Tan Tar A

This is my first Tan Tar A conference experience (if you don't count playing in north west wind symphony here for mmea). I'm at the Science and Math interface conference. It has been awesome.
I am still living as a Special Ed. Teacher even though I teach 6th grade science. I think it will take a while to make the switch. If I was at a sped conference there would be a lot of hand outs and a lot of powerpoints. At this conference, I have stomped on plates, identified producers, consumers and decomposes. I have done a blind contour. I have done a modified contour. I played in a nature box. I have done a full experiment with color and had to change the independent variable. That's not all, and it's just 2 workshops.
I am forever thankful for the experiences I am getting as well as the opportunity to teach science. I'm excited for the time to become a science teacher with great knowledge in differentiation and making all the students feel special.

Valentine's Day!

This would be my first Valentine's Day where I had a serious boyfriend and someone that wanted to share in this hallmark holiday with me. To be honest, I don't think that either John or I really love this holiday, but what we do love is finding any reason to go out and celebrate. I am so happy to have found someone who likes to celebrate as much as I do. So the night before, we went shopping and John bought me 2 dresses, because i wanted them both. Then on our valentines he brought me Christopher Elbow coffee and hot chocolate and some of their valentine artisanal chocolates. I had the coffee this morning, it's amazing! Then we went to dinner at Mestizo-Aaron Sanchez's restaurant in KC. He's a judge on chopped. It was awesome food and amazing service. We will go back when it gets warmer to the patio! It was a Valentines celebration that I won't forget!

Where'd the thankfulness go...

I was thinking recently about all I was thankful for and I realized that facebook and blogs were so nice around the holidays.  Everyone writes about things they are thankful for, and happy about.  But then a bit into January - holidays are over and it's full speed complaining.  I'm not just talking about everyone else, I'm thinking of myself as well.  I'm the only person I can account for anyway.  So I thought - before I do my favorite things blog, I should also do a Thankfull blog.  Maybe try to get one in a month or so (missed January).  They are easy to do, and it's nice to remember and put it all down.

Today I'm thank-full for:

My parents, really they do so much for me and have done so much for me.  I would not be the person I am without their support.
Every valentines day I spent without a partner.  It's really going to make this one special.
Not having any money, which makes me get really creative with the ingredients I have in my kitchen, which makes me a better cook.
humility - without this I would not be a good teacher, or person.
face cream - it makes my face feel awesome (will be featured in my favorite things)
days off - I had one yesterday and I'm very thankful for it.  Not sure if I'll take anymore this year, but it was nice.
John - even though it hurts he reminds me to be thankful and keeps me grounded emotionally which is more than I could ever ask from any one person.  And he supports me.
income taxes - I'm getting a good amount this year which will hopefully allow me to really get to a spot that I want to be at this year financially.
pinterest - it really has opened my crafty side, I love it.
fingernail polish - I love this act, it makes me stop and spend time doing something that I feel makes me look more together - it usually motivates me to do other things (pluck eyebrows) that make me look more together and professional.
christmas presents - I am still reveling in many of my christmas gifts.  I love how organized my room has become because of the armoir my parents got me, I put on my beautiful butterfly ring everyday and just become speechless because I still can't believe John gave me that, I am thankful for the bag Mary gave me - I put all my fingernail polish in it, while it didn't save me any money - it's nice to have a roku box and other options to watch than my basic cable channels.
pictures and my printer - I've been able to adorn my house with pictures of John and I which makes me happy
choices - i've been feeling a little overwhelmed with all my to do's lately, and it's nice to carve out time to do them, or not do them and not feel guilty or bad because in the end it was the choice I made and I am the one living it.

Happy Birthday John

February 7 is John's birthday. To celebrate we went to Cafe Des Amis in Parkville, MO. It was a wonderful experience. I love celebrating birthdays with good food and drink, we certainly got both. We had escargot to start, John had bouillabaisse for his entree and I had duck. Then we had chocolate soufflé and creme broulee. We shared a beautiful bottle of Cotes Du Rhone. Just an awesome time celebrating an awesome man. He'll be 34 by the way.
Happy Birthday John!!