Advice For Life

When I went home on Thursday, I "read" a book.  I say "read" because I actually listened to it.  Since I do a lot of driving I have learned how to survive a road trip and audio books are a staple for a long drive now.  It was the first book I've read in a while that wasn't for school, so it was pretty refreshing to have something that wasn't academic in my life for a while.  I had all these plans to read so many books this year and I have yet to scratch a single one off the list.  I've started a few, but this semester has been so crazy I just haven't been able to find the time. 
Luckily though, I have a block of 6 hours that would be filled with nothing but driving. Perfect for a some 'reading'. So I took to FB and I asked for some suggestions.  While I was given some great suggestions (sorry, Michael, I already read Twilight...) I decided to go with The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
Just a little background on the story, Randy Pausch was a real guy.  He was a professor at a university, and he was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer (the same kind my Grandma died from...) that had metastasized in his belly.  He had three kids, the youngest being 18 months at the time he have his lecture, and a wife.  He lived an amazing life, and his book and last lecture were meant to be something for them to have when he parted from the world.  Basically the book is about he led his life and things that he feels would be beneficial for the lives of others.  
After listening for 4 hours I literally feel like my life has been changed. I decided today that I would share a few things the Randy Pausch had to say that really hit home.  I highly suggest you check out his last lecture on Youtube and read his book.  I think that people of all ages and stages of life can benefit from it. 
+ When it comes to men who are romantically interested in you it's simple. Just ignore everything they say and only pay attention to what they do.  I believe this needs no explanation.
+ Express Gratitude. He mentions in the book that his program accepted a young lady almost completely because they found a thank you note that had been slipped into her file.  It was hand-written and wasn't even for them specifically, but her taking the time to write a note and express her gratitude was a game changer.  It's never a bad thing to say thank you. 
+ Luck is where preparation meets opportunity.  A quote by Seneca...But seriously...It's so true.  We have to work hard at preparing ourselves for the things that we want.  Who knows? Tomorrow the very opportunity you need could waiting around the corner. Would you want it to pass you by because you weren't ready for it?
+ Be able to work well with others.  It seems like such a simple thing, but it's so hard for some people!  I have learned a lot about team work and collaboration since starting college and joining the Army and this skill is great to have and continually exercise. 
+ Brick walls are there for a reason.  This bit of advice will stick with me for as long as I live.  Every day we encounter challenges, some larger than others.  Those challenges, or brick walls as Pausch calls them, are there to show us how badly we want something.  If you're willing to overcome that challenge, you will.  Whether you think you can or you think you can't...you're right.
If I could just share the whole book right here I would.  I recommend reading it and then sharing it with someone else who could use it.  

The Last One

This week's What's Up Wednesday will be the last one for the time being! All three of us hosts (Ashley, Shannon, and I) have got so much going on right now that we're putting this link up on the shelf.  Hopefully once things quiet down for us we'll be able to bring it back!

This week we have Amanda from Somewhere Over the Camo Guest hosting! I love her blog and I think you should head over and check it out too!

As this is the last week for a while, I highly suggest you get in on this!

What I loved about the past week// Well, this weekend I got to spend time with my family and my boyfriend, so that was great.  I got some home-cooked meals and I was super happy to just sleep in my bed at home. 

What I'm looking forward to// I'm looking forward to Thursday! Jake is coming here for the weekend and I'm so excited! I saw him basically all weekend, but it will be awesome to have him here! It's like a little staycation for me. 

What my latest obsession is//  Well, I ended up purchasing a new MacBookPro...And I am so in love with it.  I have barely left the thing alone since I bought it.  But I want to use it as much as I can...It hurt my heart to spend that money, but I'm super happy with the decision...It had to happen.

What I've been daydreaming about// All I can think about is the semester ending and life being simple again...no homework or papers. I just can't wait.

What I'm watching// I started watching Sons of Anarchy today.  I'm only one episode in, but I can already tell I'm going to love it. 

What I'm listening to// This band called the Railsplitters.  I can't stop. They're releasing a new album in May and I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves music.

What I'm craving// I've been wanting Mexican food lately...Last night I was feeling some Taco Tuesday action.

What I'm doing this weekend// Like I said before, Jake is coming down and we're going to do all kinds of great things together. 

What else is new?

Basically...I'm super happy.  I had no idea that things were going to end up this way, but I'm pretty glad they did. 

We're Taking A Chance

Once upon a time, I was engaged to a handsome young man named Jake.  We met one fateful summer day...From that day forward he was all I thought about.  
I took a chance. 
My friend invited me to go out with she and her boyfriend to see some fireworks (it was the fourth of July) and of course, why would I want to do that alone? So I invited Jake.  The guy that I'd met all of one time...We'd talked a little, but I was really stepping out on a limb by asking him to go out with me. 
He took a chance. 

It went swimmingly...after that day it was like we wouldn't have been able to stay away from each other if we'd tried.  We spent every day of that summer together.

But as it drew to a close, we knew that this bliss had to pause.  He was leaving for boot camp and I was also preparing to go.  We planned to sort of...meet up later.  We wrote about a thousand and one letters and I tried really hard to just not cry all the time. 

After another one of those fateful days my military career came to a screeching halt. I broke my arm and I was sad.  But at the same time, I was feeling like it had happened for a reason.  I was going to be able to see Jake graduate from Boot Camp.  We'd get to spend Christmas together...It was a bad situation, but it could be made into a good one. 

So we got to see each other when he came home.  It was great.  We were so happy...He asked me to marry him on Christmas day.  It was great.  We were scared.  Honestly, we were just kids and didn't really know what we were getting our selves into, even still...  

...we took a chance. 

Unfortunately, though, we couldn't make it work.  Not then.  It was too hard.  Our lives were moving in opposite directions and somehow we just couldn't bend the paths to make them cross.  So we broke up.  And it was hard.  We were both really sad...For me, it was like the end of the world.  I spent the next few years getting my life together and figuring out that sometimes things just don't work out.  I dated other guys.  Then recently I got a new boyfriend.  My very first serious relationship since Jake and I.  And it was great...For a while.  But then, again, our paths shifted and I felt myself falling out of love. Then it was over. And I was sad. 
But not long after that break up Jake and I found each other again. I'm not really sure what happens next, but I'm excited to find out. 
We're taking a chance.  
 

Oh Hey, Friday!

 

So there are all these Friday link-ups that I basically never participate in..And I have no idea why I don't!  I rarely even post on Fridays and that just seems silly to me.  So here I am finally joining in.  You can play too by heading over to September Farm or The Farmers Wife. 

Today I'm sharing 5 things that are great.

1. Next week is the last week of classes! The first week in May is Study Week, and the one after that is Finals Week!  I can't even describe to you how great I think this is.

2. My birthday is in 20 days! I'll be 22, it's the day of my last final, and I get to go home and be with my family for it! Well sort of..I'll get to be there with them for the very end of the day, but at least I'll be home.

3. The weather here in Vegas is seriously amazing.  I have been so happy with how nice it is.  I am so in love with spring it isn't even funny...

4. I'm approaching the day where I quit one of my jobs.  I'm not like super duper jumping up and down about this one becuase...well money.  But it will take a lot of work off my plate and it will feel so good to have a weekend free!

5. I'm finally at this point where I don't feel overwhelmed! I have gotten so much work down and I just just...relax a litlte bit.  I think I'm going to play a little vacation.  It would be the first one I've been on since...Wait...I don't remember the last vacation I went on.

A Learning Experience

I read a lot of mom-blogs.  I always have an I've always liked reading them.  Sometimes though, they are hard for me to relate to.  I can understand some things about having children without actually having them, especially now that I have a niece, but some things are just lost on me.

Now that I'm teaching and learning to be a teacher...hello, mom blogs! These blogs are suddenly a great resource for me.  Who would have thought that my blogging obsession could help me out so much? I never would have thought that they would be a place for me to learn how to do my job better. One particular article that I know will be a big help is from the Idealist Mom about whining, but it doesn't stop there.  I've been pouring over these blogs and learning about what makes the chilluns tick.

My first time being the lead instructor without someone observing and without help was in a first grade class.  I had no idea what I was getting myself into.  Let me tell you.  It was a learning experience.

1.  They are so freaking cute.  They love you. They think you're the coolest person ever. They want you to be their best friend, and it is so the best thing ever.  Getting a hug from a 6 year old you just met is the sweetest thing...

2. They love to tattle.  I addressed the class and asked them if they knew what tattling was. They responded with yes.  I asked them if it was nice.  They responded with no.  I asked them not to do it.  They did not stop.  I think that they truly just want to help and feel like they are doing an important job in the class...but man it's hard to deal with!

3. They have a short attention span. Like I said, I didn't know what I was getting myself into.  When I first started, it was like I had forgotten that they were 6 and I wanted them to have the attention span of a 5th or 6th grader.  That just isn't so.

4.  They needed to be reminded...This was something I didn't exactly learn fast...It took me a while to realize that they get distracted and easily forget that they can't talk out.  They get excited about knowing the answer or having something cool to say and they just...need reminders.

5. They cry.  Um...what? I had to call my mom (she's teacher and has worked with kids basically her whole professional life...She specializes in behavior) and ask her... "So, like, what do you do when they cry?!" 

I knew I'd run into some issues because my education and experience is limited, but I am loving how much I have learned.  This experience is so beyond amazing.  I can't wait to learn more and spend even more time in the classroom.


This is the first of likely many episodes in the Learning Experience Series!

   

What's Up Wednesday// Week 12

It's time for another What's Up Wednesday!

Please keep in mind that we have guidelines that we love for you to follow! This link up is always a good time and we've had lots of awesome people playing by the rules! Today our Guest Host is Ashley from Keeping up with Cody and Ashley!  Be sure to stop by her blog and give her some love!

What I loved about the past week//  I loved that I got some big assignments taken care of and I got ahead! It's taking a lot of stress off of me.

What I'm looking forward to// I'm going home!! Being in Vegas without a BF is a little less fun...So while I always look forward to spending a little time at home, I'm especially excited this time.

What my latest obsession is// I have this big secret.  Okay...so it's not a secret, I just haven't really told many people beyond my immediate family...And it sort of explains my latest obsession.  I have a post scheduled for Monday...so tune in!

What I've been daydreaming about// I'm day dreaming about being a teacher with my own classroom...I know it's so far away, but being an instructor just makes me want it so bad.  I am just getting my feet wet with teaching and I want to do it all the time...

What I'm watching// I'm still watching old Grey's Anatomy episodes as well as watching the new ones on Hulu.

Yes. Seriously. It's good to watch. I already know what happens in the old ones so it isn't hard to just turn it off and do my homework.

What I'm listening to// I mostly listen to bluegrass these days.  I listen to Cherryholmes Pandora and thumbs up a lot of Alison Krauss.

What I'm craving// I have a constant craving for those dang wings from Applebee's.  Same as last week! It just won't go away...They're so tasty. But I've also been thinking about eating a big steak from Texas Road House or basically anything from the Cheese Cake Factory...Can you tell I haven't been able to eat out much lately?

Thanks for hanging around! Be sure to add your link! If you missed out on the link up, be sure to join us next week!

That Freshman Fifteen Though

I have yet to report on how my goals are going for this month, so I guess it's time.

Honestly, I haven't been giving my fitness goals as much attention as I would like.  I've been trying to get into the gym as often as I can, but it's really difficult with the end of the semester nearing. I never really believed in "The Freshman 15" until now...I get why it happens.  You forget to work out, you eat whatever is convenient, you stress eat...It's like you only have time to read, eat, and sleep. 

However, as hard as it is to keep in shape and eat right in college, it's no excuse.  It's literally my job to be physically fit, so it really is important for me to make time to run around a little bit or do a few sit-ups every now and then. 

What I have been doing though, is throwing a little activity into my every day routine. I've been lazily taking care of myself...

+When I'm at work I stand up and do calf raises and lunges.  Sitting in a desk for 8.5 hours is not so great, so it's good to try and keep the blood flowing.

+I do my best to make good food choices when I go into the dining commons.  I try to choose a meal with some complex carbs, proteins, and some veggies if I can get myself to eat them.

+I walk a ton! I'm not sure if ya'll have investigated this updated to iPhones, but they have a health tracker.  I checked it out a few nights ago and it told me that I walk an average of 2 miles every day.  That's not so bad, but it's probably just from walking to my classes around campus. 

+I've been paying attention to things like my oral hygine, skin, and hair.  I think fitness is more than just how you eat and move.  It's also about how you feel overall and paying attention to all aspects of my health has really made a change in me.

How do you stay fit when if seems like you don't have enough hours in a day?

Sometimes You Just Need to Finish SOMETHING!

Today I have a wonderful guest! I've been reading her blog for a few month and I'm very excited to have her here today.  She has been an amazing contributor to my college fund by sponsoring my blog! You can contribute too! All you have to do is click on the Advertise button.  There you can learn about the different packages and purchase your package!  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Without further ado, I hand my blog over to Miss Emilie!  This is a guest post by me, Emilie Lima Burke from EmilieLimaBurke.com . I am currently a senior at Princeton University, where I study politics. My blog is a lifestyle blog where I cover an array of topics from my workouts to my life transition to my fun projects like this. If you like this post, please . You’ll get lots of fun updates, including the end of the projects mentioned in this post.


If you're a follower of my blog, you may have seen my post a couple of months ago about my first big cross stitch project.. As I've mentioned, I've been working on something for my boyfriend’s mom since I finished that project all those weeks ago. It is certainly becoming a beautiful project, but as I've focused on my thesis more and more I've been able to spend less and less time on it. Not only that, but I've been frustrated by how long its taken me. Like I said, it’s the biggest project I've ever taken on. Everything I've done to this point has been much smaller- little bits here and there, but certainly not something that is two pages in size.

Frankly, it’s been a little frustrating to me to feel like I’m working, working, working, and still not done (is this a major analogy for my thesis? Perhaps). A couple blocks from my dorm is Pins and Needles Princeton. I had never done any needlepoint before, but I explained to the nice girl behind the counter that I was a cross-stitch-er but that I was looking for a small needlepoint project that I could finish in a day. She took a few minutes to walk me through the difference between basic needlepoint and cross-stitching. I've gathered that going from cross-stitch to needlepoint is much easier than the other way around. Anyway, I picked up a small kid’s kit that wasn't too expensive.

And I finished it in one day.

It’s not like this project is going to mean anything or go anywhere. I’m not going to have it finished. It’s not going to be an ornament or anything. It was just a thing to finish because in that moment, I just needed to finish something. It wasn't that I was doubting my skills. It was that I needed to be reminded that I could finish something. I needed to feel that sense of accomplishment.

After having knocked that out in a day, it felt good again to go back to my project. A couple of the needle pointers I met suggested having two projects to work on at the same time, so now I've got two that I’m working on that I love. It gives me the chance to not get tired of a project because I can switch over. The projects are also in contrast because one has a lot of browns and browns while the other is all shades of pink! One is not better than they other but they are just super different.

I hope to share them on the blog really soon!

What's Up Wednesday

First of all, I'm so so sorry about my post today! My computer did not want to turn on today and apparently I didn't schedule this...So I'm just now getting it posted! Fail. 
Every Wednesday I'm lucky enough to share with you what I'm up to as of late! I work with Ashley, Shannon, and a guest (Today we've got Marissa!) to make What's up Wednesday happen!

Please be sure to follow the prompt as well as our guidelines.  We would also love it if you stuck around, followed along, and definitely clicked on some of those other wonderful links!

What I loved about the past week// I got to sub in a first grade classroom and it's seriously lighting up my life.  Those kids are so great and it gets me so pumped for my future career as a teacher. 

What I'm looking forward to// Today I'm getting inducted to an honor society! I'm pretty excited about it! Honestly, though, I'm a little nervous!

What my latest obsession is// I'm drooling over the new MacBook.  It comes in GOLD! I want it.  Bad.  *EDIT* the reason this post is late is because I need a new computer...time to get the new MacBook...**

What I'm daydreaming about// obvs I'm dying for summer to just be here already.  This semester needs to end.  But I'm also looking forward to my 22nd birthday, going home next weekend, and well getting my grades!

What I'm watching// Mostly Grey's Anatomy when I'm going to sleep and occasionally One Tree Hill if I'm feeling teenagery/dramatic. 

What I'm craving// You know those Asian Chili wings at Applebees? I want them like...every day?

What I'm doing this weekend// I'm playing music in a bar in Boulder City! I always love doing that! 

Dear Students, Cut Your Teacher Some Slack

           You may not know this--and I don't blame you, because I didn't know it until I started teaching--but your teachers are doing the very best that they can.  Most of my life I've heard people say and said things myself that are really pretty unfair.  I have gotten upset at my teacher for not grading assignments right away.  I've heard people get irritated at teachers for complaining about grading papers.  I've heard kids say that they think a teacher is mean/unfair/too strict etc...But let me tell you, it's time to cut them some slack. 
     Being a teacher is hard.  Standing in front of 7 and 8 year olds who really just want to run around all day long is hard.  Seeing kids just stare into space when you ask them to do something is hard.  Standing on your feet all day and talking loud enough for everyone to hear is hard.  Always knowing what to say when kids ask questions they shouldn't is hard.  Reading elementary school cursive is really hard.  Looking like you're happy 100% of the time is hard. 
     Did you know that a lot of the time your teacher doesn't even have the chance to go to the bathroom? Did you know that your teachers, while you've made them out to be super heroes, are completely human and occasionally make mistakes?  Did you know that your teacher wants to be there for everyone and change everyone's life like John Keating does in the Dead Poets Society and like Mr. Holland in Mr. Hollands Opus?  
    Your teachers were responsible for your start.  Your teacher is the reason that you can read books, and communicate effectively.  They're the reason that you can write.  They could be the reason that you learned discipline or time management.  Your teacher helped you graduate high school, she let you turn in that one paper late, he helped you find some extra credit when you needed it to boost your grade.  All together, they make your education possible. And with all that responsibility they get paid less than they need to support a family.   We all do the best that we can, so cut your teacher some slack. 
Sincerely,     every teacher ever. 

Life With Rosie

Hey there everyone! Today I'm guest posting over on Chelsie's blog while she prepares for a big, life changing more! Head over and read about how my spring is going and how I get organized and feeling fresh! 

Life with Rosie!

What's Up Wednesday//Vol 10

Why hello everybody and welcome to another installment of What's Up Wednesday.  Ashley, Shannon, and I have been loving doing this each week and we want to thank everyone who has been participating!

This week we have a new guest host! Chandler from Life as a Larsen is joining us this week!  

She's a college student just like me, relatively new to blogging, and an overall awesome person!  She like to go out and have climbing adventures and take incredible pictures of them. Check out her blog and follow along!

What I loved about the past week//  I absolutely loved that I got to do the Spring break thing, but believe it or not, I am actually glad to be back to the grind.  I'm ready to get back to work and finish this semester strong.  

What I'm looking forward to// I'm looking forward to so much.  I feel like my life is going to change a lot in the next few weeks and I'm pretty excited about it.  I don't really know exactly what I'm looking forward to, but I think it's going to be pretty alright. 

What my latest obsession is// I can't stop listening to Taylor Swift.  I don't know what it is but I just...like her.  I think she's an incredible person and it makes me really like listening to her music. 

What I've been daydreaming about// I'm want to go to the beach.  So bad.  I just want to lay in the warm sand with a hat, sunglasses, and a bikini and let the world fade away for a while...

What I'm watching// Grey's Anatomy.  I've seen it start to "finish".  I'm completely caught up on Hulu and yet...I just love watching it. I honestly kinda feel like Meredith these days. I'm just a girl in a bar...No story.  Just me.  

What I'm listening to// I've been listening to this group called the Cherryholmes Band.  They're a family bluegrass band and...I love em. 

What I'm craving// Dessert.  What else?

What I'm doing this weekend// I'm working of course.  And doing homework, because that's pretty much all I do, especially without a boyfrannn...

What else is new// I think that the newest thing is my attitude.  I feel different.  I feel happier.  I feel relaxed.  I have a lot of work to do, but I'm excited to jump in and get all my stuff taken care of.  The next few weeks are going to be interesting, but I hope in the best possible way. 

Peep Smashing and Sweet Potato Casserole

This year I spent my second Easter away from my family.  The first one I spent without them was spent was because Army, but this year it's just because I had to work and school starts back up again tomorrow.  Spring break at home was wonderful but now it's time to go back to reality.  While I really would have preferred to hang out with my family and dye eggs and watch Kallie hunt for them, I still got to spend it doing something fun.  I had my weekly gig at the Arts Factory and we smashed Peeps of the roof.  I have a few videos on my Instagram that I highly suggest you check out if you want a laugh.  

This photo was taken only moments before these poor defenseless peeps were tossed off a roof and blown into the wind...It. Was. Awesome.  I was...inebriated to say the least which made it even more fun. 

Right after we were done with the Peep Smashing Tradition one of the guys in the band invited me over to his and his wife's house for dinner.  If it had been a couple weeks ago I probably would have said no, but I decided to just take him up on it.  The mimosas probably helped, but I'm so glad that I went.  His wife made an amazingly delicious dinner complete with ham, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, and sweet potato casserole...It was heavenly and I got to play music for several more hours after our gig.  

I was pretty disappointed not to be at home with my family yesterday, but I really think that I made the most of it.  How was your Easter Sunday?

An End

Blogging is weird.  I was just thinking about all the things that share here and how I try very hard to be as genuine as possible.  I want to show you who I really am through my writing and the things that I share, however I also think it's important to keep some things private.  So...That would explain this next bit of news being a bit of a surprise to you.

 

Over the past few weeks, I started to feel less than happy in my relationship.  Travis is great. He's an amazing person with incredible and big dreams.  But we could not stop arguing.  It was like neither of us could do anything right.  It was getting to the point where I was thinking more negative thoughts about our relationship that positive ones. I wasn't talking about my problems and I was honestly just feeling like we weren't fitting together like we did when we first met.  The big thing for me was I felt like our personalities were clashing in a way that was not likely to ever change...

 

So we broke up. 

 

And I'm sad.  Even though it was pretty much my idea...It's hard to walk away from someone that you really care for, but I truly think this will be best for both of us.  We had so much fun together over the past six months and went through a whole lot more than I ever thought possible, but I suppose we just have to look at it as a learning experience.  I learned so much from Travis and I'm so happy to have met him.  I hope that he feels the same way...It's truly too bad that it didn't work out.

 

I just hope that he will find it in his heart not to be mad and just realize that we'll both be better off this way...

Physical Fitness

For the month of April I am focusing on Physical Fitness.  (I couldn't come up with a good alliteration, so this month gets a "faux" alliteration instead.

 

I have an Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) coming up, so it only make sense that I'd start to really hit it hard and get into a groove with working out. I'll be honest...Since I've been working on so many other things, my fitness routine has really suffered.  That's an understatement.  It has been non-existant.

 

When I was in basic, I started from nothing.  I could not pass the APFT.  When I graduated from AIT, I wasn't only improved, I was one of the best.  I was running a 14:30 Two mile and maxing/near maxing every event. Every. Time.

 

It was a pretty big freaking deal and now I'm back to the struggle.  It's amazing how quickly you can just fall out of that routine and start to suck.  For this month (and hopefully for every month after this one) I'll be doing a few things to kick my butt into shape and turn some acceptable scores at my PT test this month.

 

 

Guess What Day it is?

First of all let me apologize! I should have had this post up forever ago but I'm super behind in like...everything.  I decided to go home for spring break and it took tons of time out of my blogging.  But without any further ado, welcome to What's Up Wednesday. 

What's Up Wednesday is brought to you by myself, Ashely, and Shannon.  This week we decided to forgo the guest host, but we will certainly keep having them in the future!  To learn more about What's up Wednesday, click here.

What I loved about the past week//  I loved that I got to come home! Last night my family played a little gig up in Park City and it was great.  I love playing with my family.

What I'm looking forward to// Okay...so now that it's spring break, I can't look forward to that anymore.  So now I'm looking forward to the end of the semester! Just about 6 weeks left till I can just relax for a while. 

What I'm nervous about//  I'm super nervous about trying to find someplace to live after the semester is over.  I can't afford much, but hopefully I'll be able to figure something out!

What I've been daydreaming about// I'm day dreaming about a world where money is not necessary to live and we all just love each other...That would be a nice world, I think. 

What I ate for dinner last night//  I went out to Denny's with my daddy and I ate spaghetti...For the second time that day. Whoops!

What I'm craving// I could really go for some cake batter ice cream with bananas mixed in...That's my favorite. 

What I'm doing this weekend//  This weekend is mostly filled with working.  I'll let you know when I get there. 

What else is new?  Well, not a whole lot is new as of right now, but I feel some serious changes coming in my life...I'm not really sure what's going to happen, but I feel like I can't really talk about it yet.  I guess we'll see when we get there, huh?