Okay Okay...I admit it!

I gave in. I'd heard the rumors and I wasn't going to be one of "those people"...much like my childhood when I refused to join in the histeria that was being a New Kids on the Block fan. I still have the one unopened cassette tape that I was given.

Yet this month, my will was not as strong.

I am now in the midst of a full on Stephanie Meyer obsession. Thats right, friends. I read Twilight in 3 days, New Moon in 2 and I'm 200 pages into the third book (which I started this morning). I saw the movie last night and am already sad at the thought that soon, there will be nothing left to read.

It was embarassing to be reading the same book as the students I've been teaching and I absolutely kept the cover out of view.

All that said, let me remind you that I'm not one to get lost in a book. Sometimes it can take me months to finish a book. This was not this case with this series. I highly recommend it and love every page!

A different perspective on history.

I had an incredible day and there are not too many days that I can truly consider incredible. Today was memorable...today was historic.

Let me be clear....I voted for McCain. I don't regret it, I'd do it again today. Anyone that can give that kind of sacrifice for our country earns my vote. I support his position on so many issues and wanted him to be #44. That being said, I fully support our new President just as I did "Dubya." I believe that change is upon us and today was a new day.

Today, I had the priveledge of substituting for a precious class in one of my favorite elementary schools. The school administration asked us all to turn on our TVs at 10:25 to watch the inauguration. Had I not had a job today, I would've watched the inaguration but probably not intently. I would've had it on the tv while doing chores, etc. But being in the classroom, I had an obligation to our country (not to sound too deep) and to these kids to really explain that today was historical.

In my class today, we didn't just watch the inauguration. We discussed historical landmarks that were shown, historical figures present and their roles, historical items (Abe Lincoln's bible carried by Michelle in a fireproof and waterproof box) and other observations about the day. I was amazed at how inquizitive these kids were. It truly was a group learning as any question they came up with that I didn't know, they went to the computer and researched the answer. It was active learning in its truest form. They even had fun trying to "stump" me with historical questions. (I'm sorry to say I did not know what year the White House or Capitol buildings were built.)

They learned about the features of President Obama's limousine, the climate there, they imagined what it would feel like to be there to witness the event and what it would feel like to be President Obama. We discussed how you become president and the differences between President and Vice President. We looked up former presidents and read the presidential responsibilities and powers.

After the ceremony, we discussed different observations (it was cold; Obama had a red tie, Bush had a blue tie) and what they would tell their families tonight about what they saw.

We also discussed what other historical events that have happened in their lifetime. I was pleased that they remembered 9/11, the tsunami, hurricane Katrina and Michael Phelps winning 8 gold medals.

In my education classes, we've studied the brain and studied what learning styles make the biggest difference. Lecturing and having someone read to you are the least effective methods and teaching your peers is the most effective.

This was proven today in my class. By teaching these kids and discussing our nation, I was affected in a way I never expected to be. To me, today was truly historic. It was historic because we inaugurated the first African-American President, but also because I was once again amazed, impressed and reassured in the generation that we are all raising.

The future is bright....I hope I can help direct the light.

28 years 10 months 18 days 14 hours and 8 minutes old

Yes, I'm 28. And for some reason, I'm having a hard time coping with turning 29. Maybe it's because it is the last year of my 20s, or because I'm enduring a career change, or because I'm at the age that I thought was "really old" when I was little.

Regardless, on March 22, I will start the farewell party to my 20s.

Instead of making a list of everything I thought I would've accomplished by now that I haven't, I'm going to make a list of everything I'd like to accomplish by the big 30.

1. Get a teaching job
2. Lose 20+ lbs
3. Decide what color my hair needs to be.
4. Go snow skiing
5. Take a vacation
6. Get my stuff organized..ack.
7. Get a new computer
8. Make 3 new friends
9. Do something for someone else that they need but is out of my "comfort zone"
10. Shift focus to living in the moment
11. Become more eco-friendly
12. Give back
13. Make my bed at least 4 days a week
14. Wake up earlier
15. open for improvement suggestions

I think this is a big list so I'm starting now instead of waiting for 29 to bite me.

Cooler than cookies??? No way!

We had a knock on our front door on Sunday afternoon. When I opened it, I saw our neighbors from a few doors down and their daughter at our door. I opened the door and realized that she was wearing brown vest...I thought it was an odd choice in attire and then it hit me!!!

"Would you like to buy some girl scout cookies?"

Oh yes my dear dear friends....it's that time again. I CAN NOT Believe it!!! Last year, you remember my desperate quest to find these $3.50 boxes of happiness and could not find them. And this year, before I even realized it was time, they came to me! I asked BF if he wanted any because obviously I was buying some and he yelled from the back room "Samoas and Thin Mints." You see, this is why we work together. He knows the names of his GS cookies of choice without a second thought.

I'm not sure when she'll deliver my cookies but I'm thinking I should buy more than I did....I mean, really, 2 boxes of thin mints? Who am I kidding...I have plenty of room in my freezer! One day, yes one day....I will be cookie mom.

And anyone who doesn't plan to buy some....please at least buy a box or two. These girls go thru actual sales routines and practicing...they are prepared to answer your questions should you be diabetic, etc. They don't just grab a box and knock on your door!!! And there are prizes that they get depending on how much they sell.

Happy eating!

funny story

so my sister and law and 6 year old nephew were talking before christmas and she asked him if he was excited about Santa coming and getting to open all of the presents under the tree. their conversation went a little something like this:

Nephew:"Yes Mom but Christmas isn't only about presents. It's about celebrating Jesus."
Sis: "Thats right honey!"
Nephew: "Because it's Jesus' birthday, right?"
Sis:(feeling so proud) "Thats exactly right!"
Nephew: (pauses to think)"Exactly how old is Jesus going to be this year?"
Sis: (not wanting to get too deep)"He looks like he's in his mid 30s."

Can you say Classic!
I just about lost it I was laughing so much!

New year...new....um...I'm out.

So I'm sitting here looking at my depressing crooked Christmas tree and trying to scramble up the motivation to take it down. Is it all that bad to be the crazy lady on the street who leaves her Christmas lights and tree up year round? I just like seeing the lights, it makes me happy people!!

Normally, a new year brings motivation and optimism for me. This year, I'm struggling to find that breath of fresh air that comes with a new beginning. It's probably because nothing has changed, as of yet, in my quest for employment. I'm hopeful and trying to be patient.

For now though, I'm pursuing part-time retail employment so that I can continue to be in the classroom as much as possible. So cheers to all of you who are starting the new year with new challenges, hopes, etc....I'm going to do my best to let you rub of on me.

Until then, Happy 2009 and Hook 'em Horns!

Fiesta Bowl

So as you all should know, tonight is the Fiesta Bowl where the Texas Longhorns take on the Ohio State Buckeye.

I have to say, I like the Ohio State fans...we had a great time over the past few match ups but I'm excited about a neutral site.

So tonight, if things go as planned, I'll only eat one of these. (I made these today from my new Longhorn Cookbook!)


If not, I'll eat the entire tray.


Hook 'Em Horns!

Merry New Year!

We are back from a whirlwind trip from Sin city. We went to visit my nephews for New Years and had a blast.

It's really hard for me to believe that it is 2009. I wonder how long it will take before I stop writing 2008 by accident.

During the trip I noticed several things. Here is my top ten list.

10-The strip is REALLY long and made of concrete yet women everywhere were in stilettos....this..i don't understand.
9-They have slot machines in grocery stores. Awesome.
8-We took the nephews skating on a floating ice skating rink at Lake Las Vegas....it's a must see. So much fun.
7-BF and I had every intention of really gambling this time, eating at a fancy dinner and buying one of those enormous drinks to walk around with. We spent $5 on the wheel of money, $1 each on penny slots, ate at The Cheesecake Factory and bought 99 cent margaritas and had a blast!
6-Every major city is getting a naked or nearly naked man. NYC has the naked cowboy, Austin has "Leslie" and Vegas had a man in a bikini, tiara, miniskirt, makeup and heels (we saw him 3 times in one night.)
5-I always thought those people on the side of the strip that flip cards and try to hand them to you were handing out advertisements. I learned exactly what they were advertising this year. BF was more than happy to grab several examples to show me.
4-I greeted everyone today with a "Happy New Year" and they looked at me like I was slow. Does that greeting expire on Jan 1st? If so, I missed the memo.
3-This is the first year in many that I didn't wake up with a hangover on Jan 1. It was so nice! We all toasted with sparkling cider, sparkling pear, etc and it was just as fun!
2-Never give BF a noisemaker on new years eve...I'm just now getting my hearing back.
1-I saw SO many military men and women at the airport today. During all of the madness of the holidays, we forget about those who are serving our country and were not able to see their families this year. Say a prayer for them and thank them the next time you see one.

I didn't make a new years resolution this year. I think mine will just be to be a better version of myself.

A better girlfriend, friend, neighbor, teacher, student, christian, daughter, sister, aunt and person.

Happy New Year to all of you!