Overappreciated

WHAT? I know right?
Have you ever felt over appreciated? We spend all our days getting kicked around and spit on and treated like idiots. Yeah I have been there, just like everyone else. Fortunately for me I have entered a phase in my life where I am praised beyond what I should be for my work. This is not a braggy post in any way.  Its just an odd feeling.  I came in this year as a first year teacher on a Team with some amazing educators.  I am blown away by their abilities each and everyday. I try to take advantage and learn from them every chance I get.  Long story short I have applied for Grad School which required me to submit several professional references, in which I was highly praised which is fine and good. But what has me in awe more than that is my opinion is actually listened to and taken into consideration. I am not just the new girl who gets pushed aside. Its nice. Is anyone else lucky enough to feel this way from time to time?

First Year Frustrations

Being a first year teacher has its own unique set of stressors.  I was unexpectedly plunked into a homeroom classroom during the 3rd week of school.  It was what I wanted, dreamed, and prayed for. BUT it was not in anyway what I had prepared for. I am the type of person that is either waaay ahead or 10 steps behind.  I'm never caught up.  Ask any teacher they never feel "caught up" because in the classroom there is always something else that needs to be done.  I am looking forward to Spring Break so much I can hardly stand it any longer. HOPEFULLY *fingers crossed* I will finally get somewhat prepared so that I don't constantly feel like I am treading water.  I've always believed that the best way to learn is on the front lines, but 7 months in I am ready for some changes I already have so many plans for my next class!

Wowzers!

18 months ago I never could imagine my wedding day being so close.  Now here we are 1 month away.  I absolutely cannot believe it.  I am still a lot calmer than I thought I would be.  We have some invitations that still need to be done, so what.  We still do not have programs, and if they do not get done this weekend, we just won't have programs.  So may people drive themselves crazy over elaborate "perfect" weddings and dwell on the little details until they cannot even enjoy the day.  I made a vow to Scotty and myself long ago that I would not let this wedding become more important than us.  In this very moment I can proudly say that I feel that I have lived up to my vow.  Now have I gotten a little obsessive and freaked out from time to time? Of course.  But at the end of the day when I walk down that aisle Scotty will be there and we will leave as husband and wife.  Will our vows become obsolete if the color of the chair ties do not perfectly match the table toppers?  Didn't think so.  It baffles me at how much perspective people lose on such a big day.  I have seen a wedding that cost less than $700 with two people madly in love.  We have all seen the tragic ending to the $10million Kardashian Fiasco.  On December 17th as everyone pulls away I don't care if everyone liked how we did things, or if they preferred our decorating styles.  If the food and music choices were odd.  If our sequence didn't make sense.  I want them to walk away thinking... HMM those two really love each other and this day was absolutely about them. 

Tell the World I'm Coming Home

Back where I come from, where I'll be when its said and done. I'm proud as anyone back where I come from. Some say its a backwards place. Narrow minds on a narrow way but I make it a point to say That's where I come from. 
mpus.  I am sure everyone misses there college days but man alive I miss being there to see the tents on the Quad on Thursday afternoons.. the obvious excitement in the air. How every person you pass seems to be talking about the game in some capacity.  Every clothing store is devoid of anything crimson, houndstooth, or skimpy and black.  Every street is closed. And every person you pass is your new best friend.

Its a sacred place. Silence falls as all eyes and ears turn towards the stadium as that immortal voice roars across town "I ain't never been nothing but a winner."

Cold chills spread. It sounds silly unless you have the passion too.

How can something as little as a football game mean so much to so many?

For some its tradition for others its a way to communicate. Its living vicariously,  its being a part of something much bigger. 

The Crimson Nation is home to me.

Moving away from my home to Myrtle Beach was much harder on me than I ever expected. Anywhere I go I can see that script A or houndstooth, or just hear a good oleander Roll Tide and instantly I feel at home.  Its like getting a little smell of grandmas home cooking. 

Its more than nostalgic.  Its soul soothing.

I need my home. And I am so proud that I am coming home.

30 Days of Thanks

I am linking up with The O' banions for 30 Days of Thanks. Hopefully this will get me out of my "lack of blogging" funk. 

Day 1 -- I am Thankful for my job.

In this economy so many struggle to find jobs, especially in the field of Education.  In Alabama there were many districts actually cutting teaching units because of budget issues.  I was blessed to be offered more than one job.  It was definitely a struggle to decide, but ultimately I am certain that I made the right choice.  

Each morning I begrudgingly roll out of bed way too early and drive to school in the dark.  Then at 7:25 14 wonderful 2nd graders pile into my room with the biggest smiles on their faces.  For some I may be the only hug they get.  I may be the first smiling face each day.  I have a wonderful TEAM of coworkers whom I have come to love.  I am their Rookie and Little Southern Belle.  I would not trade my days for anything.  Do I get frustrated with the 12 hour days I seem to always be working? Absolutely. Do I wish I could turn off my "teacher brain" and focus on my friends and family? Without a Doubt.  But more than all that I am Thankful to be such a Big Part of so many Little Lives.

What are you Thankful for Today?

six months later

six months ago I was rushing out of a restaurant to get to Scotty's apartment to check the weather.  My parents had just left Myrtle Beach the night before and were expected to hit some rough weather along the way.  I will never forget the moment when my eyes saw the radar.  The three previous Fridays I had been with my Fifth Grade students while going through tornado warnings.  We had come to see it as a Friday routine.  We would hear James Spann and I would take cover in the bathroom of my 2nd story apartment with Bama.  I have always loved the weather and was taught to respect storms not fear them.  My eyes have never seen so many rotations, so much red all at once. 
Fear.
Panic.
Helplessness.
we watched live as Tuscaloosa was torn apart.  I listened as it crossed over the street I traveled each day.  The school I had just left my 60 5th graders at.  My apartment.   The initial shock set in, then a new round of panic.  The same storm system was heading straight for our HOME-home. Early in the morning a storm had blown through and knocked out power and cell phone service. Most people had no idea anything was coming.  I was finally able to get in touch with our families and let them know to take cover.  As everything began to clear we began to see the tip of the devastation that occurred. My mind still cannot fathom the things I have seen and continue to see.  At the same time I stand back in amazement at the wonderful events I have witnessed. Everyone reaching out to one another. Seeing people that haven't spoken to each other in years, open their homes, their hearts, and so much more. 

In 6 months my life has become so much more. 
There is meaning behind each and every day.
I will never doubt that I am exactly where I need to be.
If I wasn't at a job interview I would have been inside my apartment, being brave, and riding it out.
I got the job. I lived. I am where I need to be six months later.

The Simple Things

I have been seriously absent lately, so I am relieved that I caught "The Simple Things" this week since the link up ends today.

- the funny things my students say: "Miss B you can't teach us cursive, cursive is bad words." "Miss B who controls the weather the government or God?"

- a cool fall breeze

- Scarves

- Wearing jeans to school

- a message from my favorite 3 year old

- afternoon bike rides and sitting by the water with Scotty.

- taking time for myself even with all the crazy surrounding me.

I love the simple things. I love Jesslyn Amber for giving me the chance to stop and think about them each week.