Oh SPLENDID.

 Today started off with a FANTASTIC idea. An idea that included Starbucks and a pedicure when I left work. However, that FANTASTIC plan was thwarted (I've been waiting for an excuse to use that word) when I realized I forgot my wallet (which is required for both parts of my plan) in my other purse...as big as this purse is and I don't even have what I need. Rats.

Guess that's the way the cookie crumbles my friends. Speaking of cookies... I need one.

Happy Wednesday!

Dear Life

You are busy and crazy and unexpected and scary and exciting and lovely and precious and full of wonder and insane and frustrating and beautiful and miraculous and hilarious and ironic and comfortable and awkward and full of laughter and some tears and loud and fast and unpredictable and sweet and such a gift. 

Dear Life,

I love you.

For Your Listening Pleasure

I cannot run without blaring music. It doesn't have to be anything in particular, just something that I like--and can sing along to (sorry innocent bystanders). 

Here are some off of my running playlist this week. 

The Wanted- Glad You Came

Love the boom, boom, pow.

Paying a Little Tribute to the one who I share my name with.

I love the sassiness in this song.

Mumford & Sons- The Cave

Montell Jordan- This is How We Do It

I mean, do I even have to explain why I love this song?

Taylor Swift- Enchanted

I loved this song before, and after The Vow...c'mon.

Hillsong United- The Inside Out

All- Time Favorite. 

Glee- Stereo Hearts

So Good.

What gets you moving?

Crochet Crayy

Over Christmas break we had a wonderfully relaxing time in North Carolina with the fam. While we were there my sister-in-law & I decided that we would learn to crochet. I will tell you that she is a much faster learner than I and had a cute scarf done after watching a "how-to" video. After my THIRD round of ugly scarves, I finally completed mine. Clearly I proclaimed myself a professional at that moment. Since then I've pretty much decided that I can crochet anything. Pinterest has given me loads of inspiration for my new found profession.

My scarf & ear warmer^^

Up Next:

Stay tuned

What up 2012?!

What whaaaa? 2012. A new year has never really been that big of a deal to me. I mean, all is the same except that for the next couple of months it will take me a second or two longer as I hesitate to write 2012 after the date. It's a new year and many people are psyched about it. I think it's great that people feel as if they have a fresh start, a time to turn things around, a clean slate, a blank canvas, whatever floats your boat. I celebrate New Year's just like everyone else. I count down as the ball drops, I kiss my man, I hug my friends and family and I thoroughly enjoy it all! However, I don't let myself get bogged down with the pressure of a "New Year". I will share with you some of my resolutions for this year... but I know that some will end up broken and I may not be able to hold up my end of the bargain when it comes to my resolutions but they are just that... resolutions. They aren't promises peeps!

1. Run More

2. Complain Less

3. Give Compliments

4. Take Naps

5. Eat MoreVeggies

6. Drink less caffeine

7. Laugh Harder

8. Speak Softer

9. Dress Up

10. Slow Down

Most people stick to one resolution. I obviously have a bit more but I figure this way I have a better chance of keeping at least one:) I'll let you know how it goes. 

Happy New Year Everyone- Hope it's full of faith, love, and laughter!

Fa la la la

     Today we went caroling to some of the nursing homes in the area. The kids have been practicing Christmas carols for a week or so now and they were more than ready to get their tinsel halos on and show off their stuff. We piled in a room filled with people's grandmas, grandpas and even a retired 1st grade teacher and serenaded them with some of the season's finest sounds. PRECIOUS. I was so not prepared for the level of heartwarming that was going to take place. A quote from one of my little guys, "Mrs. Tragos, I gave a card to a lady that couldn't talk. But I smiled real big and told her Merry Christmas!" I mean, seriously, how sweet is that? I was bursting with all sorts of joy. I am so glad our class got the opportunity to do that. It was an experience we'll all remember.

      In other news, PT finished his exams today! Woo HOO! That means I have my friend back--now instead of being holed up in the study or at the library my husband will be able to hang out with me! I'm psyched. I've already got Yogurt Mountain and Target trips and movie dates planned, along with hours of reality television. YEP.


                         Only FOUR school days 'til Christmas Break and just ten days 'til Christmas
                                                               ... but who's counting?

Oh, Hi.

You guuuuuuuys. I'm a hot mess. As you may be starting to see--I have a LOT more free time in the summer/my life is not total chaos. But right about now as I find myself in the middle of holiday parties, paper grading, conferences, Christmas shopping, cooking, *kind of* cleaning ;), and rooting on my Oh So Smart Husband through his exams, I am completely CRAZY. I don't have time to blog each day... but I think about it ALL THE TIME. And then I find myself completely immersed in a pile of papers to grade and Grey's Anatomy to watch...

ANYWHOO, enough whining about my busy life. It's CHRISTMAS TIME!!! I LOVE CHRISTMAS. I put our tree up and decorated the entire house before Thanksgiving. I've been blaring Christmas music for weeks now. We've made Christmas cookies, bought & wrapped presents, and if the tree lights are not on 5 minutes after being in the house I am sprinting to the power switch. I am all about the Holidays.

How adorable are these place-mats my mother-in law made for me?

Our tree & brown paper packages tied up with string.

This is our classroom tree. I love having two:)

The kids were almost as excited as I was.

One of our boards, "The best gift of all..."

One of my sweet kiddos drew the best gift, Jesus. So Cute!

Some of the Christmas Cards we made for the Nursing Home

My Gingerbread Latte and Christmas Break on my calendar. BEST time of year.

Our Christmas Card Photos

Merry Christmas

Awkward.

Ohmyword. This is awkward. It's kinda like that feeling when you've been avoiding someone's phone calls for a week or two and then you run into them somewhere...(okay not nearly that awkward but I'm trying to add dramatic effect to my long absence from the blogosphere).

It's been far too long since I've blogged. So much time has passed and so many fun things have happened that I feel like I have so much to say and nothing to say all at the same time!

I guess I'll start with the present. I am busy! These little kiddies are keeping me on my toes, and under the weather. I've been sick every other week since the end of September--but they are sweet as can be and I've never received so many get well cards in my life. I CANNOT believe that Thanksgiving is right around the corner and then on to CHRISTMAS. I'm already getting in the Christmas mood. Justin Bieber's mistletoe has been blaring since it came out and I'm still not ready to take it off repeat.

Since I've been gone, I've celebrated my fantastic husband's birthday, attended some Florida State football games, spent endless hours grading spelling tests and mental math quizzes, and celebrated my mother's 50th birthday! I'm way behind is giving my tributes to these special people but I will be giving them their due posts. . . eventually.

I am alive, and well (aside from the constant stuffy nose) and will be back soon!

Let's Play Catch Up

Ohmygoodness.

It has certainly been awhile since I've blogged. I'll try and give you a summary of what has been going on lately. I'm alive and well, a little too alive and well which is why I haven't had time to blog recently. School has been a whirlwind. First Grade is certainly different than Kindergarten and I find myself longing for nap time ( for both the children and myself) but I love the kids and I'm having a lot of fun with them. In the midst of my absence, I celebrated a birthday:) the big 2-4. In my mind I am still 22... every time I am asked my age, my immediate response is 22. Then I have to adjust my thinking. I suppose it is because so much has happened so quickly in the past two years that I can't quite catch up.

My birthday was uh-mazing. I usually start warning people about a month in advance so that they can prepare to shower me with "Happy Birthdays" and lots of love. Success. Although my birthday weekend was shared with one of the biggest Florida State games in history, it was equally as exciting (for me anyway). My parents visited the week before which is one of my favorite things. I love seeing them and being able to spend time with them when they are here. Then the next weekend PT's parents, sister, and all of our out of town friends came to visit in order to see the big game (and celebrate my birthday, of course). It was a great time. PT made me feel all sorts of special. He got me presents and let me pick the movie and went to my favorite brunch TWO weekends in a row:) It was the best.

My actual birthday fell on a Monday which isn't a great setting for celebrating the day you were born. I went to school and my whole class sang to me, made me cards and debated about whether I was 12 or 15 this year. (awesome) They all presented me with a gift card to a salon to get pampered (thanks room mothers!) and that evening I went to the law school to watch PT in action at his Mock Trial competition. On the way home I got Yogurt Mountain (duh) and confirmed to myself how much I truly love birthdays.

I'm hoping this is the end of my blog hiatus. Hoping.

Random Factoids

1. I love Swedish Fish.
2. My favorite movie is "The Notebook", other close faves are "Forest Gump", "Mean Girls" and "Legally Blonde".
3. My dream job is E! News Anchor. (Giuliana Rancic)
4. I love kids. They seriously make me laugh non stop, I am a five year old at heart.
5. I think Dr. Seuss is a genius.
6. I think I have the cutest, smartest, best & most amazing husband in the world. Just sayin.
7. I think I look like John Travolta.
8. I want to speak Italian fluently.
9. My favorite food is ice cream.
10. I am an undiagnosed hypochondriac.
11. I love making lists.
12. I have never, not finished a book I started.
13. I seriously, and this is no exaggeration, cannot  understand accents. I've tried to watch Harry Potter a dozen times & just can't get it. Even pirate accents throw me. Argh.
14. I love to read.
15. I laugh at all times. When something is funny, awkward, unsettling, upsetting, embarrassing, wonderful, or quiet. Really, any time at all.
16. I'm addicted to reality television.
17. I panic when people tell me to "Go ahead" when walking in the same direction.
18. I like hugs.
19. I get really serious when it comes to my bedding, sleeping arrangements, and pillow selections.
20. I'm an awful driver.

handyWOman.

So this weekend, while PT was out of town I decided it would be a great time to put shelves up in our bedroom. Mistake # 1. Although I have never attempted anything involving tools I figured it couldn't be that hard....it came with directions after all. Mistake # 2. While the instructions did not call for a drill, I thought it'd be cool to try out and probably save me some time screwing things into the wall. Mistake # 3. In the end, the shelves were up. I doubt their ability to actually hold anything but after the work I put into it, I was far too stubborn to take them down. I learned a few lessons during this process: Handy work is not my calling. Instructions are never what they seem. And drills are no joke. I'll be sure to keep these things in my mind when I take on my next "project".

Just Sayin...

Back to School, Back to School

Whew! After a week of setting up and getting names written on everything school has begun! The first day was a whirlwind of explaining, playing, and trying to get my little first graders used to being in the classroom again (and wanting to return on Monday). They are the sweetest little ones with TONS of energy, & after 8 hours of stickers, band-aids, goldfish, crayons, pencils and sing alongs I was worn out! At the end of the day I hugged each one goodbye and told them what a great day it was and then sat down at my desk to take a breath! The first day went great but I still have tons to do to get ready for the rest of the year! I'll be in the classroom this weekend making sure everything is ready and organized for our full week of school next week! Here's some of what I've been up to:

 

 

These were waiting for me after my first day of school. Thanks PT:)

                                                             

Papercuts, back aches, and bruises

And a classroom that is coming together quite nicely:)

Just a summary of what I've been countless hours doing for the past 48hours:

Lugging large heavy items from a second floor classroom to a first floor classroom. sweating in the 100 degree Tallahassee weather. cutting. taping. coloring. boxing. organizing. fixing. walking up and down stairs. sweating. laughing. whining. thanking my dad for his height and strength. sweating. hanging. standing on chairs. finding random game and puzzle pieces. sticky tacking. sweating. shopping. arranging.rearranging. planning. brainstorming. sweating. climbing. lifting. scooting. sliding. dragging. chatting. proofing. checking. reaching. sweating.

Pictures of my adventure to come.

Peace Out Summer, It's Been Real.

Well it's official: Summer is over. I am packing up my car today to head back to Tallahassee to begin setting up my classroom for the new school year. As the to-do list in my head piles up I am finding it harder to sleep at night and relax throughout the day. I am beyond excited to get back to the schedule of my daily life, my sweet students and our condo in Tallahassee but I know it won't be long before I miss the simplicity of summer vacation. Tonight we're going over for one last dinner at Mama and Papa T's house and then I'll be heading to my parents house before me and my dad (bestdadintheworld.com) head up to Tally to start the process of my classroom transformation! I'm looking forward to the fall, filled with football games, school events, holidays and birthdays... but who doesn't wish summer was a little bit longer?  Goodbye Summertime, see ya next year!

Lovely Day

As summer draws to an end I am excited to get back to work but know I will miss the laziness of my time off. Waking up early and working long days is not something I'm camping over night, waiting in line for but I am so pumped about the ideas I have for my class this year that I can barely stand the wait! There are plenty of things to whine about but I am working on positivity here- So as I think about the 12 page paper I have due for my class, the never ending list of things I have to do to get my classroom ready for my kiddies, saying goodbye to family as I leave for Tallahassee next week & all the other busyness that I consider my life, I have a few things to keep in mind that will make all of my days lovely. (Feel free to steal some.)

Have a lovely day everyone!

Thursday Throwbacks

There are some things from my childhood that I absolutely cannot give up. Naps, Lip Smackers, Fruit Roll-Ups, and popsicles are a few of them. But there are other things that I've been thinking about and can't believe I've let slip out of my life and be replaced by healthy, serious, more "adult" things. Today, I wanna take it back, way back... to the good ol' days.

Check em out:

This combo of oldies but goodies would make for the perfect afternoon.

Ultimate Planning

I'm kind of obsessed with making lists. Although I usually feel some sort of uneasiness when I am unable to check off everything on my "To Do" lists. Nonetheless I love listing things- my schedule for the day, groceries, packing lists, things I "need" lists, things I love lists, movies I want to see, meals for the week... you get the idea. Lists make me feel organized, although I'm really not. One of my favorite things ever (nerd alert) is getting a brand new day planner and filling it in with multicolored pens and markers for all of my upcoming dates and list making and then thumbing  through it proud of my detailed organization. It makes my whole wild & crazy life feel a little more under control. And then of course I end up going back through and having to scratch out, rearrange, draw arrows and ultimately destroy my perfectly color coordinated planner that made me feel so sane. I believe that it is fun to feel organized and in control, but it is always calming to know that when I have arrows and strikethroughs and scribbles in my daily life, when I don't quite complete my list, the ultimate planner has it all under control. There is nothing out of control in God's hands. I am exactly where I am supposed to be, doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing.

Hallelujah.

I Fought the Law & the Law....Won?

     No, no, no...I'm not in any legal trouble. The truth is, I feel like I've been surrounded by discussions of the law lately. Not criminals per say but the law itself, and let me say... it's exhausting.

A typical day in our house goes like this:
I wake up and pack PT a lunch for his full day of classes and I go to work.When I get home in the afternoon I can usually find my hubby holed away in his office listening to a lecture while working on an outline and eating a snack (he is a far, far better multi-tasker than I). After I go to the gym, he is usually in the same room although now he may have moved to the day bed with his laptop propped on a pillow and a book open on the bed. I make dinner and PT comes out of his cave famished, which is the best way to eat my cooking and we eat together. We talk about our days and then we occasionally watch something on our DVR until he heads back to the cave again. I get ready for bed, he tucks me in, tells me goodnight and goes back to study for a few more hours until I feel his arms reach for me mid-slumber and I know in that moment, nothing could be better.

I have watched in amazement as PT has studied, read, complained, persevered through and ultimately dominated his first year of law school. Today PT's brother-in-law is taking the dreaded Bar Exam. (prayers are appreciated!) I lack the diligence and self motivation that it would take to tackle this endeavor of becoming an attorney but I can't help but look on these men in my life with awe! FIRST you have to study for the LSAT (yuck) THEN you have to put up with 3 years of law school, that's right, 3 whole years of studying and memorizing and reading and writing and learning all these facts, rules and well, laws. AND THHHEEENN you have to buckle down and study some more for the Bar Exam, which by the way is unlike any other test you will ever take (so I hear). ANYWAY, this rant is not to talk about how crazy these smarty pant people are. Although...I'm not discounting that finding by any means. But this post is to show my appreciation for the hard work that these peeps put in.

PT does ALL of this, and still finds time to stop and get flowers for me, or surprise me with some Swedish Fish. He even plans weekends so that we can spend time together outside of his cave. I am so proud of PT. And I am so thankful that he is mine.

To think that a little over a year ago, I'd never give a second thought to these things but after watching my husband work so dang hard I thought it only seemed appropriate to bestow some praises.

Running

I am not one of those people that loves to exercise. I do not wake up every day with excitement for hitting the gym. I, unlike some, loathe working out. It is a constant battle within myself and every day I have to talk myself out of sitting on the couch with a large bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch and watching Say Yes to the Dress and instead- going for a lengthy, hot, sweaty, torturous run. Sounds awful doesn't it?

However, I do it. I may hate it, I may whine, I may argue with myself and ask scream at myself "Why? Why? Why?"as I'm trucking through another mile BUT I'm doing it. Nothing beats the feeling of accomplishment as I round my last stretch knowing that I have not wasted the day. I feel empowered. Although I may be tired, I feel strong. Running becomes a peaceful time where I can think and clear my mind and get away from all the commotion of the day. I don't love to run, but I love the feeling I get knowing that I did. Knowing that I exceeded my own expectations, knowing that I went that extra mile even with all the doubt in my mind. Each run I start by asking myself, "Am I going to be a wimp? or Am I going to be a champ?" Somedays I am a wimp (when the cereal is much to appetizing and Say Yes to the Dress is having a marathon), but nothing beats those days of feeling like a champ.