Day 11--Ups and Downs

Today has been a roller coaster of emotions. I have had my heart break for my dearest friends. I have said yes to things that scare the living day lights out of me. I have been excited. And terrified. Goodness gracious, what a day. 

The selfie was pre emotional roller coaster for the most part. Thank goodness for that. 

Day 10-- I don't even know.

Today, well really starting yesterday at about 8 pm, has just been a hot mess. I've been all over the place. I've gotten very little sleep. I got all wet trying to jump over a puddle. I forgot to turn the shuffle off on my computer and listened to my book chapters out of order. Yeah, it's just been a mess. So don't hate on my selfie too much. 

I seriously wanted to fall asleep in my classroom today. Yay for makeup hours. 

In other news I joined some app that's like a supposedly less creepy than a dating website app. And then read online about how in big cities it's mostly used for hookups. So I should probably delete that. The jury's still out.

For real though, where's a nice girl supposed to meet people? I work with children, so the adults I see daily are married women, and parents, who are all married. 

I just don't know. Maybe I'll take up drinking and become an alcoholic. Because that would happen. 

This is going no where good. I'll stop now. Clearly, I'm a mess  and never again should I blog after 9 pm. 

Day 9-- Snow Day # 893201

Last night I received the school all call. It started out with, "Okay, we give up. No school the rest of the week." It went on from there. The teacher got another one telling us we could come in and make up days if we wanted. No one knew what this meant, and some hilarious texting ensued. I'm kind of on the outside of the cool kids at school so I just hear bits and pieces but it was cracking me up. At one point out vice principal said she thought it was ridiculous she was supposed to be at school. Apparently our superintendent also stopped answering calls. 

I just love confusion. Not. 

So I decided in would stay home today and work tomorrow. An email today cleared up (kinda, but still not really) that teachers will have to make up more days than students because we are contracted for more than the days we will not attend school. I'm going to be driving my parents to meet a bus anyway in the morning, so I might as well stop off and work along the way, no biggie. 

But today, that was a fun time. So far, I slept in super late, went to Walmart and Sonic (totally falling down in that resolution), made scones from scratch, cleaned up the kitchen, and currently I'm working on a big pot of beef barley stew. Yum!  Even with all that fun, I didn't feel the need to look too beautiful today. January is turning into quite the wrong month for selfies! 

In my spare time today I also researched getting a new flatiron that would have the ability to curl my hair, or one of those Conair things that sucks your hair up and curls it. I love wearing my hair curled, it just takes way too long! I tried to commit to hot rollers because they work the est but they take forever and my hair is so heavy they don't stay put correctly. I had the thought of putting them in, making the 35 min drive to work, and then taking them out in the parking lot before going in. Then I realized that was a really stupid plan. So I'm back to considering something else. Any opinions or suggestions?

Day 8-- Being Part of Productive Society

We went back to school today.  It was hard.  It was only for a work day, but I felt like it would be the death of me.  I'm excited to see my kids, I just hate school right now.  We are still in the other building, and will be for at least another week and a half.  I'm just not as productive and it takes some tricky planning to make everything work out.  Stressful!

In addition to school, I have some other side projects going.  I need to get working,on some and figure out the logistics of others.  How can I be such a mess after an extra long break?  I just don't know!

Now my selfie won't send.  Stupid Verizon, or email, or something!  AHHHHH!

Oh, and by the way I didn't eat lunch today, so all of this might be me being hangry.  We really can't be sure.

So, I kind of phoned this in today.  Sorry people.  Some days are just that way!

Day 7-- I Wore Makeup Today

Here I am, at Sonic. Breaking my new year's resolution about not drinking soda  during the week. Oops. Not having school kind of puts my mind into lazy mood. Tomorrow I go back to the grind. We'll see how long that lasts. 

Instead of school I took my car for its first checkup. Among other things, they topped off my windshield wiper fluid. I dislike that. I'm a wiper fluid snob. I also bought a bunch of fabric. And shirts for my dad. And one for Doug, because I'm a good sister like that. 

Here's part of what I bought. Yeah... It was an expensive day. I'm super excited about my new sewing endeavors though! To complete this wonderful day, I'm watching some New Girl and that makes me happy. I want to be a hybrid Jessica Day and Zoe Hart, from Hart of Dixie. Or just one or then other would be cool too. Whateve. 

Day 6-- I Nearly Forgot

I'm a total slacker. I nearly forgot to blog, and that's one of the few things it seems I did today. I did take the time to finish up about 95% of my grade cards today and take care of the dogs, but in these frigid temps that was about it. It's so freaking cold! Ridiculous! Because of the cold, and my conviction to bring the truth to the people I give you today's selfie. 

Here I am waiting on the puppies to do their business. I'm fashionably modeling two coats, one mine (from the 8th grade) and one my father's. In addition it's clear I only had time for one photo before frostbite took my fingers. The fear of black skin led to that awful face. I got frost bite once during some late night Jesus shenanigans, and it wasn't fun. I now avoid it whenever possible. Seems wise. I would suggest you do the same. 

Maybe tomorrow will lead to a glamorous selfie. I'm hoping to go to Joplin for a couple hours, and that will require makeup. I'm sure you're thankful. 

Stay warm friends, if that's possible in your neck of the woods. I'm beginning to think its impossible in my woods! 

Day 5-- Today I Built an Igloo... Kinda

So today I went outside twice. And when I say outside I mean the yard. I did ride in the gator through the field to my grandparents' lean-to. My dad I built an igloo of sort out if strawbales in Millie's shed. We also insulated a wall to make sure she could stay extra warm. 

Though all that was fun, it didn't require makeup. Today's selfie reflects as much. 

I honestly considered taking the day off from the selfies, but it would be sad to give up already. 

Tomorrow's teacher workday has been canceled because of the snow and horrid temperatures, so I promise tomorrow's selfie will probably be just as blah. I'm less worried about the selfie than the fact that I have no idea what I'm teaching Tuesday since we won't get any grade level planning time tomorrow! I hear some reviewing in my future! 

Day 4-- My Hair Is Too Long, and My Arms Are Too Short

I got new hair today.  I think my parents are less than thrilled, but that's okay.  I'm 25 for goodness sake!  I had never colored my hair before so I wasn't sure what to expect.  My cousin worked her magic, and as always I want her to come here every morning and make me pretty.  Why won't she comply?

So here are two selfies of me and my new ombré hair.  It was super hard to get it all in there, and the impending storm made it hard to get a picture in good light.  But, we have the rest of the month for you to ogle it.  Try and contain your excitment.

Day 2-- Already Falling Off the Wagon

*Apparently blogger failed at publishing this two days ago but didn't feel the need to tell me. Oops! *

So remember yesterday when I said I'd post a selfie a day, because it would help me have motivation to blog and look decent for the world? Well it kind of worked. I got up and actually put some effort into my face and outfit. I'm sure it had nothing to do with my friend saying that her regular waiter at the restaurant we were going to was a cutie... I digress. Anywho, I looked presentable.

Here's the problem. Did I take a picture? Nope. I came home and changed into at home only clothes. So what's a self to do when they have a selfie to take but they've changed into old jeans and a thermal shirt? Put on a coat and scarf to take their selfie! Yep! In my defense I did have to run a few more errands, so I didn't just put on a coat for the picture alone, but if I hadn't needed stamps and a new rotary cutter blade, I probably still would have. 

And to think it only took me 40 some pictures to get one that was acceptable. 

In other, less vain news, I bought some sweet stamps today. Check these puppies out. I may have stuck them on thank you letters to some of my students. Sadly, I doubt kinders know who that amazing man is. I really want to mail them only on cool things now, aka not bills. 

And that, my friends, is all I have to add to your life today.  You're welcome. 

Day 3-- Glamorous, Per My Usual

As I'm sure you've gathered by now, I'm super duper glamorous.  It's a fact, no denying it.  Yeah right...

In honor of my glamour I decided to post a selfie today that shows what happens before the beauty you have come to know and expect.  I want to keep in touch with reality and all, and I'd hate for you to feel like you are less glamorous than I!  This is my hair in it's natural state.  And it does, in fact, somehow migrate in front of my face, no matter what when it is fixed like this.  Thank goodness for giant clips to tame this mane!

Selfie-- Day 3

Today, I'm working on a bunting banner for my second-cousin's first birthday!  Exciting stuff.  My fabric choices aren't really very close to what was requested, because I couldn't find the types her mom wanted.  Hopefully the banner still pleases.

Here's a sneak peak of how it's going!

Better go get back to work!  And maybe take my keyboard apart!  I dropped my laptop last night and now the "u" key isn't always working.  I think there is something stuck under it.  Poor laptop!  It's only 7 years old and somehow still running!  I should probably start saving for a new one.

Happy Friday friends!

MMXIV

With a new year always comes some reflection.  I'm not sure why as humans we feel the need to start something new at the beginning, but we do.  It's like we can't make good changes mid day, mid week, mid month, or mid year, why not just wait until Monday, or New Years, or tomorrow.  Seems dumb, but it's what we do.

This year I hope to make some changes.  I want to be a better version of me.  And we all know, our goals, lives, hopes, and dreams aren't true unless we publish them to the internet, so that's what I aim to do!

My goals for 2014

1.  Be healthier-- I know this is a goal many aspire to each new year.  Gym memberships swell, people go on crazy diets, and so much more.  All that is great, but I'm not going to say I'll do all of that.  I do want to drink less soda, eat healthier, cook more wholesome food, and start working out on a more regular basis.  A few years ago I got healthy and I liked how I felt, I want to do that again.

2.  Be wiser with my money-- I'm pretty good with money, but I'm a sucker for a sale, a craft, a Starbucks...

3.  Make new friends-- I love my friends, but I only have maybe 2 friends who are in the same season of life as me.  I need some friends who get where I'm at and are ready to do this season of life with me.

4.  Do something that scares me-- I'm not sure what this means yet.  I've considered moving to a whole new area, I've considered buying a house, I've considered taking myself on a big vacation this summer, alone.  I don't know what it'll be, but I'm bored with being boring.


In addition to goals for the year, I have a two fold goal for the month of January.  I'm going to attempt to post a selfie to the blog daily.  It's a good way to get me in the habit of blogging more and help push me to wake up in time to look decent.

That being said, I haven't left the house today, which equals zero makeup.  I'm not sure the first picture will be the most glamorous, but that's okay.  It's me, it's real (minus that filter from my camera).

Selfie 1-1

Surprise, Surprise

Surprise, surprise, I failed at blogging again. Let's just be real here, I'll probably never be good at this. I'm glad we can all accept that and move forward.

In other news, I have survived!  I lived through 9 days straight of work!  I taught all last week, with some added stress if I may say so myself. After data team Friday I headed to my old job and spent the weekend with the kiddos. The weekend was drama filled (not surprising at all) but I made it through. I finished out strong through the two day week of evil and have lived to speak of it. I'm so thankful for a break! I woke up at 6:30 thinking of next week's lesson plans, but that's still an hour more sleep than usual.

I'm ready for a few fun days off. I plan on baking and getting a lot of holiday crafting done. I'm making each of the girls matching skirts for Christmas.  I will also be attempting handmade ornaments for each of my students. I hope to have at least 8 done by Sunday night. In my mind, they are going to be adorable. Hopefully it isn't a failure, because I can't think of anything else to do with 20 quilting hoops. I also have to license my new car, which greatly takes away the fun of a new car. Goodbye, nearly one month of pay.

Anywho, yay for break! Better go get it started!

Her 24th Year.

Per facebook friend duty, many people wished me a happy birthday today.  One true friend mentioned she missed catching up on my life through my blog.  So, here I am trying once again to be a semi regular blogger.  The goal had been floating around in my mind for a while, but I had ignored it.  But, I must give the public what it demands.  My goal is one post a week.  We'll see how long that lasts.

I figure an easy place to start is a look back at this year.  This year, my 24th, has been a roller coaster in every single way.  It has had my emotions from extreme highs to extreme lows, I've laughed, cried, thrown fits, screamed, hugged, danced, cheered, and pouted far more than I think I ever have before.

The Highlights--

• I quit my job, of 3.5 years, left my sweet babies, packed up and moved home.  All of this happened over the span of about two weeks.  In someways it was the best way to go about leaving, and in some it was the worst.  I still miss my kids terribly.  I often think about going back and forgetting this teaching business.  I enjoy teaching, but I'm not sure anything can compare to sharing your life with people you love so much.  I truly think it is probably second only to being an actual parent.
• I said goodbye to a regular paycheck for almost 8 months.  That was a terrifying thing.  Sure I worked a little here and there, but it just isn't the same.  I had saved, but not near enough to curb my shopping habit.  The Lord always provided, and it taught me to be wiser in my spending and savings and to truly trust in the Lord to provide what I need.
• I student taught for 8 weeks in Kindergarten and 9 weeks in 3rd grade at my alma mater.  All in all both placements were amazing.  They each had their struggles and their successes.  Being home was easier than I thought it might be, but it quickly became clear teaching at home probably wasn't in my best interest.
• I spent a summer doing nothing.  This may have been one of the hardest things I've ever done.  It came about through total miscommunication, but I thought I would need to be free for school stuff throughout the summer, but that totally wasn't the case.  So I kept my summer plan free, to only never have the things take up time that were supposed to.  It was a bore.
• I said goodbye to my best friend.  Looking back this may have been the hardest part.  Saying goodbye to someone you thought would be in your life forever is in no way easy, and even now the thought brings up some twinges of pain.  I know it was the right thing to do, but it came with a lot of reality.  I learned so much throughout the entirety of that relationship, and I'm thankful it happened, but it was hard.  I still wish him well, it just became clear our love for one another was in no way equal and that God had different plans.
• I said hello to my first teaching position.  I'm still not sure how I feel about this one overall.  There are days where I wonder if I will ever be able to stick with this until I'm 55.  It is hard work.  And it makes me all sorts of sleepy.  There are days where I feel like I'm drowning and there are days I feel like I'm on top of the world.  It is truly a great way to feel like a champ and a nutjob all at the same time.  I'm so thankful for the opportunity to take a large roll in each of my student's lives.  Though many of them will forget just about everything about me before their lives are over, I hope they remember the love, compassion, patience, and care I tried to show them.  I hope they remember how I wanted them to treat other fairly and with dignity.  I hope they remember the manners I taught them.  And I hope they remember the fun we shared.

While that is really not anywhere close to the entirety of my year, it is the major highlights.  I'm looking forward to year 25 mostly.  It truly feels old for some reason.  Probably because I still feel like a 19 year old on the inside.

What a Day

Oh... What. A. Day.

I have been totally irresponsible today, but at the same time so productive.  How is that even possible?  I can begin work on my classroom Monday, and a I officially start work in eight (woooooaaaahhh... just counted that up, and it's scary!) days.  And today, I didn't work on anything for my classroom.  Like nothing.  Nada.  Nunca.  Nine.  Nope.  Not a thing.

Instead I photographed and mailed off an Etsy order.  Sewed a skirt for myself and a skirt for my mom as a birthday present.  Then I ripped and sewed and ripped and sewed and once again ripped and sewed on my skirt because I put the waistband on incorrectly two and a half times.  Third time is a charm I suppose.  I also watched some sort of PBS special about a member of the Gaither Vocal Band with my parents, and cut out the pieces for another skirt.  I was going to sew it up tonight, but then realized that I pinned it incorrectly because I'm tired and my brain is mush.

So, tomorrow I should do school stuff...  I really should read that awful, boring book that doesn't apply all that much to my sweet kinders but is still required reading.  And I should write their names on some class decor.  Figure out where I can print some cute prints I saw on Pinterest to display in my classroom, work more on my bunting banners, and pack up my car for Monday morning.  Ohhhh... so much to do.  I think I'll go make a list and paint my toes.  That will make me feel less overwhelmed, right?

This weekend

This weekend I...

• Sewed my mom a new clothes pin bag.  Kind of made it up as I went, but I did create my own pattern, a first for me.
• Cut the tops off of all the Johnson Grass around our yard.  Apparently it's not a good thing to have in your field, and my dad had mentioned taking the tops off so I just did it while he was busy... and got all itchy in the process.
• Went shopping with my mom.  On the way we got stuck in a line of giant performance diesel trucks, and subsequently got caught in giant clouds of smoke at every stop light.
• Finished buying things for my classroom.  Picked out a bunch of fabric for some classroom and personal projects, raided the dollar rack at Target, and picked up a few shirts at Academy. 
• Was asked where my husband/boyfriend was at church, and the person was referring to my brother... :/
• Fixed a blueberry and cream pie, that ended up tasting more like lemon than much else, but it was pretty tasty! (Recipe found here)
• Spent some time looking up ads for my grandma so she could do some produce price matching.
• Accidentally took a two and a half hour nap.
• Went on a late night Walmart run.
• Stayed up way too late!

Mom's new clothes pin holder.

Fabrics I got for various classroom and a couple personal projects.

What did you do this weekend?

Less than productive summer...

So, let's just start off on a low point and work our way up.  It is really pretty clear, no matter how many times I decide to start a new blog, I become no better at it.  I'm an avid blog reader, and I think other people write some brilliant and insightful things.  I aspire to be as witty and wise as those ladies are.  But really, I just don't know that I have it in me.

I try to think of things to write.  I try and remember to take pictures in everyday life.  But really folks, I don't think you want to see what I've been looking like these days.  I can honestly say I think I have not worn makeup more times this summer than I have.  And I've gone out in public like that.  I know, poor Monett.  I have been doing a little better about actually fixing my hair, but to be honest, today will probably be a wet french braid day.

I have been mildly productive at getting things ready for my classroom.  My to do list is still slightly out of control and I've really got to stop adding things to it until I cross some off.  Maybe making an actual list would help.  Who knows, I've never been a list person.

In the meantime, I have majorly let my Etsy shop go.  Well it's still there, but I have done nothing to it.  Poor sitting duck of a shop.  Today and tomorrow are dedicated to getting some more things posted.

Really, and surprisingly, the only thing I've been pretty good about this summer is walking my dog.  (Insert cute picture of Millie here... I'll get to it, maybe).  She and I have logged over 40 miles so far this summer.  I have only lost about 2 pounds, which infuriates me, but whateve... I'm sure my arteries are at least a little healthier or something.

I know it's not the best picture, but you can see her cute bent tail. 

The two partners in crime.  This is how Millie spends a lot of time, I worry her blindingly white belly may burn.  Silly girl. Also notice how sweet, innocent Libby (if you ask the rest of my family) is sitting on all the toys so Millie can't get to them.

I'm sad to say that this is the end of this post, and there has been absolutely no point.  You're welcome world! I'll try and do better next time, but really, don't hold your breath.

Summer Wish List

This summer I'm living on a SUPER tight budget, but that doesn't mean my shopping addiction has gone away.  I have bought myself very few articles of clothing since quitting my job last January and it's really starting to get to me.  So, I decided I'd make a summer wish list.  It's all the things I want, but sadly can't have.  :(

Ash Calypso Canvas Women's Wedges

Please, come live in my closet and travel to school with me.  I'd be one happy and comfy teacher.

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b.o.c Foxglove Flat Sandal in Black
Black sandals are missing from my life, I need them so bad!  All I have are some Old Navy Flip Flops, and some old beat up Reef sandals.  It just won't do.

 

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AB Studio Leaf Chiffon Dress

I feel like this one doesn't need an explanation.  It just screams fun kindergarten teacher.

Source

Striped 3/4 Sleeve Cardigan

This, and like 1 million other things from The Loft.  When I get a pay check or two under my belt Tanger Outlet Mall best watch itself... 

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What are you looking at this summer?  Are you loving the colors this season like I am?

The One Where the Girl Starts Over... Yet Again

Hey friends!

I know that it wasn't all that long ago that I started a new blog, but it just was never quite what I wanted it to be.  I'm not sure what I thought it should be, but let's just say it wasn't it.  So, with a new phase of life, a new Etsy business, and some new thoughts about the world I've decided to give things another go.  

So, follow along with me from my Ugly Gold Pheasant Chair (more on that later) as I try and get my Etsy business up and running, begin an adventure as a first year Kinder teacher, and just try and find way through this world!