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!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Defying Gravity
I've never considered myself to be much of an adrenaline junkie, yet I'm constantly pushing myself to the limits. Skydiving, bungee jumping, white water rafting... I've done it all. Today, it was zip lining on Gravity. I don't really think that I'm afraid of heights, but there are definitely times when heights scare me (see the picture from Paris in Las Vegas below). I kept my cool on the heights today though, and it was a blast flying through the trees!
Other than the self portrait, it would appear that I wasn't on this zip lining trip, but the camera was strapped to my harness, so I couldn't snap any action shots of myself! All in all, it was a great day. Even if you're afraid of heights, the guides do a great job of keeping you strapped in at all times, and it feels extremely safe. I highly recommend zip lining on Gravity or Tree Tops at Class VI (even if you're not an adrenaline junkie!).
Other than the self portrait, it would appear that I wasn't on this zip lining trip, but the camera was strapped to my harness, so I couldn't snap any action shots of myself! All in all, it was a great day. Even if you're afraid of heights, the guides do a great job of keeping you strapped in at all times, and it feels extremely safe. I highly recommend zip lining on Gravity or Tree Tops at Class VI (even if you're not an adrenaline junkie!).
Justin and I at Class VI before we left for the Gravity course
The rest of our crew from L to R: Kellie, Brandon, Wes & Ronnie
They look intense! Justin and Wes are ready to conquer Gravity!
Justin coming in off the test course
The beautiful scenery of Fayette County, West Virginia
Monday, October 24, 2011
The Reading Room
I know, I know... once again, I'm behind! Normally I like to be more on top of my blog posts, but things at work have been really crazy lately, and I've barely had time to eat lunch everyday much less blog (that's serious, I rarely eat lunch these days!). I have had time to read some good books though, and I wanted to share with you one of the latest.
My coworker, Shay, does a regular book club with some of her friends, and one of her most recent reads was The Violets of March by Sarah Jio. She suggested it to me, and before I even started reading it, I suggested it to another coworker, Michelle (we're thinking of starting our own book club... I'm really excited!). So, Michelle and I read this one together (sort of), and I loved every minute of it!
This book is a love story, mixed with some mystery, and when you throw in a little history, it's a dynamic combination! The author has a way of wrapping you into this story, and before you know it you're so engrossed, you just can't put it down. It's a quick read, and when you're done, you wish there was more! I highly suggest this book, particularly if you like authors such as Jodi Picoult or Sarah Dessen. Pass it on... and if you're interested in joining Michelle and I for a book club, let me know!
My coworker, Shay, does a regular book club with some of her friends, and one of her most recent reads was The Violets of March by Sarah Jio. She suggested it to me, and before I even started reading it, I suggested it to another coworker, Michelle (we're thinking of starting our own book club... I'm really excited!). So, Michelle and I read this one together (sort of), and I loved every minute of it!
This book is a love story, mixed with some mystery, and when you throw in a little history, it's a dynamic combination! The author has a way of wrapping you into this story, and before you know it you're so engrossed, you just can't put it down. It's a quick read, and when you're done, you wish there was more! I highly suggest this book, particularly if you like authors such as Jodi Picoult or Sarah Dessen. Pass it on... and if you're interested in joining Michelle and I for a book club, let me know!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
10 Years Ago: A Reflection
10 years ago. Wow. It's hard to believe that something that seems so vivid in my mind could have happened a decade ago.
I don't think any of us that are old enough to remember the events of September 11, 2001 will ever forget what we were doing, who we were with, or where we were on that day. For me, I was in high school, sitting in my sophomore biology class, learning about the reasons why plants are important to our lives. Another teacher came into the room and announced that one of the Twin Towers had been hit by an airplane. Moments later, we were ushered into another classroom where we could watch the events unfold on television. I'll never forget another teacher announcing to the group that our lives would never be the same.
It's so true.
Before the events of September 11, 2001, we lived in a bubble. Whether or not we thought we were untouchable, it sure seemed that way. It was easy to get in and out of the country, it was easy to get onto public transportation, it was easy to feel like you could run into the grocery store and leave your car unlocked. We were trusting people. And in many ways, we were naive to think that it couldn't happen to us.
The events of September 11, 2001 weren't just tragic. They were life changing. I don't personally know anyone that lost their life on that day, or anyone that has lost their life fighting for our country since that day, but I've been directly effected by the events of that day in countless ways. Again, whether we know or it not, we all have.
It's so easy to sink back into what's comfortable. The days and weeks that followed the events of September 11, 2001 were sobering. Would there be more attacks? Would there be a draft? No one knew. And yet, as time went by, our fears eased up. We went back to our daily routines. We didn't think about it as much, and eventually, we rarely thought about it at all.
I would challenge each and every one of us to remember a key message on this anniversary: Life is not promised. We are not promised today, we are not promised five minutes from now, and we are certainly not promised tomorrow. Our lives can change, no matter how drastically, in an instant.
On this 10th anniversary of the largest terrorist attack in America, I challenge us to live each day to it's fullest potential, and thank God for the many blessings He has bestowed upon our lives. Tell someone you love them, tell someone you appreciate their service, tell someone that they matter. You never know when you might not have the chance.
My thoughts and prayers are with so many people on this day. Pray for the victims of September 11, 2001. Pray for the men and women who fight for our country everyday. Pray for terrorists around the world who know not what they do in the name of a religion that cannot save them. Above all, pray for America and pray for where we go from here. God Bless.
I don't think any of us that are old enough to remember the events of September 11, 2001 will ever forget what we were doing, who we were with, or where we were on that day. For me, I was in high school, sitting in my sophomore biology class, learning about the reasons why plants are important to our lives. Another teacher came into the room and announced that one of the Twin Towers had been hit by an airplane. Moments later, we were ushered into another classroom where we could watch the events unfold on television. I'll never forget another teacher announcing to the group that our lives would never be the same.
It's so true.
Before the events of September 11, 2001, we lived in a bubble. Whether or not we thought we were untouchable, it sure seemed that way. It was easy to get in and out of the country, it was easy to get onto public transportation, it was easy to feel like you could run into the grocery store and leave your car unlocked. We were trusting people. And in many ways, we were naive to think that it couldn't happen to us.
The events of September 11, 2001 weren't just tragic. They were life changing. I don't personally know anyone that lost their life on that day, or anyone that has lost their life fighting for our country since that day, but I've been directly effected by the events of that day in countless ways. Again, whether we know or it not, we all have.
It's so easy to sink back into what's comfortable. The days and weeks that followed the events of September 11, 2001 were sobering. Would there be more attacks? Would there be a draft? No one knew. And yet, as time went by, our fears eased up. We went back to our daily routines. We didn't think about it as much, and eventually, we rarely thought about it at all.
I would challenge each and every one of us to remember a key message on this anniversary: Life is not promised. We are not promised today, we are not promised five minutes from now, and we are certainly not promised tomorrow. Our lives can change, no matter how drastically, in an instant.
On this 10th anniversary of the largest terrorist attack in America, I challenge us to live each day to it's fullest potential, and thank God for the many blessings He has bestowed upon our lives. Tell someone you love them, tell someone you appreciate their service, tell someone that they matter. You never know when you might not have the chance.
My thoughts and prayers are with so many people on this day. Pray for the victims of September 11, 2001. Pray for the men and women who fight for our country everyday. Pray for terrorists around the world who know not what they do in the name of a religion that cannot save them. Above all, pray for America and pray for where we go from here. God Bless.
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