home home

so. 1. when I'm home I get less sleep. 2. I spend more money. 3. I have more energy! :D


I love being home though because I get to see all the people I love and enjoy!

yeah nothing much else to update. I bought some lucky bambo today!! Maybe it will bring me luck! I'm going to try to transplant it into an awesome flower pot I have. My batteries in my camera has been dead all break. Makes me sad I wasn't able to take a lot of pictures...


Other updates I totally rocked a half pony tail today, even if Michael told me it was weird. Maybe I'll rock it tomorrow. This morning I got a quick shower and didn't even brush my hair before I went to church, ha! So I needed to pull it up somehow, so it looked somewhat bearable. ok, random hair story.


"What's the craziest thing you've ever seen"
"Me getting hit by a truck..."

wow, that makes me laugh. Maybe I'm evil.

So I went to see the Ben Button movie. I decided I don't really like it... In the end I know I'd never watch it again. For the record. Maybe it's just that I really don't like Brad Pitt. Oh gosh there's a commercial for it on tv now. "One of the best movies of this decade." umm heck no! But it's not like my opinion really matters.

Well I should get to bed, I have a semi-busy day tomorrow...

It's Christmas time!

What a wonderful Christmas it has been so far. I've gotten to see and hang out with people I haven't seen in a long time, it has been such a blessing. Plus I love giving people gifts!!! Well we're going to my grandma's for Christmas lunch and then I'm going to Kt's for dinner to celebrate with my friends and exchange gifts with them. It has been crazy being home! I've done so much every single day and I'm a little whipped out, to be honest. Friday I'm going to my gram B.'s and aunt peggy's, then Jonnie has a soccer tournament. Saturday I'm hanging out with JILL! (haven't seen her since last Christmas) and then going to Brewser's with my brothers. Sunday I'm going to church and after that I don't know... those are my plans up to the weekend...

So in a certain situation I've like completely change my view. weird how that can happen I suppose...who knows what will come of it, I guess all you can do is pray.


Merry Christmas!!

You look so defeated lying there in your new twin size bed

For the record that girl was not in church today.

So today after church I went to lunch with some people from church. And I arrived there at the same time with the one lady, Paula. We pulled in and this guy came up to us and said ladies can I have some money for gas because my car ran out of gas on the highway and I need to get to Newport News, and he was holding a gas can. Paula was like searching all around for cash. I knew I had cash and like started walking away. SHE went into her car and found the man some cash. So I guiltily went into my wallet and pulled out 3 bucks for him. I think could sense what was going on inside my head. She turned to me and said, "You know that was probaly a scam right there. But it doesn't matter Elise because our hearts where in the right place and that's all God cares about." Talk about a WOW moment. It was just one of those moments which really woke me up and made me step back and reflect. Just something I'll never forgot, because in situations with people I know I'm always like oh well it's not my place to judge them, but I didn't realize in this situation how I was judging a total stranger. If I had to sit on God's throne and judge I would screw the whole world up!


Oh yeah. Sunday School was nice today, well the end really touched my heart. We were broken up in guy and girl groups talking about different things then sharing. Well at the end we decided to pray for each other. It was just really nice because I finally admitted that I'm homesick. But it was nice having people pray for me about it. I know there are a ton of people who are always praying for me, but there's always something special hearing another person pray aloud for you.

Lunch was nice. The painting party was great! I only stayed a few hours though because I realized I still have some paperwork to get done and my ed. specialist is coming in tomorrow...**groan** Nothing against him, just to many people in the room makes the kids crazy. ha.

It should be a good day though. I love that I'm excited about going to work, even on a Monday!! :D Tomorrow after work we're having our staff Christmas party. It's after school, so it should be nice! Ok, I'm heading to bed for sure!

When God gives you music, you just got to dance!!!

So, my second Christmas party of the season was tonight and I still have not seen any snow! It was a fun party though, I won 2 movies: The Fugitive and some other guy action flick. So I'm giving them to Rodney for Christmas!! He'll know I re-gifted them, but everyone else will think I'm just a super awesome lady! Since I already got him a real gift.

Tomorrow will be a busy day. Sunday School, Church, Lunch with Paula and others, and then Ashley's painting party, where Ashley and I are also going to exchange Christmas gifts. It should be fun, but a busy day. Thank goodness I don't have any school work to do this weekend, cos I wouldn't have gotten it done.

I've been thinking lately how I'm really thankful I'm not longer in college! I do not miss final time and the stress attached to it. I do miss college people. I've been feeling nostalgic added people from college as friends on facebook. Some who I barely knew or talked to once! ha. I did that a while ago with people from high school, then like a month later I deleted like 20 of them, and only one asked to be my friend again! haha.

I'm so excited for church. It feels like one of those sermons which is going to rock me. I have no secret "in" with Pastor Eric, but something's just telling me I'll wanna take good notes THIS Sunday. Isn't that weird how God will put random things like that in your heart. I do feel really guilty. Last Sunday there was this girl sitting by herself in church and I KNOW God was just screaming at me to go talk to her. But, the shy side of me took over and I sat in my comfortable pew around my friends and didn't walk across the isle. Yes, I felt bad and glanced over at her during church, thinking in my head she must have known...This may just prove that I'm a crazy person... Hopefully if she's back again this Sunday I'll be gutsy!

Let's party like it's 2009!

So just thinking about the New Year coming in. I think I should start thinking about my New Year's Resolution, but I can't really think of much. One is to start grad school sometime this year, I procrastinate way to much! After that I'm drawing a blank. I guess it's because when I graduated college I made kinda of my real-life resolutions and I've been following them just fine. Who knows. More Monica stuff today and then my Sunday School class is having their Christmas party!! Hopefully it won't have too many awkward moments since I don't know everyone real real well. ok. much love.

It's hot

I don't cook much. But when I do it's to die for, if I do say so myself. Vegetable Lasagna is ready to be eaten and break sticks are cooking. Christi is on her way. I'm excited I love just hanging out and watching Christmas movies!!!!!


It's a hot day today. It's 76 degrees in my apartment and I have the heat turned off!!! Yes, can you believe it! I'd rather it be 76 than 6 degrees though.

Word up it's word girl.

These are the kinda things I do with my kiddos! :D



So I had a really nice night tonight with 2 teachers from secep. Fun time! It's nice to get together with people who know what you go through each day. I got a funny Christmas card from a lovely friend! Tomorrow Christi is coming over to hang out and watch Christmas movies! :D

Tomorrow is also a half day! Today went so slow. I think it's just cos everyone's ready for Christmas break! I know I sure am!

Yeah, life has been a little confusing lately, but it'll work out!

you live and learn

I've definitely been learning through this experience who my true friends are.

Manic Monday

I love Mondays. Do you know why? Because every Monday night I take time out of life and start the week right with a bubble bath! In fact I think if someone asked me to do something on a Monday, I'd say "no thanks I have plans". If they inquired more and begged, I'd probaly say yes...ha. Yeah, so that's why I like Mondays. Today the kiddos and us went to the mall. It was as nice as going to the mall can be with 5 special needs kids can be. But i did have some amazing pizza!

I think as I've gotten older I've gotten much better at forgiving people. Random I know, but forgiveness has been on my mind lately, because of a certain situation in my life.

Ok off to read Sex.God. in the bath! hooray!

Also only 8 1/2 more school days until Christmas break!! Thank you Jesus! ha, I love my job, but I love relaxing and going home just as much.

Dishwasher drama

So I finally used my dishwasher and it melted my water bottle! Man, that really grinds my gears!

So today at church we were talking about how we were excited for the New Year and Christmas. and I was like yeah it'll be fun to be home. And this lady was like why it's not like you have a guy to share the holidays with, why are you so excited. Wow! my jaw dropped, I never wanted to slap another person so much until that moment in my life!! I just walked away, it was so unreal. In my head I was like wow, did she just say that, was that her way of joking around with me? man, it was just crazy. I didn't wake up that morning expecting someone to basically call me a loser because I don't have a boyfriend! yeah, I'm still fuming a little. So in my despair here is my list of why I'm glad I don't have a guy this holiday season: 1. No questions if I have to get his family members a gift. 2. don't have to miss my family celebrations to go to someone else. 3. No midnight kiss pressure 4. no looking cute for Christmas pictures. 5. and no driving to a guys house in a blizzard and dying! a reasonable list I'd say!

Okay, enough walling in self-pity. The right guy will come in God's time and it could be tomorrow a 4 years! ha. For now I'll happily stay in my P.O. Box 31 club! lol, memories...

Yeah, I saw an older lady's butt yesterday. That was an experience and a half!! One I hope to never repeat until I'm an old lady and it's my own!

Nothing else is really up. Today at Sunday school we had forced group discussion and I didn't hate it as much as I usually do hate forced social situations. I'm more of an easing into it kind of gal...

Oh I realized today that I have four books overdue from the library. That rots! I'm going to try to renew them online and see if that goes over well, cos they were due yesterday! Hopefully it'll work out! ok, well Brothers and Sisters is on and I heart that show!

oh winter...

It's Christmas time, so here is one of my favorite winter poems:


In the Bleak Midwinter
by Christina Rossetti
In the bleak mid-winter
Frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron,
Water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow,
Snow on snow,
In the bleak mid-winter
Long ago.

Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him
Nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away
When He comes to reign:
In the bleak mid-winter
A stable-place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty,
Jesus Christ.

Enough for Him, whom cherubim
Worship night and day,
A breastful of milk
And a mangerful of hay;
Enough for Him, whom angels
Fall down before,
The ox and ass and camel
Which adore.

Angels and archangels
May have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim
Thronged the air,
But only His mother
In her maiden bliss,
Worshipped the Beloved
With a kiss.

What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man
I would do my part,
Yet what I can I give Him,
Give my heart.


Today was a good day. The IT guy was in our classroom all day. But he told me he couldn't believe I was a first year teacher and that I was born for this job. It made my heart soar! God has really blessed me that as crazy and demanding as my job is I love it to death, I'm thankful others are able to see how much I love my job!

belly button

My sisterchicks!(ok, I'm on a Robin Jones Gunn high!) Minus Michael and Stacy not pictured, ha!!

Today has been awesome and I didn't even do anything really exiting. I've just laid back and let God fill me with joy, love, and hope. Oh I love when he does that!

I just got off the phone with Kelly. I love her, she is such an amazing friend and always a true sister chick. I also talked to Stacy and Pam, which whom I love as well! I love encouraging and being encouraged by friends! Encouragement is definitely one of my love languages.

Did you know that even if you don't have a blogger account you can leave me a message? So hello stalker, you know who you are! Leave me a message so I don't feel like a complete dope writing into a black abyss... Wow, I spelled abyss right, who would have though?! See I told you this has been a good day!

light up

I feel like I've been stuck in a weird rut the past few days. I've just been tired and not motivated to do anything at all... Hopefully I will get my butt in gear! So that's that. I do dread one day this week, but I don't even know what day it will be. ha.

So in life sometimes you're just not included in everything. It never bothered me that much actually (yes on bad days it probaly would), because I know sometimes different people just need to spend alone time or want times with close friends so those times are special. So this is why it does not bothered me. I mean I now admit it there were times in college Sarah and I would sneak off to hang out and have private best friend time, which is fine, because we needed it sometimes. But it drives me crazy me how some people get so upset and can feel so left out sometimes. I guess I understand if you best friend in the whole wide world has a party and doesn't invite you, but most of the time that's not the case at all. Maybe it's because I'm a shy and laid back person that it doesn't bother me getting into situations where social anxiety could take over or maybe I'm the freak here...who knows...people are just plain weird I guess.

I've really been in the game playing mood.

In other news not much else going on. School has been going good. I still can't believe I really and truly love my job!! :D

Something else has been going on. It's confusing, hard, and great all at the same time.

why oh why

Why am I blogging when it's 10 and I have work in the morning and still half of my stuff to unpack. I don't know why...ha. well at least I forced myself to pack a lunch for work tomorrow and decorated my Christmas tree and switched out one book shelf. That's a start I suppose. Maybe tomorrow I'll get to unpacking my tub and duffle bag.

I can't believe I only have 3 weeks until my Christmas break! I'm trying to make plans here and I'm freaking out in my head a little that I only have 3 weeks! jeez... Well I'm going to go because Brothers and Sisters is on, I heart that show! Also I need to pay my internet bill now too.

oh jane...

For the record I heart Jane Austen and kinda sure she makes the world go round... oh Mr. Darcy...

My forehead is really dry

This is how excited I am for Thanksgiving!!!

ok, well my forehead is really dry and I don't know why. Also I'm going home today for Thanksgiving! Hopefully I'll get back at a respectable time... I'm so stinkin' tired though! Hopefully I'll be able to stay awake and not die. Ok. I love half days!!! ok well I have to pack up my laptop, pack up my car, and take out the trash!

gonna have the whole world on a plate!

I felt cute at church today, so I was like I need to take a pic! ha, I am a dork...



"How can people worship a homeless man on Sunday, then walk past and ignore one on Monday?-Shane Caliborne




So, I this is dorky, but someone called me pretty today and was serious and not a member of my family. Again, I know this is dorky but it made me happy! So in serious news I had an amazing weekend. I'm really nervous about school tomorrow, because there's a "situation." All I can do is pray all day though and hope everything works out. Hopefully it will, I need to talk to someone on Tuesday as well and I'm hoping that works out good... It's weird having to like "talk" to older people about their actions and behaviors...just plain weird.

Meat nor drink nor money have I none

This is from the summer time, now gas is $1.64 here. These are some crazy times!

Wow! I can't believe it's almost thanksgiving and I've been in this strange land so long, ha. I went to my first crop last night! It was a lot of fun! I got a ton of Christmas cards done, I need to count and hopefully I'm fully done with Christmas cards. I didn't get home till like 12:30 last night, man I was pooped. Mainly because Friday during school we took the kiddos to Naticus, which is SO cool! I want to go back sometime with normal sized people! I always thought it would be really dumb and all about the Navy, but let me tell you folks it is not! It was pretty sweet! So I planned on cleaning up all morning. But I usually put a movie on to clean up to and I did today, but it had subtitles! That always happens to me when I have a lot of work to do. The movie was Real Women have Curves. It was so good! I cried through most of it, but it's one of those movies that just makes me appreciate where I am in life and how much I have. I always try not to take that for granted and trust me God always helps me to stay humble and appreciative of all he has given me! ha. Times when I even have a hint of a thought in my head on how things could be so much better, God shows me how much worse they could be. Well I really do need to clean up. Sharon is coming over, we're going to a the Grand Illumination Parade downtown. I'm so excited! I'm glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and invited her, she really is a good friend and person to have around. I guess she is really more of a mentor, and I'm NOT just saying that because she's old enough to be my grandmother. She looks out for me and offers me great advice and I am so thankful to have that in my life right now. Ok, enough is enough I must go and clean: dishes, put laundry away, scrub tub, Put scrapping book junk away, and then I have to go get gas! My gas light came on last night but I wasn't about to get gas that late at night, mace or no mace!

I just can't wait to be king

I know this is random, but I'm really glad I'm me! Ok, maybe more weird then random. I just couldn't imagine living someone else's life, but mine. It's not the most exciting or the most boring life it's just right for me:) hmmm, now do I have anything to truly update on.

Tomorrow my kids and I are going on a sweet field trip and I'm excited! Then Christi, Rochelle, and Victoria, and I are going to a crop from 5-midnight, which should be fun. My 1st one ever! It should be really fun. Then Saturday Sharon and I are going to the grand Illumination parade, which I am pumped about! yeah, that's my weekend in a nutshell.

I bought my 1st wreath today, it's just really silver bells together, but I heart it!

So yeah, not much else going on. God has really been blessing me which has been sweet to receive, as always.

I'm thinking about joining my church, but I haven't decided yet... weighing pros and cons and how long I'll truly be in the area. yeah

I'm really excited to go home for Thanksgiving!!! :D I'm trying to eat all the food out of my fridge. I made turkey tacos last weekend and I'm still eating them!!!!! Driving me nuts! Good thing they are delicious! ok, well I'm heading to read and then bed.

something new!

So I was going to buy a Wii with my bonus check, but now I think I'm going to buy something else and I am SOO excited!! We'll see if it really happens! :D

So I've been really busy with a lot of school and other stuff to do... But I think it'll be ok, just have to pace myself and then the fun weekend!! :D

frustration

I love the beach, to bad it's to cold to enjoy it...


So I haven't had a GOOD night's sleep in like a week. I dunno what it is, but it stinks! I just want to sleep all night, and not wake up at crazy times. And not be SO tired when I wake up. Norfolk might start a toll for the downtown tunnel? Crazy! That's the only way to get into Norfolk, unless we take the 30 mile tunnel from Maryland or drive all the way down to North Carolina. Gosh, people are nuts, nuts I say. Well I guess I should get ready for work, man I'm pooped....

Super Sunday!

So this has been an exciting week and weekend! Nothing extra special happened just little stuff. Church was really great today! I love talking about Paul, such an inspiration. After church I went to an amazing Mexican restaurant with the single's Sunday School class. It was really good. Then I went shopping and I was hit on for the first time ever! ha. I know a weird thing to notice, but yes first time. ha. I was in Target listening to a voice mail from Elma, and I laughed cos she is crazy. This guy came up to me put on his sunglasses and was like, "your smile was so bright I needed sunglasses!!" LOL LOL LOL LOL!! It was the funniest thing ever, I just wish someone was there. I said thanks and he asked for my number and I told him I have a boyfriend ( i know I lied after church!) It was too funny though! Yeah that's the end of that story. I bought a nice sweater and shirt...ha. Oh I made turkey tacos tonight! Stinkin' delicious! But I have a ton left so I'll be eating it for a while! ha. I don't think anything else is new. Went to the library and got some new books. They had Sex God by, Rob Bell! Exciting!!! Well, I guess I'm gonna go get ready for work tomorrow! This is gonna be a FUN week!

So i have an opportunity in front of me...I just don't know if I should go for it. If I do I think it may be a huge step towards what I feel is my life long goal and purpose in life... I am ready to start working on it? I've never even spoken my goal and passion out loud to another person, but God knows and he set this opportunity right in front of me... I know I don't have to make a decision right now, but I should soon. I think I'm stalling because I picture all this coming into place later in my life, once I was more settled down and secure. I guess God doesn't follow a time line though. In other news life in Norfolk has been going pretty well. I'm start to feel more comfortable around people from church and people from school are awesome, as always. Some time's awkward in bible study, but I'm working on it. So yeah nothing else to report. This Friday was rainy and crappy so I ended up staying in. Tomorrow I think I'm gonna try out the farmer's market. Also Sharon is gonna come over at watch Autism the musical! I'm excited! Sunday I'm going to lunch with Ali after church. She's a really nice gal who just moved here 2 weeks ago. We have a lot in common though, but she's leaving Norfolk in like February, a downside of being military. ok.

Also I have some really happy and exciting news :) We'll see where this goes!

you never know what you're going to run into

Ash and I at the Obama rally!



So I'm a little red in the face. I had no school today, so I was bummin' it! But I wanted to hit up the local thrift stores so I took my ugly self out. I found a nice shirt and some shoes! :D But that's not the funny part of my story.

I was in Thrift Store USA just looking around the store, to see if there were any potential awesome finds. And this moderately attractive foreign man who works there came up to me. He said, "Hey, can I help you with anything?" I was like"um no thanks I'm okay." Then I walked away and he kept following me. At first I thought he thought I was a thief and he was watching me to see if I was gonna steal. Then he asked me again, if I needed any help. I said, "actually I'm really okay thank you though." So like a minute or two pass and he comes up again, and said, "Do you need any help with the prices of anything. If you need to ask how much something is you can just ask me." So I said, "Doesn't everything have a price tag?" and he looked at me weird and walked away. ha. I really wasn't trying to mean! I did regret saying it the second after it came out!! Yet, not since now, like 6 hours later, did I realize maybe he wanted to actually like start a conversation with me but didn't know how to.

It made me think how many people we push out of our lives unintentionally (not just good looking guys, ha). Hopefully this will help me to be more aware. I kinda just speak my mind sometimes without thinking first... not to good.


I did other things today. Actually I got a lot more done today then I do on Saturdays. I cleaned, did my laundry, watched tv, read, went shopping, cooked, and then night time came and I crashed, ha. Oh, I bought a purple Christmas tree today!! It's only 4feet tall, but I'm really excited for it!

Yes, the true highlight of my day. It was a good and regular day. Danced around the apartment, made faces in the mirror, added some pages to my novel, started a new art project, played air guitar, took something to the dumpster, talked to Ashley on the phone, talked to g-ma on the phone, lit some candles, wore a hoodie, made the bed, and packed my school lunch...yea the usual... Now I'm watching tv and relaxing and maxing...

my soul aches

Deep down it's getting to me, but I have no idea how to change or fix it...

when life gives you lemons...sleep

I truly feel like I'm in a valley... I even tired hard today and it ended up being the worse yet...

Let's get uncomfortable.

Politics! The great divider and uniter! Divides friends and family, but gives you new friends and family with similar beliefs. Just joshing, well in my case, I still love people even if I don't understand their choices or find them irresponsible. I am so excited, like everyone else!, about this election!! I really am praying that Obama wins, but since I am a middle class educated person, that is kinda a no brainer. I still can't believe how many people are voting for McCain. It makes me sick thinking what will happen if he wins. I went to see Obama last night, with 22,000 of my un-closest friends. It was inspiring to listen to words which should have been spoken years ago and to feel that someone understands my point of view and how to change the United States. Now I'm not an idealist by any means and I know change will not happen over night and not everything he says is 100% granteed to happen. But I can not handle another person with Bush's world-view! I mean come on!! How can you help the rich get richer? Ignore the poor? Spend billions on a pointless war? Just be so dense to the real issues? It just makes no sense to me... People voted for Bush again because they thought he could fix the problems he got us into and they will vote for McCain for the same reason. and look what that has gotten us!!

ok enough of that I guess. ha. It's actually funny because going to a conservative Christian college is what turned me towards the liberal side. I was always in the middle, considering myself a "red letter Christian". This pretty much means when I vote and think about the issues, I think of the red words in the Bible, the ones spoken by Jesus. Like, "Love your neighbors, Do not kill, turn the other check," which is why I'm against the death penalty. See a simple way of voting, well for social issues. At Geneva I truly learned the difference between conservative and liberal economics, which really pushed me towards the liberal side of things. Even though I still an independent and kinda middle of the road gal.

Ok this is a really long post and wasn't meant to be.

In real life news, I finished writing my IEP!! :D Bad news: My car is starting to act crazy... :/

history in the making

So maybe God just wanted me to move to Norfolk so I could see history in the making. Tomorrow Ashley and I are going to see Barack Obama!! Whoo Hooo!!! I am SO pumped up right now! I have so much work to do but the excitement is taking me over!! I need to charge my camera batteries!

In other news I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed in school...but that happens I guess. I think I'll be ok once November starts, if I have all my planning done, that is.

Okay, well I'm going to leave to go do some work. Mondays are good work nights, because there's nothing good on tv.

oh life

I procrastinate way too much... I wish I didn't. ha. I really need to clean and finish up my IEP. So a new hair due...I dunno about it..



In other news...I guess I'm still figuring out how to deal with changes in friendships...I dunno. It's encouraging and discouraging all at the same time... It'll all work out I'm sure. My love for my friends will never change no matter what... ok.
Things have been going pretty well here in Norfolk. Church stuff has been nice. I really enjoy my church a lot and whenever I go to a bible study, Sunday school, or worship service I am always encouraged and challenged at the same time and I love that!!

full of life and love!!

wozzers! So I have an IEP due in 2 weeks. And I'm not as stressed as I thought I would be! hip hip hooray! ha, I still have A LOT to due for it! Oh well.

This has just been such a good positive week. I know it may seem shallow, but I've gotten a lot of encouragement and positive comments from people this week and it has really given me a boast! It feels SO good to have everyone who comes in my classroom tell I'm a good teacher! It just has really fueled my passion for teaching and energizes me during the day. Also, I've been getting some personal compliments from staff and friends and it's just so nice. Because throughout life you don't always hear that you're appreciated and people are proud of you and love being around and with you and sometimes it is just nice to hear. I just have amazing friends... I know it!

Well I'm off to Bible Study, hopefully to make more friends or at least talk to more people this time! Wish me luck.

could you be a little softer to me?

For the record I feel really betrayed. And I don't even know by who. I just wish people would learn to keep their mouths shut, honestly, it is sicking! I feel like I can't trust anyone, even when they are hundreds of miles away!

I bought bug spray today. and some ground turkey and I'm excited to try to make tacos with it!!

For the record, I don't really like Samantha Who? Just not my type of show.

Also my teeth feel really weird, which they always do when I eat spinach.

I love livin' in the city!

So, I do love livin' in the city! ha, lots to do when ppl visit. When I lived in Shamokin and someone would come to visit we had to drive like a hour away or more to do someone even half fun! Now when someone visits I can drive down the street or just like 15 minutes away. Norfolk is a really nice city, minus the cockroaches. So when I found like 10 in my classroom I was like oh ok gross, but I can deal. BUT today I found one in my bathroom!!!!!! I was freaking out I'm sure my neighbor upstairs thought I was fighting a wild beast! But no it was a gross bug. First I trapped him under a garbage can and then I waited a hour to gain some bravery. Then I went back for the KILL! Then I flushed him, i can't risk him coming back to life or anything like that.

Wow, that was really off track. Ok. So the boys came this weekend! It was really fun!! Friday night Mike, Gayden, Cha-Chi, and Eric went to the NarVo to see GWAR. They had a blast. Rodney and I went to the McAurther mall and Captain George's Seafood Buffet. I also used Redbox for the first time only and now I like can't wait to go back for more!! Saturday we went to Virginia Beach and walked around the boardwalk. Rodney and cha-chi got into the ocean, which was crazy cos it was like 60 degrees! Then we went to the Purple Cow!!! It was delicious, but the service was horrible! The waitress was really like mean to us, I was shocked, it was weird.... I dunno what was wrong with her. Then we went to the Hunt Club for their Haunted Hayride, Town, and Corn Field. It was really really fun!!! It was a bit creepy! ha, I latched on to the guys and stayed in the middle all the time! I am a baby, even though I love horror movies! Makes no sense I know this.

I love the show Brothers and Sisters, it is made up of two things I love: family and politics.

Well I should get ready for bed and school tomorrow. After school I'm going to go buy some bug spray! I can't take any chances when it comes to bugs!!!!!!

I'm not into fair-weather friends!

Oh life... I wish friendships weren't so hard. I wish I didn't care that much the people I love. I wish I didn't have to write those two sentences.


Well onto more cheerful things! Michael and friends are coming down this weekend! I'm excited it should be fun!!! I love company and being around people I love!!

I am finally freaking out, when I should have been for a while. God, help me deal with this.

say it isn't so.

Wow, this is an amazing feeling! I've never done or had this before, i don't want to lose it!! :)


I think the month of October is going to fly by!! Thank goodness! :)

Also, I chicken out again tonight! I know, it's shameful...

oh life and love

Ok this may seem really lame. But HE really lights me up and I wish he didn't do that to me. I could be on this high for a month from him. Ok, I am really lame.


In other news, I think October is going to really fly by! Which is encouraging, but I just found out that I can not take a personal day on the day right before and after a break. What the heck is up with that?!?! :/ Not to happy about it, but I'm sure I will live. In fact I know I will live.

I'm getting really nervous about applying for grad schools.

Also, against my better judgment, I'm going to go hang out with the church's singles group Friday night. We'll see...talk about awkward!

I've never felt so young until I moved here to Virginia....

hip hip horray!!!

I did something amazing with my life, for me, and it feels amazing!! I have only told about 10 people...some of them being almost complete strangers, ha. But it's exciting and I smile every time I think about it!

Besides that nothing too exciting has been going on. Progress Reports are due the 9th, I have them all printed out and now i have to make copies for my ed. specialist, no biggie though.

My TA Monica has gotten a new job offer sooner than we thought. Makes me very sad... I'm really gonna miss her!!

the business

It's crazy how this week will be one of my busiest, but this weekend I have no plans, except getting a Sams Club card, lame.

Maybe I'll figure out something to do. Probably go to Michael's.

I should be doing work....should....

Tuesday is the day when I find out how's it going...

rain and wind

So school has been fun, crazy , and busy. Yeah, it's like everyday is an emotional roller coaster when you teach. Just so much stuff always going on.


It has been raining here since 5am, no stopping at all, none! And the wind has been nuts-o! But that's life I guess.

So this weekend I'm hanging out with Sarah King and the Kings!
I'm excited it always amazes me when you see old friends again and you feel as if no time has passed.

I'm SO excited for The Office premier!

Some days I really miss college and living with my best friends!

wow a 360 change is needed.

I don't dance

Oh life has been crazy. I really need to make changes and set some goals. Seriously and I never thought I would, but here I am doing it, craziness I know. Wish me luck everyone, change, real change, is real hard.

Stacy has come to visit for the weekend. What a blessing! I love her to death! She's my first college roommate to come and visit!! She wins the best old roommate award by far! We went to the art museum, the MacArthur mall, California pizza kitchen, a used bookstore, and The cheesecake factory. I really loved the Norfolk art museum, so nice and a good combo of everything. We also saw some major urban flooding, I love that the news ppl call it that, ha. It was fun though! Tomorrow we're going to go to an independent movie theater after church and then watch the Emmy's. And we both need to do some school work, such is the life of responsible people I guess. Ok, I'm out.

Wednesday

Tomorrow I'm starting something very new to me. I don't even know if I'm ready to begin... No looking back I guess. I'm really scared, but I think I can handle it, well I pray I can handle it! Today was a crazy horrible day at school, but I still felt pretty pleasant, which is good, or I'm just plain crazy. Yeah, hopefully it will be a nice easy week though, Half day on Thursday and all morning Friday is a planning morning.
It feels nice to be ahead with lesson plans and on the ball. Who knows how long that will last though, ha! Ok, I'm watching tv. Not House:( But some tv, ha. I am really missing house! Can't wait to watch it online tomorrow! ha!

Thanks

I feel like I'm at a breaking point and I need to turn it around. There are a lot of things going on now and I hope they will all get fixed in the near future. So to keep things positive, here are things I am thankful for.
I am thankful that Ashley lives close to me and is an amazing friend.
I am thankful my mom and pap are coming this weekend.
I am thankful Sharon has been such a good teacher-friend.
I am thankful Jill will let me call her out of the blue and talk shop.
I am thankful for the love my friends far away show me.
I am thankful for e-mails from Stacy, I love the cat minus the penis stories, who wouldn't?
I am thankful Pam cared enough to call and see if I was dead.
I am thankful for the parents who wrote "have a good weekend Ms. Grybos!"
I am thankful that people still care.
I am thankful my family is crazy and love me no matter what.
I am thankful my new guy neighbors hold the door for me, even if they are half naked most of the time.
I am thankful I have a roof, running water, and normal neighbors.
I am thankful I was able to go to church today and do my laundry!
I am thankful for the things I am able to have and do.
I am thankful I can go walk on the beach any time to clear my head, much nicer than pacing the apartment.
I am thankful God made Autism, I have a challenge in my life.
I am thankful there is a season for everything and this to shall pass.
I am thankful I have a bed to sleep in.
Ok. I need to get back to work for school. Well I at least am gonna get my Guided Reading together for the week and make my master schedule note cards.

Today

Ashley and I celebrating her birthday!

So could life get anymore stressful... I hope not. Things just seem to be piling up and I'm just really stressed. It's one thing after another going on and going wrong. Gosh! I'm trying a new church today, but it doesn't start until 11. It's weird spending all morning not doing much. I guess I'll go get ready.

2nd day of school

Cutest kitty above. Next time I see her she'll be huge. so sad. I hate cats, but love kittens.
Today was a bit disastrous. I took my kids to lunch one hour earlier, and I'm pretty sure my principal thinks I'm an idiot. Yeah it was just a rough day where I felt like I did a ton wrong... I'm praying tomorrow will be tons better. It was a nice evening though. I got a lot done for school. I also cleaned up a lot, which was nice. It feels nice to have a cleaner apartment, it feel by the wayside with all the school business. I also talked to another new secep teacher, Sharon, we're doing dinner tomorrow to trade war stories, ha. She's been teaching for 14 years prior to this though, so I'm really looking for some insight. Also, Shannon called me to see how teaching was going, which was really nice. He gave me some good advice of where to go if this doesn't work out, which I think it will. There are three hurricanes in the ocean, so it will be interesting to see if they stop by Norfolk. I've been watching the news like crazy. North Carolina has their National guard waiting, which makes me nervous because I live really stinkin' close to North Carolina. I'm watching project Runway Australia. I love it. It's really weird watching non-American tv, cos they can say anything, even the "f" word, which is odd. They're down to the final four!! I like the show but not the Australian "Hedi" or "Tim'. The "Tim" figure is really annoying and dumb. It's funny Kelly Rowland, from Destiny's Child," is a "HUGE" star there, ha. funny. ok. I'm gonna prepare more for bed and school tomorrow. goodnight.

1st day of school

Kt was the first person to call me and ask how my first day went, even before Elma! What a great friend!
Well my 1st day as a teacher is done and I can never get it back. And I don't want it back cos it rocked. Yes, it was crazy and hectic, but we rocked it out, if I do say so myself. Some kids had more serve behaviors then I thought and some were better then I thought. Just proves to show reading about kids means nothing, nothing at all. I don't even like remember half my day it feels like a whirlwind just went by.

I came home and made some corn bread and had tomato soup, what could be better. I can't believe how much relief i feel with the first day over, it feels wonderful and is tiring. I could fall asleep right now. Well I'm going to go do the dishes and get some stuff ready for school. byez.

It's Monday

It's Monday, this is how I feel! Well it's labor day weekend. I spent some of it with Ashley for her birthday. It was really fun. I can't bring myself to do work for school. Which is really bad and will make for a long night. oh well. Life has been crazy lately, a lot of different emotions and thoughts. I only have one episode of six feet under left. I'm gonna save it for a special occasion, whenever that will arise. I have no idea why I don't have any motivation to do school work. Hopefully I will get a second wind sometime soon. Yeah, real soon. Ok, I should go be productive.

schools in session

hidey hoe from Norfolkio! School starts on Tuesday! Which is crazy for me to even think about! I do not in any way feel prepared... So we'll see how it goes. Ashley stayed over last night and then came during her hour break to shower. I was school shopping and it was weird coming home and having someone else here. Oh Kt came to visit last weekend/into this week. We had a lot of fun. She's the first one to visit me! She's an amazing friend times 10! I was planning on going to a new church tomorrow, didn't really work out w/ the last one. But the church I was planning on going to won't be there. They're having community weekend! a few times a year they close the church and help out in their community! That makes me want to go there that much more!! I've only read of churches doing that and I think it's SO amazing and such a witness! I guess I'll do some school work in my free time. Sunday night I'm going to Ashley's to celebrate her birthday! It should be fun, then I'm gonna stay over. I'll probaly have to leave early though cos I still have a lot to do for school!! whoo hoo. I'm pumped!! Thursday I'm going to try to get together for dinner with one of the other new teachers, so that should be fun. Not much else is new. I'm having fun and getting stuff done here. I think I'm surprised how I'm not really home sick. I mean I really miss certain people a lot and I've been hurt by their lack of calling or wanting to keep in touch, but I wouldn't say I'm home sick. ha random thought. Ok, I really have to do some work now. hola!

Kt and I at the beach!

And who drew the short straw?

I drew the short straw. So I got to go to my classroom, which was a total wreck, for a whole 2 hours! Then I got kicked out so they could wax the floors and I can't go back until next Tuesday. Life is rough. The good thing is I've had time to finish most of my paper work stuff, which I know will be really helpful in the future...well that's what I keep telling myself to deal with my messy un-ready classroom.

Ashley slept over last night, it was fun! An adult sleep over! ha, my first one and I enjoyed it. Kt is coming Saturday and then staying until Wednesday, which should be a blast. Mainly because my life has been revolving around school. Good thing I love school.

refreshing

So I really enjoyed the church and am definitely going back next week. It was small and laid back. It's a baptist church, so first time in one of those, ha. Which is not a big deal. It reminded me of our youth center when we were at Lavelle. The pastor wore jeans, a polo, and van slip ons. I talked to a few people. The pastor introduced himself and seems really down to earth and with it. I didn't even know he was the pastor cos he just introduced me using his first name only. He was really good, clear, and taught the bible and made it relevant. A lady who sat next to me wrote down her phone number and e-mail and invited me to her bible study. That is a really good sign to me, that I'll be connected at this church. I'm gonna go for it, at least once more. If I absolutely hate it, then I don't have to go back, which is the nice thing about being new. OK, I really need to crack down on my school work. much love.

First

Well there's been a lot of firsts for me this year. First time a friend got married. First time being a bridesmaid. First "real job". First apartment. First time living in a city! First bills! Well today is my first time going to a new church alone! I'm really nervous and have been up since 6am!!! ha. Wish me luck! Maybe I'll blog about it later. I have to leave now though so I'm not late.


oh and whoo hoo Phelps!

Two times in one day

oh life...

Cleaning Out the Clutter

Getting rid of old things has been the theme of this summer. So today I deleted about half of my facebook friends. It was about time, because if I don't talk to them I don't really care enough to look at their crap online. I also have been deleting a lot of people on AIM as well. It feels good to cut these people from my life; some I don't even like or know well! Ha. So Ashley's wedding is this week, I'm really excited! I finished my toast today I'll post it. It has been/will be a crazy week. Just cos I'm home for such a short time I have a ton of different appointments and want to see a bunch of people. Today I have to go pick up my dress and then I'm hanging out with Kt and Kate. Tomorrow morning I have to take my car to the garage, again. Then lunch with Abbie and then I'm hanging out with Ashley and Jamie, doing some stuff for the wedding too. Then Thursday and Friday are full blown wedding day stuff for sure. So that is my week, Saturday I'm getting me hair cut at 11 and then going to meet Hilary for lunch. I'm excited to see her!!! Then I'm going to me new home to sleep, cos I know I'm gonna be pooped. I am definitely going to the beach Sunday and I don't care that I'll still have a ton to do, because I'm only 3 miles/8 minutes away from the ocean and only .5 miles from the bay beaches, I mean I could walk that!!

 

 

My toast

I don't want to say a lot today, but I do want to say one or two very important things. Ashley has been a great friend in so many ways and she truly looks lovely today. We first bonded over gym class because the only time we were picked first was when one of us was the captains and from that our friendship really grew.

We've had a lot of fun together, and she's always been there for me no matter what. As you all know she is an amazing person who can light up any room and put a smile on anyone's face. She always looks for the good in things and people and I really admire that about her.

She has found an amazing match in Chris and you can tell how much they love each other. They are just so comfortable with one another. And they always seem to be excited to be in each other's company. And that tells me that they have the foundation for a wonderful marriage: not just lovers, but lifelong friends as well.

I am ecstatic for both of you. You truly complement one another. You met as friends and it evolved into a love that so many people rarely find today. Love after all, isn't the only thing you need for a wonderful marriage.

Love is what makes the ride worthwhile. And it's a wonderful thing when two people who were made for each other manage to fall in love. So I'd like to make a toast. And I'd like to make it with this thought in mind: I know you will have a good marriage, because it will resemble a lifelong friendship not just only love. So this is to you, Ashley and Chris, and a wonderful life together. So let's toast, to the two friends, lovers and soul mates.

Boys wear over coats

Soon I'll start posting more often and adding pictures. I don't know if anyone really reads this tho. Well I'm offically moved into my apartment in Virginia, even if it is a crazy mess. I'll be organized soon enough. The weirdest thing to adjust to is all the extra space. I thought I would be cramped in the apartment, but I'm finding out I was wrong.

I still can't believe I'm moving to Virginia. It seems almost like a dream. I never really thought I'd move away from home. But I'm really excited and think it will be good. The people I've meet so far are very nice and friendly. The woman who lives above me is quiet, which is nice. Also there is a taco bell one minute away. This of course is amazing.

I can't believe Ashley's wedding is like only a week away! I'm really excited, except my dress isn't completely done yet... not to good. I wouldn't recommend that bridal shop, not the best, and they people aren't all too friendly.



I really want a smore and I really like Home Movies. good show.

I'm walking on sunshine! WHOOOHOOO!

Well it's been a good week, a crazy week, but a good one none the less. I'm getting the ding in my window fixed. They're coming to my house! How awesome is that! I just found out I got the apartment today! Thank God, that has been stressful! Tonight/this afternoon is Ashley's bachlorette party! I'm really excited. I've never been to a spa and stuff so it should be amazing. Also, this weekend is Erika's wedding! I'm really excited for that. I love weddings, but hate that I cry during them. Then as soon as I get back from the wedding, I'm leaving for Virginia then cos I have a training on Tuesday and have to sign my lease!! :D Horray! Okay. Well I'm going to get going Jamie should be here soon to pick me up!

thoughts from down under

Yes, I am currently down under. A poor man's down under being Virginia, not Australia(I wish). So I've done a bunch of training this week and looking for apartments online only. I called one place today and tried calling 4 others. I have a appointment to see a one bedroom apartment Saturday morning. Hopefully that will go well. Just pray I find one, cos my stack of papers to be filled out, can't all be done until I have an address to write on them. Yes, that is the sucking part. It's weird though filling out papers about who gets money if I die, what kind of eye plan I want, and stuff like that. Also still waiting for my teaching certificate, thank you Pennsylvania! So, I don't really have anything else to update on. Sarah came to visit me last week and it was a ton of fun! I haven't been working a lot cos they don't have the hours, so that's how that goes. Ashley and Chris have been nice enough to let me stay with them this week, so it has been fun spending time with Ashley. I'm watching Clean House-Messiest House in the Country. I like watching this show because it encourages me NOT to be like that as I grow up. First step: no matter how much I really want a two bedroom apartment, I'm only looking at one bedrooms. Yes, I know, but less room less stuff and clutter. Which is something I do need in my life because I just collect things so easily. OK, I need to look at their clean house now. much love.

When I Dance I feel the breeze coming from the horizen

I've been wanting and not wanting to blog lately. Things have been good and crazy. I signed my contract and know 78% for sure what school I'll be teaching at. Scary. I never thought this moment would come forth. I've been looking for apartments, which has been frustrating. I decided where I want to live though.

I'm going to focus on finding a place in Chesapeake, VA. I didn't want to live in Norfolk (big city) or Virginia Beach (expensive) and Chesapeake seems to be a nice area and would only make a 20 minute commute for me. The school is really nice it's called Azalea Gardens Middle School and its in a lovely area of Norfolk, right across from a huge botanical garden.

So with my contract signed I have a lot of things to do in order to get my license in Virginia. One being waiting patiently to receive my Pennsylvania license.

So my roommate Sarah is visiting next week. I am really excited. It's been hard this summer with the thought looming over me that we may never live together and see each other every day again. It's been hard cos she is amazing, wonderful and my best friend.

This summer I guess I have been learning about true friends and the character of people. Ha some of this has encouraged me of my move down south. Not that this is the "reason" why I am moving, ha, I'm not stupid. I love my family to death and would do anything for them. Besides my family and Kt (best friend forever) I don't have any true strong connections worth staying for. Don't get me wrong I still have friends from home and other people I love dearly. Yet, I just don't feel that I fit well in the lives of people here and don't feel strong connection with them.

Who knows why, but I guess you could say I feel disconnected. No matter how hard I try and how much I push out of my comfort zone, I just ain't feeling it. Ha, not to be like an old complaining lady. In a way it's a good thing, because it has helped me to go on this search which has landed me in Virginia. It has been funny talking to people. For the most part the ones who truly love and know me are encouraging me. People who pretend are not, even though it's nice people are taking the time to "try."

Now that I'm on a down topic. I really miss college. I miss being surrounded by people who care and are okay with just sitting around talking, encouraging, and sharing with one another. I miss my community and feel like I really need to find that again. I know it will never be the same, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. One thing I am excited for is to find a church! Since going to college I haven't really had a church and first had the feeling of being disconnected from my church. It was hard when everyone around me in college received notes, packages, and calls from their home church family. While I did get this from some folks from Lavelle it ended after my freshman year and this is understandable, since my family stopped going there.

Random new topic: I've been reading a lot in a sad attempt to leave more books at home and get rid of some books. I love reading. I just read the Time Traveler's Wife. me being me I cried at the end. Not because it was sad, just because I was done reading this beautiful book. I'm always sad when I'm done with a book, but I never cried before. I just really get into books, which is why I'm known to stay up all night until I finish one.

So on a positive note. I am really excited for my new job. I feel like it is the best choice I could have made. I really think this job will be a great stepping stone towards my goals in life. Even my secret goals, at the time only reserved for my heart, seem to be somehow slowly being reached.

One really happy amazing thing about living in Virginia: Ashley! ha. I'll be close to her again which is good, because she is such an amazing friend/person. Well I'm going to head to bed. Well actually watch John and Kate Plus 8 and then fall asleep.

toodles. Ha, who says toodles. I guess people in high class society would, not me. Ha, Jon found out how much I'll be getting paid and now he thinks I'm rich. He is sadly misinformed. I guess that's the nice part of being young: ignorance.

When I dance I feel the pressure

This has been a crazy random week. Was in Richmond, Virginia at the beginning. Haven't been doing too much. Went to Chinese tonight with the church group and then to Rodney's to watch a movie. Who knows what tomorrow will hold. I'll probaly take Teddy for a walk, because I have been tricking him into thinking I'd take him for a walk just so he gets excited. Then I crush his dreams, man I'm a bully.

So I did something crazy. I took the job in Virginia. It's weird now thinking about what i have to do to get ready for my classroom and students. ha. Of course I'm nervous and think about it all the time. I'm just putting my trust in God and going with the flow right now. It's scary, but as Sarah told me, well I don't remember but it had something to do with amazing things are usually scary at first. ha, I love my best friend dearly. ok. Well The Colbert Report is on so I should watch.


My gram and Sarah. bffs!

When I Dance the world claps

This is going to be a crazy busy week indeed. I have the bridal shower to get ready for, my future to plan, my brother's graduation to celebrate, Elma's yardsale to prepare, and things to learn. Well not too much else is going on, just constant stressing out.

Things have been good though, good, just busy. I'm going to try on my bridesmaid dress in a few hours, I dread it. Hopefully it will fit and not look horrible on me. hopefully.

Ok, I'm going to go try to do something productive.

much love.I love my friends!

When I Dance I feel the excitment

Well, I went to Virginia for an interview. They called me 40 minutes after and offered me the job. I was shocked and still shocked. Last night while driving to work I prayed that God would give me a sign as to what to do. 10 seconds later a car with a Virginia license plate pulled out in front of me, out of the blue, at 10:40 at night when there was barley any traffic.


The future is scary.

I'm back in the greater Pittsburgh area for Erika's shower. I'm excited for her!! It should be fun. Okay. I'm going to go relax and wait for Sarah to come home, I'm at her house.

When I Dance I can worry less about the future

Well, I'm offically done with my undergraduate career. It is such a weird feeling to have my dreams and thoughts that I've dreamed about for years finally coming and looking me in the face. Now all I have to do is go out and grab them. Easier said then done, obviously. Well I have two job interviews for schools in Virginia, so I guess that is a start. Life is nuts. This will be the summer of putting all my faith in God and just trusting him to no end. I'm really missing my friends, it's harder knowing the time until we see each other again will be far and few between. Okay. Well it's only right that I post some pictures of what got me into this mess known as life.

Katie and I at Bachalorite, friends for 15 years! :

The girls who helped shape me and gave me true friendship:

My family and I:

So these are photos of people I love with all my heart. I do love them and will always have places in my heart for them.