Thursday, April 26, 2012

Project 365 - Week 17

Has this been the longest week ever or what? Thank goodness I'm not going to work tomorrow and driving to Tallahassee for the weekend instead. My students were hellacious this week. They all seem to have senioritis, even though they are only in 6th grade. Apparently, they think that the school year is already over. Well, I've got news for them, there are still 6 weeks left and if they want to act crazy then I have no problem making each and every last day of this school year completely miserable for them. Don't mess kids, don't mess. In the meantime, let's share some photos from this week, shall we :)


Week 17 in review...

Friday, April 20

We decided that this needs to be added to the FCAT test administration script next year...

Saturday, April 21

Bridal shower for one of my dearest childhood friends

Sunday, April 22
Bought a new garden flag for my front yard

Monday, April 23

Finally planted some spring flowers in my front yard

Tuesday, April 24
We played with the prefix/suffix beach ball in class

Wednesday, April 25 

I had to be videotaped teaching for my Reading Competency class

Thursday, April 26

A silent work time "to do" list for my students because I am sick of their insane behavior

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Sometimes and Always

Today, I'm linking up with Megan at Mackey Madness for her weekly post Sometimes and Always.



Sometimes: I want to smack my students when they do something stupid/rude/disrespectful/annoying. 
Always: I keep my composure and call their parents. 

Sometimes: I wish I lived in the mountains.
Always: I'm glad that I live in Florida because I hate cold weather.

Sometimes: I get freaked out that I am going to have skin cancer one day.
Always: I lay out and tan anyways. 

Sometimes: I look up fun recipes on Pinterest and other websites.
Always: I never cook anything. 

Sometimes: I want to donate my hair to Locks of Love.
Always: I chicken out every time I go to the salon. 

Sometimes: I think about giving up Diet Coke.
Always: I go the fridge and open a Diet Coke. 

Sometimes: I really want Jared and I to find our own church to attend.
Always: I like sleeping in on Sunday mornings. 

Sometimes: I hate when people pin things about health and fitness on Pinterest. 
Always: I never pin anything remotely healthy on Pinterest and I don't feel guilty about that at all. 

Monday, April 23, 2012

Bucket List

Just like everyone else, I too have jumped on the bandwagon of having a Bucket List. I actually started my Bucket List in high school and I have been revising it ever since. Therefore, this will probably be one of many posts about my Bucket List because it is constantly being updated. I love reading other people's Bucket Lists and getting new ideas from them. So as of today, here is my current Bucket List...

Read the Bible cover to cover
Create a family tree incorporating both Jared and I's genealogy
Catch a trophy fish (2011) Keys Trip - Day 3
Run an entire 5k
Ride in a hot air balloon
Visit the Whistle Stop Cafe - from the movie Fried Green Tomatoes (2010)
Paint a canvas (2012) Yes You Canvas
Learn to play tennis
Become fluent in another language
Drive the Antebellum Trail through Georgia (2011) Antebellum Trail - Day 1
Go to Mardi Gras
Visit Greece
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Ireland (2012) Ireland Trip - Day 1
Visit a rain forest
Go to the top of one of the peaks in the Alps (2005)
Drink a beer in a beer-garden in Germany (2007)
Write a book
Change someone's life for the better
Ride in a gondola in Venice (2005)
Go to the top of the Eiffel Tower (2005)
Ride a mechanical bull (2005)
Visit the town of Salzburg, Austria - from The Sound of Music (2007)
Learn to sew
Hike the Appalachian Trail
Visit all 50 states (22 so far!)
See the tulips bloom in Holland (2007)
Complete the Kentucky Bourbon Trail
Visit Wrigley Field
Attend a thoroughbred triple crown derby
Attend a NASCAR race (2012) Daytona 500
Drink wine in Napa Valley
Put my toes in the Pacific Ocean (2004)
Dance in the middle of Times Square (2003)
Climb a waterfall
Visit the Grand Ole Opry (2010)
Grow my own vegetables (2011) Vegetable Garden - Day 1

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Project 365 - Week 16

I wish I had something witty and interesting to say about this week, but I don't. So let's just cut to the chase...here are my photos for this week's edition of Project 365.


Week 16 in review...

Friday, April 13

Birthday gifts from my mother-in-law arrived! I love monogrammed stuff from Marley Lilly!

Saturday, April 14

FSU Spring Game in Tallahassee

Sunday, April 15

My parents surprised me for my birthday by planting a rose bush in our yard!

Monday, April 16

Classroom is all set up and ready to go...It's FCAT time!

Tuesday, April 17 - My Birthday!

Sporting the birthday crown and glasses...family tradition

Wednesday, April 18

Yes, that is an elliptical machine. Yes, that means I actually went to the gym for the first time in 5 years. 

Thursday, April 19

We set up my classroom like a theater for some post-FCAT movie time!

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

FSU Spring Game

This past weekend, we went back to Tallahassee for the FSU Spring Game. I was so great to be back in Tallahassee reliving our college days with our best friends. The Spring Game always gets me pumped up for football season and tailgating, but it's also kind of a tease because the actual season is still 4 months away. I absolutely love going back to Tallahassee to visit, especially for football games. There is just something about that small-town/college-town feeling that brings me instant happiness.

Here is a photo montage of our weekend at the FSU Spring Game...

Lunch at Po'Boys Downtown

Tailgating at Kappa Sigma




I can't wait for football season! Go Noles!

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

It's My Birthday!

Happy April 17th! Today is my most favorite day of the year! Wanna know why? Because today is my birthday! Side note: can we please discuss how I have to share my birthday with FCAT and Tax Day this year...probably the two worst days of the entire year. Rude. Aside from that, I am turning the big 2-5 today and I'm pretty excited about it. I have this odd feeling that I'm totally experiencing a quarter-life crisis, but I'm enjoying every minute of it.


I really have nothing interesting to say about my birthday except for the fact that it is today and I'm celebrating it by being at work, yippie. If you prefer to read something much more entertaining regarding my birthday, check out my best friend Casey's blog Simmering Sass.


Thank you all for the birthday wishes!

Monday, April 16, 2012

Monday Confessions

Is it against the laws of the blogging world to do confessions on a Monday? Probably, since everyone else always does them at the end of the week. Well, this is my blog and I do what I want...so ha. I just have so much on my mind and I need an outlet. Isn't that why I created this blog in the first place?

So here, on my very last day as a 24 year old, are some thoughts for your Monday.

1. While we are on the topic of my age...I am turning 25 TOMORROW! I literally can't believe it. What I can't believe even more is how excited I am about it. I feel like 25 is the perfect age. You are still young enough to not be considered "old", but old enough that other adults don't see you as an immature "young person" any more. For some reason, I feel like 25 is going to be a great year for me. I just have this gut feeling. Let's just say I am ready to face 25 head on and excited for all that it brings!

2. I'm not sure if I'm really having a quarter-life crisis or what, but I think that turning 25 is causing me to lose my mind. About two weeks ago, I chopped off a bunch of my hair. It's still really long, but it's super layered now and I probably have like 1/3 of the hair I used to have. I love it! If you know me well, you know that I never do drastic things with my hair, it's like my prized possession. Who knows what drove me to do this, but I'm so glad that I did. Also, I have really been letting things go a lot lately. Rather than stressing out and overloading myself constantly, I've just accepted the fact that I can't do a million things at once and that is ok. See, I told you I was losing my mind.

3. I am consciously being healthier. (I can't believe that I just typed that sentence) I have been drinking a ton of water everyday, as well as having only one diet coke per day. That one can of diet coke is my only caffeine intake for the entire day! I have cut back on my wine as well. The weird thing about this is that I'm not forcing myself to do these things, I have just stopped wanting them. Once again, losing my mind. Actually, I think it has something to do with being less stressed. When I am less stressed, I don't  feel like I need to have a diet coke or wine to deal with my stress. I feel amazing.

4. I have decided that I am going to try and start working out. (Can't believe that I just typed that sentence either) I know that every time I try this exercise business, I fail miserably. But that doesn't mean that I shouldn't try again. Since Jared and I closed on our new lot, we now have access to the amenities in our new neighborhood. That's means access to a pool, tennis courts and gym. Therefore, I have decided that I am going to start using the fitness center there because they have elliptical machines and that is really the only type of exercise that I actually enjoy. We'll see how long this lasts...

5. The FCAT starts today. I despise the FCAT. This year they are super strict about how we proctor the FCAT so I can't do anything while my students are testing. I can't work on my laptop, grade papers, or even read a book. So while you are busy at work today, I will be sitting on my stool staring at my students in silence for 140 minutes, doing nothing, watching them take a test. BORING. I thought taking the FCAT as a student was bad, but watching someone else take the FCAT is even more torturous. I wrote a blog post about the FCAT this time last year and my feelings are still remain the same: The Worst 4-Letter Word

6. I had an amazing weekend hanging out with great friends back in Tallahassee for the FSU Spring Game.

7. I have to go back to Tallahassee in two weeks for my sister-in-law's graduation. She is getting her Masters in Social Work and I am so proud of her!

8. Jared's best friend and his wife just told us that they are pregnant and I am so excited for them! We got to spend time with them this weekend in Tallahassee and of course we could not resist buying them some FSU onesies for their little future 'Nole!

9. When I was chapter President of Phi Mu in college, I initiated an amazing group of women my senior year. Last night, those girls officially became alumnae of our Phi Mu chapter. This means that the pledge class that was the youngest when I graduated has now graduated themselves. Aka: I am officially an old lady. I realize that these girls are all 3 years younger than me, but I do hold a special place for them all in my heart. Since I pledged and initiated them, I feel like they are my babies and now they are all grown up and going out into the real world. Initiating their pledge class was one of my favorite moments as chapter President and I will always have a special connection to PC'08 for that reason. Congratulations ladies! LIOB

How did I get so lucky...to be surrounded by so many amazing people that I love so much. I am one blessed girl. Have an amazing week!

Friday, April 13, 2012

Fill in the Blank Friday

I am such a genuinely happy person right now. There is so much joy going on all around me and I just can't help but be in the best mood ever. I am turning 25 on Tuesday and I am honestly really excited about it. I just have this feeling that 25 is going to be an awesome year :)

Let's celebrate this fabulous Friday the 13th by filling in some blanks with Lauren!


1. Today is a good day because  it's Friday! And we are driving to Tallahassee tonight for the Spring Game this weekend. I can't wait to see my long lost friends tonight! 

2. The best thing I did all week was  paint my nails. There is something so relaxing about painting my nails and it makes me feel pretty. 

3. The current weather is  sunny and beautiful  and it makes me feel  so very happy. 

4. The best thing about spring is  beautiful weather, sundresses, and my birthday! 

5. A fashion trend that I'm dying to try out for spring is  mint green. I keep seeing cute outfits on Pinterest in mint and I think that once I get my tan back that color would look good on me. 

6. A person who made me smile this week was  my best-friend-in-law Mark. (He is Jared's best friend so when Jared and I got married I decided that Mark should be referred to as my best-friend-in-law) He called and told us this week that he and his wife are pregnant and I am so freakin' excited for them!

7. The most delicious thing I ate all week was  bacon wrapped quail on Easter Sunday. I come from a family of hunters, so yes, we eat wild game on Easter. 


Thursday, April 12, 2012

Project 365 - Week 15

This week was actually pretty good for me. Am I glad it's over? Of course, but it wasn't all that bad overall. Next week; however, is going to be a different story. How come my birthday has to fall on FCAT week? That's just rude. Anyways, if you missed my blog post this morning you need to check it out: Pick Me Up. It's mildly entertaining :)


Week 15 in review...

Friday, April 6

Jared and I watched Friday Night Lights after happy hour. Can you believe that I had never seen this movie before? I know, crazy. 

Saturday, April 7
I spent the entire day with MaryAnn and her son, Jackson. We had a great time together and even went for a walk on the beach after dinner!

Sunday, April 8

Easter Sunday! We spent the day with my family. 

Monday, April 9

A busy week ahead in my classroom. FCAT prep is in full force!

Tuesday, April 10

FCAT training...gross

Wednesday, April 11

My students like to vent about their heartbreak by writing on my desks. Middle school drama.

Thursday, April 12

I wore my new flats to work today! Yes, I wear shoes with obnoxious prints and colors to work :) 

Pick Me Up

Yes, that's right, it's only Thursday. If this week feels like it is just dragging on and on with no end in sight, and you are in need of a little pick me up, I have just the thing for you...

I'm pretty sure that I've mentioned before on this blog that I was in a sorority in college, Phi Mu, and that I'm overly obsessed with it. One of the best things about living in a sorority house is that there is never a dull moment and funny things happen all the time...having a dance party in the hallway is a pretty normal occurrence. Therefore, the contents of the video below is basically what living in the Phi Mu house was like everyday. We just never put it on YouTube, but I'm glad someone finally did because now I can watch it and reminis about bygone days in the Phi Mu house at Florida State. I must mention that two of the girls in this video were actually initiated by me when I was President of the chapter and I couldn't be prouder :)

I could literally watch this over and over again and it never fails to make me laugh. The first time I watched it, I couldn't help but thinking, "I wonder if Pamela (the house mom) knows that girl is hula-hooping on the dining room table?" Plus, I love the cameo made by Sir Fidel, our sorority mascot. If you were in a sorority in college, you can probably appreciate this video a lot and if you weren't, then here is what you missed out on :) Either way, if you are feeling down and out, please enjoy this silly video...guaranteed to put a smile on your face.



I hope that gave you the little burst of energy you need to make it through the rest of this week. Fear not, the weekend is almost here!

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Oh, How Pinteresting!

Oh, hey Wednesday! This girl has got some busy days ahead of her...FSU Spring Game this weekend, FCAT next week, and turning 25 next Tuesday. Yet, somehow I still find time for Pinterest. We call that procrastination. So let's start pinning!


Oh, How Pinteresting!

                                                                                                                            Source: etsy.com via Jacki on Pinterest

                                                                                                                     Source: grace-hiegel.polyvore.com via Jacki on Pinterest


                                                                                                                                Source: merillat.com via Jacki on Pinterest


                                                                                                                                 Source: ep.yimg.com via Jacki on Pinterest


                                                                                                                  Source: oldbayandbohs.tumblr.com via Jacki on Pinterest


                                                                                                                                    Source: cdn.indulgy.com via Jacki on Pinterest


                                                                                                                                   Source: Uploaded by user via Jacki on Pinterest


                                                                                                                            Source: bhg.com via Jacki on Pinterest


                                                                                                               Source: a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net via Jacki on Pinterest


                                                                                                                      Source: fashionworship.com via Jacki on Pinterest


                                                                                                                          Source: lh6.ggpht.com via Jacki on Pinterest


                                                                                                                        Source: etsy.com via Jacki on Pinterest


                                                                                                      Source: bluejeansstringofpearls.tumblr.com via Jacki on Pinterest


                                                                                                                     Source: google.com via Jacki on Pinterest