Wednesday, December 31, 2008

2009 Resolutions

I have been thinking about my New Year's resolution over the past couple of weeks and have finally narrowed my list down. I will not be trying a new recipe out each week like I did the past 2 years. I am thinking 94 recipes is enough. (Yeah, I was 10 short this year unless I do that today... ha!) I really enjoyed that resolution though and have had some real winners and losers. Finally mastering banana pudding was a huge highlight. I will post my favorite recipe from 2008 later.

So, Resolutions for 2009...

(1) Pay off at least a semester's worth of student loans.
Thankfully I have nice scholarships and tuition discount for grad school so my loans are VERY minimal for that, but I really want to finish paying off my undergrad loans in the next couple of years.
(2) Keep a daily photo journal.
I am only good at journaling sometimes. However, I do always have a camera with me. I thought if I take a daily picture than I could have a good sampling of memories from the year. Sometimes the picture might be of a grand adventure and some days it might be of something I do around the house daily. I am pretty excited about this resolution though.
(3) Scrapbook my year.
I used to scrapbook often. I have so many supplies, pictures, and things I pick up that I want to be better about scrapbooking shortly after things happen.
(4) Run a half marathon.
I have already signed up for the Country Music Marathon with several of my friends from girls community group. I want to be able to actually run a whole half marathon. Yes, I have turned into one of "those people." The Bolt inspired me.
(5) Be more intentional.
Enough said.

2008 was great, but may 2009 be sublime. ;)

May you have a wonderful time ringing in the New Year wherever you might be...

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Cirque Du Soleil

One of the things we wanted to do while in NYC was to see a Broadway play. We stood in line for discounted tickets for about an hour only to find out that tickets to a select few shows with open seats still cost about $100. The shows offered were nothing we thought would be worth paying that for. Instead we opted to go see Cirque Du Soleil.

Cirque's winter show is called Wintuk. We all sat truly amazed at the performance. The storyline had to do with bring snow to the city. We watched juggling, tightroper walkers, clowns, rollerbladers, bikers, gymnasts, and acrobats who all performed with more grace and beauty than I have ever seen in "circus" performers. The sets were spectacular. Music was so fitting and I wish I could have bought the music to play daily. There was one set with ribbon acrobats, cranes (men on stilts), beautiful lighting and music that seriously almost made me cry because it was so beautiful.

The show ended with snow falling onto the audience with of course great music. I felt like such a kid because I was in such awe.

If you ever get the chance to go see a show by Cirque I would highly recommend it... What a great evening in NYC.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Post Christmas Update

Christmas came and went. I took almost no pictures. Shocking, I know. The day itself was pretty uneventful and peaceful. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch, opened gifts, and then went to see the movie "Doubt." Great acting, and just okay ending. It was nice to be with the family this year.

On Friday, I finished moving all of my stuff. I am now living with the parents again. Hopefully not for too long. ;) I got to meet up with Rupa, Kathy, and Kelly for dinner. We always have such a good time (and loud!) time together. Topics always somehow always center around traveling and politics. Somehow even I am amazed how we can get from talking about breast exams to Obama. Rupa gave me a concoction for my flu/cold. Equal parts of scotch, lemon juice and honey. Not so yummy. Wish I could say it worked (it didn't), but it did make for a good sleep. :)

This morning Rupa brought me to airport, but I missed my flight to Baltimore. I am stuck in Nashville airport for a few hours. However, all will be worth it to have a week off in New York relaxing and celebrating the New Year with my best friend.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Christmas Eve Tradition

Keeping the tradition of new pajamas alive...

This year we actually got to go with a Christmas theme.

Wishing Emily was here.

Remembering the Lewis Family and Katie for past pjs ;)

Sadly, still sick :(

Better go to bed, so Santa will get here...

Monday, December 22, 2008

yuck.

It was Friday afternoon and the teachers were skipping down the halls because it marked the beginning of Christmas break. A teacher looks at me and says "Beth, you don't look so good." From there I have been in a downward spiral of yuckiness.
On Saturday I could not even make it to Tiffany's graduation! Sunday I survived people coming over. Today has been miserable. I am in the process of moving so I managed to pack 1 (ONE!) box before requiring a two hour nap.
This stinks...

Friday, December 19, 2008

Calendar

January 5th... the next day that I "have to" be productive.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

'Twas The Week Before Christmas


Very realistic rendering of what school is like this week...
Kiddos out of control and teacher in shock.
Pajama Day is only good in theory.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Another Quick Weekend

Weekends go by way too quickly! After the great snow day, I thought my weekend would not be as busy. Wrong...

On Saturday, the family drove to Cookeville to watch Leanne graduate from Tennessee Tech. :) She has worked really hard the past couple of years and we are all so proud of her. Her graduation itself was interesting. The speaker talked about how she met the two loves of her life there. She also announced that one was the dean of education and he left her for a younger woman. So uncouth. Then, the name announcer sounds like he was calling starting players for the NFL I am sure the graduating class will not forget their ceremony.

Saturday night went to Christian's Dirty Santa party. I scored some hot pink Everlast boxing gloves. Apparently, the dirty santa gifts of the season are these Hello-Kittyish items called Parasite Pals. What will they think of next?!?!

Sunday, my favorite day of the week, included great Family time, weekly coffee date with Tiffany, tomato basil soup lunch with Ashley, and lots of school work. Tiffany's parents came into town so we got to visit with them for a little while. :) I also got my plane tickets to go to New York (Dec.27-Jan.2) I am quite excited about seeing her home and meeting people I have heard about for 6 years now. Sadly, Emily and Jakson left to go back to Texas. It was so nice having them in town. I have the cutest nephew ever! Looking forward already to their return in March.

Today is super busy. I will be trying to finish finding homes for frogs and crabs, testing students on their reading levels, going to the French-Lemons Christmas party, and taking my last final of the semester. Break is just ahead...

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Bucket List

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied.
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke.
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class.
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone.
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating.
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life.
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a mobile phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

(Fun to read yours Jessica! Happy Birthday!)

Friday, December 12, 2008

A Day To Air Out

About 10pm last night they called a snow day...

After a long week, it was a much needed day. I set aside some time to go be quiet and have some time to myself. After grabbing my trusty Harbin hikers and my camera, I set out on a long walk and short hike. I needed to air out.

This week has been insane. On Monday I got all of my major course work turned in for the semester so that was a relief. The rest of the week went something like this... I found out I need to find a place to live in about a week and half. I sent in information for my second opinion doctors appointment (week of Christmas). I was called by the principal of my school and faced uncertainty about my job due to paperwork. I have been blessed by spending time with good people this week though. Anyways, I just needed some time today.

After a couple of hours, I felt like I could face the world again. Sometimes all it takes is a little nature, stroll with God, and just letting life air out.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Today Is The Day

Today is the day!

Yesterday I finshed and turned in all my papers, made my presentation... all the big stuff for school this semester. One final to go. I met with my principal for my final evaluation for the semester and it went well. I was a happy girl.

I feel so good that I am going to once again attempt the impossible...

I am going to make banana pudding!

This has been a real struggle for me. (I was in China all of those times though so maybe that counts for something...)

I feel like it is going to be good. I feel it in my bones.

Wish me luck because Lord knows three strikes and you are out.

Today is the day.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Christmas Tree

All is quiet this morning except for the sound of Dean Martin crooning "I'll Be Home For Christmas" through my my little computer speakers. I am coming down from quite a busy week. This morning it is just me, Dean, my Christmas tree, and the big blue chair that I might have to steal when I move out.

Most of you probably know about my complete fascination with trees. Christmas trees lie in that category too. In fact, the only things I "collect" are Christmas ornaments. From every travel, from friends, from family and of course Hallmark, not much can make me as excited as receiving a ornament. Every year I get the ornament from Hallmark's line of Eskimo Friends. My mom started me on that line when I was just a child. Over the years, my mom and an old friend made sure I had the one for the year. Mom once again made sure I got it this year...

My old friend made sure I got them while in China. Sadly, one of them broke last year. However, my dear Amy made sure that it would still hang on the tree.

Her paper version hangs on my tree today. A good reminder of thoughtful friends.

And of course, my non-traditional tree topper. While I put my own Christmas tree for the first time, I had not star and did not have the money to go buy one. A Christmas tree should be about personality, so I threw my Auburn hat on top. I never really meant for it to become a tradition, but it has stuck. No exception this year!

With just a couple of presents lying beneath...

my tree is complete.

It is a little thing that makes me happy. And maybe, just maybe it will motivate me to start my paper...

Friday, December 5, 2008

New Years Resolution Update

I still need to try 15 new recipes to complete my New Years resolution.
Got any ideas?

Spoiled Rotten

Really, I am starting to get spoiled...

Scored free tickets to Predators game tonight, once again right behind the bench. This time Tiffany was busy, so I got to take friends. Josh, Justin, and my sister Leanne went. Enjoyed watching the game up close, laughing at the guys with no teeth, and then an evening at the Saucer. It was a great night.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Teaching Philosophy

If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people together to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea. - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry