Biking 2013

Last summer I started off my biking summer with Tour de Brew. It's a great ride through the city. I generally ride this with a few biking friends, unfortunately I was too slow. I told them to move on at their pace and rode it solo. It wasn't a fun ride. At one point I was alone totally down in the west bottoms and then again downtown KC. It wasn't fun. I decided then I wouldn't do anymore team rides. It was a hard decision, because I love riding with my friends. I'm out of great shape and the Electra isn't a fast moving bike, plus it weighs 20+ pounds. Me and the bike are a lot to lug around, especially in hills. My bike riding waned as friends found other people to ride with that had road bikes and were faster. I went on a few rides that were satisfying but lonely.
John even noticed. I had ridden my bike a lot when he first met me. Our first summer together, I rode a 50 mile ride. It was a great personal accomplishment. But I didn't ride it alone, and for me biking is about the company and 'riding bikes' with others.
That was my vision when I bought the Electra. Rides on the trolley trail to the plaza, rides at various lakes and trails in town...and to be honest, the Electra is perfect for that. It became harder to find friends that wanted to go on those rides, our lives were moving on (pregnancies, preferred road bikes, busy with work etc). So it became clear if I wanted to ride, I needed a road bike. With little money to spare, I couldn't afford to buy a new one, so I looked to Craigslist. I bought the first bike I looked at. It was an old Schwinn that had been repainted. I fit well on it. Unfortunately after 30 or so miles a brake popped out and I finished my 50 mile ride, and haven't found anyone who will fix it yet. That was the summer before last. So last summer was the lonely bike riding. John had mentioned a few times around Christmas about buying me a road bike. We can't afford it and so I didn't even think twice about it. On my birthday, John surprised me by saying, "we are going to buy you a bike today. It's what I want to buy you for your birthday." However when I let him know how much bikes were....the sentimate was so sweet. I definitely have a great man, and he wants to make sure I'm happy. I thought about this for several weeks after and at some point was drawn to look at Craigslist again. I found a few bikes and emailed about them. I was the first emailer for both. I went to look at the first and it was too big of a bike. The second bike was a women's trek and the picture of it was very pretty! I was really hoping, praying, fingers crossed that it fit. The price was awesome. And it was a winner. Happiness, riding with friends were mine and John was able to buy me a bike. I was definitely the winner in this situation.
Yesterday I went on a ride with a friend who I hadn't ridden with in a long time. And then I rode the Electra with another friend later in the day. It was a wonderful start to the 2013 bike season. I am very happy!

The pros

There's so much to see in this picture, it was definitely the moment that was the highlight of my day.

Can't...move...

I'm wondering does anyone else of this problem? Some days, I can't get over my day. I come home and I can't seem to do anything. Anything but lay around. I can't work on my goals. Can't work on my dreams. Can't work on my work. In a lot of ways I'm paralyzed.
I don't know whether it's this school year in particular but the days are pretty hard. I don't remember feeling like this last year.
I just want to be able to come home and do what I want. Whether it's work out, or take the dog for a walk, or read, word cook dinner I just want to be able to do it.
But some days I can't, I'm paralyzed. All I can do is veg.
I wish I knew how to turn this around. To fix it. I wish I knew why it occurs. Stress? Shock of the school day?
Regardless, I don't like it. I want to come home and focus on other things and be able to do other things.
I will wish for next year to be different but today I'll just do what I can.

36.

For 35, I did 35 things I learned in 35 years.  I'm not sure what I could add that I've learned in the last year.  I've been thinking about what 36 things I could do.  I tried to do a facebook campaign to get 36 random acts of kindness, but surprisingly, it did not go well.  I didn't advertise and so it didn't get to 36.  I did witness a few incredible random acts of kindness, and that was fulfilling.

So this year I give you 36 truths.

1.  I worry about the future.  Not my future, but the future of our Earth, our childrens childrens future.  Yet, I do just above average on my part.  I recycle (although not everything I could).  I teach my students about the present state of the planet, and try and help them understand what we are doing to the planet and that we each make a difference.  I support various organizations within my community that help clean rivers or bike more.  That's my above average.

2.  I have recently found Joe Joe's - they are Trader Joes oreos -  and they are delicious.  

3.  2 weeks ago I had a kidney infection.  I have not drank soda since then, nor am I planning to.

4.  I -do- drink at least 16 oz of water in the morning when I wake up.  It has made a difference.

5.  I ran for 10 minutes straight the other day - in my mind, I had just won the Boston Marathon.

6.  Winter depresses me.  I like it for the beauty of fresh fallen snow, and that's about it.

7.  I don't have a good long-term, medium-term or short-term memory.  I need prompts often to remember things, sometimes I never remember them anyway - like playing volleyball in middle school, I don't remember doing that.

8.  When I can't remember a word, I can usually tell you the first letter it starts with and what it means but not the word itself.

9.  I love reading books.  I prefer it over television.  Unless...

10.  It's Duck Dynasty or Finding Bigfoot.  I LOVE those shows.

11.  I still play  oboe in a band.  I've been playing an instrument for 26 years - longer if you count the piano. 

12.  I don't really think I'll make it to 36 truths. 

13.  I can cook.

14.  I am currently typing this on my laptop (given to me at Christmas by my brother) on my bed, sandwiched in between a cat (that I let in earlier) and my still sleeping fiance, with the dog on the other side (also let her in).

15.  The moment that feels best during my day is when I take my bra off at night.  Best moment ever.

16.  I'm braver, but still afraid of spiders.  I broke my spider killer (old swiffer) killing a spider last fall.  Now that it's spring, they will come in again and I am feeling anxious without my spider killer.  I probably just need to find a new one. 

17.  The best part of teaching is the student buy in, where they are wanting to do and learn what you have asked them to.  I've had only a few of these times with this class of 6th graders.  It's been a rough teaching year and I'm looking forward to the new year all ready.

18. Fitz and the Tantrums is the best Pandora Station. 

19.  I enjoy a good random dance session in the living room.  I can still get down.

20.  I'm skeptic of many things - ghosts and The Long Island Medium aren't on the list

21.  I feel pretty tech savy, except when I try to get my photos from my phone to this laptop...I can't seem to figure it out. But I will or I will ask my brother.

22.  The dog and John are snoring.  Not in unison.

23.  It's going to snow or sleet today.  I prefer my spring breaks warm.

24.  Having your birthday on spring break or a time when you are not working is the best.  You can celebrate lots and go do stuff you wouldn't normally be able to on a school night. 

25.  I'm running out of thoughts and wanting breakfast.  I might end it here and come back when I am deeper thinking. 

balance

I think that we are all, always, looking for that perfect balance.  We know when we almost have it and life is swell, it feels good, and days are great.  We know when we don't have it, we feel like crap, we are angry, small things make us upset, overall life isn't fantastic. 
I've lost my balance, which is so much easier to maintain if there isn't someone else in the equation..just the truth.  However, with John in my life, and if it's in balance, life is fantastic, it feels extraordinary, the goods are super amazing.  But his balance affects my balance.  So when he is focused only on work, and doesn't take time out to enjoy our homespace or take care of himself...it affects my balance.  I spend more time making up for him not enjoying or not getting my enjoyment because he is sick...again.  It's such a balancing act.  We don't even have kids in the picture.  I'm incredibly in awe of those people who can balance the family, the faith, the working out, the eating right, and the happiness at the job.  I have had the best year, almost 2 years, of my life so I'm not complaining. But I will tell you that it takes a lot of focus and patience with myself to obtain the balance that I desire, and maybe even need. 
Good luck in striving for your balance.  If you have any secrets or words of advice, please share them. 

Life goes on....

I didn't even look to see what my last post was.  I can tell you that life is speeding by.  Here's a timeline of the last few months.


December 23:  John asked me to marry him and I said yes.  He did it at home and after, my family and best friends met us at McCoys (the place where we met).  It was a great night.  I'd never seen John so nervous...even afterwards.  It was cute. I'm over joyed to be moving our relationship to the next chapter.  And the ring (which he picked out) is perfect.  

December 24:  We had my family Christmas, including 11 service at Holmeswood (the church John worked at temporarily.  It was so nice to celebrate Christmas at church again.  It had been a long time since I had gone. 

December 25: We drove to Illinois, and had several days of Christmas with John's parents.  It's always nice to get over there to visit.  The drive is long, but worth several days of hanging out knowing John is getting time in with his parents.  I can't imagine living so far away, so I know the time we spend with them is special and needed.  Of course, it was really fun to retell our story and relive the moments with others.  John's parents are so welcoming, I really feel the love from them and am happy to become part of their family. 

New Years Eve:  we just spent at home.  We had several friends over.  It was a nice time and I was happy to be home and not out.  I do hope someday to travel for new years.  I'd love to try and relive New Orleans with John. 

January:  John had been sick since Christmas.  By January I got the crud.  A bit into January, right when he had to go back to work, John got the chicken pox.  It was so weird.  He only had it for a week.  The medicine they have out now is amazing.  I'm glad that it's not like it was when I was little..3 weeks. 

And now...It's February.  We are healthy.  John's birthday is coming up soon.  Then Valentine's day.  Spring is riddled with lots of gigs for John, many out of town.  I've started working out regularly and have many crafts in the works to finish and start. 

My life couldn't be happier.  I never forget how it all started, one birthday weekend full of celebration - enough to make a gal deep in her depression feel good enough to do internet dating again and meet her love less than a week later.  I never forget. 

Years goals: 2013

2013

In true Bonnie fashion here's a list of goals I have currently.  They change as frequently as life does.  I love the ever evolving nature of life. 

-So I totally blew the exercising and healthy goals in 2012.  I'm coming back for redemption during 2013.  I'm armed with a 2 year 24 hour fitness pass from my parents for Christmas - best gift ever!  I'm also arming myself with setting monthly or weekly goals (whatever works) for the amount of time spent in the gym or exercising.  Plus I've got the motivation I need:  MY wedding :)
-I'm going to continue my challenge for daily balance.  I'm hoping to calm many of the over thinking moments I had in 2012 and live a bit more in the moment.   
-Going to learn to cook more vegetables.  We are striving to eat twice as many vegetables as anything in the new year. 
-Financially, I'm not where I could be, so I'll strive to get there.  I'd like to put most of what John gives me for house expenses and such into savings.  We've started discussing  some lifestyle changes that could help us get there and help both of us spend less. 
-I need to take more pictures of the people in life - including myself.
-Career wise - just keep learning and start getting the curriculum I've been writing in my head on paper.  Goal is to create a teaching machine and focus more on life than work.
-I'm going to be more conscious - which I've already started - about the electronics in our lives.  If I'm physically with you, I don't need my phone out.  I've been good about it, and I certainly don't have a problem with it - but I watch others that do, and I don't want to be them.  I want to be an example of living right now and being with and there for those you are physically with. 
-there are a few things like knitting and sewing I've been wanting to learn, maybe I will get that in during 2013.

That's what's been on my mind for the moment.  Cheers to the new year! 

2012 review

Here's my Goals for 2012-and my review of how it went.



I'm a very goal oriented person - if I have unlimited amounts of time to get the goal accomplished. If there's a deadline - forgeddaboudit. That's why I love new years resolutions. I love making statements that could someday be true - and if they never become true, it's totally okay, or if it takes me several years - that's okay too. So here's my list for this year:

-Exercise. I love to do this, and don't take time to do it or allow myself to be lazy. No more excuses. There were tons of excuses.  No motivation, full on lazy, fat and happy.  Also, unhealthy and unhappy at times with my appearance.  This year...motivation, a 24 hour fitness pass from my parents at Christmas, and it's go time.  Gotta look good in a dress.
-Get Organized. Every year I get better, and stumble upon a better system for myself. I'm specifically going to organize my cleaning schedule and find a home for everything in my house. I'm also going to continue my weekly/monthly declutting and trip to Savers to donate it.  Check!  John moved in and I got rid of half my crap.  The place cleans up easy as long as we put things away. 
-I'd like to run a 3k all the way through. This involves training, which will hopefully help with the first goal. I'm looking at purchasing a treadmill this year, which will also help.  See the first goal. 
-Becoming a more serious biker. I need to get my road bike fixed. I would like to do 2, 50 miles next summer and overall just log more miles.  did not do this, again...see first goal.
-Walk everyday. Are you seeing a pattern here? I'm really setting myself up for exercise success! This summer I walked Maggie almost everyday and loved it. John joined me this winter during our vacation (because the weather is insane awesome) and I remembered how much I loved it. arghhh
-Financial betterment. I get better every year. I'm hoping this time next year I have some savings - that's my goal for this year, to actually save money to the end of the year. I'm going to be doing some bill getting rid of, and that will help incredibly (-cable, -massage envy, -bank loan).  CHECK!  and I have money in the savings for 2013.  whoo hooo!
-Because it's 2012, and the world might end, I'd like to live everyday to the fullest and try to keep the energy around me positive. I want to think twice before complaining, or getting angry (is it worth the energy spent?). I want to be able to put my best person out there, and if the world ends - I'll go out on a high note.....ha!  Check!  For most parts of life that I was focusing on, I've kept the energy around me positive.  Love it!  It's a lesson I will continue to teach and reinforce in my life and all around me.



Cheers to the new year! I hope everyone enjoys their chance to start over and be the person they want to be. I wish for everyone good health, and great wealth.

Somedays

I'm working on a lot. On myself, my relationship, the science curriculum, health & fitness. I always have goals. I always live into them and realize I need to make more. I love the constant challenge to be the best person I can possibly be in this life. Each year I begin to look back and I'm always amazed at how much life and living I accomplish.
My newest goals, especially the work ones will be awesome to live into. The ideas I have for my science curriculum have been cultivating for a year. They are really starting to solidify and I've already been writing. I can't wait for next year and a new start. That is what I love most about teaching-the new starts.
I love and always knew I would love having a partner to support me and give the support. It has to be balanced, and we do work hard to keep a balance. It's a lovely experience. I thank the universe, heavens, almighty god and baby Jesus everyday that this man picked me.

Living together

It's a beautiful thing when you find someone that is willing to love you enough to put up with your most intimate self.  We began talking about moving in back late fall/beginning of winter last year.   As with most things for John and I, it began with a conversation. The conversation continued up until the summer and we made the final decision.  I began readying my place, making room for John's physical items.  It was a process that would teach me  more about myself than I ever bargined for.  I was opening my life, my most intimate life and making room for his.  I was very concerned for John's transition.  It was right at the beginning of school, I was very concerned that we wouldn't get everything put away and in place to start school.  That was majorly important to me.  So I started making room and readying my house.  I got new carpet in the bedrooms.  I got rid of excess.  I moved things around.  I cleaned out the shed.  I got rid of more exceess.  There was a lot of excess.  I had no idea how much crap I had in my house -  how much I didn't need.  How much money I had spent on things that weren't usable.   Clothes that I wore once.  Furniture that didn't have a place.  Stuff I didn't use.  It all (almost) went.  I made enough room for John's physical things.  It was a smooth transition, we got things together, put up new book shelves, shelves and redid the bathroom.  We got along.  We laughed, worked together and worked alone all as a team.  It took John a while to adjust, as I think it would take anyone time to adjust to a new situation.  We were sharing our intimate selves.  That's new.  It's not as new now, it's just now starting to feel comfortable.  But our relationship has shown it's colors and they are beautiful.  Our  ability to work for eachother and with each other makes me incredibly excited for the future.  I have found the one, the one that accepts me for who I am, even intimately.  It's really all I wanted out of a relationship, I'm lucky enough to have that and more.  There's never a day I wake up and do not cherish what we have.  We will continue to grow and I have confidence our relationship will grow with it.  I'm so happy for this, for us.  Everyday is a blessing.

I have every intent to do a movie with John introducing our place - maybe for the holidays....with all the christmas decs. 

A New Year

12 Randoms about the beginning of School Year 2012-2013 

(Thanks as always, Kodi for the inspiration)

1. I didn't have much summer, a few weeks off - I enjoyed those weeks off though.  It was spent in preparation of John moving in.  Some of the best cleaning out I've ever done in my life.  It really helped focus and get my mind set in a good organized place for this school year - very thankful.  (more on john moving in later)

2.  I no longer DREAD going to work.  I do worry about not having a curriculum and having to rewrite a curriculum.  But I keep it under control, AND I got a beautiful, talented and amazing co-worker to work with this year that will be very valuable in this area.  As always, when I need something, there it is.

3.  I love teaching Science, I love that I'm still learning as the kids are learning.  They think I'm a scientist, little do they know...I'm just a student like them with a mastery of classroom management.

4.  My classroom is bold, colorful, beautiful and fun to teach in.  I love that it is that way.  I want to improve upon that every year.  I smile when I walk in.

5.  Volleyball has started, and while working 10 hour days is hard and long, it's going to be an awesome year.  I also feel that it will go by extremely fast.

6.  I'm taking a day by day teaching perspective this year.  I'm really thinking about the steps I want to teach them, how I want to teach them and what I want my students to get out of it.  It's been interesting to force myself to slow down and not plan ahead.  I'm really watching how the students process the information I am giving them.  I really feel like doing this is ultimately going to lead me to writing the best curriculum for my students (which is the point).

7.  I'm getting up about 15-30 minutes earlier this year and it is making all the difference, in my appearance and  being able to drink coffee, eat a little breakfast and be really ready for the day.  I like it, but I'm definitely in bed by 10. 

8.  Thinking back about my sped days, and the feelings that came with the last few years, I really appreciate my new found love for my job.  It really makes and has made an overall difference in my life as a whole.  Once I had the opportunity to change my position everything in my life seemed to switch to hopeful feelings and all has fallen into place.  It's a lovely memory and thought.  I'm very very thankful.

9.  When I think about the future, I think about how easy it will be to take what I finally put together as a curriculum and adapt it year by year as the classes change.  It will be so nice to go in and know already what I'm going to do rather than continually creating.  I'll be able to just modify and create around my students. 

10.  I love my school.  We are truly the best urban district in MO.  We won't ever meet AYP, but we've met everything that the state has expected us to with high standards.  It feels good knowing that my hard work is paying off for my students - having watched my school atmosphere change over the last 6 years has been all the progress I need to see.  And it truly and continues to be progressive.

11.  I am no longer afraid of phones or technology in the classroom.   In fact, I will be embracing it.

12.  I think I'm out of thoughts for the night.  I'll be putting together a blog to post next weekend about my newest chapter in life....my love, who is just a few rooms over watching tv.  :)

humility and mercy

Caring Bridge is a great resource.  I love that we can follow our loved ones and see how their treatments are going.  I love that there is a place for those that have to use it to share and air their feelings.  It's also a place where you can leave messages for the blogger or family of the Caring Bridge. 
That said, it's also taking up most of my link bar, you know the one under your address bar at the top.  I'm not sure of the technical name for it.  But I do know it's filled up with caring bridges.  It makes me sad that so many people I know are on caring bridge.  That means they are dealing with a disease, trauma, or other type of tragic situation.  Everyday I am faced with the humility of how great my life is at the moment.  As well as how all that could change in the next moment.  And maybe now that I have a love, a human to intimately experience life with, I care.  I care about that life and those experiences.  I also appreciate the life and experiences I am having now.  I appreciate them with a great depth and love.  Humility seems to be all around me these days - on my computer, on facebook, at work, stories of loved ones - anywhere I look and seek out humility finds me.  It could be the Caring Bridge, the sad stories of neglected kids (work), unexpected death, or even just everyday problems.  I am humbled and gracious for the life I am leading.  I am able to see the brightness and happiness that I have.  I am able to experience the moment and not look back or ahead. 
Lately I've been wondering why all the messages coming my way about humility.  And then Jacque's Caring Bridge answered it all.  She wrote about mercy, which is the name of one of her new and cute little kittens.  But she didn't just write about her kitten she wrote about God's mercies and how He saves us from danger or problems everyday that we just don't even know about.  Humility gives me the 'it could be worse' aspect, where mercy steps in and gives me the grace to see how good life is. 

So Jacque's blog was able to show me that what I was really seeking, or why humility was coming my way was so that I could see the graces and mercies given to me.  Be thankful, appreciative and don't take anything for granted.  Live a good life.   

Favorite Things at this moment.

This is entirely overdue - so you are getting my Favorite things at this moment version.  I'm going to limit it to just 'things'.  I'm not going to include John (my favorite man) or my favorite family moments, or any of that important stuff.  I'm going to copy and paste and show you the stuff I'd rather not live without.  :)

My Tervis cup - It's got a beautiful B on it that my mom gave me for my birthday.  Without fail, I use it everyday - usually with water in it.  They are awesome cups and the water tastes good out of them (have I mentioned my weird thing with water....).

Nivea lotion - makes the list again this year.  I love it.  I love the way it smells and it's not so greasy as some lotions can be.  It's been really nice to my sunburnt skin (everglades).

TJ's is a must - I'm so thankful that we got one.  I love it.  But what I love most about it right now is the 79 cent Sparkling water.  I drink it with crushed up fresh fruit and it makes me smile.  I like it just as much as any alcoholic beverage right now.

My Merrell sandals - which are not these exactly, but close.  I bought them at the beginning of summer for summer school and they have done my feet well!  I love them and will continue to wear them until they fall apart and go to shoe heaven.

I had no idea what a drybag was until I went to the Everglades.  They are the coolest bags.  And some of them cute.  Raccoons can still get in them, but water stays out!  I use mine for the pool now, and I used a small one for a recent run I did (I could just clip it to my sports bra on the back and not worry about having to hold anything). 

  Another repeat - but I love the stuff.  Thanks to my cousin Maure for showing me the beauty that is Indigo Wild.  It's a local company that makes soaps, oils, room sprays, all kinds of useful smelly goodness.  It's a must try for anyone.  www.indigowild.com  They ship!

For now, that's all I can do.  I'll try to put a few more out more frequently.  It would be nice to remember the stuff I love at this point in life.  Music too - except I'm totally into NPR right now.

Success story

http://success.match.com/story.aspx?ownerid=27783&EmailID=b70cddb3-566e-43b0-8d6f-51905ed50d81 They changed up my wording a bit, but pretty cute and fun to have it published.

procrastination

I don't want to pack for Florida - heading to the Everglades in the morning.  It's tedious and I'm afraid that I'm not going to pack the right stuff.  I keep wanting other things - but don't have the money really to go get them.  Oh well...so I got on blogger, which I hardly ever do anymore and checked out Kodi's blog.  This was her last entry - I thought I'd steal it and do it instead of packing.

I was...wondering today what obstacle is really keeping me from being healthy and losing the weight I want to lose.  I can't figure out the barrier.  I don't know what keeps me from just getting up and going on a walk.  Or joining a gym.  Or working out on the Wii.  Maybe it's fear, or feeling the lack of time, or not wanting to make it a priority.  It might be overwhelming.  I just know I have to get past it and get on it.  The time is now, I KNOW it.  I know it in my body, my soul, my mind. 

I am...heading to the Everglades tomorrow.  So excited for this trip, and so nervous.  We are being filmed by a film crew for a PBS special or something.  I don't know if I could be an actor.  So much pressure.  I have just been talking to myself saying that it doesn't matter what I look like, or how many pounds the camera adds, I need to go and have the experience.  That's what I'm there for.

I think...this will take more time than I was prepared for.  I have a lot of things to accomplish and I'm moving at a snails pace. 

I wonder...what kind of animals we will be able to see on the trip.  I also wonder what my boyfriend is doing in Illinois.  I miss him.

I wish...for nothing.  Everything eventually falls in place. 

I save...beer bottles...actually, John saves beer bottles.  I will have to figure something out with them, I think there will be a lot around the house.

I always...take a time out.  Everyday.  I have several time outs - resting times.  Usually right after school.  They are great moments in my day.  I meditate, read facebook, look at my email - it's just recharging. 

I can't imagine...still teaching special education.  My life has changed so much since I made the move to regular ed.  All for the happier.  Things fall into place.

I believe...in sunsets, waking up when the sun does, riding my bike on cold spring mornings, sweating til I stink, enjoying my friends and family, letting my feelings out, saying yes, seeing good in people, and I believe in living life.

I promise...to get it all packed up and ready to go before I get to bed tonight.

I love...my family (which includes my chosen family) because they believe, love and support me.  I'm very blessed.  I definitely don't take my gift for granted, even if I may not show it all the time.

Chicago Vacay!

From May 24th to May 30, John and I vacationed.  It was absolutely perfect.  We stopped in Decatur, IL on our way to Chicago, IL and then drove back the whole way.  The weather was great.  The driving was easy.  It was what we needed - a great time away.  I'm embedding a slideshow for you to see our adventures.  The pictures have labels (hopefully they show up) so you can see what we were doing/where.  Enjoy.

One year

A year ago today...
It was a saturday night
I met John at 9pm at McCoys
He was the best looking man at the bar
After 15 minutes I knew I needed to talk to him longer
At the end of the night, before we left I already was anxious to see him again
When I got home, I stood on my patio and talked with several friends about how awesome a first date/match meeting I had just had.

What an awesome year! So thankful and so blessed.

35 things I have learned in 35 years

-live your life
-be who you want to be
-think before you say anything
-somethings don't need to be said
-it's ok to let things go
-road rage isn't worth the energy
-don't be made for too long
-allow only awesome people in your life.
-realize that sometimes its time for those awesome people to leave your life and be ok with it
-do a job that gives and provides service to other humans
-be nice
-there's hardly need to yell in a negative manner
-get your feelings out, don't hold them in
-do what's necessary for yourself, and listen when others are letting you know what's necessary
-have a good group of family and friends to rely on
-listen more than you talk
-dance even if you think you look dumb
-action does speak louder than words
-don't put too much on Facebook
-try to be the best you can be in the moment
-do stuff, have experiences, say yes
-be healthy physically and mentally
-question everything, look for the answers
-realize you will always end up with more questions
-give of yourself but take some too
-karma is a smart but revengeful bitch
-don't be miserable
-make goals and achieve them, only to make new goals etc.
-find the good things in people
-don't complain too much, but do get it out when it's necessary
-don't be afraid to be the first to leave, or the last
-always be open to meeting new people
-like your body no matter what condition you are in
-if you don't like something, change

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!