Out of it... and randomness

I am COMPLETELY out of it.. between working two jobs, band camp, moving, my dad being sick and the crazy other happenings of life I am totally out of it.. I even forget to read the blogs I love to follow. My life is in a whirlwind right now.

I need your prayers, for my stress level, my anxiety, and to strengthen my walk with the Lord despite all the crazy times. It always seems when things get tough.. God is the first one we forget, and it should be that way.

It is so weird training someone to take my job..and at the same time trying to get ready for a new job.

My roommate Gabby, her boyfriend Chad and Hunter all helped me paint my classroom Tuesday night. It is coming along great! I am very excited about the crisp clean feel that a fresh coat of paint gives.

Here's to new beginnings, calming tides and hopes of all worries left behind you. Do you ever get really upset and have that urge to post it all over social media? Yeah, me too... but lately, I have been trying to control that more and more. It is unnecessary to complain all the time online, only those who seek attention "need" that. And, think of how long people made it through life without social medial. Find a friend, sorry folks Mary-Anne is taken, and talk it out. It really helps to have a best friend who you can be totally honest with. LOVE HER!

'You don't know me'

Recently I have had varying comments on my capabilities of a teacher... whether it be that I was too nice... that I was too small or anything of that nature. It greatly upset me that so many people felt that I was unable to control a classroom and lead a group of students.

However, I am here to tell you that size, stature, nor level of anger matter in a classroom. I personally believe that I can be nice to those around me, yet still be able to have control and be in charge of a classroom. Mean people make mean teachers... you don't want your child's teacher just being rude.. You want your child to learn.

I have only lived here for two years, and frankly I just have to say the people don't know me well enough to judge my abilities as a teacher. My life before this was deeply rooted in teaching, and even though now I have been in an office for two years, I don't think I have completely lost sight of my goal.

People are so judgemental, and may even judge without the facts. I am sad to leave my job, but excited for what lies ahead. May each of your eyes be opened, and may your hearts be softened to those around you... rudeness or what you feel is blatant 'honesty' is never necessary.

Joss and Main

In my quest to find affordable yet quality furniture for my new apartment I stumbled upon this website. It is a member's only site and you can join through my by clicking here. It is great seeing all the beautiful furniture that is available.

Official!

The hardest thing has been keeping this bit of good news under wraps since May 31st, well... not really. ;)  But, as many of you know.. at this point in my journey it has come time for me to leave my job at the University to pursue a job in my chosen field.

I have kept my employers fully informed throughout the whole process, and they even helped in recommending me for positions!

I am proud to accept a position as a teacher at a high school in Tuscaloosa County! Now, the search for a place to live for the next year... and finishing up my current job, while preparing my replacement for their responsibilities. I am so excited!! I will be sad to leave many of my coworkers, but I know that they will always be good friends of mine. I have been truly blessed.. even in the hard times, with this job.

As of the board meeting last night, I officially will have a new job in August!

Farm Fresh

I will never forget the first time someone asked if I had ever been to a farmers market... my response was simple, no.. my daddy is the farmers market at my house. Living on my own in the city has definitely made me much more appreciative of all the bountiful things that come from my dad and mom's hard work. Here are the goodies I got to bring back from my last trip home!

There are red potatoes, okra, squash, corn and white potatoes (like Russet). YUM! I just love getting to cook all of this home grown food! What a blessing!

High Five for Friday!

Praise the Lord it is finally FRIDAY! This week, I honestly thought Friday would never come. Here are five things I am super thankful for on this Friday!

• Hunter and I cooked almost every night this week, when I say that.. I mean, I cooked. It is nice to not have tons of homework to do each night, so I am making sure that no matter how tired I am, to cook dinner.
• Wednesday night, Hunter tried out the new men's Bible study at our church. He said it was really great, and I was so happy that he liked it.
• The diversion of the new class allowed me to have some time to get Hunter's birthday present! Sneaky, sneaky.
• A wonderful birthday dinner with some friends, Heather and Tyler. They came to my house last night to eat dinner and hang out for Hunter's birthday. What makes me so happy is that Hunter enjoyed the night and the meal. Last year, he was gone to basic training, so I tried to do as much as I could to make this birthday special!

This is Hunter's plate of food. We had corn, potatoes (grown in my Dad's garden), steak and shrimp.

• A restful weekend, Hunter and I only have a few things on our calendars for this weekend.. and, this will be the first weekend in over a month that we don't have a big event to attend. I am excited to spend some time sleeping (much needed) and just do a few things I want to do, as well as clean.

Linking up to Lauren at From My Grey Desk

Bows for a Cause

Many people take for granted the ability to have a child, and the joy of having a child. We so easily get bogged down in the fast tracked pace of this world, we forget to think of what blessings we really have, me included.

Here is a link to a post belonging to a friend of mine and her husband who are adopting after a long battle with infertility. A friend is doing a fundraiser to help bring their baby home. You can find out more information here.

I am a Master

HAHA! Wow, what a joyous time this is!! Saturday I graduated with my Masters of Arts in Mathematics.

The past two years have been probably the hardest time of my life, but... by the grace of God, I made it through. Lord knows I couldn't have done it without my friends (MARY-ANNE) and family, and definitely Hunter.

Life continues to move at a 90-to-nothing pace for me... I had another interview yesterday, and it went well. When I know more definite details of my life.. then I will be able to share. Right now, I am just working... and trying to get my life in order for the next step.

Here are a couple of my favorite pictures from the big day:

My twin sister, Donna and I, walking to the Coliseum for graduation

Family shot with the parents before the ceremony

After graduation, I had to take a picture with my home, AKA Gordon Palmer

After graduation, we celebrated with all the other graduates and our families at my church

High Five for Friday!

I am taking a little cue from Lauren at From My Grey Desk!

Hello beautiful Friday, you are the end to a tumultuous week, and I am so glad you are here!

Here are my five favorite things from the past week:

1. Gabby and I went to Olive Garden for Dinner Monday night. It was Ah-mazing, as always.

2. Taking and turning in my final exam for my last Masters class.. can you say DONE!

3. I wore a new outfit, and it made me feel good. See that post here.

4. I got all A's this semester! Talk about going out with a bang!

5. My boss, friend, and brother-that-I-never-had, Clint, gave me these books for my graduation present today! If you know me, you know I am movie illiterate. Clint uses movie quotes, all day, every day in conversation. Now, I can watch movies, and learn the quotes! Hooray for graduation!

Glad to be able to link up to High Five for Friday!

Just because

Why the idea for a spiffy new look on a rainy Wednesday night? Just because...

Because, I felt like my hair looked awful....

Because, I was tired...

Because, I am finished... DONE with my Masters degree!! Can you believe it? Right now, I cannot!

Because, I am so exhausted and I can't even tell you what day it is....

Because, I am always cold... so I need innovative ways to wear sleeves

Because, my best friend, Mary-Anne, loves fashion, and is teaching me a thing or two along the way...

Because, despite all the craziness, I believe we should all take a little time to care for ourselves...

Last night, when I got home... I breathed a sigh of relief. I had my very first job interview for a teaching position at a local high school! EXCITING! And I have all assignments and requirements for my Masters degree complete.. now I just sit and wait to graduate Saturday. :) Finally, there is a light at the end of this very tiring tunnel. The stress of it all is catching up with me, but I know it will all be worth it. Praise be to the Lord for His many blessings!