7 Wednesday Rambles

1. I have a new job working as a children's assistant at the library, and I absolutely LOVE it. I wish I could work more hours there because I enjoy it that much. It is a blessing to finally be able to look forward to my jobs rather than dread going.

2. This past week I have been incredibly antsy, and I have no idea why. It has been a struggle to stay focused in my classes and to force myself to sit down and do my homework. I just wanna go anywhere and do anything. Spontaneity people, it's a good thing to have every once in awhile.

3. My parents are in Europe right now, and I'm insanely jealous. I would give anything to be over there with them right now, but I'm so excited that they finally get to see what I have been going on and on about since I went there for the first time 5 years ago.

4. Currently, I am avoiding my student teaching presentation because I am so stressed out about it and like I mentioned before I'm having an issue with staying focused. Plus, I just felt this urge to write, so what better way to do just that than through my blog?

5. I am super excited about getting back into the classroom this semester because I will have more opportunities to teach, and that's exciting stuff right there. I actually get to develop a unit this semester and teach for an entire week. It's a big deal people.

6. I believe that I should probably only stick to one cup of coffee a day because after that second one there is no way that I'm going to be able to sit still today. I sealed my fate with that second first sip.

7. I graduate in exactly 102 days 2 hours and 46 minutes. Holy crap. This is getting real. I haven't been this excited since that one time that my nephew was born or that one time that I graduated high school. The end is near friends, and I could not be more ready for it.

Have a wonderful Hump Day lovely readers,

Til next time.

He Who Promised is Faithful

I can't believe it has taken me this long to get back on the blogging horse, but so much has happened in the past 7 months that I'll just say I was a little distracted. Unfortunately, at the beginning of the summer I chose the path more traveled, and I want to say that I regret it, but it has taught me more than I could have ever thought. Would I have saved myself lots of heartache and guilt by choosing a different path? Oh, without a doubt I would have, but I also have learned so much about myself that even if I was given the opportunity to go back and change things I'm not sure I actually would. Life is a journey that includes twists and turns and ups and downs and these past months have added a few of those to my story, which I hope that one day I can use to help guide someone in the right direction. I have decided that instead of dwelling on my mistakes I would like to turn them into something positive. There is not one single person on this planet that is not struggling with something, and if I can be one person to help another because of the experiences I have had, then I will use them for the greater good. 

I say all of this because too often lately I have found myself feeling sorry for myself and wishing I could change the past. That is no way to live a life. I do not wish to live a life that consists of the past. I want to live a life that is in the present and one that looks onto the future. Resentment and guilt cling to the past, and I have had more than enough of that. It's high time that I stand up, brush myself off, and open my eyes to what the future holds. If I continue to live in the past I will live a sad, pathetic life, and that terrifies me more than the chance that I may make more mistakes, which knowing me and that I'm human I'm bound to screw up a few more times before I leave this earth. Life isn't easy, but it doesn't have to be lived in misery. 

This morning I didn't go to church (gasp), but instead I chose to spend a few moments writing in my journal and looking over some verses about guilt. I have been experiencing some of that lately, so I decided to look up some verses about it to see what God had to say about it. Instead of feeling like the continual screw up that I sometimes feel like His words left me with a feeling of hope and a sense of renewal. Now this isn't one of those new year, new me mantras, but I do think that with the new year some changes need to be made. It's not going to be easy and there are probably going to be days where I make the same mistakes again, but the thing I have got to realize is that God is not going to give up on me even when I want to give up on myself. Even when all my hope is gone, God still has enough hope for the both of us. I think that is why this last verse stuck out so much to me:

"let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful."

Hebrews 10:22-23

I'm going to choose to hold onto that hope because I know despite everything that the God I serve is faithful and true. He is patient with me, even when I'm acting like a child, and someone like that is someone that more than deserves my time and my heart. I'm not perfect. I will never claim to be, but I want to strive for more than I have been lately. God deserves that and so much more from me. 

Til Next Time.

Independence

So, I know that I have literally been the world's worst blogger these past few months, and I honestly don't have a good excuse for my laziness, but I am hoping I can get back on track this summer. A lot has happened since February. Like A LOT. I doubt that any of you actually want me to go into all the details, but in a nut shell: I am officially a senior in college, which is terrifying and exciting all at the same time. I finished my first practicum with a Special Education classroom, and I loved every minute of it. It was definitely an experience that helped me remember why I want to become a teacher. I crossed the divide from being a teenager to an adult. I am officially the big 2-0. I took a big step in my personal life, and I am still trying to figure out if I made the right decision or not. That's to be decided for now. I am currently spending my first summer away from home, which I love but I think my parents are having trouble with. Understandably so because they now have the entire house to themselves, besides when Remy comes over to keep them company. 

It's definitely been a year of firsts so far.

I would like to say that I am living on my own this summer, but alas that is far from the truth. My wonderful and gracious cousins offered their basement to me, and I hopped on that offer because I knew that I did not want to spend my summer at home. Plus, I love my nanny job that I have up here, so I wanted to take advantage of being able to keep that over the summer. However, the flip side to all of that is I am bored out of my mind because I have nothing to do with my evenings. I am a good 10 to 20 minutes away from all my friends who are in this area, so driving to and from work plus driving to see friends can't be an every day thing otherwise gas will eat me alive. It stinks, but I'm trying to make the most of it! It really isn't that bad, but evenings do get a little lonely because I normally end up in bed by like 10 watching Netflix until I fall asleep. Lame, I know, but when you live in a smaller city your options are seriously limited. I savor the nights I meet up with friends because not to be dramatic, but it's like coming up for a breath of fresh air when I get to hang out with people my age. I mean I love myself, but even I get tired of me after so long. 

Anyways, I have thoroughly enjoyed this one step closer to independence so far, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't crave more. I would love to have my own place, but I know that I would also be so far under in debt I would be a mess. For now, I'll enjoy my little steps and be thankful that I am even able to stay up here this summer. I need to work on saving anyway because in less than a year I will be graduated and focusing on getting ready for my 12 weeks of student teaching. Then after that I will have to be getting a more serious job. Thinking about the future is no longer fun, instead it gives me ulcers. I mean yes I have so looked forward to being independent for so long now, but so much more comes with independence than I could imagine as I was growing up. Bills sucks. I hate them, and they always take away all my money. Living paycheck to paycheck is crappy, however it also makes life a little more exciting. I constantly have to ask myself how far can I stretch this dollar? So far, so good I guess because I'm not bankrupt or in debt, well until I start having to pay back my student loans, but I don't even want to think about that. 

My whole life I have looked forward to being on my own, but now that I am almost there I am realizing that it is great, but it's really not all it's cracked up to be. I mean I enjoy being 20, but sometimes it would be nice to just be a kid again and not have to worry about money or school or the future. Alas, there is no turning back time, and I have been constantly reminded lately that the day you are living in right now is the only one like it you'll ever have. Each day is unrepeatable, so we should make the most of it because we'll never get it back. Not to be morbid, but I'm not getting any younger, and I don't wanna look back in 20 years and wish I would have done something else with my time. Life is short, overall, and I want to waste any more than I have to. So independence, becoming an adult is my next step, and I want to embrace everything about it; the good, the bad, and the ugly. I can't wait to see what my future has in store for me. 

Til Next Time.

Five Friday Favorites

So, I've been really bad about blogging lately because well honestly,

 I do not have any valid excuse. School is well under way, 

and as I get more into my major of Elementary Education

 the busier and more hectic my life becomes. 

There are things that I think "Oh hey, that would make a good blog post!", 

but the problem is actually setting aside the time to write it. 

I should probably get used to this life now because once I am a teacher 

I don't think I will have much of a life for most of the school year anyway.

But I know you all have been dying to know what this week's favorites are,
so here you go!

1. Walking Dead. The new season started this past Sunday, 

and I was so excited about it! It was a little disappointing to be truthful.

Yes, I know that this is a zombie show. 

Yes, I know it's gory, and yes I realize it can be disturbing.

But for whatever reason, I love it. It sucked me in from season 1,

and now I watch it with a bunch of boys. It's great. 

2. Scarves. They are literally perfect for just about any outfit. 

I have a multitude of scarves of any design and color.

I LOVE scarves because they can add just a little oomph to your outfit.

You can wear them in any season, and they are just so comfy to wear!

I cannot get enough of them, and I wear them quite often. 

Here is a picture of just how much I love my scarves.
You can clearly see all the joy in my face.
I'm so excited about them that my jaw is dropped.
They're just that fantastic.

3. Sylas and Maddy's. I just discovered this little ice cream shoppe,

and it is literally some of the most delicious stuff I have ever tasted.

It's homemade ice cream and there are 3 different cases filled with delicious choices.

I went there for the first and my second time this week. 

I don't regret either of those choices, and I took new people with me both times.

The bad thing is it's right by Target, or as I call it the money sucker. 

Two wonderful places right next to each other is not so good for my wallet. 

But it's worth every penny.

4. Mail. I absolutely love getting mail because it makes me feel special! 

I mean getting a sweet text or e-mail is nice too, 

but getting an actual letter in the mail is like gold to me. 

Nothing makes me happier than when I walk into the mail room and see stuff in my box. 

This week with it being Valentine's Day,

 I had lots of mail and it made my entire week!

Granted there was no money or anything, 

but I got a decorated note from my nephew,

 which is worth way more than money in my eyes. 

Needless to say I was happy :)

5. Ray LaMontagne. This guy is a real gem, and I encourage everyone to listen to him.

His voice is wonderful in all of it's raspy goodness. 

He could easily sing me to sleep, and I have been listening to him for the past 3 days.

His music is just so laid back, and nice to listen to when you want to relax.

Don't believe me? See for yourself:

                                            

Told you. He's fantastic. Go get his music. Now. 

You won't regret it.

Til Next Time.

Five Friday Favorites

It's Friday everyone! (insert excited uproarious hollering)

It seriously is one of the best days of the week because it means no school for two days straight.

That news will make just about anyone, including me, uproariously holler with excitement.  

I mean don't get me wrong I love my major,

but still. 

The weekends mean sleeping in and avoiding homework til late Sunday night,

like any good student would. Right?

Anyways, with this day comes my favorite things, 

so without further ado, here they are:

1. Coffee. I LOVE coffee. I will drink it black. I will drink it with creamer. I will drink one cup. I will drink 5 cups. I will have it any time of the day. I will have it anywhere. I'm not picky, unless it's weak. Then I get a little stuck up about my coffee. I like my coffee like I like my men, hot and steaming. Just kidding. But seriously... Ever since Europe I have created a monster within myself because I almost always have at least one cup a day. I don't need it, but I definitely don't like going without it. And I know it's very adult of me to say, but I prefer it black. I know, I'm a big girl. Be impressed. Currently, my favorite coffee to drink is Dunkin Donuts Original Blend. It's not too expensive and tastes real nice!

2. Vera Bradley. I know that she is all of the sudden super popular, but I promise that I really did like her before it became a phenomenon. And I am not going to be one of those people who chooses to stop liking her just because she got big. That's just silly. I recently got a new purse and lunch box, which oh so conveniently matches my shower caddy and laptop case (small obsession, I know). My favorite pattern that makes up all those items is Happy Snails. It's adorable and oh so fashionable! Just see for yourself.

3. Warmth. Ok, so being from the midwest we are destined to deal with the weird weather changes, but I seriously hate the cold, unless there is someone to snuggle with. Right now, no one is fulfilling that duty so my hatred continues. On Monday of this week it was 76 degrees and today it is 7 degrees. There is something seriously wrong with that. Spring just needs to come. Like now. 

4. Cereal. At school, our campus center is not exactly known for the delicious array of food, I mean what school really is. So my back up meal is ALWAYS cereal. Lucky Charms are the preferred choice, and even more so when they have the real Lucky Charms and not the knock off brand. Sometimes I settle for Frosted Flakes, but that's the thing sometimes the box lies to you and you get just corn flakes. It's happened people, and it is literally spirit crushing stuff. This week I am pretty sure that at almost every meal I have had cereal because our meals have not exactly been appetizing lately. This is what college is though, right?

5. New Girl. I absolutely love this show because I absolutely adore Zooey Deschanel. And this week something HUGE happened. Nick and Jess kissed. Jess being Zooey Deschanel, and this was massive stuff because Jess has a boyfriend and Nick and Jess have had this weird "I'm into you" vibe going on since the show started. I have been waiting for this moment, BUT Jess is dating Sam right now whom I adore, so.... Yeah it's not cool. All of my shows have taken a turn for the worst. Anyways, if you have not watched it. Do it right now because it is hilarious and slightly inappropriate at times, but still hilarious. 

I hope you enjoyed this week's favorites, 

and have a wonderful weekend ya'll!

Til Next Time.