Happy Birthday...

...to the most wonderful woman I know! That woman is my MOTHER! She is a very special person to me. My mom is someone I consider one of my very best friends. My mom is the only person in my life who has always done exactly what she said she was going to do. My mom is the one person who I know I can trust...ALWAYS. My mom has always sacrificed for herself so that she can give to others. I could never possibly count the endless numbers of dance lessons she paid so that I would have a talent when I competed. I could never add up the amount she spent on my evening gowns, alterations, and travel to watch me compete. I could never count the minutes she spent on the phone listening to me go on and on about my interviews.
My mom attended every basketball game I cheered for and played in.
My mom has supported me through awful breakups and the joy of new relationships. She has always encouraged me to be the best.
I look forward to having her in my life for many more years.
My mom is 68 today. Isn't that so amazing. She is the daughter of a peanut farmer. She has lived through so much more history than I could ever in my life imagine. She saw segregation. She is able to tell me answers to questions I've had about culture during the civil rights movement. She attended an all-white segregated school.
My mom remembers John F. Kennedy's assassination. My mom has lived through countless recessions. My mom has raised amazing children and is even a GREAT grandma. I don't think I could ever truly describe someone so special using words.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

I'ma Make It Do What It Do

Yup, that's right, in case you didn't get the memo. Teachers are still cool :)

Over the weekend I had some time to do some Pinterest-y things I've wanted to do for a while. Who knew that working 50+ hour weeks would leave you limited time to do crafts??! p.s. this week is my last 50+ hour week :))

 

It doesn't really show on pictures, sorry. I used Puffy Paint, white spray paint, and canvas. I free lanced the pattern, but it did come out a little shaky. I plan on doing three more and hanging them in a collage in my living room. I think the other color I'm going to use is green. I also think I'm going to "spot" spray green onto the white canvas' and vice versa with the green ones. I'm hoping they turn out great! Yeah, is it sad that I only had time for 1?! I have 2 other projects I'm really wanting to do but I believe in starting what I finish!

Okay, seriously! Do you guys see what I saw when I took this picture?!? Yes, this is a gas station with 4 separate pump stations...8 pumps total. I have 15 minutes to get from one school to the other. This includes walking down 3 flights of stairs, walking to my car, getting into my car, battling high school student/parent traffic. Sometimes I get to work 1 or 2 minutes early but usually not. Back to the picture. Friday afternoon, I was on E leaving school #1 and decided I would rather get gas now, instead of waiting until 5:30. I pulled into the gas station, dude on the right has a trailer behind him. Instead of thinking this through he just took up both spots on his side. Dude on the right decided to just park right in the middle of the pumps. Oh, sure...I don't mind waiting. Okay I'm lying. I do actually mind waiting. My time is valuable...even moreso these days!

Seven, seven??!!! years after moving to Kansas, I finally found a place that sells these Elfin Crackers. When I lived in Oklahoma and competed, I would always get these as a "treat" from the vending machings on campus. When I moved here I never saw them again. Until a couple of weeks ago! Go me. And, go Kansas?

Well, whatever. Happy Monday, Y'all!



What I'm DOING...Wednesday :)

Yeah, I know, it's not What I'm Loving. It's been a crazy month week, so I'm just going to do a quick update. (But I talk a lot so my quick may not be your quick ;))
Student teaching is still going great! In the beginning I was super scared that I wouldn't really know much, but hey, it turns out I'm still pretty smart. I apparently retained a lot more information over the years that I thought I did! I take over full-time teaching in about a week and a half. EXCITING! I've also started co-coaching the freshman cheer squad. Talk about fun!

Miss America was this weekend. I absolutely love when people watch the pageant and tell me "hey I watched Miss America and thought about you!" Sigh. Can I pretty, pretty, please rewind some odd years and compete again?!? I can't even begin to describe how much I miss competing. I don't miss not eating much, but it was nice to have that strict motivation to be in shape! When I would train I would always remind myself exactly what it feels like right before going onstage in my swimsuit. If that's not motivation, I'm sorry for ya! I miss the makeup. I miss the BIG hair. I miss the dresses. I miss the thrill. I miss meeting so many new people. I miss the "pageant walk", "pageant smile", "pageant hair", "pageant stand", and "pageant talk"! Now, I really believed Miss Oklahoma was special this year, but I tried not to get my hopes up too much. I'm telling you that when it came down to her and Miss Wisconsin, I just stopped and starred, then resumed screaming "oh my gosh, this can't be happening! She has it, she has it!" I really believed 20 seconds before the announcement that I was about to hear, and watch, Miss Oklahoma's name be called. When it wasn't. I was shocked. But, I wasn't too shocked. Miss Wisconsin was gorgeous! And, I am sooo soooo proud that the pageant state that trained me is just ah-mazing, to say the least. I can't be any more proud of my pageant roots, that's for sure!

Miss Wisconsin

Waiting for results! Yes, that's adorable Miss Oklahoma on the right :)

Can I reminisce? Please?!? This was at Miss Kansas City, March 2006. I was awarded 2nd runner up and won interview. I.MISS.THIS.

I recently started using Murad skincare products. I purchased the 30-day kit to see if it would work with my skin. I have to be honest, I've been using it since Sunday and haven't really noticed too big of a change yet. I'll keep you posted. I have noticed that my skin looks brighter, but my yucky blemishes haven't yet disappeared:(

My phone is turned off, if you've tried contacting me lately then you probably already know this! I'm horrible about making sure that my phone bill is always paid and I'm not sure why. And the past couple of weeks I have been way to busy to even talk on the phone. That, is a sad.day.

What I'm Loving...Wednesday:)

Wahoo! We're halfway through the week. Yessssssss.

Red Pants!!! Oh emm gee. I am obsessed! This weekend I will be purchasing the pair on the right! Both pairs are from Express. I really want some skinny ones too, but at $70 bucks a pair...um, yeah. I don't know why I love 'em, but I do!



I want to make this wreath for Valentine's Day. Source: Pinterest



I also really like this wreath for times of the year when not much is going on. Or for my classroom. Source: pinterest

And, well, that's all folks :)

To Rant Or To Rave?

How about a little of both! My rant? Slow drivers. This is how I am certain I need to live in a slightly faster paced area! I did figure out that I can make it home for lunch to let Max out if I drive 15 over the speed limit and don't get stuck behind slow drivers! By slow I mean people who drive as if there truly isn't a worry in the world or a need to be anywhere. Yuck. Ever heard of Kingsley? Yeah...the YouTube guy Kingsley! Well, I LOVE Kingsley. My friends kindasorta say that I remind them of him. Interesting. Watch this video of his rant on drivers. Discretion: Kingsley uses foul language. I don't endorse this and if this language offends you, please do not watch this video!

I missed The Bachelor last night. I'm not sure why, or how. I guess adjusting to my schedule :(

I am super excited that tonight the new season of the tv show The Game airs! I love this show because it is sooo quirky. Season 1 was my favorite. I finally had a chance to catch up on last season over break. Oh, did I forget to mention that I have a mild huge crush on Pooch Hall?!? He plays Derwin. I follow him on Twitter and mentioned him, but, I guess he forgot to respond. Sigh.

This is from one of my favorite episodes :) Ahhh, I can't wait for tonight!

Yay, I survived my first week of being a "teacher". Okay, I haven't really done much yet in terms of teaching but I am learning quite a lot and developing my own teaching style. My cooperating teacher is pretty cool, which helps a lot! I have to be at the school everyday by 7:20am! What?! My face is way too puffy at 7 am to be seing anyone! But, I'll get over it. We teach for 5 straight hours then break for our 30 minute lunch. I'm disappointed in how short the lunch break is because I was hoping I would be able to go home, walk Max, etc. But, I just can't. It makes me pretty sad having to leave him at home, alone, for 10 straight hours everyday. I go to my other job at 3 and don't get home until 5:45-ish. Needless to say, I'm pretty tired doing these adult hours :( Thankfully, I love what I'm doing, which makes it a lot better.

Today, I actually obtained 2 papers to replenish my empty coupon binder and non-existing stockpile :)) This makes me a happy happy girl!
Also, Eric & I went to see the movie The Devil Inside...can we say disappointing?!? The movie wasn't bad, but boy, the ending was absolutely DREADFUL.

This weekend I had some time to get some projects done. I spray painted some wine bottles and a vase to match the colors in the bedroom. I am kind of thinking I want to put a design on them as well. The pictures make the color appear bluer than it actually is.

Sneaking Max around campus :))

New Years Eve at the Plaza in downtown Kansas City (ignore the thumb-someone obviously can't take pictures well)



Coupon Heaven!

I didn't make any real New Year's resolutions this year. It's not that I can't keep them, it's that I find myself changing throughout the year and finding new goals to work on. I know I want to run outside at least twice a week verses the treadmill. Not hard since I run anyways. But, it could be hard during the cold seasons. Yuck.
Can I resolve to find a great job within the next couple of months?!?

I do resolve to watch my spending and grow a stockpile...nothing too large though since I will likely be making a huge move in a few months!


Happy New Year Everyone :)

What I'm Loving...Wednesday!

#1: I NEED this at home laser hair remover. Seriously. I found it in my ULTA catalog and just keep thinking about it. It is kind of pricey, but I feel like it would be sooooo worth it.
#2: This color palette is from Lancome. I really want some eyeshadow that is strong in pigment. I feel like all of my others never go on like they should.
#3: I love these lace Toms. I tried some on when I was in Oklahoma over the holidays, but they were a size too big. I'm really hoping I can find a pair in my size!
#4: I got these black sparkly Toms for Christmas (thanks Mom!) I wanted them so that when I'm standing/teaching all day my feet aren't sore. So far, money well spent.
#5: I am growing quite fond of my Morrocan hair oil. I picked mine up at ULTA a couple of months ago, but I didn't really like it. However, once I started putting it on my damp hair then doing a blowout...viola! Almost perfection :) It leaves just the right amount of shine and doesn't have too strong of an odor. If I could change anything about the product, it would be the smell.

Happy Wednesday, Y'all :)

What I'm Loving by mary-susan featuring black shoes

T'was The Night Before :)

Tommorrow, I begin my life as a "student teacher". This is pretty surreal. I always knew that I would get here, however, the road wasn't and hasn't been an easy one. I know there are people who never believed in my skills, academically. I know a lot of people, particularly growing up, never thought I was smart enough. So many parts of me are so thankful that I didn't graduate as a "traditional" student. I was. Not. Ready. When I was 22, I wasn't ready to graduate or focus on school. I wanted to live my life with my friends and have fun. And I did. But there comes a point when growing up and being mature becomes, or should become, the priority. The spring semester doesn't begin until January 17th. However, my semester begins tommorrow. Tommorrow, I will attend my first teacher inservice. Wednesday, I will begin my first day as a high school teacher. This.is.crazy! I have found myself doubting my knowledge, my ability to handle the responsibilities. Part of me wants to withdraw from this and enroll in regular courses and have 2 more weeks worth of vacation. The other part of me knows that this is what I want. I am pretty excited. I almost feel like a child on Christmas Eve. I don't know what tommorrow holds for me. I don't know what this week holds for me.
I don't know how the students will react to me. I don't know how I am going to answer questions that I don't have answers to. I want to know all of the answers beforehand. But I'm human and I know that's not possible. I want to do good at this. People have always told me that I will be a great teacher. People have told me that they would love to be in my history class. I just hope that I can make this semester an interesting one for my students.
I'm nervous. Excited, Scared, and already exhausted just thinking about the lessons and grading I will be doing. BUT...I'm so excited to get this ball rolling!