at all costs. I hate confrontation with ANYONE but Scott, which is how I know he is my perfect match. I'm not afraid of making him angry at all... :) I am not afraid to stand up for what I believe in, who I am, and who I love, but I agonize over how to do it in the most friendly way.
3. I'm afraid of sending emails to the wrong recipient. I triple check almost every email I send to make sure it is going to the intended receiver. I'm not talking personal emails, I'm talking emails that simply say "sure" or "okay" or "We need chicken from the store". It's time consuming!
Today's legitimate fears:
1. I'm afraid of driving with Scott. We can hardly take a road trip together because I never feel like he hits the breaks soon enough. I think he takes years off my life each time we drive through Denver. He's much less accident prone than I am, so yes, this is ironic, but a legitimate fear none the less.
2. I'm afraid of making people angry. I avoid it at all costs. I hate confrontation with ANYONE but Scott, which is how I know he is my perfect match. I'm not afraid of making him angry at all... :) I am not afraid to stand up for what I believe in, who I am, and who I love, but I agonize over how to do it in the most friendly way.
3. I'm afraid of sending emails to the wrong recipient. I triple check almost every email I send to make sure it is going to the intended receiver. I'm not talking personal emails, I'm talking emails that simply say "sure" or "okay" or "We need chicken from the store". It's time consuming!
Thursday, August 2, 2012
20 Random Facts
1. I have strangely long toes and Scott has short stubby toes with hardly any nails. We are constantly checking to see whose toes Audrey inherited.
2. I dance around my kitchen, especially around the holidays. Now that we have wood floors I can't be stopped!
3. I despise morning breath, but love the smell of my baby's morning breath.
4. When I get stressed I crack jokes, which made giving birth an awesome experience (we had the hospital room in stitches!)
5. I hate cilantro. I can taste it in any dish, no matter how miniscule the amount.
6. If I could live on sweets and candy, I would. I love processed food more than anyone I know and have already let Audrey lick the bowl when making brownies and cake.
7. I love shopping and horde my extra cash so I can go on shopping sprees to treat myself throughout the year. I was worried when I got pregnant that I would resent my kids for taking away some of my shopping budget, but I love buying clothes for Audrey more than I love buying them for myself (sorry Scott, you don't make the cut...).
8. I wish I had taken more pictures and written more down as I was pregnant. I had great intentions, but life got in the way.
9. I'm 30, and I still don't sleep on Christmas Eve and have a reputation for making sure I get my fair share of presents.... :)
10. I love listening to music. I have fantisies of writing a symphony but have no skills with which to complete this task...
11. I collect stationary and don't write letters. I just love having pretty cards and paper in the house.
12. Right now I'm typing this list while watching Sesame Street and taking breaks to snuggle my one year old.
13. I was born to be a teacher. It just makes sense to me.
14. I don't like to eat Chinese food before I fly because I'm worried my fortune in my cookie will be a bad omen.
15.My closet is organized by season and by color but my shoes are a jumbled mess.
16. I drink milk almost every day because I think it is delicious.
17.I have trouble backing out of the garage and drive on our lawn on average once a week.
18. When I met Scott I was weirded out that we shared the same last name. A friend of ours set us up to exchange Valentines and I was so mad because I thought that was extremely disgusting.
19. I knew I was going to marry Scott the second we started dating.
20. When I have trouble falling asleep I tap my fingers in different patterns on my pillow. It's something I've done as long as I can remember.
2. I dance around my kitchen, especially around the holidays. Now that we have wood floors I can't be stopped!
3. I despise morning breath, but love the smell of my baby's morning breath.
4. When I get stressed I crack jokes, which made giving birth an awesome experience (we had the hospital room in stitches!)
5. I hate cilantro. I can taste it in any dish, no matter how miniscule the amount.
6. If I could live on sweets and candy, I would. I love processed food more than anyone I know and have already let Audrey lick the bowl when making brownies and cake.
7. I love shopping and horde my extra cash so I can go on shopping sprees to treat myself throughout the year. I was worried when I got pregnant that I would resent my kids for taking away some of my shopping budget, but I love buying clothes for Audrey more than I love buying them for myself (sorry Scott, you don't make the cut...).
8. I wish I had taken more pictures and written more down as I was pregnant. I had great intentions, but life got in the way.
9. I'm 30, and I still don't sleep on Christmas Eve and have a reputation for making sure I get my fair share of presents.... :)
10. I love listening to music. I have fantisies of writing a symphony but have no skills with which to complete this task...
11. I collect stationary and don't write letters. I just love having pretty cards and paper in the house.
12. Right now I'm typing this list while watching Sesame Street and taking breaks to snuggle my one year old.
13. I was born to be a teacher. It just makes sense to me.
14. I don't like to eat Chinese food before I fly because I'm worried my fortune in my cookie will be a bad omen.
15.My closet is organized by season and by color but my shoes are a jumbled mess.
16. I drink milk almost every day because I think it is delicious.
17.I have trouble backing out of the garage and drive on our lawn on average once a week.
18. When I met Scott I was weirded out that we shared the same last name. A friend of ours set us up to exchange Valentines and I was so mad because I thought that was extremely disgusting.
19. I knew I was going to marry Scott the second we started dating.
20. When I have trouble falling asleep I tap my fingers in different patterns on my pillow. It's something I've done as long as I can remember.
30 in 30
A friend of mine and her sister are blogging 30 different things in 30 days. I find this concept fascinating and am hoping to complete the challenge myself. I'm sorry to all those friends that share the three of us in common. The beauty of these posts is I'm kind of completing this challenge as a way to document my life at 30. When Scott and I were dating we filled out a book of questions together and learned so much about each other. Unfortunately, we forgot the book and left it under the mattress of his college apartment (you're welcome future generations of Mizzou alumni). I wish we hadn't done that because I would love to have documentation of our hopes and goals from our early 20's. Scott is extremely busy and things are about to pick up for me (sob) so I can't guarantee every post, but I'm hoping we can do this together, and perhaps I'll learn a little about myself!
Here are the 30 topics:
Here are the 30 things:
1. List 20 random facts about yourself.
2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.
3. Describe your relationship with your parents.
4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.
5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?
6. What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?
7. What is your dream job, and why?
8. What are 5 passions you have?
9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.
10. Describe your most embarrassing moment.
11. Describe 10 pet peeves you have.
12. Describe a typical day in your current life.
13. Describe 5 weaknesses you have.
14. Describe 5 strengths you have.
15. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?
17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?
18. What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?
19. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
20. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.
21. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first?
22. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?
23. List your top 5 hobbies and why you love them.
24. Describe your family dynamic of your childhood vs. your family dynamic now.
25. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?
26. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?
27. What is your favorite part of your body and why?
28. What is your love language?
29. What do you think people misunderstand most about you?
30. List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.
READY...... GO!
Here are the 30 topics:
Here are the 30 things:
1. List 20 random facts about yourself.
2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.
3. Describe your relationship with your parents.
4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.
5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?
6. What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?
7. What is your dream job, and why?
8. What are 5 passions you have?
9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.
10. Describe your most embarrassing moment.
11. Describe 10 pet peeves you have.
12. Describe a typical day in your current life.
13. Describe 5 weaknesses you have.
14. Describe 5 strengths you have.
15. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?
17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?
18. What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?
19. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
20. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.
21. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first?
22. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?
23. List your top 5 hobbies and why you love them.
24. Describe your family dynamic of your childhood vs. your family dynamic now.
25. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?
26. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?
27. What is your favorite part of your body and why?
28. What is your love language?
29. What do you think people misunderstand most about you?
30. List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.
READY...... GO!
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