Will I Make It?

Can I Make it? Will I?

I'm talking about the rest of the school year, people. I'm telling you, it's just about to kill me! Teaching seniors makes things that much harder. Not only do I see the misery in their faces, but it brings joy to know they are graduating, which makes me feel (somewhat) bad for giving them more and more work!

This week has been going by so eternally slow. It's trying to kill me. I've been trying to do things to keep me busy, but nothing seems to be working. It's also to the point where I'm nearing the end of my curriculum (there's always more, but there's also a point I like to stop), but there are still 4 weeks + 2 days left with my seniors. That's a lot of days when you want to keep kids motivated and happy, yet still get work done. It's a fight I just don't feel like fighting right now!

In other news, I took a drive to a nearby consignment shop/boutique to find some new work clothes for spring, and I was successful! I never seem to have luck at thrift stores, but this one has the brands I like, such as Ann Taylor and The Limited, so I actually found clothes that work for me - but with great prices. I should also mention that it's not the fact that the clothes are name brand that matter to me, but name brand items not only last longer (for me at least), but they also just seem to fit my body better. I did give cheaper stores a shot for a while, but it just didn't work out.

So, while at the shop, I found a few great items. For instance, I got a great jacket for work for $15, and it probably normally sold for at least $50. A few other things I got: work capris from The Limited, black shirt from Belk, spring sweater from Talbots, spring shirt from American Eagle (not really my store, but hey, it was cute!), vintage Dooney and Bourke bag ($30), and a Vera Bradley wallet. All-in-all, it was a "successful shopping trip," as my mom always says. It was an early birthday present. Unfortunately, I'm going to want to go back every week to see what new things they have. :)

Goodnight, all.

My Grandpa

...who is currently recovering from a fall, an infection, and a collapsed lung. This picture is from two Christmases ago, but it's one of my favorite pictures ever--and definitely my favorite of him. He's a tough guy (it runs in the family, thank goodness), and I'm hopeful for a full recovery. If nothing else, though, for complete comfort no matter what.

Maddie and Courtenay - too cute!

Keep Breathing

I was reading an update from a former friend who is facing stage iv colon cancer when I heard "All I Can Do is Keep Breathing" on my Pandora in the background. It humbles me to consider how the families - so many - who have members facing cancer or illness, can face each day. How do they do it? Well, they keep breathing so that they don't pass out, they keep their head up so they don't fall, and they smile so that they don't forget what it feels like.

Wine Festival with the 'Rents

Mom, Dad, and I went to a great wine festival today nearby. We had "VIP" passes as a gift from someone, so we even got free food! The wine was great, and the atmosphere and weather was perfect. Unfortunately, my stomach decided to flare up in the middle of the thing, so I had to leave early. Overall, it was a great time.

Worship

As a friend and I spoke after worship tonight, discussing life's trials, she told me a quotation someone once told her:

"Worship is the truest form of reality."

What a beautiful idea, to remember that the importance of life isn't what's in front of us, but rather what's ahead in heaven. The experience and feeling I get inside while singing worship songs is what I'm going to feel one day for eternity, and all the concerns of the world will vanish.

Variety of Things + The Avengers

What is there to write about today?

Other than it being an extremely long week at school (week after spring break), not much else is going on. It's nice to find the little things in the week that make it great, though. For instance, J and I cook dinner together a lot, and it's always fun. Plus, the food is super good. Also, I make weekly stops at Dana's house to see her and Parker, which is always a good time. I have to say that our shows that come on weeknights really add to the fun as well. Modern Family, Suburgatory, New Girl, etc. are great ones to keep up with. They crack me up. What's a show unless it can make you laugh, right? Lastly, I have worship team practice tonight, and that it always refreshing and fun. Sometimes I forget how much I love and enjoy singing...I used to sing so often, but I'm so busy now I hardly find the time. Luckily, because I am part of a team, it forces me to sing, which is great.

In other news, The Avengers is coming out ON MY BIRTHDAY. No joke. Midnight showing. I already ordered tickets. Yes. I have a complete nerd obsession with superhero movies (Ironman, Hulk, Thor, Captain America, etc.), and in The Avengers, all of the characters are being thrown together in ONE MOVIE. I might just explode watching it.

It's like they KNEW it was my birthday. I've been waiting for this movie for a long time. It better be good! I'll be out until at least 3 a.m. the night after my birthday, so it's an early morning for me the next day, but definitely worth it. Here are my favorites (Thor makes me swoon) :

Wishing for a repeat.

This was such an amazing concert, and there are times I wish I could return. The quality is not that great, but it allows me to relive a great experience -- or at least try to find myself in the crowd. I'm in the front right area with Josh, and one of my tall long-haired friends is standing in the back, along with Laurie - almost directly in front of the camera. Enjoy.

Savannah, Georgia

It is finally my spring break! I still have a few days to enjoy, but I started my break with a four-day trip to Savannah, Georgia to visit a great friend, Ginny. Laurie came on the long drive with me, thank goodness!

Savannah is a really beautiful city. There are squares of beautiful trees and sidewalks on each block, so it's a great atmosphere. I found a great coffee house along the way, too, which is always fun. We stopped at an Irish pub (nothing like the kind I've been to before), and I got a shrimp salad sandwich with french onion soup, which was awesome. I kept wanting more once I was done. We also went to the Crab Shack, which rocked, and I got a massive drink (which did not have much alcohol, but hey, it was cheek-warming).

We also made a few little trips, such as the beach and a wildlife refuge. These were both worth it, and they were loads of fun. Enjoy the pictures I took along the way!