Yesterday was my 26th birthday. I'm discovering that birthdays really do become less and less significant as time goes on. There was no cake. There were no balloons. There was one present (other presents came in the days prior). It really just felt like any other day. In a way, it was kind of nice.
I started my day at 6:00 a.m. and was out the door shortly after 7:00 a.m. for school (in case you missed it, I'm a substitute teacher now!). I finished school at 3:00 p.m., and then I monitored aftercare until 6:00 p.m. Aftercare is glorified babysitting for students who don't get picked up right after school. I really enjoy aftercare because I can spend time with some great kids, help them with their homework, and get myself prepared for the next day at school! Anyway, once I finished with aftercare, I went straight to Zumba. After all was said and done, I got home at nearly 10:00 p.m., read a book, and went to bed.
Yep, it's official. I'm old.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Saturday, November 19, 2011
The Reading Room
My friend, Shay, recently introduced me to the world of audiobooks. I had never listened to an audiobook before, and when I saw Tina Fey's Bossy Pants in Shay's car, I asked her if I could borrow it. I learned two things from my first audiobook experience: 1.) I love them! 2.) I spend way too much time in the car.
I listened to a five and a half hour audiobook in three days! That's insane. The worst part is that I wasn't on a trip or even driving a long distance. I listened to Bossy Pants to and from my house when going to work and the gym where I teach Zumba. If you have a long commute, I highly recommend audiobooks!
I have to admit, I've never been a huge fan of Tina Fey. I liked her on Weekend Update on SNL, and I really enjoyed Mean Girls, but I'm not crazy about 30 Rock. After reading this book though, I have a new appreciation for her talent. The fact that she is actually reading the story is the best part about this audiobook. Inflection and humor are in all the right places, and I found myself laughing out loud in my car (I'm sure other drivers thought I was crazy). The book flows so smoothly from her childhood to her early improv days to SNL to 30 Rock to family life, and before you know it, you've spent five and a half hours listening to Tina Fey while sitting in rush hour traffic.
Overall, the book has minimal foul language, and lots of laughs. I recommend it (particularly on audiobook) if you're looking for some mindless, entertaining material. If you have other audiobooks that you recommend, please pass them my way!
I listened to a five and a half hour audiobook in three days! That's insane. The worst part is that I wasn't on a trip or even driving a long distance. I listened to Bossy Pants to and from my house when going to work and the gym where I teach Zumba. If you have a long commute, I highly recommend audiobooks!
I have to admit, I've never been a huge fan of Tina Fey. I liked her on Weekend Update on SNL, and I really enjoyed Mean Girls, but I'm not crazy about 30 Rock. After reading this book though, I have a new appreciation for her talent. The fact that she is actually reading the story is the best part about this audiobook. Inflection and humor are in all the right places, and I found myself laughing out loud in my car (I'm sure other drivers thought I was crazy). The book flows so smoothly from her childhood to her early improv days to SNL to 30 Rock to family life, and before you know it, you've spent five and a half hours listening to Tina Fey while sitting in rush hour traffic.
Overall, the book has minimal foul language, and lots of laughs. I recommend it (particularly on audiobook) if you're looking for some mindless, entertaining material. If you have other audiobooks that you recommend, please pass them my way!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
New Beginnings
This week was a big week for me. I left a job that I've called home for the last two years, and I entered into the unknown territory of teaching a 4th grade class. Yep, you read that right, 4th grade. Now, before you get concerned, remember that I've been working with high school seniors for the last two years. As crazy as it seems, there are very few differences between an 18-year-old and a 10-year-old!
In my last two years at the University of Charleston, I've made a ton of lifelong friends. For instance, one of my former coworkers will become my brother-in-law next July. It doesn't get much more lifelong than that! It's hard to walk away from something that you feel familiar or comfortable with. It's also hard to walk away from coworkers who often feel more like family than just people you work with (below you'll see pictures from my going away dinner). I've been blessed over the last two years to call UC my home.
But, when it's time to go, it's time to go.
As my new boss said to me when I took on the role of teaching 4th grade, "When you feel convicted about a change, it's best to pray about it and then take action." That's exactly what I did, and I feel convinced that God is leading me down the right path for me. There are a lot of unknown variables that lie ahead, but I know that He will provide for me when the time is right.
Although it was a sad week, it was also a happy week. A time for change and a time for new beginnings. I hope that your week was equally exhilarating. If not, maybe it's time to pray about a change!
In my last two years at the University of Charleston, I've made a ton of lifelong friends. For instance, one of my former coworkers will become my brother-in-law next July. It doesn't get much more lifelong than that! It's hard to walk away from something that you feel familiar or comfortable with. It's also hard to walk away from coworkers who often feel more like family than just people you work with (below you'll see pictures from my going away dinner). I've been blessed over the last two years to call UC my home.
But, when it's time to go, it's time to go.
As my new boss said to me when I took on the role of teaching 4th grade, "When you feel convicted about a change, it's best to pray about it and then take action." That's exactly what I did, and I feel convinced that God is leading me down the right path for me. There are a lot of unknown variables that lie ahead, but I know that He will provide for me when the time is right.
Although it was a sad week, it was also a happy week. A time for change and a time for new beginnings. I hope that your week was equally exhilarating. If not, maybe it's time to pray about a change!
My husband, Justin, and my future brother-in-law, Chris
We're all former UC employees now! Top: Meghann, Lynsey & myself. Bottom: Chris & Beth
Shay Slifko, International Admissions! Sweetest girl you'll ever meet!
Beth, myself, and Lynsey. Jen was creeping in the background :)
Two of my favorites! Lynsey and Justin
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Just. Keep. Running.
Many of you will recall that when I started this blog, I had high hopes of running a half marathon this year. I began running in January and worked my way up to the Cooper River Bridge Run 10K in Charleston, SC in April. It was such a huge accomplishment for me, and it really had me energized to run the half marathon this year. I had my sights set on the Huntington Half, and in early August I began my training for the race (which took place today). I've been teaching Zumba since January, and I had been running since the 10K in April, so it felt good to get some longer distances in. Then, in September, disaster struck.
I say disaster, but it really wasn't anything too horrific. In early September, some changes happened at my job, and I had to take on more responsibility and duties than I had previously. This required me to get to work very early, and often stay very late into the evening. If you're keeping score, that meant my job was taking all my running time. In October, I felt like I had come to a place where I could better manage my work, and I got back into training. Unfortunately, in early October, I encountered some health issues that definitely left me sidelined (I've bounced back, but I wasn't able to run for almost the entire month of October!).
All in all, I'm sad that I wasn't able to run the half that I had my sights set on, but I did become a runner (again) in 2011. I ran a 10K that I never thought would have been possible, with a good time I might add! I love that after a long day, I can go home and run 4-6 miles without thinking twice! I haven't given up on my hopes of a half marathon, and I've made a new plan to shoot for the UC Half Marathon in April 2012. Regardless of a half marathon though, I'm proud of the fitness accomplishments I've made so far this year. And who knows, the year isn't over yet!
I say disaster, but it really wasn't anything too horrific. In early September, some changes happened at my job, and I had to take on more responsibility and duties than I had previously. This required me to get to work very early, and often stay very late into the evening. If you're keeping score, that meant my job was taking all my running time. In October, I felt like I had come to a place where I could better manage my work, and I got back into training. Unfortunately, in early October, I encountered some health issues that definitely left me sidelined (I've bounced back, but I wasn't able to run for almost the entire month of October!).
All in all, I'm sad that I wasn't able to run the half that I had my sights set on, but I did become a runner (again) in 2011. I ran a 10K that I never thought would have been possible, with a good time I might add! I love that after a long day, I can go home and run 4-6 miles without thinking twice! I haven't given up on my hopes of a half marathon, and I've made a new plan to shoot for the UC Half Marathon in April 2012. Regardless of a half marathon though, I'm proud of the fitness accomplishments I've made so far this year. And who knows, the year isn't over yet!
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