| Well well well... |
[14 Sep 2008|07:42pm] |
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Inspiration--David Lee Murphy |
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No need to say anything, is there? Yes, I know I said I'd update from Beijing. However, I got to thinking about it...and I mentioned on here more than once exactly why I was going there...and since they could read anything I had transmitting on the Internet, I decided against it. I did it to protect the people I was working with and working for. People I would hate to see ANYTHING happen to on my account.
Anyway...you could probably guess that Beijing was absolutely amazing and the whole experience is one I defintiely won't forget..ever. I discovered that the Chinese people were some of the nicest and kindest I've ever met. They have more southern hospitality than we do. There's so much to say taht I don't even think I can find words. Cop out? Maybe...but people would have to ask me specifics before I could properly perpare my entry on my experience at the Beijing Olympics as well as in China.
Since I've been back...I had to get over my massive jet lag. It only took me 2 weeks to adjust to the time change in Beijing. It took me 2 weeks to re-adjust to here. I was a grouchy, tired bitch on most days, too...and I felt bad for Tim, my girls, and my family that had to endure it. Amazingly...I wasn't too bad with my students. They must have sensed it in me, lol.
I have all Spanish II this semester, which I really enjoy. The kids are weaker than that I'm accustomed. But, they will at least work for me...the majority, of course. There will always be some that won't do anything no matter what I do. Doesn't mean I quit trying.
I'm very exicted about guard this season...It's a Christmas show this year and the guard are the make or brake part of the band. I think they'll make it...they're at a good place right now and I feel like they will continue to improve.
Tim and I are doing quite well :) Not even a clue as to when we'll get married...but it will be soon. Define soon however you'd like, lol. Probably by the end of next summer.
All in all...God blessed me tremendously in Beijing and he's blessed me tremendously since I've been back. I look forward to seeing just what else he has in store.
Cuidense bien, you all. I love and miss you!
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| Wow...what a week |
[27 Jul 2008|11:39pm] |
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Soooo....I have to say, a LOT has happened since my last post. It's been a few crazy days, let me tell you. But, for the most part, it's been a good kind of crazy.
I'll start with the biggest news...the most suprising news: I'm engaged!
Yeah...I totally didn't expect it. Crazy thing...Tim didn't exactly expect it either, lol. We were able to spend a lot of time together week before last (the week of my last post) which was great. We were just hanging out talking early Friday morning when he started acting different....and that's how it happened. I'm giving the Reader's Digest version, but let me just say that I'm an idiot and it took me listening to him ask it 2 times before I realized he was for real! I mean, we knew getting married was something we wanted to do, but I didn't expect him to officially ask so soon. No complaints, though :) Those of you still in the marriage pool since the engagement one is now over...no, we haven't set any kind of date. Probably sometime next year...only God knows. Thankful that He does, though. I'm really happy...and the one I'm happy with is a direct gift from my Heavenly Father. I'm so grateful He thought me deserving enough.
Anyway, a few hours after that happy news...I started feeling bad. I felt like I was getting strep throat, because it was extremely hard to swallow, I felt feverish, and I had massive body aches. This all hit me when Amber and I were at the Gavin DeGraw concert (I still managed to enjoy it, of course). Saturday morning when I was bringing her back and going to the padres' for guard camp I felt awful. I should've gone to a clinic here...but I didn't. I unfortunately had to go to the ER instead. I was given antibiotics. It was rough...I had to teach flags and was getting ready to go to China and getting sick was NOT an option. Thankfully, after a couple painful days, I cleared it and was able to teach camp.
Camp went really well I thought. The girls worked really hard and have an extreme amount of potential. Since I'm not going to be around at band camp, Joe hired a former Richlands guard member to come to flag camp and learn the routines so she could in turn be "me" at band camp. She's a cool chick and the girls like her, which means they'll work for her. A couple struggled a little, but as long as they practice, they'll be fine. I'm hopeful every year, but this year seriously has the potential to be the best ever. The work is easier but appears more complicated. They make it look more complicated and have bought into the Christmas theme. I'm really looking forward to seeing the drill take shape and how awesome the show's gonna be.
Can you believe I leave for Beijing on Thursday? I can't! Well, I can...cause I'm really at the excited point now, but I can't, because summer seems to have zoomed by. I'm so blessed to be going on this trip, but I can't help but be a little sad that once I'm back, there's no more summer to enjoy. As of tonight, my summer's over. I go to the school tomorrow, Tuesday, and Wednesday to make up for the time I'll miss in China. (So thankful my principal is working with me on that!) Everything with the trip has *finally* fallen into place. Still don't know every specific detail, but I have a calm about it now and am so looking forward to what God's gonna have us do. Please pray for me and the hundreds of others ministering to the world during the Olympics. I appreciate it.
I think the theme of this entry is thanks. It's been quite a week...quite a few days, but I'm thankful I have someone I can rely on to get me through. That same someone is going to be with me all the time. After all, my favorite Bible verse is Joshua 1:9--"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don't be afraid or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." I think for a time...when I was stressing about the trip and being sick and everything coming together...I forgot the power and comfort in that verse. Thankfully (there's that word again), I have a wonderful fiance who's getting tight with God again who told me he felt like he had to give me a Bible verse, "Peace, be still." That comes from when Jesus calms the storm...and in Mark's account, Jesus goes on to say to the disciples (and I'm paraphrasing), "Why were you so afraid? Where has your faith gone?" I'm gaining back that lack of fear for all the details and the stress, and getting back my trust that God is with me wherever I go.
Well, I do have to get up early to be at work at 8 (eep!). Cuidense super bien!
P.D. (Spanish for P.S.) Tim's letting me borrow his laptop in China because the apartment has wireless internet. I'll do my best to update at least once while I'm there!
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| ...I know... |
[16 Jul 2008|03:27pm] |
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I Love the 70's |
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So, I finally stopped my paid account. I saw no point in spending money for icons I wasn't using enough. I still have this though, of course. I don't want to part with it (even though we all know my updating deficiencies).
Anyway, it's hard to believe that summer for me is pretty much done. I have just a few days left this week, then next week is guard camp, then I have my 3 workdays at school and then yeah, July 31st is here and I am gone! It's been busy...but a lot of fun and very enjoyable. I suppose I'll just update what's been happening this month, with references to the summer as a whole.
I've spent quite a bit of time with the familia. We had our annual 4th of July celebration and despite the rain, we all had a good time. Then I had the reunion for my Dad's side and then we left for our family vacation. The padres, myself, Linda, Amber, and Devin all went to Williamsburg for a few days. It had been several years since I'd been there and I really had a good time. We went to Busch Gardens twice, Water Country twice (but only once for me because I went shopping one of the days), Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. It was Devin's first time there and he really enjoyed it. He's a history fan, so a lot of the things were good for him. I loved Busch Gardens just as much as I always have. The Griffon, the newest coaster, was amazing! It honestly scared me at first....that's a good sign for a major rush. Having your feet dangle for what seems an eternity looking at a *straight down* drop can be a rush for anyone I think! We also ate at Captain George's, one of the best seafood places around. We took advantage of the stuff offered by the resort, too. It had a mini golf course and that was great for Devin because he'd never played before. Amber took advantage of the sauna because she was old enough to use it and I used the treadmill a couple times, which I thought was good for a vacation. I really had my doubts...the 6 of us in the Silverado traveling for 8 hours there and 9 back (we took the James River ferry so we were away from the interstate), but we all had a good time :) Only downside was that I didn't get to see Carla!
I guess it almost goes without saying that the novio and I have spent a lot of time together as well. :) I can't go into detail because I feel I'll just be gushing about how great he is and how wonderful it is together, and who wants to read that? hehe Anyway, I can definitely say that I am just so, so thankful that God gave him to me and me to him. The more time we are together it's like the more we figure out. A lot of things from our friendship in the past and just who he and I are and have been as individuals have led to our relationship. I understand why God told me to wait all these years. I'd not have been able to enjoy it as much, and...I know now that I really wasn't ready to handle love and in love and everything that goes with those. But, I am now :) Oh...and for those of you in the engagement/wedding pool, keep waiting. ;) hehe
My weight loss has hit a major zig zag, and it's all my own doing. The appetite and eating habits of old have popped up, and it's been hard to suppress them, especially now that because I'm with Tim a lot, the tempation and the just occurance of eating out happen more often. Yes, I can eat out on Weight Watchers, but it's so much easier to break over if I do a lot. I'm getting better though. Anyway, I have increased my physical activity and am in SO much better shape than I was a year ago...hell, two years ago or more. I started this running program that gradually builds over a 12 week period. Right now in a 30 minute period I walk 16 and run 14, splitting them up. Eventually I hope to be able to run 30-45 straight. I know I'll have to take a break from the program when I'm in Beijing (and WW pretty much, but I do not plan on going on some sesame chicken and rice bender) but I really like the way it makes me feel so I plan on sticking to it. Who knows, I may try to run a race. Don't know yet. In other fitness news, the madre is now an owner of Wii Fit and I really like it! There are so many different exercises and ways to improve balance and posture. It's hard. It's work. But, it's also fun and a challenge. Just wish I could do it more frequently.
So next week is guard camp which means this week is routine week. I've gotten the two major pieces done with the standard flag. I have a couple dance sequences to do, the double swing piece, and the "stick candy" (could never find anything for a candy cane, grr) part to one of the major pieces. I'll get it together before Sunday, at least I hope. Ah, I know I will. Getting them done gets me excited and hopeful for the season. It's gonna be a kick ass show and one the audience will enjoy because everyone around here knows Christmas. It should be another winning season for the program. I just hope my girls can get more 1st places. But, placing and helping the band scores overall are what's important.
Am I ready for Beijing? I'm getting there. God has definitely provided and I should be good financially while I'm there. That's a relief! Tomorrow I plan on doing an inventory and prelimenary packing so I can purchase and tie up loose ends. It's getting so close and a part of me feels great calm, and part of me feels nothing but organized chaos! I'm not worried; God has called me to do this and I look forward to serving Him again in the presence of the world! Plus, it's the Olympics, and you know me and the Olympics!
Speaking of sports...did you see Wimbledon? Holy shit vamos Rafa! I missed most of it because we were on the road to Williamsburg, but I got to see the last 3 games of the 5th set. Wow....it was epic. I worried Nadal wasn't going to pull it off, but he really persevered. Fed played him tough, especially since he was down big time. There is a part of me who doesn't want Fed to suffer a Borg sort of fall, but at the same time, it's time. It's time for someone new. And yeah, I was really happy for Venus. She was my pick, especially after I saw Sharapova's outfit, lol. At least it made those massive shoulders of hers look more narrow.
Well, I think that's it. I do plan to update at least once more before I go to China. I've been told we have Internet where we're staying, so if that's the case and it's accessible, I plan to update there too. Thanks for reading...and definitely thanks for random comments just to check on me. I appreciate it. I'm still alive, and it's nice to know you all want to make sure and it's also nice to know y'all are alive too!
Cuidense super bien!
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| quick |
[06 Jun 2008|08:37pm] |
I've gotten horrible...I've been horrible. There is no excuse. But, life is good. Very good. I feel truly blessed.
To take the line from my facebook status at his moment, I'm "suprised what a difference a year makes." I'm not who I was one year ago and for that...I am extremely thankful. Some things that were a part of me I vow to never go back to again...some I may re-visit. But, I have to say, without a dobut, God has brought me through a lot, and I don't know where I'd be without Him.
That said...I'm looking forward to the usual summer! School is over and done with and I'm making lots of time for family, hopefully time with friends, lots of time with the novio (of course), and lots of time to myself. I also have to throw in the required family vacation, vacation bible school, and the guard routine writing and teaching. Oh...and tennis. Can't forget tennis. Almost Wimbledon time!
I hope to update more...but y'all know me. Til then...cuidense!
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[22 May 2008|11:08pm] |
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Not a whole lot to say...other than I'm in the home stretch for sure now. One week from today I'll be done with school for two months! And two months from the 31st, I'll be on my way to the land of China, as Forrest Gump says. This summer is shaping up to be pretty busy. I'm looking forward to it. But, I think I'm most looking forward to having a couple to a few days of just me time....I haven't had that in a while. I'm not needing it, really...but it's better to have some than go without.
Tomorrow makes a month for Tim and myself. Like everything else in this relationship...it's crazy. That's about the only way I--well, we--can describe it. A good kind of crazy. :)
A bad kind of crazy is my weight fluctuation over the last two weeks. I have got to get myself in gear. I want 174 by July 2, cause that will make a year since I joined WW. It was attainable when I had 7 lbs to go...but I uh, have a bit more than that now... :/ I got to stop eating late and stop eating junk and get my behind to Curves or running or something. It's a must. I've come too far. I'm still in WW for the long haul...I've just been distracted with the changes in my life that I've gone back to my old eating habits. That will stop.
This semester...this year has flown by I think. I also think it's all a part of really growing up. Time goes faster when you don't necessarily want it to. Pero así es la vida.
Cuidense!
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| it's my turn |
[15 May 2008|01:28am] |
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Hard to believe..but this school year is almost over! I have 10 days left, the kiddies have 8 and the seniors only have 6. (School days I'm referring to, of course.) I'm definitely going to miss a lot of these seniors...they were freshmen my first year teaching so I had quite a bit of them. It's the first group of students I had enough to miss. And, like I've said numerous times....next year will be HARD.
Anyways, my days have kinded blended together since I began this relationship. I've had less sleep than I've ever had in my life...but I'm really happy :) It's still something surreal to me and still crazy at times, but I truly am enjoying it. I think it's more enjoyable this time than in the past because we were such good friends first and unlike my previous relationship with a friend, he always valued the friendship we did have and considered it a good foundation. His birthday is Monday...I took off work, which I never do ;) It's only fair, I say. He took off my birthday for me....Yeah, I'm just a crazy girl who loves a boy. lol
I have 7 lbs til I reach my WW goal and 12 til I get to my ultimate. I was thinking back in March that maybe I wouldn't make it to my goal in a year, but I think it's possible now. It' s been a little difficult lately, but I feel like I can do it. I'm trying to stay motivated...but with so much going on here at the end of the month it's trying. I'll get through it.
Foxy's graduation from divinity school was this past weekend. I went to it as well as Jamie. We all had a good time catching up and hanging out. I've also now decided...I need to get a master's degree. Not really because after Kim graduates I'll be the only one without one, but because I feel like I need to go ahead and get one. It's pretty much an educational waste on my part if I don't. I just need to figure out what I want to get, lol. I'm thinking about either Virginia Tech's Political Science degree or a Public/International Management degree from ETSU. Just need to pray about it some more.
I think that's about all I can update...Oh! Guard tryouts have started and so has the drama along with it. Each time I've gone there's been a different number of girls. As far as I know, there's not going to be an actual tryout, so instead of giving them a tryout routine (that I busted butt to put together cause I um, procrastinated on it majorly) I'm giving them the one part of the show I have written so far. Amber is one of the girls trying out...she's really good. Really, really good. She doesn't think she is...so I try to encourage her. I've also warned her that I'll be tougher on her than anyone else. She knows this.
I've got fundraising and saving on the up and up for Beijing. Gosh, I feel like July 31 is gonna get here so fast. I'm so looking forward to it, though. I pray I'll get the opportunity to attend.
Okay, that's really it. Cuidense!
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| This...is my song |
[26 Apr 2008|10:38pm] |
"Somewhere in the Middle"
Casting Crowns
Somewhere between the hot and the cold
Somewhere between the new and the old
Somewhere between who I am and who I used to be
Somewhere in the middle, you'll find me
Somewhere between the wrong and the right
Somewhere between the darkness and the light
Somewhere between who I was and who You're making me
Somewhere in the middle, you'll find me
Just how close can I get, Lord, to my surrender
without losing all control
Fearless warriors in a picket fence
Reckless abandon wrapped in common sense
Deep water faith in the shallow end
and we are caught in the middle
With eyes wide open to the differences
the God we want and the God who is
but will we trade our dreams for His
or are we caught in the middle
Somewhere between my heart and my hands
Somewhere between my faith and my plans
Somewhere between the safety of the boat and the crashing waves
Somewhere between a whisper and a roar
Somewhere between the altar and the door
Somewhere between contented peace and always wanting more
Somewhere in the middle You’ll find me
Just how close can I get, Lord, to my surrender without losing all control
Fearless warriors in a picket fence
Reckless abandon wrapped in common sense
Deep water faith in the shallow end
and we are caught in the middle
With eyes wide open to the differences
the God we want and the God who is
but will we trade our dreams for His
or are we caught in the middle
Lord, I feel You in this place and I know You’re by my side
Loving me even on these nights when I’m caught in the middle
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| Just to know the calm assurance. |
[26 Apr 2008|10:23pm] |
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So yeah...I spose I should update what's been going on...about being along for the ride and enjoying myself with things and such. To back up to my previous real post first, though...
I was okay with Kansas winning...Again, I can admit when I'm wrong and I was wrong about Memphis. Didn't mean I had to like them. But, they stepped it up when they had to and North Carolina choked when they shouldn't have. I'm still proud of my Davidson pick, even though I didn't get any pool money :/
The Redbud Festival was last weekend and it was a crazy busy time. I know I made a declaration about being in the pageant...but I didn't. The judges the pageant coordinator got backed out at pretty much the last minute so I had to get judges. I knew two of the three of them, so I didn't think that would be fair. I was really ready to be in it...but I think I'm with Amber: I'll look even better in that dress come Christmas. And if it's the same judges again and/or if it's judges I know, I guess it's not meant to be. I'll have other uses for that dress, I think. Anyways, I can remember so plainly last year being emotional during the festival. My cousin was dying and I was being selfish about my birthday since it was a weekend affair. I'm so glad I got over that and it wasn't even an issue this year. I had a great time hanging out, helping out, and reminiscing with people from the past that passed through.
Saturday night after the festival I hung out with Tara for the first time in ages. It's amazing how the two of us can just literally pick up like the high school days. We have very similar beliefs about ourselves and our places in life. It's refreshing to find someone else who has seen what the world has to offer yet still is proud to be where she comes from and doesn't want to leave it permenantly. That tends to be a HUGE hangup here, and we're both thankful we're not caught up in it.
Speaking of what this world has to offer...I'M OFFICALLLY GOING TO BEIJING!!!! I bought my plane ticket earlier this week. It's set. I am SO thankful and absolutely ecstatic! I'm leaving on July 31. Earlier than I expected, but that's okay. Now I've just got to let the powers that be know I'll miss the first workdays as well as the first day. I'm gonna wait til after SOLs to do that.
School's actually been going really well, shocking I know. The kids are still academic stock down, but they're putting more effort out lately. However, it's testing time so I'm sure the bottom's about to fall out. I try to have fun with them...that's one of my philosophies. They're finally going along with it and having fun with it themselves.
So...the other major thing in my life is that I'm dating again. I tell you, it's a crazy situation, but I wouldn't have it any other way! It's a guy from my past...a friend since my senior year of high school. We were in drama together and I know for a fact NO ONE would've ever pictured the two of us together. Hell, we never pictured the two of us together! Anyways, we've kept in touch since those days and talked every once in a while. But, two weeks ago we hung out...and discovered we could possibly be more than friends. I struggled with it, I won't lie. I did not want to make the same mistake I did in my previous relationship. But, I've made sure God is the focus of this one...and He's guided me through. The fact that we're dating makes sense to me. Despite my attempts to push back...God pushed me forward. I'm happy. I truly am. It's a very blessed feeling. I'm interested to see where this is gonna go. Very :)
I think that gets everything up to date. There's a little over 4 weeks of school left, I've got about 13 lbs til my ultimate goal, and I have less than 4 months til I go to Beijing! I can't believe I forgot what I felt and said to myself January 1 this year (thanks for reminding me, BFF!) but now that I've remembered I believe its true: "This is gonna be my year."
Cuidense!
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[24 Apr 2008|12:06am] |
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So yeah, it's been a while. I'm officially out of the quarter-life crisis. And I must say, my birthday this year was MUCH better than last year. I've been given a lot of new perspectives lately, and as crazy as it all is...I'm along for the ride, and I'm enjoying it :)
And that's all I have to say right now ;)
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[03 Apr 2008|09:47pm] |
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Hola all...I actually managed to post less than a month after my previous one. Amazing!
Anyways...This week's gone by fast, thank God. Spring break was last week and it was super fun, super chill, and super relaxing. This week...not so much, but at least the craziness has flown by. I don't think myself or anyone else would've survived if the welcome back week had gone at a snail's pace.
I spent the first part of the break at the padres and hung out with Amber quite a bit. She, the madre, and I went to do some shopping in West Virginia at some major discount stores. I got some cute shirts and....well, let me mention Amber first. She is going to be in a pageant this Saturday and we found her the perfect dress. It is the perfect neckline and the perfect length for her, which is hard to find for a girl her height. While she was trying on dresses, she found one for me and I tried it on. I bought it. And...I'm doing something I set as one of my NSVs (non-scale victories in Weight Watchers speak) and promised people in December. I'm going to be in a pageant. Yeah...the Redbud Festival pageants include one for women 22 and up and/or married women. I had planned on being in the 17-21 one in my senior prom dress when I was 20, but I was too fat for that (love the honesty?). So, I have a dress and I have a decent weight...so I'm going to do it. Amber is all excited too. She was my big cheerleader. That made me feel good :)
Thursday through Sunday was much needed Foxy-Tumor time. It had been a while since it was just me and Felicia and we had our usual good time. It was a combination of random trips around NC and SC and late night deep "what's going to happen in our lives?" conversations. I thoroughly enjoyed it...and I needed it.
I guess I had a little too much fun eating wise, because I had a horrible weigh-in Monday. I expected it...just not quite the size of the number on the scale, lol. I am back on track this week for sure. I'd really like to get to 50 next week...but even if I don't, I hope to be as close as I was before break. But I keep telling myself that I'm in so much better shape and have so much more energy. That and I can fit in all the spring and summer clothes I couldn't last year. Some of them were actually too big :D
Finally, I shall conclude with basketball. Well, when I'm wrong I'll say I'm wrong. I was wrong about you, Memphis. You kicked ass in the Sweet 16 and Elite 8. UT, you were the opposite and therefore a letdown. I'm so proud of myself for getting Davidson...I think I'm the only one in my pool at school who did it, too. And I'm so excited for the KU-UNC game Saturday I can hardly stand it! I wish it was the final game, though...but I'm still confident the Tar Heels are gonna win it all. But, they may just have to do it against Memphis, not UCLA.
I do my best to catch up on entries...Beth, I've been keeping your mom in my prayers and will get her on my church's prayer list Sunday. BFF, I'm so excited to hear you loved training and are pumped for Colorado...and I hope you do well in your running Saturday! Jesse, I know it's hard to post a lot, but thanks for updating and thanks for your friendship, too. Ivy, I'm in total agreement with the tennis fans and tennis in general. We need some stability.
I think that's it...other than I'd like to randomly throw in that after my BBC brit comedies on PBS they had Juanes on Austin City Limits. I was SO happy :D
Cuidense!
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| madness...kind of |
[22 Mar 2008|09:52pm] |
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No need to even make excuses.
LJ is having a boycott or something? Yeah, like I'd know.
Anyways....Spring break is here for me and I'm very excited to have it! This month has been a blur pretty much. It was the end of the first 9 weeks this semester, Interact club stuff, and basketball playoffs. I'm trying to think of how many failures I had (which reminds me, I didn't turn them in to the office...whoops.). I had one in each block. If some people hadn't made up their work, it would've been 3 times that. I'm talking total number...cause instead of one third block failure, there'd have been 6. Yeah...academic stock down this semester. I enjoy them...cause I have to find something enjoyable in my students lest it's not enjoyable for me. But, retention of information is a definte struggle. I can't wait to see how much they've forgotten over the break...ha.
Basketball is of course the consumer of my time these days. I followed the boys through their district, regional, and state run. The boys were regular season district champs, district tournament champs, region champs, and...state runner-up. This was the year I thought they had a real good chance to win, but they were flat out beaten at their own game in the state finals. Still, to be back-to-back state runner-up isn't bad, I think. It's just hard to loose those seniors. They were freshmen when I started teaching...and they were the first boys I really watched, both on JV and varsity. I've said it before but I'll say it again...it's gonna be even harder to lose next year's boys. That was my 8th grade class...the first class I had the majority of. Yeah, it'll be tough.
The trip to Richmond this year was definitely a good one. The madre went with me, though we thought that wasn't going to happen. She got sick and went to the dr. for meds the day we left. (she's all good now :) I got to spend time with the BFF both Thursday AND Friday nights! We went to the WaHo like olden days Thursday and then went to Barnes and Noble to drink some Starbucks and play some cards. I know that may sound a little weird, but it was so much fun! I wish I knew people that I could go hang out with at B&N or Books-A-Million. But like I told the BFF, I need some good, intellectual conversation. I really lack that on a regular basis. Speaking of telling the BFF things...we had some really good conversations during our visits. As she pointed out, it was the first time the two of us really hung out since college. It was very needed and very beneficial to both of us, I think. :)
The madre and I had a good time together in our capital as well. We went to Wawa several times (Bri, remember I still have your tea!) and I was able to give her The Cheesecake Factory experience. She said she'd loved to go back, but just for dessert. I'd go for all of it, lol. Saturday we had to check out way before the final game so we took the BFF's advice and went to Maymont park. It was a beautiful day...We went to the museum and saw the James River exhibits, and the adorable otters! We also sat by the duck pond and relaxed. We also had a good time driving up and driving back...but we always do, since she we've always been good travelers.
I don't have much planned for Spring break. I'm going to hang out where I am now (the padres) for a few days...I've got my WW meeting Monday and I hope to get my 50lb medallion! Then Tuesday mom, Amber, and I are going with some friends from church to a big clothing outlet in West Virginia and I hope to get a lot of clothes for not a lot of money. Then Wednesday I'm going back to GC to give my apartment some MUCH needed spring cleaning. Then Thursday-Sunday is Felicia-Sarah time! Very excited, indeed!
I really think I'll get my 50 due to all the activity for me this week. Last week eating wise was horrendous...and even this week. Monday I just could not stop eating for some reason :/ But, I kicked my ass into high gear from Tuesday on. I went to Curves 4 days in a row and I played volleyball at church Thursday for about 2 hours. There a woman from Council asked me to play in a benefit tournament for a local community team going to play in Hawaii this summer. It's the same team my cousin Courtney is playing for...so I went. I had a great time...we just played for fun and not on a competitive team. So, I played today for another 2 hours. It's probably the most active I've been since I joined WW. And the best part? I'm not even worn out! :D My fitness level is going up, up, up and I'm so thankful. I really think I'll wind up in better shape at 26 than I was at 17 or 18. That's downright exciting ;P
Wanna talk about exciting? March Madness baby! I missed my pre-tournament tradition, but since all my picks are still in so far, here's my final four:
North Carolina
Kansas
Stanford (thank God they pulled off the OT win tonight!)
UCLA
My pick to win it all: North Carolina
My "cinderella:" Davidson--I've got them beating Georgetown and making it to the Elite 8 to lose to Kansas
I've done better in my bracket this year than other years *knocks on wood* I picked the San Diego-UConn upset as well as the Villanove-Clemson upset. I've made goofs on Drake and Vanderbilt...and Duke. I pulled for them only for the sake of my bracket, cause I had them in the Elite 8 against UCLA. But, I'm happy for WVU. The way Duke was playing...they didn't deserve to make it as far as I had them. I know Stanford in the Final Four is a stretch, especially after what happened tonight with Marquette...but I think they're worth the hype. Memphis, is not (sorry Jess). They've not played anybody worthwhile. And to quote my 9-year-old cousin and AAU basketball star: "The only time they played a team that was worth anything they got beat."
I think that pretty much covers it. I'd like to say I'm gonna update more...but we all know that's a fib. Cuidense till the next one!
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[29 Feb 2008|11:18pm] |
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I have to say..I've gotten more horrible than normal with my posting. ...Or lack thereof. I went almost the whole month without a post. Thank God for leap day, I suppose.
As the norm, not much is going on. When I got ready to write I was trying to think back each week since the 1st to try to sum things up...but I think I've done a lot of the same stuff each week. Basically my life now is:
Weekends with the fam
Weight Watchers on Mondays
School...which has its good moments and definitely its bad
Basketball
Yeah...not a whole lot. I can say that the WW stuff has been going quite well. I only have 14 lbs to my WW goal, which means only 19 to my own personal goal. I think it's amusing I'm saying "only." Getting to Onederland seemed like such a feat...like I knew I'd get there, but at the same time I was suprised I did. Like that makes sense. But, I've found I have sooo much more energy and stamina now. For example...today was the Hoops for Heart tournament and we had another faculty game. I'm guessing I'm about 40...maybe 45 lbs lighter this year than last. Though my team lost big time, I'm proud to say that I played a full 10 mintues of half court basketball without getting winded. :) Add that to the fact that I bought a pair of jeans in a size I've never worn before and things are going quite well.
Speaking of basketball...it's tournament time, meaning it's my favorite time of year. I feel like I really didn't get into basketball last year *gasp*. But, this year I've been all about it. I've been supporting my GC boys, of course, as well as the Honaker girls. Both are playing in their respective region finals tomorrow. I feel another trip to Richmond is coming soon!
So um...that's about all I can think of. Did I leave something out?
Cuidense!
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| big time announcements |
[01 Feb 2008|10:53pm] |
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I'm unofficially going to the Olympics in Beijing, China.
(I want to jump up and down and scream it to everyone...but that can wait til it's all official. ;)
But, I can jump up and down and scream this.
AMBER IS HOME!!!!!!!!
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| since it's almost February... |
[30 Jan 2008|11:22pm] |
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"Always"--Bon Jovi |
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So, it's been one month since I thought I was dying...and I don't feel that great.
I haven't felt that great the past two days, actually.
Not to the point where I feel I'm dying, however.
I hope this isn't some kind of monthly pattern.
I do feel better tonight though.
I'm going to padres tomorrow night and it's volleyball night at church. I'm SO excited to play again. I'm going even if I still do feel a little rough.
I've taken off work Friday. I'm going to Amber's court date. I'm going to be moral support. She asked me to. I really hope she gets to come home. It's still kinda up in the air right now...No one knows for sure. She's been at the group home since June and has done well with every home visit...but it's all up to what the judge decides. Pray for her...and us as a family.
I'm trying to make myself enjoy this semester...but I've just not so far. I got so spoiled teaching Spanish II. I finally got things figured out for that course and then I had to go back to all I. Granted, I enjoy teaching first year, but it's challenging when you've got kids that just want to sit and be quiet and do work out of the book. I never in my life thought I'd have students that don't want to play games and would rather do the monotonous stuff! I'm all about not giving kids what they want, though, so we've been playing games at least twice a week, heh heh. Response has been semi-positive...so far. A friend told me that I had it in me to make them warm up to it. I sure hope so.
Joe already has this year's marching show picked out. Crazy right? But, it's awesome! I LOVE it. It's gonna be a Christmas show. I wrote him and told him I would start working now if I knew what he wanted. He wrote me back and also called and gave me the counts, sets, and equipment for the first piece of music. Needless to say I'm in the preparation mode of listening to the music and planning things out in my head. I guess I'll be doing more work outside, instead of in my living room. I've got nice stuff in there now, and I don't want to risk damaging any of it. (I use the pole part of my Swiffer when I'm the house, btw. It's a great small scale flag, til I forget and I scrape the ceiling tiles...oops.)
I am about 20 pounds to my WW goal weight...meaning I'm about 25 to my own personal goal. I am about 3lbs shy of what I weighed when I came back from Mexico in '03 and about 5lbs from the 180s. It'll be shopping time for sure when I hit 189. My plan is to buy at least one new pair of jeans...and a chocolate xtreme blizzard from Dairy Queen. Lol...I know the latter isn't the best investment...but I won't like, food is one of my incentives for myself. Til 189 it's fat free sugar free ice cream sandwiches or none at all. Pretty tough for an ice cream fiend like me. Oh...my Mom is in the 170s and so close to her goal weight. I am so proud of her! Best of all...she's proud of her. This'll be the lowest she's weighed in her adult life. It's been an amazing journey for us both so far...and I'm looking forward to what the rest of the year holds for us.
...I'm looking forward to what the rest of the year holds for me beyond weight loss. I still feel like this is gonna be my year.
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| It's that time of year again... |
[16 Jan 2008|10:55pm] |
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"Breathing"--Lifehouse |
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Five years ago I was in Monterrey. Five. That....that just doesn't seem possible. I hadn't let myself think of it much, other than the great experience it was and the information I can pass on to my students. But, tonight I drifted back...and read out of my journal.
Y'know, Chip and I had a discussion once about doing what we want to in life. We both want to travel, and he said he wanted to do it while he was young and I said I wanted to do it now too, but I was okay if I had to wait til I'm older and retired. But now...I'm thinking I'm wasting time. There's so much I want to see and do, and I'm afraid I'm not going to get to do it all. That scares me. Scares me that maybe I've gotten too complacent stateside when I should be looking for more travel opportunities...besides Beijing.
And adding to that...
For the first time in about 8 months...I really miss mi chilango. And I'm mentally whipping myself for not keeping better contact with him.
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| This is...my year? |
[14 Jan 2008|10:43pm] |
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Australian Open...Nalbandian and his frat belly ;) |
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So...two weeks into 2008 and I finally post something. I have my excuses, of course. I must say, though, they're actually good this time. I'll start by saying how I spent my New Year's Eve to make a point. How did I -almost- spend the last 10 seconds of 2007? On the toilet. Not with my head in it, either.
To back up, I left to go to Pigeon Forge with my mother for a few days Xmas night. We had a really good time, just the two of us. We did some shopping for new clothes (new smaller clothes :D), went to Dollywood, went to Cades Cove, and we also went to the timeshare office and Mom came out of there a bigger property owner. The broker of the deal was a super nice guy. He even called to talk to us this past Saturday, in fact. His daughter married a Venezuelan so he and I hit it off right away.
I left PF to go to Jamie's for our Xmas get-together. It was a fun time, but not without some somber moments. Her grandmother passed away before we got there, so her house became the meeting center for the family. I hadn't gotten to meet Jamie's parents and oldest sister and her nieces and nephews before. They were all really hospitable and kind. I just wish I had been able to meet them under better circumstances. In any case, it was GREAT hanging out with my Ix-uhs. Just knowing that we make the effort to stay in touch and get together when we can affirms something I said (eep) 8 years ago now: "...When I go to college, I'll meet my friends for life."
So...on the way home...actually, from the night I got there...I started feeling bad. My back was hurting a lot and I was having stomach cramps. I thought my back was hurting because of the almost non-stop traveling Foxy and I did to get to Jamie's. I thought the cramps were from the stomach virus that went through about a quarter of my cousins. I started getting progressively worse each night. I tried to act like nothing was wrong, because there was already too much going on. But...Saturday night and Sunday it started getting unbearable. I was cramping like crazy on the way home, until about 2pm. I was able to make it home to GC safely, thank God. I got home about 7:15, I ate dinner, then went to bed at 8. I woke up at 10:30 and literally, it was hell from then on. I have never been in so much pain in all my life. I seriously thought I wanted to die or detach my stomach from my body so I could feel better. On new year's eve day I managed to get to the clinic. I met with the Dr., he thought I was pregnant (so wrong), but after tests he concluded I had a UTI and a stomach virus. NOT fun. So that's why my part of my countdown was on the toilet. I was taking meds and trying to get better...but still having pain. Thank God again, that the medicine did work and I did get better. Incidentally, my mom had a UTI as well...she had different symptoms than me and had to have an ambulance come get her new year's day because she wasn't able to stand up straight and walk. Crazy!
I went to my workday in the snowy weather and was thrilled that our first day with the kiddies turned into a snow day. It refreshed and charged me mentally, I think. I spent that day hanging out with Jessica, one of my high school friends. We caught up our lives and the lives of anyone we went to school with we know about. We also talked about how it's funny how things can turn out...and then she made what turned out to be somewhat of a prophetic statement. ...
Once I was coherent enough to realize that 2007 had gone and 2008 had arrived, I started having really good vibes about it. I have a lot to look forward to, I think. Lot of positive things happening around me. I may get to go back to the Olympics. That would be a tremendous opportunity. My sister has offically moved into my Momaw's house. There have been too many blessings of that to count. The best by far though, was that yesterday, for the first time in 10 months, my whole family was together at church. My Momaw eagerly and energetically got up, picked out her best Sunday outfit, and took her regular seat like she never left. I am currently about 22 pounds from my lifetime goal and my Mom is about 15. That is amazing!
Basically, I think this is my year, whatever that implies. A lot of positives and negatives happened over the past two years, and I've learned a lot and grown a lot. I have a lot more to do...but I'm looking forward to what God has in store. It's exciting to think that He's got awesome plans and I'm thankful that He's in charge, because I've proven I screw things up.
For now, I'm enjoying the new semester, adjusting to all Spanish I and the abundance of 8th graders, and loving the Australian Open.
Cuidense!
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| 12 days of Christmas...break |
[21 Dec 2007|11:39pm] |
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It feels like December has zoomed by. Doesn't seem that long ago that I made my Onederland post, but apparently two weeks have passed between entries. Really the same ol' same ol' is going on...but I have a great Xmas break to look forward to. Our last day of school was yesterday. I got all my grades done and turned in too...less work for me on the workday and more time to run my mouth! lol I didn't have any failures...one girl barely, and do mean barely squeaked by. Other than that I feel I had a successful semester and I do think the kids learned a lot...I just hope that in the future they'll have some memory of the language skills they learned in Spanish II. If not, they'll have memories of the numerous jokes and discussions that had nothing to do with the langauge, lol.
The only thing I don't like about break is that it's extremely short. I'm back to work on the 2nd and the kids come the 3rd. Everyone around us comes back the 8th. *sigh* Oh well. I have all Spanish I next semester so I'll have to take some time to refresh myself. I won't have much time though...I have a very busy break:
--Xmas dinner/Momaw's birthday party for Mom's side tonight
--GC vs. Honaker basketball tomorrow
--Christmas Cantata Sunday
--Christmas Eve with the familia
--Christmas Day dinner at my aunt's
--Pigeon Forge trip with the madre Dec. 25-28
--Hang out time with Jamie, Foxy, and Kim at Jamie's Dec. 28-30
--Potential hang out with Tara and Jessica
--Potential New Year's bash at my and my neighbor's apts.
Yeah...not a lot of time to just chill. But, I'm definitely looking forward to it!
Things on the family front are a bit stressful right now. Please keep us in your prayers. Amber's on home visit for 16 days and it's already been rough on day 1. This'll be a good indication if all 3 of them are ready for her to be home permanently. My Mom offered Linda my Momaw's house to stay in rent-free, only paying for utilities. She'd been in prayer about this for months...because it's such an absolute thing. I mean, Momaw has no intentions of ever going back to live there...but it's still been her house. Linda's really excited and we know she'll take care of it. She'll be Mom's neighbor. Linda's never had a house before. It'll be an interesting, exciting change, I think. Mom went back to UK last week to a very happy Dr. Ain in regard to her weight loss. However, he was not happy with her test results. He thinks the count of cancerous cells is too high and could cause her problems. He wants her to go through another treatment. ...So much for "cancer free." She doesn't want to do it. I don't know what she'll decide.
Anyway, I'll be back to do my traditional year in review survey Christmas Eve. Cuidense!
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serenity51's journal
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