tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30970661645143432842024-02-19T14:30:21.016-08:00sensibly saucy.i love Jesus, teach, photograph, bake, craft, and [sometimes] write a blog.melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820427193558237911noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097066164514343284.post-78880672326585524832012-12-17T00:01:00.002-08:002012-12-17T00:07:26.415-08:00A Teacher's Reflection.Over the past few days, I have heard, read, and seen details of the horrific tragedy that happened in Newtown, Connecticut. As a former elementary school teacher <i>(currently I am a high school teacher)</i>, I am unable to fathom what those who were involved - students, teachers, staff, parents - are going through. Seeing photos, names, and ages of those lost on Friday, December 14, 2012, has only brought more reality and heartache to me for the victims and their families.<br />
<br />
I have tried to place myself in the shoes of Vikki Soto, the 27 year old teacher who hid her students in the cabinets of her class, saving all of their lives by sacrificing hers. I cannot begin to imagine what went through her head and her heart in those moments before the gunman broke into her room. What thoughts she had as she made sure that all of her students were hidden and safe. Seeing the looks of fear in her students eyes, yet reassuring them that everything would be okay.<br />
<br />
<i>I cannot imagine.</i><br />
<i>I remember the layout of the classroom that I taught 4th grade in. </i><br />
<i>I remember each of my students. </i><br />
<i>I remember their sweet faces. </i><br />
<i>I remember the sweatshirts they wore every day. </i><br />
<i>I remember the jokes they would tell me, and my reacting as though I had never heard them, laughing with the same enthusiasm every time. </i><br />
<i>I remember the different things they collected and would bring to school. </i><br />
<i>I remember their backpacks. </i><br />
<i>I remember having the "Stranger on Campus" drills and conversations with my kids, which undoubtedly lasted much longer than they were supposed to. </i><br />
<i>I remember that these conversations only ended when I had reassured my kids several times that I would never let anything happen to them.</i><br />
<i>I remember that I meant it. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbtvKk44rrW1izYWsl6N7fHvcwo9TIdpgta_L5HIcjEuaZZ3UK3LNkicVMCaN9DtKUk5MRor8E8uevEn6mh9qclTRFP3awZvk3xy927zbW0eKYOjC_YqQn7oYUmlpUW_6vmTszxLBz_-V/s1600/article-vicki-soto-4-1215-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbtvKk44rrW1izYWsl6N7fHvcwo9TIdpgta_L5HIcjEuaZZ3UK3LNkicVMCaN9DtKUk5MRor8E8uevEn6mh9qclTRFP3awZvk3xy927zbW0eKYOjC_YqQn7oYUmlpUW_6vmTszxLBz_-V/s320/article-vicki-soto-4-1215-web.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
I am positive that Vikki Soto's students knew the same of her.<br />
<br />
She truly is a hero.<br />
<br />
I cannot imagine, and don't think I will ever be able to fathom, the depth of pain that each and every person involved is going through.<br />
<br />
I know that I will never be able to fathom that deep evil that engrossed the gunman to be capable of such a monstrosity.<br />
<br />
If I am ever to be put in the same horrific situation, God willing no one will <i>ever</i> have to be again, I pray that I would react in the exact way as Vikki Soto.melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820427193558237911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097066164514343284.post-13707384012482242542012-11-24T18:22:00.002-08:002012-11-24T18:22:40.676-08:00Oh my.<i>This one is a slight oldie, and kind of long, but it's definitely a goodie. Enjoy.</i><br />
<br />
It was early February 2012, and I was on my way to meet my date. I realized I left my purse on my dining room table. Not a good way to start.<br />
<br />
I gave him a call around 2:45pm. I fortunately had my phone in hand upon leaving my house thinking my purse was in my car. We were meeting at Disneyland; he worked there and could get us in free. (<i>I will never pass up a free trip to Disneyland</i>.)<br />
<br />
We had planned to meet in the middle of the two park entrances at 3:00pm, but seeing as I had no cash or card, I had to have his help to park. We decided I would pick him up on the street near the parking structure.<br />
<br />
<i>Perfect</i>, I thought. He mentioned hugging when we met to avoid an awkward handshake. Strange, but the thought was fleeting. With my lapse, we needn't have to worry about either.<br />
<br />
As I drove up to him on the curb, I noticed he was attractive - about 5'10", handsome face, dark hair. Not bad. I was excited.<br />
<br />
We entered the parking structure, he leaned over me, flashed his employee card to the attendant, and we were off to park.<br />
<br />
It didn't dawn on my until this moment that trekking through Disneyland on a blind date may not be the best idea. There could potentially be several long, awkward minutes <i>(and maybe hours)</i> to kill in lines. Again, the thought was fleeting.<br />
<br />
While on the tram riding to the park, he asked me what ride I wanted to go on first. It had been years since I had been - <i>Nemo</i> was under construction the last time, so naturally I wanted to see if it lived up to the hype they had created years before.<br />
<br />
It didn't. I get claustrophobic and motion sickness quite easily, so this was not the best of rides to go on first. But, I survived and we got off the ride to discuss where we would go next.<br />
<br />
He suggested that we go on <i>Star Tours</i> next. Not fully remembering which ride this was, I agreed. He bought me a water and we got in line. I think it was about a 45 minute wait. Considering how packed it was, it wasn't too long. As we stood in line with the masses, memories of the ride came flooding back into my mind. I realized that this was, indeed, the <i>worst</i> ride for me to go on. This ride is a perfect recipe for a headache and vomit for someone who gets motion sickness. Not sure what to do, since this was a blind date, I continued on in a stupor of slow breathing and concentrating, trying to force any upcoming nausea out before it had a chance to creep in.<br />
<br />
We got on the ride.<br />
<br />
Front row.<br />
<br />
We buckled our seat belts and the ride began.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure how long the ride lasts, but I am sure that it was pretty dark in there. For that I was thankful, as I think my color may have been somewhere between green and gray. As I allowed my body to flop to the left, and sway violently to the right with each twist, turn, and jerk of the seat I was securely buckled in, I kept my eyes closed, my breathing slow, and forced any unwanted breakfast or lunch to stay put. I could hear the other riders laughing and <i>oohing</i> and <i>aahhhing</i> and I wished desperately the ride would be over. Slowly, with a few bounces and shakes, I realized we had "landed" back at Disneyland.<br />
<br />
A success! No puke on me, or anyone else for that matter. But, I knew I needed a very long line and mellow ride after this - I had to let my equilibrium return to normalcy. Before he could mention any ride he hoped to go on, I blurted out, "Pirates!"<br />
<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">NOTE: If you haven't been on this ride, it is quite possibly the slowest ride in the whole park, with the exception of "It's a Small World." I knew that I wouldn't be able to maintain my lunch with "It's a Small World" theme song playing, loudly, for the near 8 minutes of the ride, so I waited for the approval of my ride choice eagerly - moments feeling like minutes.</span></i><br />
<br />
He agreed. I relaxed. We headed to Adventure Land.<br />
<br />
At this point, aside from my close call with embarrassment and trying to keep my breathing even to avoid any future embarrassments, I realized that though he was a very sweet guy, he was not a man that I would want to continue any relationship with. But, since we were at Disneyland and I didn't know when I'd be able to go back, I decided to make the best of it.<br />
<br />
The ride was exactly what I needed. Slow. Nothing unexpected.<br />
<br />
We walked outside and the smell of clam chowder and sourdough bread bowls caused my mouth to water instantly. I forgot how much I loved this area of Disneyland - the rides, the food, the atmosphere.<br />
<br />
I also realized how hungry I was at that moment. He must have, too.<br />
<br />
"Are you hungry?" he asked.<br />
<br />
"I'm starving!" I tried to conceal the desperation in my voice.<br />
<br />
"Okay, give me your three top choices of where to eat."<br />
<br />
"Alright. Number one: right here at this clam chowder place..."<br />
<br />
No response.<br />
<br />
"Number two: the Corn Dog cart..."<br />
<br />
"No."<br />
<br />
Hmm.<br />
<br />
"Number three: I can't think of a number three. Just not the Happy Birthday cafe. I got sick there once."<br />
<br />
He paused. Contemplated.<br />
<br />
"Okay, my top three choices...The Hungry Bears Cafe. The Happy Birthday cafe. The [I can't remember what he said]."<br />
<br />
This time I paused. Really? Were you listening to me at all? I didn't respond, as I didn't know what to say.<br />
<br />
"Well, what are your three choices outside the park?" he asked as we started walking toward the front gate.<br />
<br />
"Um, I haven't tried it, but have always wanted to try the La Jolla Bakery."<br />
<br />
No answer. Still walking.<br />
<br />
"Okay, um, I love the Rainforest Cafe."<br />
<br />
"No. I don't do the Rainforest Cafe."<br />
<br />
"Got it. What about the Mexican food restaurant? I think it's called Tortilla Joe's?"<br />
<br />
"Hmm...no. I like the ESPN Zone..." [and he mentioned two other restaurants that I don't recall.]<br />
<br />
I was kind of at a loss at this point. It was almost 7:00pm on a Saturday night. I was starving, my back was starting to hurt from the cold and an injury the previous summer, and we weren't getting any closer to making a decision of where to eat.<br />
<br />
We continued to walk through Downtown Disney.<br />
<br />
We were nearing the Rainforest Cafe. <i>Oh</i>, I thought, <i>maybe he changed his mind! </i><br />
<br />
He looked at me.<br />
<br />
"We're going to ESPN Zone."<br />
<br />
Slightly flabbergasted, I replied, "Okay." What else was there to say?<br />
<br />
As we entered the restaurant, he flew by some men who were standing near the hostess station and started putting his name in. I asked them, mortified, if they were in line waiting. Fortunately, they weren't.<br />
<br />
The wait was going to be about an hour. He looked at me, and I said it was up to him.<br />
<br />
We left and headed toward Tortilla Joe's.<br />
<br />
Again, the wait would be about an hour. He told me he couldn't wait that long. I reminded him that at 7:00 on a Saturday night we would be lucky to find anything shorter.<br />
<br />
We stopped. He thought. He remembered a place.<br />
<br />
"There is a restaurant at one of the hotels. Do you want to try that?"<br />
<br />
"The Storyteller's Cafe? I like that place. Let's go."<br />
<br />
We started walking toward it. Finally, a decision!<br />
<br />
"The wait is about 20 minutes," the hostess cheerfully replied.<br />
<br />
Done! We will get a bowl of bread soon enough! At this point, it was almost 7:30 and I was starting to get shaky.<br />
<br />
"They even have a buffet," he told me, "but I forgot to ask how much it costs...But I'm not cheap!"<br />
<br />
What an interesting string of thoughts.<br />
<br />
"You get a discount as an employee, so it shouldn't be too bad." I tried to calm his nerves, as I could tell he realized he was thinking out loud. It didn't bother me.<br />
<br />
"Do you want to get the buffet, too?"<br />
<br />
"No. Honestly, I never eat enough to make the cost worth it."<br />
<br />
"Do you need to go to the bathroom?"<br />
<br />
"Yeah, I could go."<br />
<br />
"Okay, I'll take you to my favorite bathrooms. They have doors and walls that go all the way to the floor and ceiling, so you get plenty of privacy, if you know what I mean."<br />
<br />
What? Seriously, I don't want to talk about <i>that</i> on a first date. Things were starting to go downhill.<br />
<br />
When we got to the bathrooms, I realized he was right. They were nice.<br />
<br />
I decided to hang out for a bit. I took out my phone and texted my mom.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Hey Ma, I'm still on my date. In the restroom. Not feeling it. I'll call you when I'm on my way home.</span><br />
<br />
She replied.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Are you still there? I'm making dinner if you want to stop by.</span><br />
<br />
My turn.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">No, we're about to have dinner. Call you soon.</span><br />
<br />
I walked out and the buzzer-thing had gone off. Hooray! Time to eat!<br />
<br />
We went back to the restaurant, checked in, and were seated. He got his buffet plate and got a plate-full.<br />
<br />
"Please, eat," I encouraged.<br />
<br />
"Are you sure? You don't mind?"<br />
<br />
"Not at all."<br />
<br />
At this point, I could not control my hands from shaking as I buttered my roll. I took my first bite. It melted in my mouth. Delicious.<br />
<br />
My mood was getting better.<br />
<br />
Though not diabetic, I could feel my blood sugars balancing out again and I was starting to feel more like myself.<br />
<br />
Having walked around for nearly four and a half hours, I was allowing myself to sink into my chair. I couldn't remember a time when I sat in a more comfortable chair.<br />
<br />
The whole time this was happening, he was happily chatting, as I'm sure he was experiencing similar emotions.<br />
<br />
I noticed he continued to talk with his mouth full. Gross.<br />
<br />
Then I noticed the way he cut his meat. Really?<br />
<br />
He held his knife like one would hold a microphone. I don't know why, but I couldn't seem to stop looking at the way he held his knife. Something was off. Why was he holding it like that? Why---<br />
<br />
<i>Oh.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Oh my.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Wait.</i><br />
<br />
I had to force my eyes away.<br />
<br />
A quick glance.<br />
<br />
<i>How did I not realize sooner?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Four and a half hours and I am just now noticing!?</i><br />
<br />
He had no fingers.<br />
<br />
<i>I'm such a jerk. He </i>HAS<i> to hold his knife like that! </i><br />
<br />
<i>Stop looking!!</i><br />
<br />
<br />
The date after that was uneventful.<br />
<br />
My chicken salad came; the chicken was undercooked. I sent it back. It was pretty good. Not as good as the bread.<br />
We finished our meal.<br />
He asked if I wanted to go to California Adventure, but as it was 8:30pm, I was spent and declined.<br />
I had to be up early the next morning for church and my back was aching something awful.<br />
He was disappointed.<br />
<br />
We started walking back toward the structure. He seemed to get a renewed sense of excitement, and had a bounce to his step. We walked up to my car, I gave him a quick hug to avoid anything unwanted, got in the car, and drove away.<br />
<br />
The day's event started to sink in. What an interesting date.melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820427193558237911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097066164514343284.post-8290457089216968302012-10-03T23:15:00.003-07:002012-10-03T23:15:54.412-07:00Didn't Want to Interrupt...<i>In looking over past blog posts, I have realized that many are pretty heavy. Uplifting, but packed to the brim with a lot of density.<br />
<br />
This one will not be.<br />
<br />
I have been wanting to write down some of the various experiences I have had, yet I have been slightly timid when it comes to writing. Maybe due to the fact that as an English teacher I am afraid that it won't sound witty or intelligent enough. Maybe due to the fact that I know these stories are funny (based on the reactions of my friends), but I am afraid that the humor won't come across in my writing.<br />
<br />
Whatever the delay, it is now over. I need to start getting them from my head and into the heads of others.<br />
<br />
So, without further ado, here is my first post on my random dating life...</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Almost two weeks ago I went on a date with a man that I knew very little about. We were set up due to similarities, and though I was initially open-minded, I was also a bit skeptical from the start.<br />
<br />
We met at the Starbucks off La Paz and Oso, near the Target. Given two, this was my choice place of meeting.<br />
<br />
It was not hard to find him, as I had seen a few photos. It also helped that he walked right up to me as I walked through the door.<br />
<br />
We ordered our drinks and sat outside. It was a beautiful day.<br />
<br />
Our conversation was light-hearted, not too serious. I spoke of my niece and nephews and showed him photos on my phone, I told him of my job as a teacher and a cheer advisor <i>(and all that entails)</i>, of my church, and of my family. He told me about himself, as well.<br />
<br />
After an hour, he had to leave to do some work for his church. It was a good amount of time; not too long, but not too short. Our conversation didn't have any painful lulls or awkward silences. <br />
<br />
As he left, I knew that I wouldn't see him again. He was a nice guy, but not the right man for me.<br />
<br />
I had the afternoon open, so I called my mom to see if she wanted to have lunch. This would be a great way to fill her in on the activities of my morning.<br />
<br />
We were almost to the restaurant when my phone chirped in response to receiving a text message. To the dismay of my mother, I checked it at a red light (yes, I am aware that you can still get a ticket even if stopped - but this didn't stop me from checking). <br />
<br />
I read the text. I couldn't help but laugh.<br />
<br />
<i>Great getting coffee with you! I enjoyed hearing your stories and seeing those instagrams of your niece and nephews! Sorry if you didn't feel like you got to know me too well, I didn't want to interrupt you. :P</i><br />
<br />
Call me crazy, but I think that means I talked too much... :)melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820427193558237911noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097066164514343284.post-87906622878875820472012-02-04T14:02:00.000-08:002012-02-04T14:29:39.664-08:00One Choice Can Change It All.Five years ago today, February 4, 2007, I made a decision that changed the entire course of my life. I chose to end my engagement. I won't go into details of why I made this decision; they're not suited for a public site, nor are they necessary. <br />
<br />
As I sat in my car that cold February evening, fearing as I watched my perfect plans evaporate in front of me, feeling pain and hurt like I had never felt, and wondering what was to come, I had an overwhelming peace that I am positive could only come from the love of Christ in my life. (Don't get me wrong, though I had peace I was still afraid of the unknown of my future as I drove out of the parking lot). <br />
<br />
By this point in my life, that night is a memory that is hard for me to connect myself with as I feel so far from it; the life I was living then is so different from the one I live today. The one memory that sticks out with searing brilliance is that of my phone call with my brother. As always, he answered the phone with enthusiasm and excitement to my call.<br />
<br />
"Sister!"<br />
<br />
"I'm..not..getting..marr-ied." (insert hysteria)<br />
<br />
"<i>WHAT</i>?!"<br />
<br />
The utter shock and pain I heard in his voice stills rings vibrantly in my ears to this day.<br />
<br />
The rest of the conversation went as expected: I told him what happened, why I had made the decision, and he stayed with me on the phone until I got home. I later found out that my sister-in-law wept into a pillow as she put together the pieces of the choppy puzzle she received from my brother's end of the call. The love that she and all of my family felt for me then has only magnified to this day and I am blessed to have them in my life; the road to today would have had more detours, I'm sure.<br />
<br />
The point of this post is not to relive that evening, or the several difficult months after as I dealt with pains, hurts, betrayals. The point is to show that God is good, that He brought healing to me, and that no matter what, He works "all things together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).<br />
<br />
In the last five years, because I trusted Him, because I actually did what I knew He was calling me to do though it was not easy, I have seen how He has blessed my life. So many of the things that I have been able to experience, take part in, help with, etc., are a direct result of this choice. I would not have done most of the things that I have done if I had chosen otherwise.<br />
<br />
I'll list a few of the major things that I can think of off the top of my head that would not have happened:<br />
<br />
<b>2007</b><br />
*Moved to the Aventine and made lifelong friends.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8841qEjiA-uhUMolyK22K8BzeI89V1KL-hXBixMazLoWyQjVuSXH5Zy4jgXGfqbH-3ECcD3eO6TVG_r_vEh1nBlEm80ZZidiRCH33nDsDtiS-rJIjhmZRtDg-pAjmySfsZgQflBdBiY9j/s1600/228684_5059023626_670823626_154777_5543_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8841qEjiA-uhUMolyK22K8BzeI89V1KL-hXBixMazLoWyQjVuSXH5Zy4jgXGfqbH-3ECcD3eO6TVG_r_vEh1nBlEm80ZZidiRCH33nDsDtiS-rJIjhmZRtDg-pAjmySfsZgQflBdBiY9j/s320/228684_5059023626_670823626_154777_5543_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
*Hosted my first nephew's (Hudson) Baby Shower<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7QAPqedCN_m-QTOZPvERd4mEKhh1o8S4N81QXLe22k4V8vHr4GzQzrKvtQU6jkZZdw6MyzWnEAWzZQpJeGzwYUmHjNxYhLNjdGzaQYPDOm3SVg6atBUMOfrQxvrFmKuFY5IDx-RYocuG/s1600/225599_5059118626_670823626_154794_7113_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7QAPqedCN_m-QTOZPvERd4mEKhh1o8S4N81QXLe22k4V8vHr4GzQzrKvtQU6jkZZdw6MyzWnEAWzZQpJeGzwYUmHjNxYhLNjdGzaQYPDOm3SVg6atBUMOfrQxvrFmKuFY5IDx-RYocuG/s320/225599_5059118626_670823626_154794_7113_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
*I went to visit my best friend, Laela, in Chicago for a week.<br />
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<br />
*I got to see "Wicked" at the Pantageous Theater while on a date! (small, but still awesome!)<br />
<br />
*Christmas Bliss (started this annual Christmas Party because I had a place to have a party)<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>2008</b><br />
*I spent two months working with an organization called <i>Hope of the Nations</i> in Kigoma, Tanzania.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQCnakTYbq-xKqMKpTrwY5rFnFUCWQYUKOaqZ5Yd65I7Hdw8dEOX94zrHmC2ZD7N7mF6yiMU05UCwg-jUAjHSt4ODybZzJxZAZwyxACvxrAYGYJ7U42ZYRCGumirVdXh225eIduoyBEsu6/s1600/n670823626_1248023_1486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQCnakTYbq-xKqMKpTrwY5rFnFUCWQYUKOaqZ5Yd65I7Hdw8dEOX94zrHmC2ZD7N7mF6yiMU05UCwg-jUAjHSt4ODybZzJxZAZwyxACvxrAYGYJ7U42ZYRCGumirVdXh225eIduoyBEsu6/s320/n670823626_1248023_1486.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
*Road Trip to Fresno, Gilroy, and Santa Cruz over Christmas Break to see old friends and new friends I made while in Africa.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ck82Pvemc9GSS_gmlE1UvYYsnly8ORaUUl4BnhIMhMHm-uAaP-zCdMNtDFNpal9AYak57zU_56-cpiEy3TNvsokU5BXrohK0E0DFXlkmAhgZTcOptDXKAfbtKov05u_lH8T26L3G-ik0/s1600/n670823626_1838215_5828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ck82Pvemc9GSS_gmlE1UvYYsnly8ORaUUl4BnhIMhMHm-uAaP-zCdMNtDFNpal9AYak57zU_56-cpiEy3TNvsokU5BXrohK0E0DFXlkmAhgZTcOptDXKAfbtKov05u_lH8T26L3G-ik0/s320/n670823626_1838215_5828.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
*Christmas Bliss the 2nd<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTuWeeP3jgwQJ6sCXCHiMDyiIb_ziKp9WsnhxEGXwe-xNiAd6uRn06B0kNTQ5eFOvVPJgPA9zAC4Ul6XXp1iUBgjR_nWIcqYDx-37rfRSP8LVFvI0_H6707vlq6ct_vJyS5fmD87Dh1ykT/s1600/n670823626_1788899_7840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="154" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTuWeeP3jgwQJ6sCXCHiMDyiIb_ziKp9WsnhxEGXwe-xNiAd6uRn06B0kNTQ5eFOvVPJgPA9zAC4Ul6XXp1iUBgjR_nWIcqYDx-37rfRSP8LVFvI0_H6707vlq6ct_vJyS5fmD87Dh1ykT/s320/n670823626_1788899_7840.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>2009</b><br />
*I went on an all-expense paid cruise for two weeks in the Mediterranean with my best friend, compliments of Oprah.<br />
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I won an Oprah Photo Contest with that pic ^<br />
<br />
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<br />
*I was able to go back to Kigoma for three weeks and work alongside Hope of the Nations with a team of friends.<br />
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<br />
*Christmas Bliss the 3rd<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAno8VPCyFn61RDiM9rxjNkNvrLSPsm4lcshOuCAMCz4HchDetI7v_u-K9drEAp7cRES1kOgSSNJ0MoRP3MPPmtRh72tc_SpFMpEL2BHraQ8lzWEVwSTlQImkXjXM-e0T-K8HP6P29Mr6f/s1600/11152_239151743626_670823626_4190040_5410631_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAno8VPCyFn61RDiM9rxjNkNvrLSPsm4lcshOuCAMCz4HchDetI7v_u-K9drEAp7cRES1kOgSSNJ0MoRP3MPPmtRh72tc_SpFMpEL2BHraQ8lzWEVwSTlQImkXjXM-e0T-K8HP6P29Mr6f/s320/11152_239151743626_670823626_4190040_5410631_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<br />
<br />
2010<br />
*Choreograph an epic Team Cheer at a high school summer camp. (Go Gabbas!)<br />
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<br />
*Adventure Day 2010. (Need I say more?)<br />
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Still my fave pic from Adventure Day 2010! ^<br />
<br />
*Christmas Bliss the 4th<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkF7lD-9YaOhUknrmcAxn93EiKwDGkkk30oGa0-0qY9cj8yiNghRhR9bpz1WwuzXkeW1CJm2bnkybAvAbBOQT4zCF1UL2d0D_GoO0r9Yj6GZwtULm-s5WV6hvg0VyIfwzZslnPuvsOFHMs/s1600/65471_564891532691_201001680_32482338_2607357_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkF7lD-9YaOhUknrmcAxn93EiKwDGkkk30oGa0-0qY9cj8yiNghRhR9bpz1WwuzXkeW1CJm2bnkybAvAbBOQT4zCF1UL2d0D_GoO0r9Yj6GZwtULm-s5WV6hvg0VyIfwzZslnPuvsOFHMs/s320/65471_564891532691_201001680_32482338_2607357_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The only one I have from CBthe4th ^<br />
<br />
2011<br />
*Coach the Cheer team at SJHHS (where I teach)<br />
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<br />
*10-Year High School Reunion<br />
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<br />
*Be in the room for my nephew's (Stryder) birth<br />
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<br />
*Christmas Bliss the 5th<br />
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<br />
<b>2012</b><br />
It's only the start of the year, but I am looking forward to see what I can fill in here.<br />
<br />
I don't know what my life would look like today if I had decided to continue on with <i>my</i> plans, to continue trying to build that life that <i>I</i> thought was best; honestly, I don't want to know. Though there are things that I wish were different now (<i>I'm still a human</i>), I know that God knows what is best and that He ultimately will bring me the most joy, the most love, the best life.<br />
<br />
And that, I believe, is worth waiting for.<br />
<br />melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820427193558237911noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097066164514343284.post-41539472885766505802011-12-22T18:42:00.000-08:002011-12-22T18:42:02.591-08:00Dressember...half way there...This has been so much fun! Thanks to my friend, <a href="http://blythehill.blogspot.com/">Blythe</a> for putting this together, I have been forced to get somewhat creative at times with my wardrobe.<br />
<br />
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I'm spending Christmas in Oklahoma with family, so it will be an interesting, more-layering-than-known, kind of week!melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820427193558237911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097066164514343284.post-78901742426920281462011-12-04T22:42:00.001-08:002011-12-04T23:06:29.370-08:00..thankful for the simple things...For the past two weeks, I have had health issues, debilitating at times, that have hindered my everyday life. I had to take three and a half days off of work due to pain and fevers, and therefore my life stopped; literally.<br />
<br />
It was not really until tonight, as I was getting ready to get ready for bed, when I realized how much I am thankful for. About a week and a half ago, my dear friend Simone Knepper hosted her annual Thankful Brunch, in which we all come to the table (again, I'm being literal here) and share the things that we were thankful for throughout the year. Unfortunately, this was when my health issues began, so not only was I ill-prepared with my list, but in midst of pain it is difficult to remember exactly <i>what</i> I am thankful for.<br />
<br />
In the next several bullet points, I will attempt to convey those things, simple or grand, that I am thankful for for the 2011 year...up to this point, at least.<br />
<br />
*my family <br />
<i>(cliche, but simply stating I am thankful for them will never suffice to convey the depth of how thankful and grateful I truly am for them)</i><br />
*my health <br />
<i>(it has been up and down throughout the year, possibly more than usual, but I am thankful for both good health and bad health - bad health because it reminds me to appreciate the small, simplest of things ~walking with ease, laughing without pain, etc.~ even more)</i><br />
*my apartment<br />
<i>(especially throughout the past week of being nearly under house arrest, I am so thankful that I still love the small details of my house ~ the cups/plates I have acquired from Anthropologie, the pillow I so love from Pier 1, the small owl figurines and various bird salt and pepper shakers I have begun to, unknowingly, collect)</i><br />
*my iPhone<br />
*Instagram, Phonto, Diptic, the camera on the phone!<br />
*sunrise/sunsets<br />
*pain killers and antibiotics<br />
*hummingbirds<br />
*a smile from a complete stranger, or someone close to me that I can share their joy<br />
*finishing a good book<br />
*Pride & Prejudice - <i>the book and movies</i><br />
*Coke Zero<br />
*the lamp I retrieved from my dad's childhood room that I use on my desk <i>(which I am continually getting compliments on!)</i><br />
*pictures<br />
*my job <i>(as a teacher and a coach)</i><br />
*my computer<br />
*friends that, though I may speak to them but once or twice a year, we pick up as if not time has elapsed<br />
*living in a free country<br />
*the ability to travel easily<br />
*my car<br />
*air conditioning<br />
*after the rain...<br />
~a leaf with raindrops still lingering<br />
~puffy white clouds with a brilliant blue sky backdrop'<br />
~the smell of wet dirt and wet asphalt<br />
*a breeze that cools the temperature just enough to raise a slight goosebump..or the sun shining on my skin to raise that same slight goosebump<br />
*the tree outside my front door<br />
~and that though I often forget to water it, it is stubborn enough to keep on keepin'on<br />
*my coffee cup from Anthropologie with an "M" on it<br />
*Donut Shop coffee pods<br />
*Peppermint Mocha creamer from CoffeeMate<br />
<br />
<br />
This list could go on, and I plan to continue it. Right now, however, I must get some rest before I make the trek back to work tomorrow...of which I am thankful.melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820427193558237911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097066164514343284.post-65698379834270601342011-11-30T12:14:00.000-08:002011-11-30T12:19:49.543-08:00Dressember...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWqdoDov_QT7GdffYUEFpM3iSfy8RKaIWTWQlQf69FdteFzlEgf_aJLpLezO8GbI4Xq3_RTgjT0f_02OCGYAirjIWBBviO85wobqx7gYf0YDqQ0z3ObYDWklopI8j2IDR0gjv1Ir89HiC/s1600/dres.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 54px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWqdoDov_QT7GdffYUEFpM3iSfy8RKaIWTWQlQf69FdteFzlEgf_aJLpLezO8GbI4Xq3_RTgjT0f_02OCGYAirjIWBBviO85wobqx7gYf0YDqQ0z3ObYDWklopI8j2IDR0gjv1Ir89HiC/s320/dres.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680885884196103778" /></a><br /><br />...starts tomorrow.<br /><br />If all goes as planned, I will be feeling better and will be able to join the real world again with my first dress...<br /><br />Get. Excited.<br /><br />For more information, go to http://blythehill.blogspot.com/<br /><br />*Photo Cred to Blythe Hillmelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820427193558237911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097066164514343284.post-7793413278866300722011-08-17T23:44:00.000-07:002011-08-17T23:51:09.233-07:00beautiful. summer.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6FSvDpJvMTqmS6RMFOSTh6ramO1RbLjfXlpUUzvtUlrlx1znUNIB9JW6fZ-XKIsISY58KcIMrOpDEf05lYpzJJ-dMmzoz5rjt2mLdTbD1XBEWJlT7vY2Og24HY0OPxc_VxPTVn81NZXz/s1600/IMG_0362.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6FSvDpJvMTqmS6RMFOSTh6ramO1RbLjfXlpUUzvtUlrlx1znUNIB9JW6fZ-XKIsISY58KcIMrOpDEf05lYpzJJ-dMmzoz5rjt2mLdTbD1XBEWJlT7vY2Og24HY0OPxc_VxPTVn81NZXz/s320/IMG_0362.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642084512871242050" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6RXR9kjTvwihlZ4sRsNwv6ag6uZlUNJJylyhCFzijo5CxBlllSU4-70OsZjGggl7fCNYeznp01xPlzOISq40dzatW2UKiJQA0Gv02iaCA7mXvT8M50Yz4n2yxeK-dSX0OLKVFY6AxHeGC/s1600/IMG_0448.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6RXR9kjTvwihlZ4sRsNwv6ag6uZlUNJJylyhCFzijo5CxBlllSU4-70OsZjGggl7fCNYeznp01xPlzOISq40dzatW2UKiJQA0Gv02iaCA7mXvT8M50Yz4n2yxeK-dSX0OLKVFY6AxHeGC/s320/IMG_0448.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642084506535469330" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XrlTFrA0al2F9jObVcriT-9f519lbghZD4_-tFC7Wh6U3uyRVEca79IKJ6tbCbZeYW5IRjafDNDaO8PgeCQ7f5S_Eqp-yPnhc1fbRUUNt2nSdRRcAFFa3PbR8dtum1eXGxifyQrwrx6l/s1600/IMG_0509.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XrlTFrA0al2F9jObVcriT-9f519lbghZD4_-tFC7Wh6U3uyRVEca79IKJ6tbCbZeYW5IRjafDNDaO8PgeCQ7f5S_Eqp-yPnhc1fbRUUNt2nSdRRcAFFa3PbR8dtum1eXGxifyQrwrx6l/s320/IMG_0509.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642084026420773970" /></a>
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzmgMOILpcoP8A-3HUZpDBx2THh_jKpRoUkPOzV8EEDp-8Bmu3H7Gy2jrE4MSZLV3HNzuNkW1GhwzY_Be7AjNYEFg90EF99jb_0yLKE1wDa9XX7zrWHBx7txA82JvdOggE3p3ZunCTetl/s1600/IMG_0502.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzmgMOILpcoP8A-3HUZpDBx2THh_jKpRoUkPOzV8EEDp-8Bmu3H7Gy2jrE4MSZLV3HNzuNkW1GhwzY_Be7AjNYEFg90EF99jb_0yLKE1wDa9XX7zrWHBx7txA82JvdOggE3p3ZunCTetl/s320/IMG_0502.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642084011386380962" /></a>
<br />melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820427193558237911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097066164514343284.post-56638582598001898162011-05-02T20:46:00.001-07:002011-05-02T21:04:37.087-07:00some favorites from the mediterranean...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTefYk3iSbrp4heQMtLzirkzKtycEidjmNOQOVihZdhqgBGpt8vrsH8_c-b6hPkSa28_8_u5-m1IVSFzHPGSZxnLLnG-PbFIEdNqcmilGkcIO_ugAfji_gLYNb_OiaBB_OXqvGdYTuxBqF/s1600/IMG_4940.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTefYk3iSbrp4heQMtLzirkzKtycEidjmNOQOVihZdhqgBGpt8vrsH8_c-b6hPkSa28_8_u5-m1IVSFzHPGSZxnLLnG-PbFIEdNqcmilGkcIO_ugAfji_gLYNb_OiaBB_OXqvGdYTuxBqF/s320/IMG_4940.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602335865698801938" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPddvOeAa5clAZTTCJFCfcpyQ7Z2BQM1ujgXdL43suvtrNCUBXDFqxN_W2ejeSydfjTpCvOljtrCi_xV5ZPfDuf6UyXvKF6LjaKODO6OOQ6EyyNx4dbS5mtGhiSKovGteWcfv2831IPmC/s1600/IMG_5408.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPddvOeAa5clAZTTCJFCfcpyQ7Z2BQM1ujgXdL43suvtrNCUBXDFqxN_W2ejeSydfjTpCvOljtrCi_xV5ZPfDuf6UyXvKF6LjaKODO6OOQ6EyyNx4dbS5mtGhiSKovGteWcfv2831IPmC/s320/IMG_5408.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602335862349418466" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_Kv0RSHwJdAxI2O1olOzN9g8A38NXSmcBU285zotAh69r7cmbgq8DfjRXWBc1wofV8kJxlv_uROyHaKanrsfd3B7bWuQDqLucd2IgxSBajeilYdQoFTcBng8-c9ZJzeSfDyX64hPLL9a/s1600/IMG_4850.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_Kv0RSHwJdAxI2O1olOzN9g8A38NXSmcBU285zotAh69r7cmbgq8DfjRXWBc1wofV8kJxlv_uROyHaKanrsfd3B7bWuQDqLucd2IgxSBajeilYdQoFTcBng8-c9ZJzeSfDyX64hPLL9a/s320/IMG_4850.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602335854685880098" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WN-9vjsxlH3ywI0Ca2OhxsMmatk4lZBEbfkaFPaqQ9q5DcKalM_5HsHAcOrpH-MVIH21-xXYhVYn9NyJQuVNTxlvfVwD1j0HJtYfic1NrYwD230VM3EnvudKqViKenY6Xv27rDR03DUM/s1600/IMG_4881.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WN-9vjsxlH3ywI0Ca2OhxsMmatk4lZBEbfkaFPaqQ9q5DcKalM_5HsHAcOrpH-MVIH21-xXYhVYn9NyJQuVNTxlvfVwD1j0HJtYfic1NrYwD230VM3EnvudKqViKenY6Xv27rDR03DUM/s320/IMG_4881.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602334190306438722" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4fr4bOYY7_2tPtpo3ErntmVIx3VpuijvSkDkTzgKCChPYW-XsLDyuO03Mv6CHJb4T_xTYA5Xhz3L4YlbHXwQNDQRAUHSOHl6-eF52i4-L8vwhG-S30tWl6rBMl-pDXgfC77YKwmQCrjO/s1600/IMG_4889.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4fr4bOYY7_2tPtpo3ErntmVIx3VpuijvSkDkTzgKCChPYW-XsLDyuO03Mv6CHJb4T_xTYA5Xhz3L4YlbHXwQNDQRAUHSOHl6-eF52i4-L8vwhG-S30tWl6rBMl-pDXgfC77YKwmQCrjO/s320/IMG_4889.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602334191371419026" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcplMEovOeXCEkH3ha6A7GzD8pivTEB6HJbjy9pxqxcG-DsHvtB2s3cYrRe6gXu4D_2wOrWHP2003Hz43098bj1-3ktNUYQxaIE2Q4RcFaH7bqsze8QHiDDPPmtmn-JiU-CsrEmr1wGNi/s1600/IMG_4637.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcplMEovOeXCEkH3ha6A7GzD8pivTEB6HJbjy9pxqxcG-DsHvtB2s3cYrRe6gXu4D_2wOrWHP2003Hz43098bj1-3ktNUYQxaIE2Q4RcFaH7bqsze8QHiDDPPmtmn-JiU-CsrEmr1wGNi/s320/IMG_4637.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602334185111976226" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfKMN7J1efd4EGgHA8E6TtdqoTha1vq9NnQyZ6fWlc8Ljt8Af9M_LPs1G3hJdnh339QgAyL9yQgLhRET5Ct4T8sVItdtxde7XZaQz023L5515sSGid9MLou3KWBa7YPHzfG6aShcUz7j9/s1600/IMG_3830.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfKMN7J1efd4EGgHA8E6TtdqoTha1vq9NnQyZ6fWlc8Ljt8Af9M_LPs1G3hJdnh339QgAyL9yQgLhRET5Ct4T8sVItdtxde7XZaQz023L5515sSGid9MLou3KWBa7YPHzfG6aShcUz7j9/s320/IMG_3830.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602334179193824850" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEian3nGE5cJvwWSMjOoNnAL3vSVmJTyoHmFIi_P-TysQkxwMxLWOREuNBvsXahVg-bCA4zqtkj3QEiHAZMtGo62gqRIlfaHSThNV1xtpGhf5eed_jdtg_UHv4xz-eXXAK_dGZ6ZyCVwQtuO/s1600/IMG_4019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEian3nGE5cJvwWSMjOoNnAL3vSVmJTyoHmFIi_P-TysQkxwMxLWOREuNBvsXahVg-bCA4zqtkj3QEiHAZMtGo62gqRIlfaHSThNV1xtpGhf5eed_jdtg_UHv4xz-eXXAK_dGZ6ZyCVwQtuO/s320/IMG_4019.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602334171375497650" /></a>melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820427193558237911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097066164514343284.post-68281220961863083482011-02-21T19:00:00.000-08:002011-02-21T19:22:06.489-08:00Abby-Girl's 1st Birthdaythe princess...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91pHt4pXz6QYcs8kfPE0o2-leLHNaLxlqc56lRfJsCfJZw3pYfPM2kr9J26YAdUaJYBW5kyIq-8Do03M5KQIIRfdzqcSmt8bOtvdfy6QuP2fu-GdpWIwnbrqccEVCF1EClzQO9V7nzLjx/s1600/IMG_4844.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91pHt4pXz6QYcs8kfPE0o2-leLHNaLxlqc56lRfJsCfJZw3pYfPM2kr9J26YAdUaJYBW5kyIq-8Do03M5KQIIRfdzqcSmt8bOtvdfy6QuP2fu-GdpWIwnbrqccEVCF1EClzQO9V7nzLjx/s320/IMG_4844.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576347333010292066" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWM_5WS-onw3BLYJzhGhd2gP9iNgdB9Z6GbT0IUmYsdOZqGwa904-i2RcSm9dTjNTwuCcoq2RcQNedLpghWCLk21cCQiV_98pd8OLtPFZippBVWHbfEXaSJ0DpkKJaHmOGr_mR-7WjtSw6/s1600/IMG_4872.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWM_5WS-onw3BLYJzhGhd2gP9iNgdB9Z6GbT0IUmYsdOZqGwa904-i2RcSm9dTjNTwuCcoq2RcQNedLpghWCLk21cCQiV_98pd8OLtPFZippBVWHbfEXaSJ0DpkKJaHmOGr_mR-7WjtSw6/s320/IMG_4872.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576347339520163730" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0CpeGEb4NV90azOK7WD8GBz3ngNVrUq7SYTfLEa14xm0jNaYkWwGXyKOcXcnaniFvt_KZzkEJCKP7SMCWd0J7T83Oo-hlmGTFSvcxh_Oa7xtBQ5_GLf5z3sTcwnatmj-bTwbhSl6BRy_T/s1600/IMG_4871.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0CpeGEb4NV90azOK7WD8GBz3ngNVrUq7SYTfLEa14xm0jNaYkWwGXyKOcXcnaniFvt_KZzkEJCKP7SMCWd0J7T83Oo-hlmGTFSvcxh_Oa7xtBQ5_GLf5z3sTcwnatmj-bTwbhSl6BRy_T/s320/IMG_4871.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576347336555762546" /></a><br /><br />...and her cakes<br />{my talented sister-in-law, <a href="http://www.cailamade.com/">Caila</a>, made the beautiful fondant cake, and i made the cupcakes}<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Kutw53KB6s7-a9eZ1P7L9vuzDRXXLMQgMsWbAsIoT2-SPXViePkGQ8RqNoBRZLLX8hsYHKrcjTU3TfDDnFGce-1EQ4xUzKMvFwXI9xDDgppTrr9gAfce7hVsJlhiEJJ7ldgjkUVTIJCo/s1600/IMG_4699.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Kutw53KB6s7-a9eZ1P7L9vuzDRXXLMQgMsWbAsIoT2-SPXViePkGQ8RqNoBRZLLX8hsYHKrcjTU3TfDDnFGce-1EQ4xUzKMvFwXI9xDDgppTrr9gAfce7hVsJlhiEJJ7ldgjkUVTIJCo/s320/IMG_4699.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576345833324114002" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSg5jmS2V8t3BRxMfwdkfdLZ6nmxU3PLluONp58SyEp8PNjW-j8qh6jQIZdr08i5Rq1ymMJ5J6rhLkhFo3fvkwuGGlPh5I8nTEKMci2CoeFqgi_B0ID2MiqbxfULmyBJFfQci4wxVITCoh/s1600/IMG_4697.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSg5jmS2V8t3BRxMfwdkfdLZ6nmxU3PLluONp58SyEp8PNjW-j8qh6jQIZdr08i5Rq1ymMJ5J6rhLkhFo3fvkwuGGlPh5I8nTEKMci2CoeFqgi_B0ID2MiqbxfULmyBJFfQci4wxVITCoh/s320/IMG_4697.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576345826750301602" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaEhqeCxDdGURHaqg3kYB4tFemtd0Z5qW7V_toDJg23FCgh00_A-H5ip574tDR-GbKUK8PqVdVAqZGSjOl3ovAZzJ57cutrKA76PuYANY8A00ELJBx8cux-yAX3eIdDd5LSfG7h9JOP9Ui/s1600/IMG_4698.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaEhqeCxDdGURHaqg3kYB4tFemtd0Z5qW7V_toDJg23FCgh00_A-H5ip574tDR-GbKUK8PqVdVAqZGSjOl3ovAZzJ57cutrKA76PuYANY8A00ELJBx8cux-yAX3eIdDd5LSfG7h9JOP9Ui/s320/IMG_4698.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576345825937544546" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTzWOiBqTnQc-jozqNclcJVwgUtk5VdHzCHavvkANQFliKJISfAakIZxhioYpecrKngXhCcUMRqytca8KwF01ahqiafnkHVwMmPaXScA4LEQMBqBXlWWDCEd_aMEE209PdLuuKZ7j1k_n/s1600/IMG_4700.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTzWOiBqTnQc-jozqNclcJVwgUtk5VdHzCHavvkANQFliKJISfAakIZxhioYpecrKngXhCcUMRqytca8KwF01ahqiafnkHVwMmPaXScA4LEQMBqBXlWWDCEd_aMEE209PdLuuKZ7j1k_n/s320/IMG_4700.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576345821863891714" /></a>melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820427193558237911noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097066164514343284.post-86049244218343650502011-02-18T11:57:00.000-08:002011-02-18T12:50:48.383-08:00Beautiful...Though I have read this passage several times over the last 11 years of being a Christian, for some reason it stuck out to me more today...maybe because of the people God has put into my life; maybe due to the different circumstances I have found myself in lately; maybe because I am reading at noon and not at midnight and can comprehend it more; maybe because I am at a place of maturity in my faith to be able to see it as such? Regardless of the reason, I am glad that I see it today.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">“For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and to them he said, ‘You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’ And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.’ And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what belongs to you and go. <span style="font-weight:bold;">I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’ So the last will be first, and the first last.</span>”</span><br /><br />God is so gracious and merciful beyond my ability to understand! God so loves His children that regardless of when one gives their life to Him, regardless of what he/she has done in their life, He accepts them with His arms and heart wide open. To know that our God is so good, not reserving His love for only the fullest of faith or the smallest of sinners, but for everyone who gives their life to him, whether early in life or late, is something that is beyond me. <br /><br />I hate to admit, but must, that I have at times felt at times like those workers that grumbled, not necessarily in this way, but others. I have felt that I deserved more, or better; what a wonderful, simple reminder that I do not. I am humbled by these words today, and I pray I continue to be until the day I see my God.<br /><br />One word comes to mind: Beautiful.melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820427193558237911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097066164514343284.post-3085297512882521522010-11-26T12:58:00.000-08:002011-02-18T12:21:11.209-08:00thankful 2010<span style="font-style:italic;">There are a few catalysts that have led me to write this poem. (1) It's timely in the sense that yesterday was Thanksgiving. (2) My dear friend, Simone, holds a "Thankful Brunch" the Saturday after Thanksgiving, in which we all evaluate what we're thankful for. (3) Lastly, I have been reading Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" with my seniors, so I have rhyming on my brain.<br /><br />Enjoy.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thankful 2010</span><br /><br />As I’m thinking of the things I’m thankful for,<br />I realize that I am thankful for much more<br />Than I will be able to capture with these words.<br />I will do my best, though each line may not rhyme.<br />The things I write are from the heart; things I am thankful for at this time.<br /><br />It is only right to begin with my family.<br />If I could have chosen a dad, mom, and brother,<br />I am positive that I would have chosen no other<br />Than what I have been blessed with,<br />And now with a sister-in-law that I am a perfect fit with.<br />My nephew and niece are the joy of my heart,<br />Looking at their smiles, and hearing “Auntie Mel” melt me apart.<br />Not only that my family is so loving, but selfless.<br />An example that I hope I one day, too, will bless others with.<br />Through their unconditional love and encouragement, I find strength.<br />I hope that they feel the same amount of love from me that I feel from them each and every moment, each and every day.<br /><br />I am thankful for Laela, and the technology<br />That has allowed me to remain close, though half a country<br />Apart. No matter what has happened in our day,<br />We can update each other; laugh, cry, only a phone call away.<br />I am thankful for planes and other modes of travel<br />Which have brought me another close friend from a Cape, though not Canaveral.<br />Simone has been a great friend through tough times, and good.<br />She has never ceased to invite me over to eat her delicious food.<br />Beee. You complete meee.<br />I have so many other friends I am thankful for, though I fear,<br />I will not be able to come up with enough rhymes to mention each by name here.<br /><br />I am thankful for my church, the family I have there;<br />The different ministries that God has bestowed upon my care.<br />I am thankful for the youth group, and the senior girls.<br />I am thankful for singing on the worship team, even when my voice unfurls.<br />I know that God has placed me there to do His will in my life.<br />I pray that one day I will hear from Him, “Well done, good and faithful one.”<br /><br />I am thankful for the job that God has given me again,<br />For teaching Seniors, Juniors, and the Freshmen.<br />I love my staff, teachers and administrators,<br />But most of all I love that God has blessed me with the position of Cheer Co-Advisor.<br /><br />I am thankful for my health, and for my doctors who have found<br />The different ailments that have, at times, held me down.<br />I am thankful that God has my life in His hands,<br />I am thankful that I don’t have to worry, though I am changing my healthcare plan.<br /><br />I am thankful for the beautiful apartment God has blessed me with,<br />But, especially for the fireplace, I don’t know how I ever lived without it.<br />I am thankful for the armoire that I wanted and thought I lost<br />From Ikea in March of this year, but Laela found in June at a better cost.<br />I am thankful for my hummingbird feeder and the two birds that come near<br />And fight over the nectar, silly birds, I will always have plenty here.<br />I am thankful for my incredible mattress, I really couldn’t ask for better.<br />I am thankful for the little trinkets God has allowed me to collect through my travels.<br /><br />Here are some random things I am thankful for, but still just as vital.<br />I am thankful for cupcakes, sewing machines, aprons, oven mitts, and my bookcase from Crate and Barrel.<br />Peppermint Mochas and Iced Soy Chai Tea Lattes from Starbucks are my favorites.<br />I am thankful for my camera to capture the perfect moments.<br />I am thankful for frames and pictures, and memories that are fleeting,<br />Yet can be caught on film and thus be remembered so sweetly.<br /><br />Though I am thankful for the good, that is not all;<br />I am thankful for the times of pain and suffering, as they have fulfilled my call<br />That God has given me, and the person He has called me to be,<br />Who am I to wish that such things hadn’t happened, shaping who is the very me?<br /><br />I am thankful for the gifts that God has given me, not just those of material worth.<br />I am thankful for the love He has given me, especially because it is a love I don’t deserve.<br /><br />I am thankful for the hope that one-day<br />Though it may be far away<br />That I will get to be a wife<br />Looking at my husband, kids, and life<br />Knowing that God blessed me with<br />The most precious and rewarding gift I could have hoped for.<br />Though that day has yet to come, and it is not promised me,<br />I will still be thankful, even if it is not in His will for me.<br /><br />Looking back over this I’m sure I forgot<br />Several things I should have included but that doesn’t mean I’m not<br />Thankful for all I have and all I’ve been given<br />In these eleven months of two thousand and ten.melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820427193558237911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097066164514343284.post-18708358453852957302010-11-07T21:14:00.000-08:002010-11-07T21:37:51.394-08:00blessed<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4U0iCdTrNzeMgaqrTdhab0-zDYcppq6UHa6CMITeXMWT4EH87G_eRsq9zYFzwRn40ty_cjxPXMVKYMkdlsiuyvpZQglm0GZSFLWSPjxM5LS07iVE2Bx0u5dWIc_3Tt4m2YlAYkdkkBsKf/s1600/IMG_2664.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4U0iCdTrNzeMgaqrTdhab0-zDYcppq6UHa6CMITeXMWT4EH87G_eRsq9zYFzwRn40ty_cjxPXMVKYMkdlsiuyvpZQglm0GZSFLWSPjxM5LS07iVE2Bx0u5dWIc_3Tt4m2YlAYkdkkBsKf/s320/IMG_2664.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537046667988523266" /></a><br />Well, I have been thinking a lot about how blessed I am. I'm not speaking financially, though I have been blessed with a job in this Recession, but with my family. And, even more specifically: my parents.<br /><br />I am not a daughter who lets her parents know enough of how blessed I am to have them in my life; a fault on my part.<br /><br />Lately, as I continue to teach the youth of our nation, I have been poked and pushed with the number of children who have not been as fortunate as me in this area of life. This was something that (1) was not as prevalent when I was in high school, or (2) something that I was blind to due to my fortunate circumstances. Daily, my heart hurts for my students, yet at the same time it swells because I am reminded of how lucky I am.<br /><br />I was thinking about my brother's and my upbringing...my parents were always there supporting us no matter what time they had to wake up, no matter what financial cut they had to take so I could try out for Cheer or so our family could fly across the country for one of my brother's baseball tournaments. This support is not something that has ended; just last month when my bills exceeded my income, they were there in less than a heartbeat to buy me groceries, gas, and pay one last bill I wasn't able to - no questions asked; no hesitation.<br /><br />I have always known, but it is revealing itself more as I get older, of how selfless my parents are and have always been. From buying me clothes last year when I started teaching high school so I didn't feel frumpy, to doting on their grandchildren, to taking in my g'ma to live with us, putting them on the couch and her in their bedroom for a year, to buying Granola bars for the kids in my 4th grade class who couldn't afford to buy snacks. This is a short list that doesn't come close to capturing the love that they have.<br /><br />Something I hope that I will always carry with me in life is my parents selfless example. They truly have shown what it means to love others above themselves, and to sacrifice so another could have; an incredible example.<br /><br />What a beautiful legacy they have left for me and others that know them.<br /><br />Ma and Papa - if you're reading this, know that I love you more than you know :)melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820427193558237911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097066164514343284.post-25071712267780609942010-08-22T23:38:00.000-07:002010-08-23T00:18:57.004-07:00happy 3rd anniversary to my dear friendsthree years ago tomorrow i went to the montage hotel in laguna beach for the first time...a wedding! what a beautiful day it was. now, three years later, i was privileged to take their 3rd anniversary pictures. i wish you many more happy years of marriage, maggie and jeff!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zi6rL3FTnC66EI_-Bl_DdpKvXgPf6zrPXxI5jahC7Xv89jgTUla-SoR8AUdCsDy-_K-wfvIj1ZWVlLagK_SkFgzhn8SIuO7GyTz2pM5L2llCw51PNjlwPhEhiuu__P3EknUgsPHBZpVc/s1600/IMG_2975.JPG"><img style="display:block; 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margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUAzHtv-pDsHEVRRK50uCKk6W_PNXuinKxPeuBSPzcCQSQVkdfUsx2qaVRPVvl3S9ycMNt9DyV_eolhdRR0XxOBfRSnPJjEi7AuMiyk_RgmOc4iEG5_vBrORf9APHz8t14WiA39Ze9srd/s320/IMG_2713.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508493495054983586" /></a>melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820427193558237911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097066164514343284.post-62038254347398072812009-12-14T16:41:00.000-08:002009-12-14T18:49:57.581-08:00"Quote" of the Day!<span style="font-style:italic;">To preface this blog-worthy moment, I must tell you that it had just been one of those days. One might attribute it to the fact that it is a mere five days before a two-week break; one might just call it a Monday. Either way, this was truly the “Quote of the Day.”</span><br /><br />As I was wrapping up the day with my 6th period, I had just enough energy to make it through with a still, slightly crooked, smile on my face. After returning to class from the library, I was wearing thin from numerous student’s subtle attitudes, pushing the line just enough to question “What?” when called out. <br /><br />As I was setting the timer for our daily independent reading, one of my gems questioned me,<br /><br />“Miss Murphy, why you in such a bad mood today?”<br /><br />Upon hearing this question, naturally I answered with a question,<br /><br />“Why do you think?”<br /><br />This delight o’ mine responded in such a tone as for all the class to hear, as they were ready to begin the day’s independent reading with their new book choices,<br /><br />“I don’t know, you on the rag, or something?”<br /><br />Now, it took a moment to fully put together the content of the answer to my question. I do believe that the sudden gasps from the rest of the class, rather than the normal laughter from his comments, warned me as to what I was about to fully understand. As I emerged into this reality, my eyes widening in horror with every beat of my heart, I slowly turned around to face him, still interpreting his answer. Fully facing him, all I could mutter out was a slow, controlled, but slightly shaky,<br /><br />“Oh…no…”<br /><br />As I walked around my desk to call for a school proctor (campus supervisor) to kindly escort him from my class to the office of the Assistant Principal, the full brunt of realization hit. The blood from my chest beat into my head with full force, causing my normally slightly pink complexion to darken several shades to a shiny crimson. I was still processing when I dialed “zero” to get to the receptionist. Merely,<br /><br />“I need a proctor.” was all that could escape from my trembling lips.<br /><br />“What room?” the kind voice questioned.<br /><br />“5…D-5”<br /><br />“One is on the way.”<br /><br />I could hardly let the words escape my mouth in a calm fashion.<br /><br />“Get all of your things together.”<br /><br />Within in moments that seemed like minutes, the nice new proctor opened my door with a smile on her face. I just pointed. He knew. He rose from his desk and left silently.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">So, another day, another great quote. Yes, I have calmed down and can now laugh at this…one more piece to add to my bag of goodies of being a teacher :)<br /></span>melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820427193558237911noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097066164514343284.post-1334995392026373182009-10-16T16:48:00.000-07:002009-10-16T16:51:58.729-07:00Made my day...After school today, as I was walking to the bathroom, I passed a few of my students clumped in a couple different groups of friends. One said, kind of sarcastically, <br /><em>"Miss Murphy, you're my favorite teacher." </em><br />I replied with a smile, <br /><em>"Yeah, I bet." </em><br />Then, two others, one next to her and another from the other circle of kids both said how I was their favorite teacher, too.<br />Now, whether or not they meant it, it did make my heart melt a bit. You just don't hear that kind of thing as often as you do when teaching elementary school...melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820427193558237911noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097066164514343284.post-35797118284097455132009-10-06T20:17:00.000-07:002009-10-06T20:20:51.378-07:00I love being a teacher...I got an email this morning from a student from last year. She is in 5th grade now, and has sought my advice. I think it must have helped out. Here is what she wrote back this afternoon:<br /><br />-----------------<br /><br />thank you for that lovely email me and my bff have made up its just she was leaving me out at her horse show and it really hurt my feelings but she said sorry and i said it was fine so yeah these girls just think they are better then me but they are not. math is really hard so i told my teacher she is nothing like you but she said she would help me I'm glad to hear that you like teaching 9th grade! I have a jog a thon coming up and you have to have sponsors and in the spring i am doing track i am really excited. And the great thing is everyone forgot about being mean to me because we had a field trip. But i talked to my mom and i wanted somone elses opinion <br /> THANKS<br /><br />-----------------<br /><br />AMAZING!...and I'm glad that she caught on with all the punctuation I taught her ;)melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820427193558237911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097066164514343284.post-64084907040400395032009-07-26T22:11:00.000-07:002009-07-30T00:53:31.916-07:00surrenderas many other teachers in california, i was rif'd (reduction in force...essentially, i lost my job) on march 15th of this year. it came as no new news, as each year that i have taught i have lost my job. i remained calm, one of several who did, expecting the best. but, as june approached, with the budget crisis worsening, i was slowing losing my optimism.<br /><br />i did finally go over the edge with stress. i didn't realize the effect i was creating until i had some severe medical issues. i had to have blood work done to make sure that everything was normal. i missed a day of school in the last week. sad. everything came back normal. praise God!<br /><br />with the end of the school year, i faced packing up my classroom and leaving for an all-expense-paid two-week cruise the next day...an incredible gift! last year i left for africa the day after school ended, but i was able to keep my things in my classroom. (this wasn't helping my level of stress...my lack of trust in God)<br /><br />i went on this incredible cruise, it was amazing. i saw places that i would have otherwise most likely never have seen in the mediterranean! how blessed i was! and yet, the looming darkness of the unknown...i was losing my home. where would i live? where would i work? could i even find a job? would i really need to move out of the state? the budget will come around, right? these questions were a constant echo in my thoughts daily. every once in a while, i was able to realize how much they were effecting me. could feel the burden weighing me down.<br /><br />i had just over a week and a half after getting home from the cruise until i had to leave for another week for summer camp. i didn't want to go. i was waiting for paperwork for unemployment to come in, i was still waiting to find out if i was accepted into the graduate program at cal state fullerton (if i couldn't make money, why not spend it on more education ;)<br /><br />i tried to get out of it, but i am so glad that i couldn't. (again, sorry simone for putting you and jono through that!) as i was frantically packing, trying not to forget anything and cleaning up my house a bit so i wouldn't come home to a mess (yes, i'm that guy), i remembered to check my mail. i got the paperwork to fill out for unemployment! such a great way to start off the week. thank you, Lord! the biggest thing that i was worrying over at that moment was taken care of. okay, off to enjoy a week of hanging out with awesome kids in the mountains and two of my best friends. it was looking up :)<br /><br />we got to camp, and it was so much more than i expected. God did a mighty work in the kids lives, but also in mine. it was exactly what i needed...hearing the truths of the word of God, playing games, laughing so hard several times a day, and not worrying about everything that was in the back of my mind. being reminded of how good God is everyday. being reminded to rejoice in Him. even in the quiet of the night, as i was about to fall asleep, it was hard to remember the faint worries.<br /><br />at one point, bret, the speaker, made a comment. he said something related to<span style="font-style:italic;"> if he sees people worrying, not trusting in God, then he might question whether or not they are truly saved</span>. yes, this got my attention. seeing as everything about me for the few months leading up to this moment was exactly that...not trusting in God. it hit pretty hard, and initially i wanted to reject it, fight it, pound my fist and say not so! but, as i sat there, quiet, the heavy realization hit me hard in the face. God, who has been faithful more than i can count, in circumstances bigger than i need to recall, everytime...not just here or there, everytime He has been faithful...it was my Creator that i wasn't trusting. why does it take so long to learn?<br /><br />from that moment on, my outlook was different. i can't remember exactly when he said that, but i know it was later in the week. i decided that when i got home i was going to get a storage unit, look for jobs all around california, and if i couldn't find one, then look to oklahoma.<br /><br />we came down the mountain. one of the guy's in the youth group was telling me of the neat things God revealed to him throughout the week. my heart was light; the first time i felt this way in so long. it was amazing. God is good.<br /><br />after leaving the church, i headed straight for stor-it storage. i had a storage unit there previously, and by returning with the little blue card i would get the first month half off with a free lock! (can't beat that deal!) i went in. everything was smooth. i didn't only get the first month half off, i got the first TWO months half off! my day was looking up. i decided not to take the free lock, as i had my own. i went to my car after signing the papers and grabbed my lock and my phone. i had to walk to the unit, as they hadn't put my gate code in yet. i didn't mind. it was so cool compared to how hot it was in the mountains.<br /><br />as i was walking, i checked my messages. ryan, a teacher i taught with at vista del mar had called. a short message. "melissa, it's ryan. call me." (wow. that was short.) i called her back and the first thing out of her mouth was, "you got your job back." i'm pretty sure i told her to shut up. i was not having any joking, i was finally okay with leaving. i wasn't ready for anyone to play games with me like this. she told me that i was being taken back as a middle school english teacher, that they had revised the "lists." (i had only seen them once...to know that out of 248 teachers who lost their jobs in the district, i was number 25 in the bottom 25...my chances were near impossible.) <br /><br />she asked for my email and password to see if i had gotten an email, and i had. i couldn't quite believe it. i nearly burst through the door of the storage place, i think i was even yelling, and i said, "i think i got my job back!? i just signed up for a storage! i think i got my job back!?! i'll come back." and then i hurried out the door. (oh, what that poor woman behind the counter was thinking)<br /><br />it didn't take long for the surreal realization to set in. to put it simply, i was hysterical for about 45 minutes. there was so much to do. i needed to see the email and the list for myself (still not totally trusting that ryan wasn't playing games with me). i had to get another apartment. i had to cancel the storage that i had, literally, just paid for. i had to find out where i was teaching. i had to learn HOW to teach middle schoolers! i don't know the first thing about teaching middle school, except that i didn't like it much when i was in it because i was the fat kid "/<br /><br />friday was kind of a blur. so much happened. it hit me. it hit me hard. i had finally surrendered my job, where i live, my life as i knew it over to Him. and He gave it all back, and more. <br /><br />on saturday, when i went to get a new apartment (mine has already been rented out), i was blessed with a slightly bigger place for nearly $300 less a month. and it's on the first floor! (fun fact: it was the first apartment jono and simone had at the aventine!) i went to storage to cancel it, but i have to go back on monday because that's when the owner is there. the woman that helped me the day before was there, and she said she didn't know how to handle this kind of situation because it had never happened before. praise you, Lord!<br /><br />my mom came up and we were going to start packing. (i am moving into my new place on saturday, and leaving for a bootcamp training and then africa only days later) we had lunch, and on our way back i checked my mail. i got my first unemployment check! and a letter from capo district. the moment of truth. would i find out where i would be teaching?! would i find out there was a mistake and they were sorry to inform me that i was not, in fact, teaching in the fall? why wait...too tense. open the envelope. my heart took a slight drop. my new placement is at san juan hills high school. HIGH SCHOOL! <br /><br />so many emotions went through me...fear, excitement, anxiety. wow. high school.<br /><br />naturally, my mom and i left my apartment complex immediately and drove down to the school, about 20 minutes away. it is so beautiful! it is brand new, this will be it's third year in existence.<br /><br />realization hit. i will be teaching high school english in the fall. i will be able to chaperone prom! (i think that is the coolest thing ever!) i will be teaching. God has given me the gift of being able to teach each and everyday again. how am i so blessed? though i don't trust Him, though i let myself get to where i did. though everything was going wrong, He turned it for good. (He turns all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.)<br /><br />wow. i am still quite a bit speechless...though, if you're reading this you can't tell by how LONG it is ;)<br /><br />i can't wait to dive in and see what He has for me to do in this school. He definitely has some reason for putting me there. He has prepared me for working with high schoolers...7 years of high school ministry. though i am going to be done working with high schoolers in the church, He has made it as clear as day that i am to still work with them. God, may i be what and who you would have me to be as i teach this year.<br /><br />looking back, i can see how God has had His hand in everything, every little detail. when i was in college, approaching the end of my three years at csu san marcos (degree/credential program), i went into my counselor's office. i asked her about getting a minor in literature and writing, as i was getting an emphasis in lit/writing, and had so many extra classes (by accident) in it. she told me i was pretty far away from getting a minor, but i was close to getting a subject matter authorization in literature and writing. this, she said, would basically prove to the state that i was qualified to teach through 9th grade english. so, i took a heavy load my last year of college to complete it...18 and 21 units in my last two semesters. wow. God knew what He was doing way back then.<br /><br />what a couple of days i have had. my head is so full of everything right now, so much to do, it feels like it is going to explode. (really though, i'm getting a headache) i pray that i learn...things that i still worry, wonder, contemplate over...hopefully i will learn, yet again, to trust God. knowing that He is in control, and that He has a plan.<br /><br />on a different note...i think i'm going to need to change the title of my blog, as i will no longer be teaching 4th grade...melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820427193558237911noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097066164514343284.post-36156912717505206222009-06-05T15:52:00.001-07:002009-06-05T16:03:22.878-07:00futureWhoa! Two in a matter of minutes! Simone, Carrie...you'd be proud ;)<br /><br />So, as far as my future goes, who knows? The Lord! Seeing as our great state is falling quickly down a financail spiral of doom, I am left, with hundreds, and thousands statewide, without a job in the fall. (sad...no funny kids stories for a while) But, I don't plan on just sitting around waiting, hoping that something will just fall into my lap. I have a few game plans, if you will, of what the future could possibly hold.<br /><br />Plan A: <br />Everything works out, and I teach at Vista del Mar in the fall again! Not likely, but not impossible...<br /><br />Plan B: <br />I move to Oklahoma and get a teaching job there. This isn't completely crazy, as I was born there, have nearly all of my family out there...with my parents nearly moving back. My uncle is a teacher, and has principal friends, so I could most likely get hired quickly. Problems...school would start when I'm in Africa, so I'd have to miss the first couple of weeks. If Capo Unified could hire me back, and I was already in a contract with another district, I would lose the position and little seniority I already have. Hmm...<br /><br />Plan C: <br />Move in with Kara Robertson (she just called me a few days ago and told me that she is in need of a roommate to move in in August) and her roommates. Initially when I called her back, I told her how this seemed wonderful, but I'd probably be moving as I have no job and no source of income other than unemployment, and that this, unfortunately cannot support me. She called me back later, and we talked for quite some time. Through our conversation, it dawned on me that I could go back to school in the fall and get my master's. Moving in with her and her roommates would save me nearly $800 a month, and if I can get student loans, I might be able to make ends meet. Liking this one...<br /><br />So, there are still a lot of things to figure out. I need to break my lease regardless of the "Plan" I choose, which will cost money. And, I need to know soon. If you read this, and I'm not offended if no one does, please pray with me that God would reveal everything to me...opening only the door He would have me go through, slamming doors in my face of what I shouldn't do, or opening several doors, and just trusting Him and taking a step of faith.melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820427193558237911noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097066164514343284.post-87398543991211318582009-06-05T15:45:00.000-07:002009-06-05T15:52:14.081-07:00"Gold Dust or Bust"So, I really should be writing sub plans write now, but I've been wanting to write this down...<br /><br />Last week Simone came to my school to watch my kids play, "Gold Dust or Bust." They did great! But the best part wasn't their performance, it was a comment made by a sweet girl of mine. <br /><br />As I was "directing," I was unable to take my normal pictures, so Sim grabbed my camera and off she went. I waited for about 10 minutes before we started the play, as parking can be horrible. As we were waiting, this little gem of mine said,<br /><br />Little Gem: "Ms. Murphy, who's that?"<br />Me: "That's my friend, Mrs. Knepper."<br />Little Gem: "Simone?" (I tell the kids my friends first names, apparently)<br />Me: "Yeah."<br />Little Gem: "Isn't she from South Africa?"<br />Me: "Yes, sweetheart."<br />Little Gem:...voice quietly fading away..."I thought she would have been bl-"<br /><br />It was priceless. I started laughing out loud like crazy!melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820427193558237911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097066164514343284.post-12386539228805916632009-03-30T14:58:00.000-07:002009-03-30T15:16:56.205-07:00Periods?So, the other day, a little girl came up to me to ask a question. This is not rare, as she asks questions frequently, whether relating to the content or not. However, one thing was a little different than normal. She was speaking in a much softer tone than normal, so at first it was a bit hard to hear. The conversation went as follows:<br /><br />Student: Ms. Murphy, when do we get our periods? Fifth grade?<br /><br />Me: What sweetheart? <em>(thinking at this moment I heard her wrong)</em><br /><br />Student: When do we get our periods? <em>(still speaking quietly, but loud enough to know I heard her correctly "/</em><br /><br />Me: Umm....what?? <em>(wanting to shrivel up into a ball at this point...thinking to myself...'These are the kinds of questions you need to ask your mom, sweetie.')</em><br /><br />Student: You know, like first period, second period, third period? When do we get our periods?<br /><br />Me: <em>(light bulbs going off, sigh uncontrollably escaping my breath)</em> Oh! OH! In middle school. Sixth grade.<br /><br />Student: Oh, bummer. I wanted them next year. (or some sentence related to this)<br /><br />Me: Okay, have a seat sweetheart.<br /><br />Yeah...escapades of a fourth grade teacher. You never know what's in store for you. One thing I have learned for sure is to get complete clarification before trying to answer a question that could have more than one answer, or meaning.melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820427193558237911noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097066164514343284.post-5209601103381794002009-03-14T12:35:00.000-07:002009-03-14T12:37:13.676-07:00more great parent responses...OMG you poor girl... I bet you where dying. LOL I understand.<br /><br />Oh my gosh--don't worry about it at all! It's part of history and culture. <br /><br />Every child needs that experience in class when they see their poor teacher realizing it's all going horribly wrong!! Please, on behalf of us parents, worry not...So if she wants to come to school in a headdress and little else, I'll know why?!melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820427193558237911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097066164514343284.post-19574562054390453132009-03-12T15:20:00.000-07:002009-03-12T15:44:35.932-07:00TEACHER OF THE YEAR!!!So, today a really awesome (horrendous is a better term) thing happened. I was showing a PBS "Gold Rush" documentary and didn't realize that a painting of a male Native American shooting a bow and arrow was going to be showcased to enhance detail from the time of the Gold Rush. Well, the author of this Native American painting decided it would be best to depict this certain <em>male</em> Native American without a loin cloth....to give a better idea of the era? <br /><br />The class erupted in laughter and shouting, and who knows! I was trying to cover the t.v. while turning it and the dvd player off, all amidst turning bright red. (I think they realized I was freakin' out) <br /><br />As I walked down the short path to my principal's office, every part of me dreading it as I did when I was a 4th grader, I thought about my pink slip I received yesterday.<br /><br />I prefaced our "conversation" with...<br />"Okay, so I got my pink slip yesterday...you totally don't have to rehire me." (part joking, part serious)<br /><br />He is a great principal, very understanding. He helped me to write an email to my parents explaining what happened. Here are a few responses I got after sending out an email from my students parents. If I get any other good ones, I'll make sure to post them as well...<br /><br /><br /><strong>response 1:</strong><br />Melissa,<br />Giggle, giggle. I had to laugh a bit at your expense. I can imagine the wide array of reactions. I will also talk to my daughter this evening. NO WORRIES!<br /> <br /><strong>response 2:</strong><br />Omg! I wish I could have been there!!! You poor thing!!! :) I can not even imagine the expression on the kids faces! I'm fine. I'm sure she will tell me all about it!<br /><br /><strong>same responder...different email:</strong><br />Btw she got a bigger kick out of ur reaction than the movie. I had to pull over we were laughing so hard! :) <br /> <br /><strong>response 3:</strong><br />LOL no problem<br /><br /><br />But, lesson learned...review <strong><em>CLOSELY</em></strong> every movie to be shown in a classroom from here on out.melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820427193558237911noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097066164514343284.post-27537591516179828592009-02-24T16:58:00.000-08:002009-02-24T17:00:40.512-08:00funny kid quote of the day...student: "ms. shertzer, are you a double or a single?"<br /><br />ms. shertzer: "what do you mean?"<br /><br />student: "do you have a husband?"<br /><br />ms. shertzer: "no"<br /><br />student: "you are a single. were you married?"<br /><br />ms. shertzer: "i was once, but not now."<br /><br />student: says nothing. walks away.melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820427193558237911noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3097066164514343284.post-51098746812851450692009-02-22T16:31:00.000-08:002009-02-22T16:32:28.662-08:00not a bloggeri won't be offended if no one looks at my blog, as i most likely won't be putting up a lot of blogs. don't judge me.melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820427193558237911noreply@blogger.com1