Last night at church after the first few worship songs were sung and it was time to settle our hearts, there was 2 minutes of time just to BE STILL and pray. This time was precious, and allowed me to get the distractions away and out of my mind from the day.
Here's a little bit of how my prayer during that time went, though...
"Lord, help me get ready to hear what you will say. Be with me during this time and let me learn all I can. Allow me to focus. Help me...be with me...do things for me...." and the prayer went like that for the whole prayer. At no point did I ask the Lord to really rid me of myself and come in on my behalf. At no point was I asking the Lord to take over my thoughts and make them His. It was incredibly self-centered... and even as I was praying I got sick of hearing "me, me, me."
Was my prayer wrong? NO. But did I need to check myself and see what my motives were for being there? YES! Did I want it to all be about me, or did I want to learn so I could advance the kingdom? The answer was: me. I love the song "Lead me to the Cross" because of the line, "rid me of myself, I belong to you. Oh lead me, lead me to the cross."
John 3:30"He must increase, but I must decrease."
Working on being less "me" centered and making it more about Him. Dang, I'm selfish.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
It's the most wonderful time of the year!
It's the most WONDERFUL time of the year!
This time of the year is, without a doubt, my favorite time to be alive. While I often find myself living for the summer (which is true) this time of the year is phenomenal. All things wonderful culminate during this period of the year:
My challenge, and maybe it's also your challenge, is to not get so caught up in looking ahead towards Christmas that I miss the moment. Also, don't get so caught up in the routine of life that you forget to LIVE. Soak up the crisp air and enjoy this season. It really is the most wonderful time of the year!
This time of the year is, without a doubt, my favorite time to be alive. While I often find myself living for the summer (which is true) this time of the year is phenomenal. All things wonderful culminate during this period of the year:
- the leaves are at the peak of their beauty
- football season is at the best part of the schedule
- Halloween candy goes on sale
- Browns, oranges, and deep mustard yellows can be seen throughout every store (minus those stores who decide to skip Thanksgiving all together and move right into the red and green color palette)
- the school year is getting settled into a routine
- my family gets to see each other more often
My challenge, and maybe it's also your challenge, is to not get so caught up in looking ahead towards Christmas that I miss the moment. Also, don't get so caught up in the routine of life that you forget to LIVE. Soak up the crisp air and enjoy this season. It really is the most wonderful time of the year!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Getting called out...
Today I got called out for something that was:
1) done by someone who I only know in a professional manner and have rarely spoken to outside of a school setting, and
2) done in an entirely rude and flippant way.
I am the type of person who puts up a barrier when things bother me and act like it is no big deal, all the while internalizing and stewing over the comments and dwelling on the harsh words. Instead of speaking up and confronting what is said or done, I silently toil over it for hours afterwards. So today, when this comment was said, I thought about it constantly throughout my meal and contemplated how valid the accusation actually was in my life.
Hear me when I say....It is very healthy for my friends to call me out on things in my life that I need to see more clearly. Sometimes, I get so caught up in my day to day life that I get tunnel-vision and can't see past myself. I can't see the blindspots in my life that are present sometimes and when people are looking in from the outside it is more clear to them. Hebrews chapter 10 directly addresses our need for this in our lives saying "let us spur one another on toward love..."
However, today this comment was made by neither my friend nor was it done out of love. It was coming from a place of annoyance with something that I did, not out of trying to help me see myself more clearly. Tempers were short, words were harsh, and feelings were hurt (mine).
I know that I need to speak up for myself and kindly say thank you but no thank you to the "advice" this person dishes out on my personality. Part of me also is saying to just coin the old phrase and "take it with a grain of salt" and move on. Still, I might dwell on this a while...it's part of my people-pleaser nature. But let it be said that calling someone out is a very healthy, Biblical action that should be done in love by someone you have a relationship with. That, when it is done in love, is when I will heed the warning signs for my life and find a way to fix my personality flaws. Until then, I will be more self-aware about this particular issue and move on...
1) done by someone who I only know in a professional manner and have rarely spoken to outside of a school setting, and
2) done in an entirely rude and flippant way.
I am the type of person who puts up a barrier when things bother me and act like it is no big deal, all the while internalizing and stewing over the comments and dwelling on the harsh words. Instead of speaking up and confronting what is said or done, I silently toil over it for hours afterwards. So today, when this comment was said, I thought about it constantly throughout my meal and contemplated how valid the accusation actually was in my life.
Hear me when I say....It is very healthy for my friends to call me out on things in my life that I need to see more clearly. Sometimes, I get so caught up in my day to day life that I get tunnel-vision and can't see past myself. I can't see the blindspots in my life that are present sometimes and when people are looking in from the outside it is more clear to them. Hebrews chapter 10 directly addresses our need for this in our lives saying "let us spur one another on toward love..."
However, today this comment was made by neither my friend nor was it done out of love. It was coming from a place of annoyance with something that I did, not out of trying to help me see myself more clearly. Tempers were short, words were harsh, and feelings were hurt (mine).
I know that I need to speak up for myself and kindly say thank you but no thank you to the "advice" this person dishes out on my personality. Part of me also is saying to just coin the old phrase and "take it with a grain of salt" and move on. Still, I might dwell on this a while...it's part of my people-pleaser nature. But let it be said that calling someone out is a very healthy, Biblical action that should be done in love by someone you have a relationship with. That, when it is done in love, is when I will heed the warning signs for my life and find a way to fix my personality flaws. Until then, I will be more self-aware about this particular issue and move on...
Thursday, October 20, 2011
The longer you wait...
The longer you wait....the harder it is to get started back up again.
This is a life lesson that can be applied to all facets of my life: from being productive at work, to working out...and everywhere in between. This statement is as close to absolute truth as I can think of (besides, well...absolute truth).
That is the reason that I have been putting off blogging every time I have thought about it--because I have been away for so long. It is very hard to get back into this, because it has been too long. There's literally no way to update my loyal 6 followers (ha!) what has been going on in my life but that's not stopping me from pushing through and writing.
I am thinking right now about how many things I have put off doing because it would be too hard to get back started with. Right now, I'm going through a lazy season where I don't want to go to the gym. I haven't been in over a month (eeeek!) and I keep telling myself that it will be a hard transition getting back into it. But, just like blogging...the show must go on. It's time to get it together and stop making excuses.
...hope you didn't have high expectations for this first blog post back in action. I'm a little rusty. Thanks for giving me some grace.
This is a life lesson that can be applied to all facets of my life: from being productive at work, to working out...and everywhere in between. This statement is as close to absolute truth as I can think of (besides, well...absolute truth).
That is the reason that I have been putting off blogging every time I have thought about it--because I have been away for so long. It is very hard to get back into this, because it has been too long. There's literally no way to update my loyal 6 followers (ha!) what has been going on in my life but that's not stopping me from pushing through and writing.
I am thinking right now about how many things I have put off doing because it would be too hard to get back started with. Right now, I'm going through a lazy season where I don't want to go to the gym. I haven't been in over a month (eeeek!) and I keep telling myself that it will be a hard transition getting back into it. But, just like blogging...the show must go on. It's time to get it together and stop making excuses.
...hope you didn't have high expectations for this first blog post back in action. I'm a little rusty. Thanks for giving me some grace.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Tonight, I'm going to read.
Tonight, I'm going to read. An actual book.
Not a blog. Not a facebook post. Not a tweet. Not EVEN a child's writing or any form of email from school. I'm mere minutes away from crawling into bed (yes, while the sun has not even set) and snuggle up with a book. I'm going to let the DVR do the hard work tonight and take a night to unplug.
I have SO many books in my "line-up" to read next:
...now let me go before I fall asleep even THINKING about my cozy bed. Or think about how long of a day it has been (btw, today was the first day of school!!!! so fun!)
Peace and blessin's.
Not a blog. Not a facebook post. Not a tweet. Not EVEN a child's writing or any form of email from school. I'm mere minutes away from crawling into bed (yes, while the sun has not even set) and snuggle up with a book. I'm going to let the DVR do the hard work tonight and take a night to unplug.
I have SO many books in my "line-up" to read next:
- The Help (obvious choice, but I started it in May and then got overwhelmed and had to abandon it.)
- The Hunger Games trilogy
- A huge assortment of novels my mom gave me by Sheryl Woods, an author who I got hooked on this summer. She writes sappy, cliche' romance books that I literally eat through in a day or two. Lucky for me there are a bajillion of them I still have to read.
- Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones (not going to lie, I stumbled upon this book title after I had the inspiration to write a series of books with the same title as my opening book...that was in my "wedding season" of life)
...now let me go before I fall asleep even THINKING about my cozy bed. Or think about how long of a day it has been (btw, today was the first day of school!!!! so fun!)
Peace and blessin's.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
M.I.A. for 3 months
My last post about me losing my job was right in the midst of a storm in my life. It was not a major one, but nonetheless, it was a hard month. I'm happy to report that it ends well...and I will remain at my same school and just move to a new grade. Long, dramatic story, but so thankful to be in the same place with friendships that I'm just starting to develop!
I'm looking forward to reflecting on my summer at a later date, but let's just say that my summer at Greystone was so sweet. I am filled with love for that place and have had so much fun this summer playing and serving. It was just GOOD! Whew. Like I said, I can't wait to reflect on it and what the Lord did.
I left Columbia at the beginning of June and did not return until August 1st...two whole months away were good for the soul. Being surrounded by uplifting and encouraging friends while in the happiest place on Earth (I don't care what Disney World says) was just what the doctor ordered. I was able to pour myself out all summer in a much different way than I do throughout the school year, and then I was able to get filled by the spirit and learn from some wonderful pastors.
Getting back into the swing of things now has been more challenging than I expected. Moving grade levels and changing classrooms was a bigger hurdle than I remembered from when I first started out, and I'm finding myself more exhausted than I planned on being. Transitioning out of the "camp mode" has also been harder than I remembered...it's almost a sadness that just lingers in my heart for a little while. It's not evident on the outside, but there just is something about the void from camp that is hard to explain.
Luckily, I am made whole and complete in the Lord. He blessed me with the gift of camp, and with my job, and I am going to use the inspiration from Colossians as I move into this week: "23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.."
Serving the Lord with gladness as I move into this week. "It's a great day and I feel terrific..."
 |
| My crazy students last year. |
I'm looking forward to reflecting on my summer at a later date, but let's just say that my summer at Greystone was so sweet. I am filled with love for that place and have had so much fun this summer playing and serving. It was just GOOD! Whew. Like I said, I can't wait to reflect on it and what the Lord did.
I left Columbia at the beginning of June and did not return until August 1st...two whole months away were good for the soul. Being surrounded by uplifting and encouraging friends while in the happiest place on Earth (I don't care what Disney World says) was just what the doctor ordered. I was able to pour myself out all summer in a much different way than I do throughout the school year, and then I was able to get filled by the spirit and learn from some wonderful pastors.
Getting back into the swing of things now has been more challenging than I expected. Moving grade levels and changing classrooms was a bigger hurdle than I remembered from when I first started out, and I'm finding myself more exhausted than I planned on being. Transitioning out of the "camp mode" has also been harder than I remembered...it's almost a sadness that just lingers in my heart for a little while. It's not evident on the outside, but there just is something about the void from camp that is hard to explain.
Luckily, I am made whole and complete in the Lord. He blessed me with the gift of camp, and with my job, and I am going to use the inspiration from Colossians as I move into this week: "23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.."
Serving the Lord with gladness as I move into this week. "It's a great day and I feel terrific..."
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Job Transfer
I. love. my. job.
Teaching 3rd grade never gets old, and no day is ever the same.
In fact, it's hard to consider what I do a "job" sometimes because I feel like I love what I do so much that I would probably still do it on a volunteer status. Ok...maybe THAT is a little extreme, but I do really enjoy working with kids.
I have SO many funny stories of things that my students have said. They all make for good material in conversations.
One negative about my job right now is that I am "lowest on the totem pole", so to speak, and have recently found out that I cannot stay at my school next year because of budget issues (insert a box of tissues in this spot...major bummer). I was told 3 weeks ago, however, that I would be transferred within the school district to another school. I was told it would be a transfer to another 3rd grade job. I felt ok about that...at least I didn't have to worry about losing all the resources I had built up the past two years, right? WRONG.
Monday rocked my world a little bit when I met with the principal at my "new" school and was told that there was not a position available there, and if one became available it would be 4th or 2nd grades. On Tuesday, I was emailed by another principal at school #3 and asked to come in...and in a complete flashback to 2009, I was asked to interview at that school instead of doing a simple "transfer". An hour and a half later, I was back to where I started from without having a position secured. I'm going to visit their school tomorrow during the school day to see if it would be something I feel equip to handle, because this school is a Title 1 school in a bad area.
Throughout this week my emotions have been tossed back and forth more times than a ping pong ball in an Asian table tennis tournament. Right now, I'm floating between being moved to one of 2 options, all the while praying that the numbers settle out and I can stay at my school now. Man, I would like to not have to move all my stuff.
Knowing that the Lord is faithful, I am putting my trust in the fact that He has something planned for me. Whether a position opens back up at my school now, or He picks out a new adventure, He is in control. My friend, Alice, said to me on the phone tonight, "God's either opening up your eyes so you'll appreciate where you are or He has an opportunity somewhere else for you." Wise friend, good advice.
Stepping back from it and praying tonight for this to come together and for clarity.
Teaching 3rd grade never gets old, and no day is ever the same.
In fact, it's hard to consider what I do a "job" sometimes because I feel like I love what I do so much that I would probably still do it on a volunteer status. Ok...maybe THAT is a little extreme, but I do really enjoy working with kids.
I have SO many funny stories of things that my students have said. They all make for good material in conversations.
One negative about my job right now is that I am "lowest on the totem pole", so to speak, and have recently found out that I cannot stay at my school next year because of budget issues (insert a box of tissues in this spot...major bummer). I was told 3 weeks ago, however, that I would be transferred within the school district to another school. I was told it would be a transfer to another 3rd grade job. I felt ok about that...at least I didn't have to worry about losing all the resources I had built up the past two years, right? WRONG.
Monday rocked my world a little bit when I met with the principal at my "new" school and was told that there was not a position available there, and if one became available it would be 4th or 2nd grades. On Tuesday, I was emailed by another principal at school #3 and asked to come in...and in a complete flashback to 2009, I was asked to interview at that school instead of doing a simple "transfer". An hour and a half later, I was back to where I started from without having a position secured. I'm going to visit their school tomorrow during the school day to see if it would be something I feel equip to handle, because this school is a Title 1 school in a bad area.
Throughout this week my emotions have been tossed back and forth more times than a ping pong ball in an Asian table tennis tournament. Right now, I'm floating between being moved to one of 2 options, all the while praying that the numbers settle out and I can stay at my school now. Man, I would like to not have to move all my stuff.
Knowing that the Lord is faithful, I am putting my trust in the fact that He has something planned for me. Whether a position opens back up at my school now, or He picks out a new adventure, He is in control. My friend, Alice, said to me on the phone tonight, "God's either opening up your eyes so you'll appreciate where you are or He has an opportunity somewhere else for you." Wise friend, good advice.
Stepping back from it and praying tonight for this to come together and for clarity.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Hugz
Not in a creepy way, but I just really think a good hug is so comforting. It's something I have grown into loving throughout the years.
I have 2 students this year who are all about the hug-action. At the end of every day, I can guarantee that they will find me and give me a big bear hug. Sweet angels.
This is literally a post on how much I enjoy hugs. And now it is over.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Wedding Season
John: What do you like better, Christmas or Wedding Season? [Jeremy raises his hand]
Mr. Grey?
Jermey: Yes. The answer would be, um, Wedding Season?
Wedding season.
This has been the theme of the past year of my life, and I feel like I'm stuck in the season of my life affectionately called "wedding season." In 2010, I was invited to 11 weddings. If you started counting last May, I have been invited to a wedding every month for an entire calendar year (with the exception of January '11). I have only been involved in two of these personally, which I'm thankful for in comparison to Wimberly Brown who has shelled out some serious cash money for her friends' big days. Nonetheless, calligraphy scripted envelopes have overflowed my mailbox and counter tops. I've become a professional at printing out registries and I have enjoyed hearing a variety of cheesy DJ's throughout this past year. In retrospect, it's all quite exhausting.
This period of life, along with my not-so-secret obsession with all things "wedding" (thanks TLC for fueling my passions with re-runs), had led me to a few conclusions:
1) Wedding receptions are more for the people attending than the couple. This is displayed by the insane amount of money people are willing to pay "per head" and how little the couple actually gets to enjoy.
2) Wedding ceremonies last less than 30 minutes on average. This is great, unless you think about how much time and preparation goes into the ceremony and how quickly it passes. (note to self: don't sweat the small stuff and keep it simple)
3) Live bands can be hit or miss. Same rule applies with DJ's, however.
4) Seating is necessary at the reception. It gets awkward when there isn't enough room for everyone to sit and people have to hover with food.
5) Full open bars are only a good idea if the reception is held where the majority of people are staying--or if there is a shuttle back to the hotel. Otherwise, chaos ensues. This is a fact of most weddings.
6) Dresses with beautiful trains are absolutely stunning, yet 100% impractical.
7) Dresses that are strapless need to have boning in them so you do not have to constantly pull the dress up all night.
8) Having a game plan for the entrance into the reception is clutch. Walking in and not knowing what to do when you get inside is awkward.
There are many, many more thoughts that I have on wedding ceremonies and receptions (and generally just overall wedding weekend activities) but I'll spare you of the lengthy version.
All that to say, this season of my life has obviously gotten me thinking about my big day one day. If I'm honest with myself, at this point in my life, all I want is a WEDDING. I am not ready for the next step and actually having a MARRIAGE. At least not now, obviously, since my date card is wide open and there are no prospects. Even if I did have someone special in my life, I would not be prepared to have more than a wedding at this point. I'm utterly selfish, hopelessly messy, and not prepared to be some one's WIFE and have someone else depend on me 24/7. Frankly, the thought of that right now freaks me out.
Then...knowing that...why is it that I think so much about meeting someone and getting married? I have had to look at my desires and think really long and hard about my motivations for dating someone. Is it that I want to date someone to potentially have a WEDDING, or do I want to date someone so I can be their WIFE, forever ? This has been something I have been thinking about a lot lately. While my ultimate heart's desire IS to be a wife and mother one day, at this point in my life I cannot fathom it. So, dear heart of mine, slow down and pump the brakes. Stop romanticizing things. Enjoy this season of loving on my friends during THEIR times, and love well. Things will happen in the season they are supposed to, and God will provide.
Mr. Grey?
Jermey: Yes. The answer would be, um, Wedding Season?
Wedding season.
This has been the theme of the past year of my life, and I feel like I'm stuck in the season of my life affectionately called "wedding season." In 2010, I was invited to 11 weddings. If you started counting last May, I have been invited to a wedding every month for an entire calendar year (with the exception of January '11). I have only been involved in two of these personally, which I'm thankful for in comparison to Wimberly Brown who has shelled out some serious cash money for her friends' big days. Nonetheless, calligraphy scripted envelopes have overflowed my mailbox and counter tops. I've become a professional at printing out registries and I have enjoyed hearing a variety of cheesy DJ's throughout this past year. In retrospect, it's all quite exhausting.
This period of life, along with my not-so-secret obsession with all things "wedding" (thanks TLC for fueling my passions with re-runs), had led me to a few conclusions:
1) Wedding receptions are more for the people attending than the couple. This is displayed by the insane amount of money people are willing to pay "per head" and how little the couple actually gets to enjoy.
2) Wedding ceremonies last less than 30 minutes on average. This is great, unless you think about how much time and preparation goes into the ceremony and how quickly it passes. (note to self: don't sweat the small stuff and keep it simple)
3) Live bands can be hit or miss. Same rule applies with DJ's, however.
4) Seating is necessary at the reception. It gets awkward when there isn't enough room for everyone to sit and people have to hover with food.
5) Full open bars are only a good idea if the reception is held where the majority of people are staying--or if there is a shuttle back to the hotel. Otherwise, chaos ensues. This is a fact of most weddings.
6) Dresses with beautiful trains are absolutely stunning, yet 100% impractical.
7) Dresses that are strapless need to have boning in them so you do not have to constantly pull the dress up all night.
8) Having a game plan for the entrance into the reception is clutch. Walking in and not knowing what to do when you get inside is awkward.
There are many, many more thoughts that I have on wedding ceremonies and receptions (and generally just overall wedding weekend activities) but I'll spare you of the lengthy version.
All that to say, this season of my life has obviously gotten me thinking about my big day one day. If I'm honest with myself, at this point in my life, all I want is a WEDDING. I am not ready for the next step and actually having a MARRIAGE. At least not now, obviously, since my date card is wide open and there are no prospects. Even if I did have someone special in my life, I would not be prepared to have more than a wedding at this point. I'm utterly selfish, hopelessly messy, and not prepared to be some one's WIFE and have someone else depend on me 24/7. Frankly, the thought of that right now freaks me out.
Then...knowing that...why is it that I think so much about meeting someone and getting married? I have had to look at my desires and think really long and hard about my motivations for dating someone. Is it that I want to date someone to potentially have a WEDDING, or do I want to date someone so I can be their WIFE, forever ? This has been something I have been thinking about a lot lately. While my ultimate heart's desire IS to be a wife and mother one day, at this point in my life I cannot fathom it. So, dear heart of mine, slow down and pump the brakes. Stop romanticizing things. Enjoy this season of loving on my friends during THEIR times, and love well. Things will happen in the season they are supposed to, and God will provide.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
It's a clean sheets kind of day
Something about clean sheets makes everything better.
A freshly made bed is a fresh start, and clean sheets helps put things back at square one.
About two weeks ago, I completely cleaned out my closet and my room to get my life back on track. (I even got a new comforter for Spring...it's solid white. Shhhh....it's before Easter, breakin' the law breakin' the law!!) Things had just piled up and the cluttered lifestyle was transferring over into my personal and professional life. It was junky and things were messy. I was not as prepared at work, I was forgetting to call friends back, and I was missing out on a lot of good times by being lazy and sloppy.My messy room was a mirror that reflected the rest of my life.
As I cleaned things up, things became more clear. I found things I was looking for, I threw out the junk, and I organized the most important things.
So tonight, two weeks later, dirty sheets, one messy closet and piles of dirty clothes, I have decided that it's time to freshen up my life and change the sheets. Get it together. Throw out the junk metaphorically and literally.
Can't WAIT to climb into my new sheets tonight and start fresh! It makes life seem better, if only for a moment.
"He makes all things NEW"
A freshly made bed is a fresh start, and clean sheets helps put things back at square one.
About two weeks ago, I completely cleaned out my closet and my room to get my life back on track. (I even got a new comforter for Spring...it's solid white. Shhhh....it's before Easter, breakin' the law breakin' the law!!) Things had just piled up and the cluttered lifestyle was transferring over into my personal and professional life. It was junky and things were messy. I was not as prepared at work, I was forgetting to call friends back, and I was missing out on a lot of good times by being lazy and sloppy.My messy room was a mirror that reflected the rest of my life.
As I cleaned things up, things became more clear. I found things I was looking for, I threw out the junk, and I organized the most important things.
So tonight, two weeks later, dirty sheets, one messy closet and piles of dirty clothes, I have decided that it's time to freshen up my life and change the sheets. Get it together. Throw out the junk metaphorically and literally.
Can't WAIT to climb into my new sheets tonight and start fresh! It makes life seem better, if only for a moment.
"He makes all things NEW"
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Through the storm
After my last post, I just wanted to post some truth from Hillsong.
Faithfulness, none can deny
Through the storm and through the fire
There is truth that sets me free
Jesus Christ who lives in me
You are stronger
You are stronger
Sin is broken
You have saved me
It is written, Christ is risen
Jesus, you are Lord of all
God is STRONGER than it all. He's got us. Trust that He will keep us in His arms no matter what the storm going on in your life. (literally or figuratively)
Faithfulness, none can deny
Through the storm and through the fire
There is truth that sets me free
Jesus Christ who lives in me
You are stronger
You are stronger
Sin is broken
You have saved me
It is written, Christ is risen
Jesus, you are Lord of all
God is STRONGER than it all. He's got us. Trust that He will keep us in His arms no matter what the storm going on in your life. (literally or figuratively)
Saturday, March 12, 2011
News from Japan
Yesterday was your typical Friday morning for me. I got up later than usual (the perks of getting to wear jeans to work on Friday) and turned on Full House while I was getting ready. Most mornings I switch between the news and reruns of Full House, but this morning all I decided to watch was the awesomeness that is 90's TV. It was the episode where Uncle Jesse and Joey began their advertising careers--a milestone for the Tanner household.
Instead of listening to morning news shows on my short drive to work, I plugged in some Needtobreathe and kicked it with some funk all the way to school.
When I got to school, someone mentioned what had happened over night in Japan and, instead of opening my mouth and sounding totally out of touch (which I was), I just sat back and nodded as I listened. Excusing myself from the conversation, I went back to my classroom and immediately logged online to see the devastation and destruction that had taken over Japan while we were sleeping.
Within the hour, a parent of one of the other students in my class last year contacted me to say that Ryo's family was all safe. That afternoon, I finally heard back from Ryo's mom and here is her sweet (and heartbreaking) email that she sent me:
Ms.Baxter
We hope it will stop soon.
Thank you again,
Instead of listening to morning news shows on my short drive to work, I plugged in some Needtobreathe and kicked it with some funk all the way to school.
When I got to school, someone mentioned what had happened over night in Japan and, instead of opening my mouth and sounding totally out of touch (which I was), I just sat back and nodded as I listened. Excusing myself from the conversation, I went back to my classroom and immediately logged online to see the devastation and destruction that had taken over Japan while we were sleeping.
After watching about 12 seconds of the news story, my heart dropped as I thought of my student from last year who moved back to Japan in June. Ryo was born in Japan and moved to the United States when he was 3. He had been in South Carolina for the past 6 years, and was the perfect student. He was motivated, hard working, easy to work with anyone in the class, smart, and had a great personality. He was one of the most loved students in my class last year by everyone.
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| Good decision? |
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Haha..I think not :) |
Tears filled my eyes as I saw cars and boats being tossed like toys, children and adults clinging to whatever they could find, and mass chaos sweeping the nation. I literally was in shock because I knew that Ryo had to be impacted by this and I knew his father works in Tokyo.
My prayers went up after the moment of fear for his family, and I sent them an email as quickly as I could to hear from them.
Ms.Baxter
Thank you for your mail.
I am so glad to get your mail.
We are fine.
It was so scary!!
I never have had such a terrible earthquake.
Yokohama isn't close to Miyagi.
But the house shook so much.
All furniture didn't fall down in my house.
On that time Ryo were in school.
The school is the safest place.
I went to pick him up by walk.
I am so glad to get your mail.
We are fine.
It was so scary!!
I never have had such a terrible earthquake.
Yokohama isn't close to Miyagi.
But the house shook so much.
All furniture didn't fall down in my house.
On that time Ryo were in school.
The school is the safest place.
I went to pick him up by walk.
My husband went back to home from his office(center of Tokyo)
by walk.It took 5 and half hours.
He was so tired ,but was fine.
Many small earthquakes are still happening.by walk.It took 5 and half hours.
He was so tired ,but was fine.
We hope it will stop soon.
Thank you again,
We miss you!
We would like to go back to SC!
We would like to go back to SC!
When devastating things happen in the world, I am quick to feel compassion for the people of that country, but truthfully I am just as quick to move past it and forget. When the earthquake hit Haiti, I was burdened and saddened by the situation there. I contributed financially to an organization to help the efforts of people working to rebuild their country. Then, I got caught back up in my life, and have rarely thought of them since. How selfish is that? What a sad thing to admit.
I think when things happen and you have a personal connection to the tragedy (like Ryo's family), you are less likely to forget. That personal connection means that you are more invested and have more of an interest in what is going to happen next.
Shouldn't we all be connected to the tragedies that take place across the world because it affects us in some way? We are all people. We are all suffering. We are all in chaos. We all are in need of rescue. That right there should connect us and create a sense of responsibility to each other.
Just something to think about.
Peace and blessings.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
This day is bananas...
Literally sang this to myself around 2:20 this afternoon at school. All was well in Classroom P-109 today when around 1:50 we got a special delivery--new dictionaries. I'm sure you're thinking, "That sounds like a normal gift to give students" and you'd be right. So my students being the inquizitive young minds that they are ask if they can look through their dictionaries and read some of it during reading time. "Sure" was my response, because I was so glad they were actually excited about it. Fast forward 28 minutes to 2:18. One of my students was flipping through the "s" section and kept going until he found the 3 letter word that no adult wants to hear an 8 year old ask about...sex. (gasp) The students all were laughing, and I should have just moved on and not asked about it. This is the part where I would be screaming at the girl in the scary movie to TURN AWAY! DON'T GO THERE!!! But instead I responded by saying, "Yes, that is a word. Let's move on and not look that word up again. We don't need to be looking on that page anymore unless we need a word from there. I don't want you to keep looking at it and making a big deal, ok?" And the boy said "Yes ma'am." Not 2 minutes later, my class was giggling again because the boy had the page open to it AGAIN. (cue Kelly Kapour saying "This day is bananas...b-a-na-na-s")
My life.
My life.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Letter to myself
As a new teacher, I see a lot of teachers who are stagnant in their jobs and have grown tired. I have seen so much in these two years that I want to do differently....so here's a letter to myself for the future:
Dear more experienced version of myself,
Love you!
Kathryn
Dear more experienced version of myself,
- Just because you have more experience in the teaching profession does not mean you know everything. Stop pretending like you do and learn something new!
- If you have done the same lesson plans for more than 4 years, throw some things out and mix it up. Don't you dare use the same things over and over--the kids get bored with that and it is not effective.
- STOP COMPLAINING ABOUT EVERYTHING! I know things may seem like they are overwhelming and like everything keeps changing. That's probably because it is, and change is fine.
- Find a newer teacher and help her (or him) out. Remember how much you wanted a friend to just talk things through with you and give you advice and encouragement.
- Don't spend so much time at school. Leave it there and it will be ok.
- Read stories in funny voices. The crazier the better. Don't forget when you're old to be fun and ridiculous sometimes.
- Don't wear high-waters. Wear clothes that show that you are still cute and semi-connected to reality. Throw away the mom jeans. Throw away the sweaters. Rock some cute jewelry.
Love you!
Kathryn
Sunday, February 27, 2011
God works it out
God works it out.
He always does.
It definitely may not be in our time.
But He always does his thing.
Be patient for His timing. Be patient for Him to answer. He will take care of you. He will provide answers and take care of you.
He always does.
It definitely may not be in our time.
But He always does his thing.
Be patient for His timing. Be patient for Him to answer. He will take care of you. He will provide answers and take care of you.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Commercial Breaks in life?
Sometimes life feels like it has some pretty BIG moments. There are the usuals...going to kindergarten, graduating the elementary stage of life, awkward middle school years, starting high school, ending high school and going off to college. I have heard that the next big things in life for a person will be getting married, buying a house, having kids...the usual milestones one looks forward to as they get older.
I feel like I am in this "in between" stage of my life right now. I'm out of college (still living in the same city I went to college in, which presents a myriad of awkward stages on its own that I could blog about another time) but I'm single and not moving to that next stage of life just yet. I'm renting an apartment and can't keep enough money in my bank account to not have the loan offices laugh at me when I try to buy a house. I'm not having kids because I'm not ready to be a babymama yet. I'm working full time at a job I love, but not settled in one spot permanently. So that got me thinking...is this a commercial break in my life?
I'm not suggesting that I feel like I'm just waiting for the rest of my life to happen--because I'm not. Haven't you ever seen Super Bowl commercials? They're the best part!! But...commercials offer a chance for the viewer to slow down for a second and take a break from all the major events going on during the big show. At least, that's what I think the point of commercials are. And to sell you ridiculous things you don't need (Jones BBQ and Foot Massage). This is a time for me to love my friends, play, make mistakes, slow down and not be so focused on "what's next". I know there will be more to the show. That's what happens after a short commercial break. So, in the mean time, I'm going to hope that this is a very entertaining and hilarious commercial break of my life and try to make it one of the best commercials out there. I'm not fast forwarding this commercial break (which I have become so apt to do with my DVR) but instead I am going to live it up and enjoy the time.
I feel like I am in this "in between" stage of my life right now. I'm out of college (still living in the same city I went to college in, which presents a myriad of awkward stages on its own that I could blog about another time) but I'm single and not moving to that next stage of life just yet. I'm renting an apartment and can't keep enough money in my bank account to not have the loan offices laugh at me when I try to buy a house. I'm not having kids because I'm not ready to be a babymama yet. I'm working full time at a job I love, but not settled in one spot permanently. So that got me thinking...is this a commercial break in my life?
I'm not suggesting that I feel like I'm just waiting for the rest of my life to happen--because I'm not. Haven't you ever seen Super Bowl commercials? They're the best part!! But...commercials offer a chance for the viewer to slow down for a second and take a break from all the major events going on during the big show. At least, that's what I think the point of commercials are. And to sell you ridiculous things you don't need (Jones BBQ and Foot Massage). This is a time for me to love my friends, play, make mistakes, slow down and not be so focused on "what's next". I know there will be more to the show. That's what happens after a short commercial break. So, in the mean time, I'm going to hope that this is a very entertaining and hilarious commercial break of my life and try to make it one of the best commercials out there. I'm not fast forwarding this commercial break (which I have become so apt to do with my DVR) but instead I am going to live it up and enjoy the time.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Shrinkdown
I teach 3rd grade at this fabulous school, but right now it is a very competitive environment. That's because of the YMCA. Yes, the YMCA.
They created this competition between 4 elementary schools called "Shrinkdown"--a weight loss competition to promote a healthier lifestyle. The programs puts the 4 schools against each other to compete for the total weight loss and within our school we are competing against each other too. Picture The Biggest Loser...but with teachers. Pretty hilarious, actually.
So far in two weeks, I have lost 4 pounds. I am TIRED of working out so hard/counting calories so strictly and only losing 2 pounds a week... then I remembered that the competition lasts 8 weeks so I could be looking at -16 pounds by my birthday in March. That would be sweet.
So, as the verse in Philippians says, "I'm pressing on towards the goal..."
They created this competition between 4 elementary schools called "Shrinkdown"--a weight loss competition to promote a healthier lifestyle. The programs puts the 4 schools against each other to compete for the total weight loss and within our school we are competing against each other too. Picture The Biggest Loser...but with teachers. Pretty hilarious, actually.
So far in two weeks, I have lost 4 pounds. I am TIRED of working out so hard/counting calories so strictly and only losing 2 pounds a week... then I remembered that the competition lasts 8 weeks so I could be looking at -16 pounds by my birthday in March. That would be sweet.
So, as the verse in Philippians says, "I'm pressing on towards the goal..."
Friday, January 21, 2011
"That" girl
Throughout my teenage years, college, and apparently even now as I'm a mini-adult...I have always had a friend or two in my circle of friends who end up being"that" girl.
No, I'm not talking about the girl who passes out after a crazy night out. Not that girl. But the girl in the group of friends who always...ALWAYS...has a boyfriend. THAT girl.
I'm talking about the kind of girl who has not been single since the pre-teen years. The one who is always in a relationship. Now, this particular type of girl does not bother me. Do not misinterpret this post. I am not annoyed by this girl. But tonight, I perused a friend's facebook page and noticed that she is...yet again...in a serious relationship with a guy. This is probably her 9th serious relationship since high school. Sometimes I think "man! she needs to find one she likes and stop going from guy to guy so frequently" but tonight, a different though all together came across my mind:
Why is it that "that" girl can always risk so much for someone when I am the POLAR opposite and have (on the flipside) never once been in a serious relationship? How is it that she can be so committed and invested in someone else and jumps into relationships head first after going through bad breakups with guys she felt strongly about? Instead of thinking that she is foolish for risking so much all the time, I looked to "that" girl with a little bit of admiration. Just a little. Because, even though she has been through so many relationships, she goes full out, no holding back, jumping headfirst into love and takes risks.
So, here's to you girl who always has a boyfriend. Because, although I am not like you at all, I can find some positive in how much you go after life.
"Courage is not the absence of fear but rather the judgment that something is more important than fear. The brave may not live forever but the cautious do not live at all." -The Prince of Genovia (The Princess Diaries)
No, I'm not talking about the girl who passes out after a crazy night out. Not that girl. But the girl in the group of friends who always...ALWAYS...has a boyfriend. THAT girl.
I'm talking about the kind of girl who has not been single since the pre-teen years. The one who is always in a relationship. Now, this particular type of girl does not bother me. Do not misinterpret this post. I am not annoyed by this girl. But tonight, I perused a friend's facebook page and noticed that she is...yet again...in a serious relationship with a guy. This is probably her 9th serious relationship since high school. Sometimes I think "man! she needs to find one she likes and stop going from guy to guy so frequently" but tonight, a different though all together came across my mind:
Why is it that "that" girl can always risk so much for someone when I am the POLAR opposite and have (on the flipside) never once been in a serious relationship? How is it that she can be so committed and invested in someone else and jumps into relationships head first after going through bad breakups with guys she felt strongly about? Instead of thinking that she is foolish for risking so much all the time, I looked to "that" girl with a little bit of admiration. Just a little. Because, even though she has been through so many relationships, she goes full out, no holding back, jumping headfirst into love and takes risks.
So, here's to you girl who always has a boyfriend. Because, although I am not like you at all, I can find some positive in how much you go after life.
"Courage is not the absence of fear but rather the judgment that something is more important than fear. The brave may not live forever but the cautious do not live at all." -The Prince of Genovia (The Princess Diaries)
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Decisions, decisions...
As I continually think about the upcoming summer (a habit I have been in since college began...planning my life summer to summer) I am in a constant internal tug-o-war about what to do.
My two main options are both things that I LOVE and have devoted myself to over some time, but both conflict with each other and I cannot do both. I am sick of the phrase "I'm praying about it" because, although I am...constantly praying over it...it is not ok to hold off on making a decision for too much longer.
Camp Greystone or Teens Westward Bound?!?!
Let's start with Teens Westward Bound.
In 2004 (junior in high school, here), I got nominated by my friend Justin Carroll to go on this 23 day, cross country experience of a lifetime. The only thing I knew about this trip was that:
In more words that I could ever describe, this trip molded me into the person I am today. It took me from being a "nice" person, to being someone who put others' needs before myself. Having to depend on other people taught me to trust others. Being away from my parents helped me learn how to do things on my own. Being away from my friends gave me FREEDOM. Freedom from high school drama, freedom to explore life outside of Barnwell (population 5,000) and freedom to learn about myself in a way that no other trip could have done. It's a huge part of my life. The moment I returned after those 23 days I declared that I would return one day as a counselor, no questions asked. It was a no-brainer. The moment I graduated college I would return.
The rules for returning as a staff member were pretty clear: You have to be 21 or older and a former participant (with preference given to college grads, especially those that have shown how they work with kids throughout college)
In an effort to work with students as much as possible and serve the Lord in the process, I began looking for summer camp options during my freshman year of college. Enter, Camp Greystone in my life.
Here's how the Lord worked in this situation (totally a God thing):
I was sitting in my college ministry one Sunday and another camp's director came recruiting. It looked like an amazing way to serve the Lord and have fun at the same time (while also not going home all summer to my parents' house...since they had just moved to a new town). I had always idolized my counselors at camps growing up, so I knew that was right up my alley. I had an interview with that camp and was so stoked then, the day before my Spring Break trip to San Fran, I got the "thanks, but no thanks" letter. Really?? Rejected?? I was SO confused, and it really threw me for a loop. I had never failed at getting chosen for anything (unless you count the middle school cheerleading fiasco) and I began to doubt whether God really was calling me to camp. On the trip, a "mentor" of mine (aka: a senior FCA girl who I looked up to more than anyone at that time) told me in faith that God had something better planned for me. Little did I know that the next week, I would stumble upon Greystone's website after hearing that they needed people to work this one week camp called "Junior Camp." It sounded like fun, one week at camp being a counselor? Cool. So I applied.
I got a call a few days later from a lady named Kelly (ha, the one and only Kelly Carew) and the rest is history. She told me that "one week camp is fun, but you might be interested in coming for the whole summer." I decided to step out in faith and listen to the Lord. He had provided, now it was time for me to go somewhere I had NEVER heard of for nine weeks of the summertime away from my family and friends.
I didn't know how much I could fully devote myself to something until I worked at Greystone. I spent four amazing summers of my college life at that place...and throughout those summers I have had some MAJOR ups and downs. Who would think it's possible to laugh and simultaneously cry your eyes out at an all girls summer camp? Who would think that God would be able to break you so much and make you see yourself so clearly? So much for a care free summer teaching canoeing, I became invested in the lives of those girls. So much so, that they are still a part of my life now. The counselors uplift and encourage me like no small group has ever done for me. They are, without a doubt, some of the most amazing, beautiful, selfless, hard working women in the world.
I started Camp Greystone with the end goal in mind: being a counselor on the greatest trip and sharing that experience with 80 new kids. What I failed to realize is just how significantly my heart would fall for the girls at Camp Greystone. And I mean...significantly fall.
For Summer 2010, I decided that it was my time to try Teens Westward Bound. Instead of returning for my fifth summer at Camp, I convinced myself that TWB was everything that I had been waiting for all these years. In the back of my mind, it was always the launching point for me being interested in camp anyways (so I thought), so I needed to give it a try. It was incredible watching 82 high schoolers go through the same refining process I did, but my heart was no longer solely devoted to that trip. When we weren't caught up in crazy amounts of travelling, my thoughts would linger back to camp. I realized this past summer just how much a part of my life they both are.
I could legitimitly talk about both Teens Westward Bound and Camp Greystone for HOURS UPON HOURS, and will gladly do so if you want to chat it up. The point is, WHERE is God wanting me to serve this summer? What does He have up His sleeve that I can't predict? What is my role in the big picture he has designed? How can I be used most effectively in the time that I have available this summer?
I am reminded of Abraham and Sarah's story in the Old Testament, where Sarah was barren and knew that He had promised He would give Abraham a son. She took matters into her own hands by offering up another woman for him to have a child with. She thought that was God's will. I'm not comparing my situation to Sarah not being able to have a child, but she had to have faith that God would provide a solution and an answer. If you've heard the story, you know that at around 90 years old, Sarah was blessed with a child (after doubting that God was for real about His promise) who would be called Isaac. Beautiful stories throughout their whole lives about having faith and patience to wait for God's answer, and also of real struggles of faith to wait for His time.
"He (Abraham) was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises." Romans 4:21
I am fully convinced that God will (I started to type "I will" but realize it's not my call at all) provide an answer, I am just waiting for His time and trying to seek what is best. The times when I am not seeking His will are the times of most turmoil within myself. I know that both will be great opportunities for me to pour into sweet, broken, unsure of themselves, awkward, AMAZING students' lives, I just and praying for some direction as to which one to choose.
(not so) Patiently waiting, Kathryn
My two main options are both things that I LOVE and have devoted myself to over some time, but both conflict with each other and I cannot do both. I am sick of the phrase "I'm praying about it" because, although I am...constantly praying over it...it is not ok to hold off on making a decision for too much longer.
Camp Greystone or Teens Westward Bound?!?!
Let's start with Teens Westward Bound.
- you had to sleep outside for most of the time
- you had to cook for yourself
- you get to hike the Grand Canyon and see America and,
- my friends could not stop talking about it.
In more words that I could ever describe, this trip molded me into the person I am today. It took me from being a "nice" person, to being someone who put others' needs before myself. Having to depend on other people taught me to trust others. Being away from my parents helped me learn how to do things on my own. Being away from my friends gave me FREEDOM. Freedom from high school drama, freedom to explore life outside of Barnwell (population 5,000) and freedom to learn about myself in a way that no other trip could have done. It's a huge part of my life. The moment I returned after those 23 days I declared that I would return one day as a counselor, no questions asked. It was a no-brainer. The moment I graduated college I would return.
The rules for returning as a staff member were pretty clear: You have to be 21 or older and a former participant (with preference given to college grads, especially those that have shown how they work with kids throughout college)
In an effort to work with students as much as possible and serve the Lord in the process, I began looking for summer camp options during my freshman year of college. Enter, Camp Greystone in my life.
Here's how the Lord worked in this situation (totally a God thing):
I was sitting in my college ministry one Sunday and another camp's director came recruiting. It looked like an amazing way to serve the Lord and have fun at the same time (while also not going home all summer to my parents' house...since they had just moved to a new town). I had always idolized my counselors at camps growing up, so I knew that was right up my alley. I had an interview with that camp and was so stoked then, the day before my Spring Break trip to San Fran, I got the "thanks, but no thanks" letter. Really?? Rejected?? I was SO confused, and it really threw me for a loop. I had never failed at getting chosen for anything (unless you count the middle school cheerleading fiasco) and I began to doubt whether God really was calling me to camp. On the trip, a "mentor" of mine (aka: a senior FCA girl who I looked up to more than anyone at that time) told me in faith that God had something better planned for me. Little did I know that the next week, I would stumble upon Greystone's website after hearing that they needed people to work this one week camp called "Junior Camp." It sounded like fun, one week at camp being a counselor? Cool. So I applied.
I got a call a few days later from a lady named Kelly (ha, the one and only Kelly Carew) and the rest is history. She told me that "one week camp is fun, but you might be interested in coming for the whole summer." I decided to step out in faith and listen to the Lord. He had provided, now it was time for me to go somewhere I had NEVER heard of for nine weeks of the summertime away from my family and friends.
I didn't know how much I could fully devote myself to something until I worked at Greystone. I spent four amazing summers of my college life at that place...and throughout those summers I have had some MAJOR ups and downs. Who would think it's possible to laugh and simultaneously cry your eyes out at an all girls summer camp? Who would think that God would be able to break you so much and make you see yourself so clearly? So much for a care free summer teaching canoeing, I became invested in the lives of those girls. So much so, that they are still a part of my life now. The counselors uplift and encourage me like no small group has ever done for me. They are, without a doubt, some of the most amazing, beautiful, selfless, hard working women in the world.
I started Camp Greystone with the end goal in mind: being a counselor on the greatest trip and sharing that experience with 80 new kids. What I failed to realize is just how significantly my heart would fall for the girls at Camp Greystone. And I mean...significantly fall.
For Summer 2010, I decided that it was my time to try Teens Westward Bound. Instead of returning for my fifth summer at Camp, I convinced myself that TWB was everything that I had been waiting for all these years. In the back of my mind, it was always the launching point for me being interested in camp anyways (so I thought), so I needed to give it a try. It was incredible watching 82 high schoolers go through the same refining process I did, but my heart was no longer solely devoted to that trip. When we weren't caught up in crazy amounts of travelling, my thoughts would linger back to camp. I realized this past summer just how much a part of my life they both are.
I could legitimitly talk about both Teens Westward Bound and Camp Greystone for HOURS UPON HOURS, and will gladly do so if you want to chat it up. The point is, WHERE is God wanting me to serve this summer? What does He have up His sleeve that I can't predict? What is my role in the big picture he has designed? How can I be used most effectively in the time that I have available this summer?
I am reminded of Abraham and Sarah's story in the Old Testament, where Sarah was barren and knew that He had promised He would give Abraham a son. She took matters into her own hands by offering up another woman for him to have a child with. She thought that was God's will. I'm not comparing my situation to Sarah not being able to have a child, but she had to have faith that God would provide a solution and an answer. If you've heard the story, you know that at around 90 years old, Sarah was blessed with a child (after doubting that God was for real about His promise) who would be called Isaac. Beautiful stories throughout their whole lives about having faith and patience to wait for God's answer, and also of real struggles of faith to wait for His time.
"He (Abraham) was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises." Romans 4:21
I am fully convinced that God will (I started to type "I will" but realize it's not my call at all) provide an answer, I am just waiting for His time and trying to seek what is best. The times when I am not seeking His will are the times of most turmoil within myself. I know that both will be great opportunities for me to pour into sweet, broken, unsure of themselves, awkward, AMAZING students' lives, I just and praying for some direction as to which one to choose.
(not so) Patiently waiting, Kathryn
Monday, January 3, 2011
Catchya on the flipside, twenty ten.
When I got home to my parents' for Christmas break, I realized that I did not bring my laptop home with me. While my parents do have a computer, I didn't want to spend my time in an upright, uncomfortable, kitchen chair broadcasting my biznass over my entire household. I just felt like that wouldn't be conducive to good thinking. Or any thinking at all. There were many moments where I thought to blog-- I even had begun creating posts in my head. "Bloggese" is becoming a language I frequently think in.
This becomes a problem for me, the people pleaser, who thinks"this is something I should blog about" because it becomes ingenuine (which, according to Wikipedia and Urban Dictionary, isn't even a word...but you get the point). I feel the need to be funny or profound or just sit here not wasting space. Instead of just keeping it real, I am trying to make it into this bigger deal than it is. Seriously...I have zero followers. I think I'll survive not being witty all the time and my "rep" might still be in tact. Just maybe.
So onto Christmas...here's the Cliff's Notes version:
Saturday: Lindsay and Mason's wedding in Greenville. BEAUTIFUL and so much fun to be around my favorite sorority sisters. Kicked it with Katie and Reed (the Moore's guest room...uhh..not sure if I'm old enough to be visiting my married friend's guest room but it happened)
Monday/Tuesday: Charlotte to go shopping with mom at Concord Mills. Picked out all my clothes that I was going to get in 3 days. SURPRISE!
Wednesday: I cannot say this enough...Newspring Christmas service was legit. The word was brought. People stepped over from death to life. It was beautiful and moving. Followed by a Christmas sleepover with the roomz and Jen Poe. Sugar cookies and Love Actually while the tree was lit up. Heaven on Earth.
Christmas Eve: Got to serve at Newspring, then head home officially for a few days. Oyster Roast with my brother and two favorite cousins, and then traditional Christmas dinner at home with the fam.
Christmas morning: So nice to be in a family of adults and sleep past 7 AM. Even though, honestly, I rolled over at 5:45 and contemplated waking up. Then laughed and thought "not happenin' " as I rolled over and slept until 9. My uncle's house for Christmas day lunch and hanging out with my mom's side of the family. So nice to not be rushed and hectic.
Day after Christmas: Woke up to SNOW all over the ground, then went to Orangeburg for Baxter family Christmas. Which was held in grandma's nursing home for the first time, so that was a big change.
After that: TWB Reunion in Gastonia/Mooresville the day after. Home for a few days and then to Atlanta for the Chickfila Bowl with my family. Four adults in the car ride there/back means quality bonding time. There were ups and downs (ups being in Atl, downs being the game) Despite the outcome, we had GREAT seats, and enjoyed our time being surrounded by Gamecock fans.
Here's my spirited Gamecock family at the Dome on New Year's Eve. We were hoping to send this one out for the New Year after a victory since we didn't do a Christmas card. Fail.
Which brings us into Twenty Eleven. New Years.
January is a time when I usually think back upon the previous year and reflect on how things went and what is to come. I don't actually have a checklist of lifegoals (that would be disastrous) but I do want to start the year off right. I have one resolution, but it's actually a funny one and is just a challenge to myself to see if I can accomplish it. Let me start by saying that it's ridiculous how many t-shirts I have. I had a t-shirt quilt made for college graduation, and I used 15-20 shirts for the quilt alone. Now, 6 of my 8 dresser drawers are dedicated to short sleeve shirts. My last estimate was around 93 or 94, but this number has grown since that count.
My new year's resolution is to not repeat a t-shirt before wearing all of them. This excludes long sleeve t-shirts (it is winter, for cryin' out loud) and it excludes white v-necks because that's just ridic. I actually don't even have a chance to wear short sleeve shirts very often (hazard of being a working girl in the real world, does not offer many opportunities to do so) but I am beginning to go to the gym more so that will be the challenge. This is not a serious resolution, therefore, I probably will not loathe myself if I slip up and wear a shirt two times.
More to come, Happy Twenty Eleven!
Peace and blessin's, K-Bax
This becomes a problem for me, the people pleaser, who thinks"this is something I should blog about" because it becomes ingenuine (which, according to Wikipedia and Urban Dictionary, isn't even a word...but you get the point). I feel the need to be funny or profound or just sit here not wasting space. Instead of just keeping it real, I am trying to make it into this bigger deal than it is. Seriously...I have zero followers. I think I'll survive not being witty all the time and my "rep" might still be in tact. Just maybe.
So onto Christmas...here's the Cliff's Notes version:
Saturday: Lindsay and Mason's wedding in Greenville. BEAUTIFUL and so much fun to be around my favorite sorority sisters. Kicked it with Katie and Reed (the Moore's guest room...uhh..not sure if I'm old enough to be visiting my married friend's guest room but it happened)
Monday/Tuesday: Charlotte to go shopping with mom at Concord Mills. Picked out all my clothes that I was going to get in 3 days. SURPRISE!
Wednesday: I cannot say this enough...Newspring Christmas service was legit. The word was brought. People stepped over from death to life. It was beautiful and moving. Followed by a Christmas sleepover with the roomz and Jen Poe. Sugar cookies and Love Actually while the tree was lit up. Heaven on Earth.
Christmas Eve: Got to serve at Newspring, then head home officially for a few days. Oyster Roast with my brother and two favorite cousins, and then traditional Christmas dinner at home with the fam.
Christmas morning: So nice to be in a family of adults and sleep past 7 AM. Even though, honestly, I rolled over at 5:45 and contemplated waking up. Then laughed and thought "not happenin' " as I rolled over and slept until 9. My uncle's house for Christmas day lunch and hanging out with my mom's side of the family. So nice to not be rushed and hectic.
Day after Christmas: Woke up to SNOW all over the ground, then went to Orangeburg for Baxter family Christmas. Which was held in grandma's nursing home for the first time, so that was a big change.
After that: TWB Reunion in Gastonia/Mooresville the day after. Home for a few days and then to Atlanta for the Chickfila Bowl with my family. Four adults in the car ride there/back means quality bonding time. There were ups and downs (ups being in Atl, downs being the game) Despite the outcome, we had GREAT seats, and enjoyed our time being surrounded by Gamecock fans.
Which brings us into Twenty Eleven. New Years.
January is a time when I usually think back upon the previous year and reflect on how things went and what is to come. I don't actually have a checklist of lifegoals (that would be disastrous) but I do want to start the year off right. I have one resolution, but it's actually a funny one and is just a challenge to myself to see if I can accomplish it. Let me start by saying that it's ridiculous how many t-shirts I have. I had a t-shirt quilt made for college graduation, and I used 15-20 shirts for the quilt alone. Now, 6 of my 8 dresser drawers are dedicated to short sleeve shirts. My last estimate was around 93 or 94, but this number has grown since that count.
My new year's resolution is to not repeat a t-shirt before wearing all of them. This excludes long sleeve t-shirts (it is winter, for cryin' out loud) and it excludes white v-necks because that's just ridic. I actually don't even have a chance to wear short sleeve shirts very often (hazard of being a working girl in the real world, does not offer many opportunities to do so) but I am beginning to go to the gym more so that will be the challenge. This is not a serious resolution, therefore, I probably will not loathe myself if I slip up and wear a shirt two times.
More to come, Happy Twenty Eleven!
Peace and blessin's, K-Bax
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