Starting Now

So I fell off the blog bandwagon yet again, its not like I was ever completely on. I love reading many blogs every day, I feel so connected to so many wonderful people that I have never met and most likely never will.  I often think of how wonderful it must be to have a record of so many memories and be able to access them so quickly.  I envy folks who have documented dating, marriage, and now families and think to myself "I wish..." Well why not?  I see people who have saved every movie ticket, letter, email, etc.  Don't get me wrong I am an overly sentimental person but at the same time Scotty and I live.  We began dating when we were both living at home still and completely unsure of what we wanted or how we fit together.  There aren't cutesy pictures of our first dates, or Valentine's Day surprises under the stars.  I do regret that at times.  We don't have maps marked with the many places we have traveled or journals detailing the experiences we've had. I wish there was but we were busy taking in the moment rather than documenting the moments to enjoy later. My grandmother passed away when I was 4, and when going through her things I feel so close to her.  She kept every picture, card, and newspaper cut out of our family.  She wrote letters to her children before she passed to share her thoughts and love. There was no elaborate scrapbook or fancy verbiage. Just raw memories and thoughts. Admittedly so there was no way to edit photos then, but had there been I think she would have left them SOOTC.  Memories captured even when blurry, with noise, and stray hairs. I think that is what I love most.  Don't expect nice photos that have been painstakingly edited, or examples of lessons and units from my class to share. I will be busy being a part of the moments captured and spending time focusing on the darlings I will teach.  Others who do those things have a passion for it where I do not.  I do not want this to be work, or frustrating, or a source of unneeded stress, I want a snapshot of my life.  I always think to myself its too late to start now we've already skipped too much but why not start now. Last time I checked there is still plenty more to come.  Posts may be jumbled, I may not have readers, but I will have memories documented for years to come, Starting Now.

Home owners = Home Imporovement

I started blogging as a way to document this crazy time in life while we are away from our families(just like everyone else)  But I have totes become an epic failure.  This week it is my mission to catch up on our Honeymoon, my classroom, and our new home. 
I have heard so many horror stories about home buying.  I was blown away with how smoothly things went for us.  We saw a house go on the market one morning, we viewed it at 10 am, put in an offer at noon and the offer was accepted at 5 pm. We were beyond blessed.  The house had only had one occupant and is only 4 years old.  Brand new carpet, paint and all that business, BUT like everyone else in this world that just wasn't good enough. HA we have been up to our necks in renovation for the past 3 weeks.  My amazing FIL came to town to help out.  So far we have put new flooring in 2 bedrooms, living room, and stairs. New granite, sink, and kitchen fixtures. New paint in almost every room.  A fence, custom hammock, and benches for the fire pit, and doubled the size of our patio.  Like all DIYers we thought it would be simple but of course its rained on days we needed dry ground, we've lost parts, and had backordered supplies but all in all it has been a painless process.  The real hassle has been that we had to move out of our apartment only a week after we closed on the house, so all of this has been going on while we were moving in.  We are still living out of boxes, and eating out every night, but hopefully we will be unpacked by next week, even if it means I spend my entire Spring Break working.  Here are a few BEFORE pictures, cannot wait to see the AFTER results.
Were you crazy enough to try to remodel a new house while moving in to it?

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?