Bills, Bills, Bills!

I have officially paid most of my bills for this month, and it feels good. Besides the lack of funds, of course. But, there is always that pleasure in getting things done on time.

The rest of my day looks like calling the vet for my cat, who is seemingly having issues, and I'm really concerned. Also, I will try to grab a doctors appt soon because my prescription is out of refills. My student teaching materials need organizing, so that is going to get done, as well as researching strategies for teaching and activities for what I'm going to work with. Lastly, I'm going to research ideas for the big trip next year.

Hope everyone is having a lovely day--the weather is perfect!

Discovered On My Drive

Happy

I have noticed this weekend that I am absolutely content and happy with the life I have at this moment. I have a wonderful family that I couldn't be more grateful for. My mom is amazing in every way, and she deals with so much! My dad is silly and aloof, but he is always there to lend a hand. My brother is funny and goofy, and he will always look out for me--I know it. My upstate family I don't see enough, but when I do, I just am confirmed that they are some of the best people that walk the earth. I love them so much. All of J's family is also wonderful. I have two amazing future sister-in-laws, I'm going to be an aunt in about a month, and I have those that I consider my grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles. My future mother and father-in-law are also great. They will always look out for us. It is a big family, and I feel completely welcome. I love J more than I ever imagined I would love someone. I realize that if everyone around me disappeared, and it was he and I, I would be so, so lucky to be stuck with him :) I should also mention my closest friends. D is amazing, and I can't wait for her to be my matron of honor. We compliment each other and have spent more than ten years getting through life together. L is just lovely, and I can't believe it took us this long to reconnect!! I have such a good friend in her. Gin is my college friend, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I am very happy and blessed that I met her on that random bus that day. Good times. She really cares. I should lastly mention my two pets: Sades and Aves. Who knew little animals could become such an important part of my life. They unconditionally love me, and I can't help but love them as my... well, children, at this point. ;)

Thank You for this life and these people and the amazing adventure that intertwines us all.

Quick

My trips home are always too fast. I head home tomorrow after the baby shower. Today I had breakfast/coffee with my brother, and we took a drive around the counties in the area in his car. I have to admit, I love it. A little Honda civic would be fine for me! I'm going to have to start looking for one...

For dinner tonight, my brother picked up some organic, locally grown steaks from the market. They were $10 bucks a pop! Crazy. I could tell because they were amazing. We made some salad with strawberries and a homemade dressing along with corn on the cob. I made my very simple dessert: chocolate mousse. It was a bit hit!

I also wanted to share a picture I took with my puppy. I didn't get any pictures of the new sunglasses yet, but I'll try to post those soon.

 

My Brother

Let's just say he's awesome. We met up when I got into the city about half an hour from home to hang out. We decided to go walk around somewhere, and on the way, he told me he wanted to buy me something. I was like, "What? Why, dude, you don't have to." He insisted on it! He told me that he hadn't done so well for me for my birthday, graduation, or Christmas, and now that he had a job, he wanted to buy me something. "Keep it fifty or under," he said. I was still thinking he was crazy at the time and was planning on ignoring his idea, figuring maybe he would too. Wrong! As we walked the mall, he told me to keep an eye out for something I'd like. After his persistence, I ended up going to the sunglasses store to take a look. (I have to admit, I felt kind of spoiled and princess-like at this point haha) I tried on some pairs, and we laughed at almost every one because they looked awful on me! We went to another store to look around, and he kept asking what else I would want. I was like, "Well, I could get some lip gloss." "Lip gloss??? Lip gloss??" he said. "Yeah, it's at least thirty bucks if you get one that's mid-line expensive." He couldn't believe lip gloss could cost more than five bucks. I told him, "Okay, well the only thing I would want in this very shopping trip would be some sunglasses or shoes" (both of which I have a weakness for). We went back to the sunglasses store, and he told me he didn't want me to get something that looked weird just because it was on clearance. He then offered to go halfsies if I found a really nice pair. We ended on a pair that he claimed were "really cute" on me, and he thought they fit me well. They were cheaper than any others I had tried on! I hadn't even looked at the price. They were super comfortable, too. So, we went halfsies and he spent less than he had originally said. : ) Unfortunately, it was dark, so I couldn't wear them home. I'll take some pictures tomorrow on our coffee run to show you.

Other than a random gift from him, I had a great time. We talked a bunch, I filled him in on life, and he seemed to enjoy hearing about it and giving his thoughts. He said some really nice things that I love to hear from him because I don't get to see him often. It's nice to know that we've (mostly) passed the sibling-rivalry years and now we can just be friends. I'm super excited because he plans to visit my (second) home town where I live and see me and some of his friends soon. I can't wait!!

I guess I should mention that before I saw him, my day was going very well. I left on my road trip this morning right after talking to my future boss (assuming the job works out) about my future schedule. He was completely fine with me only working a few days a week and he seemed ready to take me on as an employee. All he has to do is get it approved by cooperate, but that shouldn't be too hard. Yay for a job and praise God because I need a car soon!! (Roughly only about $2000 bucks please!)

The car did fine on the trip which is good because the brakes are at their end and we keep meaning to replace them. My dad was going to do it, but I just don't know if I have time this weekend. I talked to my friends on the phone for at least an hour of the drive, which I admit was not the safest thing to do, but it really made the trip more enjoyable! I then popped in the Ed Sharpe, Ingrid Michaelson (who my brother liked, actually), and Regina to keep me awake and alert. There were only a few idiot drivers, and I avoided them at all costs!

Dinner with mom and her friend was really nice. They're both teachers, so it was fun to talk about students, how the year has started for them, and also grab some advice about my future. I am happy I came home today, rather than tomorrow, because this means I can hang out with my family all day.

First thing's first in the A.M. -- my brother is taking me out in his new honda civic.

Baby Shower Trip

Today I leave for home for a baby shower on Sunday. After I get married, this baby will be my niece! So I have to be Aunt Di, Aunt DD, Aunt Dianna, or Aunt D. I was thinking of choosing one to get her started on, or I could wait to see what she starts calling me, and it might turn into something like Deed, which is what my brother has always called me. We shall see.

I've wrapped the baby gifts (tons) because I went a little crazy at the Target section for babies. I can't say that I'm excited to have one myself -- pregnant bellies are enough to make me turn and run, screaming -- however, it was fun to shop for someone else.

I take this as a perfect time to enjoy a road trip, although alone, I'll bring the good tunes I like to sing my heart out to. I'm wondering how many drivers notice me...

And I got my refund from my old apartment as a surprise yesterday, so I can actually buy coffee every day from my favorite places when I get back.

The main thing I'm looking forward to is getting to see my families from both sides. I'll get to see my brother and parents, then I'll get to see J's family and even his dad's family that hasn't been in the picture for a while. It'll be fun.

Have a good weekend :)

Cake

Last night I was chatting with a friend who said he might (from what I understood) have cake later. What he really meant was he was going to listen to the band Cake. I have that band all over my Itunes, but I couldn't remember exactly which song of theirs was my favorite. Now, after very little research, I recall that the song is, "Short Skirt, Long Jacket." The music video is hilarious, by the way, so you should go watch it.



It then led me to realize which song I was really trying to think of: "Undone" by Weezer. Both of these songs were popular while I was on the soccer team. My friend M introduced me to both of them--she and I sort of traveled through soccer together. We played for the town, then we were the only freshman that made the varsity soccer team in high school. Hell yeah. So there is significance in these songs as I am always brought back to our love of soccer and being completely goofy.

It's 3 a.m....

 It's about 3 a.m., and I just finished One Day by David Nicholls. All I have to say is I couldn't put it down. I read it in two sittings, all 435 pages of it (impressive for my attention span), and it was worth it. It was like a modern day The Great Gatsby (now I know why the author probably thought to reference it) with drinking being a theme throughout, as well as love and relationships. It was about growing mostly, into who we become one day (hence the title). If you want a good love story, or if you like quirky novels, or those with characters you just can't let go of, read this book. With tears rolling down my cheeks, I'm now going to bed. Goodnight, world.

Should I Listen to this Guy?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/carolyn-dean-md-nd/coffee-addition-how-to-na_b_688861.html

(Running tomorrow morning will make me feel less guilty, and so will drinking more water. I'm trying to cut my coffee to one small mug each morning, made at home. This way when I'm student teaching my stomach won't be strange and I won't feel jazzed up more than necessary)

AND

this is hilarious:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/24/westboro-church-protest-a_n_692827.html

'Twas a Rainy Day

So I slept until 11:15 am or so this morning. I just didn't feel like getting up! Ever since that late night I had, I've been out of schedule--as if I had a schedule--I didn't, but I went to bed before 1 am at least. Anyway, it feels great to sleep in until I realize it is half the day gone! I spent a great part of the day crafting, watching It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and hanging out with Laurie (per usual). We had wonderful leftovers from last night: mashed potatoes (unfortunately, my second favorite food next to mac n cheese), chicken, and green bean casserole.

I'm going to go read and craft more tonight, but first, I'd like to share some rainy-day pictures from last year, since today made me think of them and gain a little hope and excitement for fall. It's funny because I'm wearing the same shirt right now in the pictures, I just realized. Haha. The photos were taken in a little secret spot back home--one of my favorite places to go.

Jotting Some Notes

#1 I've been playing on typeracer.com and my highest score so far is 118 wpm. Ask me about my obsession with typing as a child and my mean teacher and typing class another time..

#2 One Day is my new read beginning tonight. I'm hoping to finish it in the next couple of days because I'm already intrigued by the story. First off, I bought the book because I read about it online, and it sounded like a great quirky smart love story, kind of like The Time Traveler's Wife, which is one of my favorite books of all time. Turns out, I read the back cover when I got home to find a quotation about the book that read, "A totally brilliant book about the heartbreaking gap between the way we were and the way we are... The best weird love story since The Time Traveler's Wife." Perfect! Then, as I was reading the book, within the first twenty pages, there was a reference to The Great Gatsby, and how the character just felt like she was in the book. Perfect!! THEN, to top it off, the other character, Dexter, is an English teacher in London, but it just said what he really wants to do is "be a photographer." Really?? I think this book was made for me.

Did I tell you how the book's layout works? Basically, each chapter is one day in the next year of the two people's lives. So there is Emma and Dexter, who begin the story in bed together in 1988. The next chapter will be 1999, the next 2000.....etc. Each chapter is a snapshot (interesting how it relates to photography.. like looking at a photo collage) of their lives and how they end up together, apart, where they want or do not want to be. It is a path of two people that are in love (basically) in the beginning, and who they become and where they go. I'm already drawn in and don't want to stop. It's weird because I know that by the end of this book, I'm going to be a mess of conflicting thoughts--but it's worth the experience. Can't wait to tell you more tomorrow...

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

It's official: I have finished the book. I really, really enjoyed it. I find that any book such as this or The Sun Also Rises or This Side of Paradise all have the adventure that I enjoy escaping to. There's not too much, but there's some drama mixed in that keeps the pages turning. My favorite character was probably Gatsby himself, because of his mystery, but also his hope in a dream that he was patient about reaching. The ending was very sad, but it also had a completion to it...to show us a true character that deserved more. I wish the book wasn't over, which is why I tend to read over a longer period of time... so that I envision myself in the world, build the characters' friendships, and take place in it a little each day. Overall, great experience, and I recommend the book.

Fun

More Glee Stuff

This is one of my favorite songs on the show. If you ignore the super dramatic looks and facial expressions, it's a beautiful song. I took a drive this morning and to belt it out for a while. The best moment: 2:11-2:12. Enjoy.

Trying to Hold Summer

Today felt cooler than any day so far this summer. We had the windows and doors open, letting in the fresh air. It was wonderful. However, it made me realize that summer is almost over and winter will be here before I know it. Do you know how little I enjoy winter? I happen to feel like I'm in a state of shock every morning I wake up to find cold air beating on each pore of my face. I just never get used to it. Luckily, last year I purchased a couple coats/jackets that will help me stay warm. Here is a picture of me and my not-so-happy-state-of-shock-each-day: It's like a deer in headlights.

New Ring Tone

Speaking of Cameras...

This picture sums up the joy of photo-shooting. I absolutely love it. Hilarious.

http://obviousmag.org/en/archives/2008/06/the_right_moment_to_photograph.html#0

Drool

I want every bit of this $800.00 camera. As long as it comes with a variety of lenses and features (which I'm sure it does), count me in. All I can do now is hope that one day, after everything else is paid off, I can have one. Or before that ;)  http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/slr_cameras/eos_rebel_t1i_ef_s_18_55mm_is_kit

 

 

 

 

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to write is to see my thoughts in front of me
it helps me think maybe i'm not crazy
and that i'm not broken
and i'm a real person that loves.

words that slip through my fingertips comfort me
make me feel in control 
and bring me to a black and white imaginary dream
of whatever i want it to be
--it can be my secret.

i'll give the page my own color
in my mind i see blue and red and yellow
ink blots and paint splatters
and i don't hold me inside,
but i don't share too much, either

i only wish the words could respond
fix all my curiosities and questions
if only it could answer me
and write back to me on the page
to which i spill my soul

Last Weekend Before School

I've had a great weekend so far.

J and I took a drive through the country to explore a bit. It has always been a favorite hobby of mine--to simply drive somewhere new. I've done it a few times in this area, only to find that the roads are seriously curvy! It was super tiring to drive down some of them when I just wanted to relax haha. However, it's always worth it because I find that later on, I'll know a road from a previous drive I've done by myself, and I'm also better at connecting directions in my mind. I think I got this trait from my dad, who is also a lover of driving and exploring. Anyhow, the road eventually connected to another, and we ended up getting back to town! The road actually ended in a T, and I'd like to go back so that I can find out what is to the right, not the left which is the direction we chose. I might grab some coffee and go tomorrow morning... a way to greet the day.

Now for more of my weekend. Last night, I went out with a group of girls for drinks and food downtown. I got to meet a lot of new people, and I also got to observe the many new students or freshman walking the streets. I met up with my friend who was with his coworkers that I had heard about a lot in stories. It's great to finally meet someone because you can see how funny the imaginary images of them in your head compare to reality. I think this is why I appreciate photos so much. They were all very nice, and I met a couple others that gave me a few good laughs, which is always appreciated. The night ended very late but it was definitely worth it. When you're having a good time it doesn't really matter how late it is. I only slept about two to three at my friend's house, though, so I was in my bed until early afternoon, trying to catch up on sleep.

Today I had the girls over for dinner--spaghetti. We played Quiddler the word game, and Worms the video game. Both are seriously addicting.... and I'm not a video game kind of gal. Great night... it was even better when I opened my mailbox to find my first Real Simple subscription magazine waiting for me. Awesome. I have Laurie to thank for that!

Everyone starts back to school on Monday... except me. I have another two weeks until student teaching, but I have plenty of things to keep me busy. I plan on reading every day and making lesson plans or writing. I would like to find samples of my writing on my hard drive to put in my portfolio notebook. I also would like to check into applying for teaching jobs, such as when I should begin.

I finally went running in my new shoes this weekend, and it felt great. I don't care if it was all downhill and less than a mile--the point is it made me feel positive and energized, and that's what I need right now. Today I wasn't thrilled to do much at all (late night), but tomorrow I should be able to get out again. I'm also hoping to swim. You wouldn't believe how much I love swimming and how sad I am that it is close to the end of pool season.

An update on Ava and her paw: She has healed from the first and had the same problem occur in her front paw. We had to take her to the vet for another $85 visit, but at least they offered us a refill. I can't stand how the other office we were going to acted like they were cheaper, but they weren't, and they always added fees. Plus, after you visited, they would want to see you again in the next few days. We never went back because we didn't need to. However, it would have been much more considerate of them to have also offered us a refill, instead of having to go back for another $35 visit. The new place we found is $55 per visit, but they actually acted concerned with the cat and willing to work with us. The antibiotics seem to be helping the second problem, but they still don't know what is causing it. There is a large scab on her paw, but we're not sure what from. The only thing I can think of is a fight with the dog or her landing on something.. it almost looks like a burn.

It's getting late. I expected to be in bed earlier, only so that I can start getting into a better groove for school. It's looking like I might be getting up around 5 am everyday because I just found out that the school I will be working in starts class at 7:30 am. What are they--crazy!? My stomach isn't even awake enough to eat that early. Talk to you tomorrow, readers....

Update on the CD player

Remember that old CD player I told you about? That I was going to (sadly) send home to my old house until I decide what to do with it? Well, it never made it to my house that weekend, so I had to just throw it away. I didn't want to bring it to goodwill because the thing was a bit broken, and I figured it was so heavy and old it might just sit there. I tossed it in the trashcan, from my memory anyway. Well, I just went into the laundry room to do a load, and what do I see? My old CD player, sitting on the floor. Hahaha. I'm thinking to myself, "Did I leave that there????" I realize that someone, maybe a worker from my apartment complex, decided it would be a good addition to the work are/laundry room. I was tempted to pick it back up and claim it as my own, turning back to say, "It's MINE," but instead I will leave it and think about who its new owner is. Such a curious thing!

Hungar the Barbarian

I say that phrase from time to time when I'm hungry... for years now. It's like I'll go, "Hunggarrrrrrhhhggghhh the barbarian!!" It's weird. Kind of like how my brother and I used to call the little mushrooms on Mario "deserve balls" and still do to this day. Whenever I say it, I get comments such as, "deserve ball?? what the heck is that?" Sometimes I say the phrase in my head, too, and I feel like a crazy person. What I'm getting to with all this is simply that my appetite is back in full force since the prolonged few weeks of nothing after my surgery. Can I just tell you a few things I love to eat/drink?
1. Tostitos Hint of Lime Chips
2. Chocolate milk (with the syrup stirred in)
3. Semi-sweet dark chocolate morsels
4. Coke

Luckily for me, I don't have enough money to keep myself stocked with these ever tempting items, and they also get old to me very quickly. And, soon I'll be in the classroom every single day for almost three months, and I will eat very little hopefully. Woo! (healthy amount of little, of course)

In other news, my dog ate all of the wires that go to my (only) printer. I'm pretty (pissed) annoyed by it considering I need a printer to do (freaking everything) I need to do for student teaching. I can't believe she ate them. I don't even know how much it's going to cost to get them replaced, or if it's possible at this point.

I watched Pride and Prejudice with J last night, and to my surprise, he was very involved in it, which made me very very happy. He laughed at all the parts that are hidden that some people miss, and he got quiet during the romantic scenes. I have to say I never get sick of that movie, and it's probably in my top three favorites. I really can't think of anything better. Mr. Darcy is worth every minute of every second of that movie. He is amazing. I also love Kiera Knightly in everything she does, and her hair is perfect. I love it. I grew up watching all of those movies with mom such as Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Emma, so they're always nostalgic for me and comforting. However, the new (ish) one from '05 with Knightly is my all time favorite.

 *swoon*

Veggie Lasagna

While I was visiting family, we made some of the best food I've ever had. It wasn't your typical hamburgers an hot dogs, and if we did have that, there was always a really interesting salad with it, or a new pasta.

One of my favorite meals was veggie lasagna, and I'm going to give you the recipe. I got it from my Grandma, though I think she may have grabbed it from a local newspaper.

Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe:

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced (chopped fine)
1 green pepper, cored, seeded and diced
1 medium eggplant, diced
2 medium zucchini, diced
salt and pepper to taste
8-10 lasagna noodles, boiled (or get no-boil noodles)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup sliced provolone
1 cup sliced mozzarella
2 cups prepared tomato sauce (we cut some tomatoes, but also just used some store-bought)

In a large pan heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic and cook until the onion softens. Add pepper, zucchini, eggplant, and cook until vegetables are softened. Stir in basil and parsley.

Add the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer until soft, about 20 minutes (we didn't do it this long, but this is a good estimate)

Place layer of lasagna noodles in a 14X8 inch baking pan that has been greased. Spoon about 2 cups of the vegetable mixture over the noodles. Scatter ricotta cheese over the vegetables. Cover the cheese with another layer of noodles and spread vegetable mixture over the top and provolone cheese. Add remaining mixture and top with mozzarella cheese then remaining lasagna.

Spread some tomato sauce over the top. Cover and bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

Enjoy!

Take the Good with the Bad

Bad news: I went to fill out paperwork (for an hour or more) for my temp job, only to hear the boss tell me they didn't have enough hours to hire me this week. What the heck? Not sure why they didn't inform me of this before I sat there getting flushed with all the mess of papers.

Good news: I guess the guy really liked me, because he felt bad and wants to get me hired as an employee for weekends and nights! (No matter how exhausted I will be!)

Bad news: I went to TJMaxx to grab a new shower curtain--something more Nautica than my circular craziness, and when I opened it, there were little spots all over it where it had caught on something. Lame! That's going back a.s.a.p.

Good news: While I was there, I found a wicked elephant figurine for my livingroom. I collect safari animals (mostly zebras), but they have to not be tacky. This guy is awesome!

Bad news: I think I almost got into an accident in the Target parking lot.

Good news: After cautiously entering the store, I got Gobstoppers. I figured why not make a whole trip out of it.

Bad news: There was a hold on my account for school, so my grades/info wasn't showing up. When I called, the lady said she was sorry but she had accidentally left the hold up from the beginning of the summer when she was out-of-town.

Good News: After she took the hold off, I read my grades and they are all As!!!!!!!!!!

Hope you are having a good day, readers.

My funky-cool elephant:

1st Day on the Job

This job is only going to be a week. It is a temp job for a large retail store in the area. Basically, I'm going for whatever will get me some cash! I will probably be putting on my smile and reassuring customers that I will help them find that pillow or serving spoon. That's alright, though. I really do need a job. Any job. I haven't had a job in a store or outside of school since I came to college. That means 2 years! Considering I started working in 10th grade with no break (except for surgeries), I'm breaking a not-so-good record.

So wish me luck. Let me have the retail abilities I once had, and allow me to keep that smile all day and that happy voice that will maybe give me a weekend job for the fall.

Happy Birthday

This is for my friend, whose birthday was this weekend. I'm posting it because for the first time, I heard it on the radio yesterday. He introduced me to this song, which I think is amazing, and I thought of him, wherever he was at the time, celebrating his 21st. It was one of those moments where I find significance in when or how I hear a song, and one that I am meant to stop and think.

Enjoy.

Girl Crush

Ellen Page is one of my few girl crushes of Hollywood. However, it's a strange relationship between she and I. I like her style, hair, carefree spiritness-ess, but, I don't like her acting all that much.

I'm watching Juno now, and she's doing great for the role. When I saw Inception, though, I didn't think she was that good at all. She's just kind of there. I know many disagree with me.

I just like her style and her tom-boy ish vibe.

Photography

I want to be a photographer. And a teacher. And a musician. (And a writer/blogger)But I really, honestly, think I could pull off all three. I could teach full-time, do photography part-time, and sing with a band on the side...then write about my photos in a blog that becomes outrageously popular. Perfect.

In the meantime, I'll drool over the photographer I just chose, and dream of maybe doing even somewhat close to what she does.

In other news, I have finished my summer school work. It hasn't hit me yet.... to realize how much work I've done this summer, and that it is actually over. I must say, I was rather proud of my teaching portfolio, and I think it could snag me a job next year :)

Something I've been wanting to mention for a while: We have been extremely lucky with our apartment complex and neighbors so far this summer. Besides an old building that is a bit creaky, the actually apartment is very, very cozy. We have a great view out to the yard/lawn, and we have many dog neighbors. Their owners are great, too. We are all graduate students or working, so the maturity level and overall tone of the group is really great. The dog dates work out well, because all of our dogs get nice and tired out. By dog dates, I simply mean that the neighbors will go out with their dogs, and Sadie will see them, so we let her out. None of the dogs are on leashes, and they are so well-behaved!! It's awesome. We all get to have time hanging out while the dogs go crazy together.

New dog neighbors:

Diggeree
Zoe
Bella

Owner names are not in my memory as much (they say that happens around here), but I know that Bella's owner is Erica and Zoe's owner is Sam. The other I don't know...A greyhound just moved in, also, so that should be interesting.

Tomorrow I go to talk to my future one-week boss for the temp job--hopefully I'll get 40 hours--and get my finger sized at the jeweler. This weekend is going to be great. I'm sleeping in tomorrow as long as I can.

PS: Student teaching: September 7th.

Lesson Plans

Lesson plans are a ton of work. At first, you think, "Oh, what a nice format they have so that I can quickly type out my ideas without any pause." Definitely not. There are very specific tasks, objectives, rationale, development, etc., I must achieve in my well planned lesson. It's okay, though, because I see how well-prepared I will be one day if I make enough of them. In this moment, I am working on an Ethnic Literature Unit Plan, which consists of 5 days. I plan a lesson for each day, and include all the activities, quizzes, exit slips, and so on that I will be using. Luckily, I am motivated because I chose a unit with one of my favorite novels (as mentioned before): The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. If you haven't read it, you should--just for fun. You will probably find that it touches you and makes you think more than expected. Also, it'll make you laugh at all those fart jokes from middle school alllll over again.

I'm feeling more ready each day for my student teaching adventure. This is the last night I will ever have to do homework for a class again--unless I move on to my Master's eventually--but for the near future at least. I can then take a few weeks off to, yes, work 40 hours (this is good! I will be making money), make sure I have enough of a wardrobe for teaching, start training myself to wake up at 5:30 am each day, and more.

Tonight while I finish my work, I am listening to the crickets, the rain, and the air. It is absolutely beautiful. 

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Dreams are really powerful... I mean, they can get inside your head and mess with it. It's wild how when I wake up from a deep sleep/deep dream, I have to consider reality again, and sometimes I choose to go back to sleep. They can be so good, the comparison of reality is whack, but they can also be very bad, and I don't want to sleep anymore. Today I had one of those so-good-you-try-oh-you-try-so-hard-to-stay-asleep. It's not that reality is bad, really, but the dream is just more exciting or intriguing. However, the problem is sometimes they get into my head too much, so that when I wake I am almost cranky because I am comparing the dream to reality. It's weird. Again, I'm loving reality, but it's just a strange and guilty sensation to wake up like that and want to just go back.

I wish I could talk to God and ask what the significance of certain dreams are, or if there is any at all. If I ever get to ask him, I'm hoping they are simply random. I don't like to think they are too serious.

It's also interesting to think of the difference in the definitions of dreams.. such as a dream while sleeping and day dreaming of a future (also just said to be dreaming of a future or possibility). I'm talking about the sleep dreaming, though what's fun is after a dream that is memorable, I can day dream about it all I want. :)

The invariable mark of a dream is to see it come true.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

***PS: In my dreams, I would be able to sing like this: (I don't want to have the same sound, but I want to sing on a stage-bigger than I'm used to-and let my heart out!! Oh, to dream...

A Life Story in Art

Change in Climate - north

The place I visited was a high of 72 the last day I was there, so coming back here is just unreal! The heat is super hot. It's home, though, so I'll take it.

I had the most enjoyable week away. It allowed me to escape daily life and instead look at the flowers, water, and birds. I was surrounded by people who know me, look like me, and think like me. I already told you a lot of what we did, and it's not a huge list. That's what was so great... we just hung out at the camp all week filling our time with conversation, amazing food, board games, watching ships pass right in front of our camp, and reading. Man, the reading felt awesome. We also had basically a family reunion on the last day. We had over 11 people, which is crazy! Haha. I have a small family, what can I say. I met 2nd cousins who were really nice. We also had my dad there, which is rare, and my uncle and his wife, who I hadn't seen in 13 years or so. It was so great.

Unfortunately, I read The House on Mango Street for my future job, and I did not like it! I usually love ethnic literature of any kind, but this book was just dull. It didn't have a good plot line throughout, and the author was a pretty pitiful example of the culture and people. I understand that there are hardships, but it just felt like one long complain. The thing is, the chapters were like 2 pages long, so you just got to read one dull complaint and move on to another one. I can see why some might like the book, but since I have read many other ethnic literature stories, there are others that are far better in comparison.

After a long drive with my dad home (he came to visit in the last few days, so I road back with him), I hung out with my friend Dana. She has been ready for this engagement for ... well as long as she could dream it. She is already ready to help with invitations and everything. Thing is, we had these awesome invitations in mine... tri-fold something or other... but as I watched her carefully try to take alllll the steps to make one on her table, I stopped and decided that we should do something simpler. My invitations are going to be very, very simple and handmade. Awesome. Justin's brother is giving us a DJ for a gift, which is amazing, and his mom is going to make our cake(s). Handmade wedding plan is going smoothly so far!!

OH and Justin got a T.A. position. His tuition is paid for and he supposedly gets a paycheck. That is a huge, huge blessing, I'd say.

Now I sit on my couch with my kitty asleep in my lap (waking up occasionally to smack the dog), and the dog sleeping at my feet on the floor with her sock. It's a pretty cute sight. I had a great time, but it's good to be home.

Oh Joyous Beauty

That sounds ridiculous, but seriously, I AM HAPPY.

I have officially FINISHED TWO OUT OF THREE summer classes!!!!

AND I got an A in both!!! Ahhhhhhhh I can't contain myself in this chair.

Serious, serious happiness.

AND I woke up to my dad who drove part of the night, slept in the car out front to not wake anyone (haha) and is now here with the family!

AND my ear pain that lasted for two days (kind of swimmer's ear) is GONE THIS MORNING.

Today is going to be good.

Update from Earlier - north with family

I decided to go out to the camp when I realized we were all planning to celebrate gmas 75th birthday. All the family got together and gave her a card with a great gift and made her a cake (amazing). It was definitely worth every second. I got to swim for a bit, my brother and I did a race (I won, but there were circumstances against him.. such as he already did a lap)--(oh, and we both thought for a few seconds that we would drown because it was a lot longer than we thought!!), I made everyone dinner, and they loved it, etc. All I know is a little fresh air always can cure me, and I feel much, much better now. My teacher wrote me back and uplifted my abilities to complete the assignment... so here I am now, after my adventurous evening, doing work. I'm okay with that, though. I have a feeling that I might just finish by tomorrow morning and send it. My motivation level is pretty high right now, so let's hope it stays.

A little bowl of rice krispies and I'm on my way...

PS: It has been crazy hot here the past couple of days. The first couple of days, however, were chilly enough for pants and long sleeves!

Breaking Point

 I feel bad about writing another stressful post, but dang, I have a ton of stress going on right now. It's a wave. I've been fine all week until today. I found out that this course project I've been working on for this class to finish it is supposed to be over 10 pages long (which is NOT clear at all in the description), and I have to make lesson plans and do all sorts of other things along with it. It's extremely deceiving because it looks like you simply have to make a four-sided plan/pyramid for a class--but this is not the case at all. On top of that, I have that other class to finish. I think I'm going to skip out on the cabin tonight, stay at my gmas, and do work. Or, I'll just go and do work tomorrow. I have a feeling that the weather will be nice tomorrow, and I'll want to be there all day. Unfortunately, I bought everything for tomato, mozzerella, bazil sandwiches for dinner tonight, and I might just be absent!