Gamin' Girl

As we all know, technology is the center of our society. It has changed so much in my lifetime alone, and we have no idea what is in store for the future of technology. It's exciting and a little bit scary too. I love the thousands of apps that are available for Androids and iPads, but have you ever noticed how people still long to bust our their Super Nintendo games from the 90's? If anyone out there still has Duck Hunt on the original Nintendo, I would be willing to come over on a Sunday afternoon to shoot up "ducks" as we laugh about the dated graphics. In some cases, the new and improved never beats the original.

Recently, I was able to participate in a game of NBA Jam on Playstation. I don't get generally get too worked up about winning, but for some reason those game get me talking smack and itching to kick my components butt. Who am I?

Earlier this year, I was playing Mario Kart at a friends house. I am such a girl. I was moving my entire body as I tried to complete the course (Rainbow Road - one of the most difficult courses for those of you that are unfamiliar). Seriously Anna? Did I really think that if I was jumping up and down and moving my arms left and right would make me stay on the path? It surely didn't work; I was zooming all over the place. I guess I'm not a true gamer. I'm just too much of a girl.

I know y'all can relate to this...

Happy Monday :-)

Piss Off a Teacher

Happy weekend folks! I spent the pass two days subbing in second grade classrooms. Not ideal, but the school year is inching closer and closer.

I say it’s not ideal, because substitute teaching is not fun. I’m not complaining; I am merely stating a fact. Kids like routine, and having a new person in charge totally throws them off kilter. I understand that it’s hard to venture far from this routine; however, I don’t understand being disrespectful to any person.

Sharing these feelings with teachers is easy. They totally get it. They live it each day, and at least pretend to sympathize with my feelings of frustration and angst. I do find it difficult to share stories, feelings, and vent to someone that is in another profession. I feel like I sound crabby and weak. I know that I am young and still learning, but I also feel capable of being in front of a classroom.

For those of you that are not teachers, and feel the need to piss one off, I have a few suggestions to bring up in conversation:

“It’s not that hard. All you do is play with kids all day.” Um, excuse me?!?! PLAY!?! We are giving kids an education; something that arguably matters more than ten other careers combined. There are standards that need to be met. Teachers have curriculum to follow and daily lesson plans that exceed far beyond building sandcastles and finger-painting.

“You can’t complain; you get the summers off.” Oh. My. Gosh. Do you honestly think that is why we are teachers? No. We did not strategically choose a career so we could sun bath and rollerblade all summer. Get real. Plus, have you ever stopped to think how hard we work during the school year? A teacher’s brain never stops. We are constantly thinking about ways to incorporate everything into our curriculum. Throughout the summers we are planning and taking classes. The list goes on and on. Plus, we pay to do all of this. That’s right, “the man” is not paying for us to further our education or buy new posters for our classroom. Not only are we paid s*$%, we pay to better ourselves.

I think I actually have steam coming out of my ears. I need to chill out. That was quite the tangent; but honestly, I can’t wait to be a teacher. I love almost everything about it. It is challenging and rewarding. Kids are amazing. I just want y’all to consider what you say to teachers. And maybe instead of pissing off a teacher, you could thank that person. 

Tea Party for One

As my grandpa headed out the door this morning he asked, "Would you like me to put on some tea, Anna?" The answer is always "yes." I. Love. Tea. I used to find myself adding sugar and tea, but I have actually acquired a task for plain ole lipton hot tea.

I waited until the pot whistled (so obnoxious, but I love it). I poured the steaming water into my grandmother's cream teapot, and helped myself to my first cup. I was getting ready for the day and enjoying the warm liquid make its way to my tummy. What a great way to start the day. 

Life is busy; there is no question about that. Waiting for the pot to blow and sitting down with a cup of tea really teaches us to slow down and enjoy. 

Here's my confession of the day: I drank the whole pot. I guess I need to be hydrated after that six mile run? I plan on making numerous trip to the restroom :-)

Feel free to make fun of me for this one... I deserve it :-)

I can't believe it's Wednesday already! Yippee!!

Popcorn Problems

I love popcorn. I love it in the theatre. I love it for dinner. I love it with M&Ms. The other night I sat down with my mom to chow down on those little kernels. I realized that I have zero manners when I have a bowl of popcorn in front of my face. Wow. I was shoving it in as if I hadn’t eaten in thirty days.

Now, there are just a few problems when it comes to popcorn. First of all, it gets to be a tad messy at times. You think that it’s getting into your mouth until you stand up. Then, for some reason kernels are flying all over the place. I usually find myself wondering if I actually ate any of it. I’m not really into dousing popcorn with salt and butter, but that always adds another dimension of messy into the mix.

Then there is the issue with my teeth. I feel like I have kernels stuck in my teeth for days after I devour a bag of Orvill Redenbacher. It doesn’t matter how careful you are, there always seems to be a great need for toothpicks and dental floss.

The biggest popcorn problem is that there just never seems to be enough. I’m shoving my face and reaching into the bowl for more when I realize that I’ve reached the bottom. In my opinion, popcorn should be an endless supply – a bottomless bowl of yumminess. 

Lovin' Lyrics

There are so many ideas floating around in my brain that are often hard to express. I love hearing a song that seems to be reading my mind. And, of course, songs express our feelings in a much more poetic manner. I found a website that showcases the lyrics of a variety of artists. I couldn't stop looking through the website, so I must share them with you!

A blessing and a curse.

 It's never too late to be brand new.

Be proud of your stain.

Savor.

Why is this so difficult?

A hard part of life to accept.

Thank you Brandon Boyd. :-)

Always and forever.

Gaga knows best.

The K's

Substitute teaching is quite an adventure. Walking into different schools and classrooms full of students that have no idea who you are is a whirlwind. You truly have no idea what to expect. Will the kids like me? Will there be a good support staff? What on earth will be in the cafeteria (not like I would be caught dead in line for school lunch)? And of course there are always the few kids that test my limits. It’s like they look at me thinking, “how dumb is this girl?” I may be young, but I wasn’t born yesterday. I’d like to think I can handle most situations.

I thought this until I entered a classroom full of 5 and 6-year-olds. Oh. My. Goodness. Did you realize that kindergarteners still cry when they don’t get their way? Yes, I realize that I sound incredibly ignorant. But seriously, I guess I always thought that kids had that figured out before they headed off to school. Isn’t there a checklist out there? Potty trained – check. Plays well with others – check. Stops crying – check. Yeah… about that list… it doesn’t exist.

I talked to my parents after my adventure. My dad is a guidance counselor for little guys (he calls them the K’s), and my mom is a third grade teacher. I’m sure they got a pretty good laugh after I described my day full of pouting, tattling, and snotty noses. “Ms. Nelson, no one likes me (cry, cry, cry).” I would have liked to say, “Probably because you have been pouting and whining all day.” Seriously kids… figure it out.

I probably sound like I am missing a heart. And honestly, I had a good day. It was fun to watch them color and work on number charts. I have to admit I had a great time hula-hooping during recess.

I am thankful that I was able to have the experience teaching younger kiddos. It is always good to “walk in the shoes” of my fellow teachers. I also know for sure that I belong in the secondary level. With that being said, teenagers are charming; however, they aren’t quite as cute as the K’s. 

Tab, Tab, Tabby

It drives me crazy when people claim to have ADHD because they "get easily distracted." If you find yourself watching the huge bird that flies in front of your windshield or walk into your kitchen and forget what you were looking for, it's really not that strange. I'm sorry, but this doesn't mean that you need to be diagnosed or start popping pills left and right.

Now, don't get me wrong, I am fully aware that ADD and ADHD are very real to those that are clinically diagnosed. In fact, I have a soft spot for those that have to deal with this on a daily base. I cannot image what it would be like to cope with such distractions. I just feel like people overuse the term for some reason or another.

The fact is, we are all easily distracted. As I type this blog post, I have five tabs open on my browser. My mind has been spinning in about seventy different directions this week, and my internet use clearly shows every direction my thoughts seem to wander. Currently, I'm looking at the news, reading about Missy Higgins (random), listening to music on Pandora, and checking out apartments. Wowza! I will not claim to have ADD; I simply just have a mind that is working overtime. Maybe this weekend my poor brain will have a chance to relax. Until then, I continue to have too many tab, tab, tabbys open.

Thankful Thursday!!!!

Where's the Humor?

I have been thinking a lot about my writing. I am very down on myself for the lack of creativity, and, quite frankly, the lack of posting at all. I need someone to tell me where along the way I lost my humor? I swear I used to be so funny. Ugh. Come on, Anna.

So, should I start off by telling corny jokes? Or, I could share a few really embarrassing stories that would leave me blushing behind my computer? I suppose I could tell stories of my friends and I in college. Who doesn’t love to hear about a hot mess on a Saturday night? Maybe I should start seeking more hilarious places. I should really find funnier friends or start watching trashy television again.

I guess I’m just a big bore these days. Just because I’m unemployed and living with my 82-year-old grandpa, it doesn’t give me the right to be a bump on a log. I mean, honestly, I’m listening to Joey McIntyre right now. Who am I? 

Blessings

Sometimes I start to like a song, movie, or T.V. show after I hear it has meaning to a close friend. I may have heard or seen it hundreds of times, but loved ones change our feelings towards so many different things. 

I heard "Blessings" by Laura Story on the radio today, and it brought me back to another time and place with a friend. 

Of course it is always important to count our blessings and not take things for granted. We get lost in the day to day routines and the mundane parts of life. It's easy to forget:

I know it's Monday, but we have a lot to count up :-)

Eat Cake

"You can't have your cake and eat it too." It's a common saying, and honestly, I don't understand. Who says you can't? I mean, how often do you make cake and not eat it? Hear me out.

Let's say you bake a cake for your best friend's birthday. You go to the party; you pin the tail on the donkey; everyone spin's the bottle (depending on what kind of party it is). Then comes time to cut the cake, and you don't eat it? I don't think so! You dive right in along with the other guests. If there is a wild hair in your a**, you may even prefer it al la mode.

I've got your wheels spinning and your mouth watering... I can just tell.

Here's my thought: I believe that everyone should be able to have cake and eat every last bite. In fact, you can even pig out until your pants burst. Figuratively and literally.

On the radio the other day I heard someone talking about how people rarely pray for miracles. They stick to 'the basics' that seem possible on a daily basis. Why do we do this? Why don't we shoot a little higher?

From here on out, I am planning on baking my cake (probably marble or confetti), patiently waiting to frost it, and then eating it... piece by piece. People, let's eat cake.

Who Let the Dogs Out

First off, this post is going to be quite ridiculous. Sometimes I allow my mind to wander off into unknown, even silly places. A kid at heart, I believe that’s what they would call me.

When I was in high school, the song “Who Let the Dogs Out” started playing on the radio. Being that my school mascot was a bulldog, this was too perfect. While we rolled our eyes when people made references to the song, we secretly loved that it became our anthem.

We used to have school dances after every home football game. Everyone came in their bulldog attire, ready to shake our tail-feathers while pretending like we were dancing queens. Of course, we all hoped the football players would pull off a victory. Not only to showcase a good record, but winning meant happy football players that would hopefully attend the dances (nudge, nudge).

I remember one Friday night, my girlfriends and I hooted and hollered as “Who Let the Dogs Out” came on. We were so cool, huh? It was all in good fun.

What brought about this memory? Well, I found this online the other day:

Funny, eh? 

Little Letters

I used to love watching "Kids Say the Darndest Thing" with Bill Cosby. I know it was a remake, but I loved every second of it. I ran across these letters to God sent by children. The are absolutely precious. Enjoy :-)

Fresh Air, Fresh Mind

Yesterday was a weird day for me. I wasn't overwhelming motivated and didn't really know where to start. After lunch, I decided that I needed to snap out of it. I found myself walking around a small lake downtown. It was a beautiful day, and it felt amazing to be outside soaking it all up.

After a brisk walk and some good music, I was feeling like myself again. Sometimes I just need some 'think time' to clear my mind and put things back into perspective.

And of course, I had to hit up the driving range on my way home. Man, I was killing the ball. What a great feeling :-)

Decluttered Weekend

This morning I am feeling a little bit sluggish after the weekend. Lots of laying around and relaxing sometimes leaves me feeling unmotivated. However, my whole weekend was not full of Easter bunnies and chocolate candies, I actually did some major decluttering of all of my things. I moved out of the town I have lived in for over eight years, and it felt so good! I think my mom thought I would be much more sentimental, but I was beyond ready for the move. I am ready for the next step in my life. 

On Saturday afternoon, my mom and I spent some time looking through old boxes of school papers, pictures, and other odds and ends. We had quite a few laughs as we found old notes written by my sister and pictures from various events throughout our lives. It was therapeutic to "throw out" parts of my life that were painful and have been long over. 

The best part was going through a box full of my sister's school papers. We found a story she wrote about receiving her nickname and a peculiar picture of her looking like a monster. Honestly, I cannot put this into words. It was just... hilarious. At any rate, my mom and I were in tears from laughter. 

As I smile about this today, I am reminded how good it feels to declutter, and how laughing during the process is even better. 

The Greatest Gift

Without a doubt, Easter is my favorite holiday. I love the sense of renewal and promise that comes along with the season. As Christians, we celebrate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ; we are reminded that our imperfections are forgiven each day through His grace. This is truly the greatest gift.

The spring season brings more that pesky allergies and anxious feelings for the summer. It is a time to move forward. We are breaking out of the winter months and into the land of newness and revival. The scents of new blossoms and freshly cut grass are constant reminders of the blessings we are offered each day.

I hope your day is full of laughs with family and friends, Easter egg hunts, and smiles as y’all remember the greatest gift. 

The Long and Short of It

This morning started with an 8 mile run through my hometown. In order to make sure I got all my miles in, I had to do some looping around the small town.

I used to get a little nervous for my long runs. There is a daunting feeling knowing I will be running for over an hour. Last summer I wanted to build endurance, and I thought the best way would be to start running longer. My first experience with a "long run" was not good. I hadn't researched or talked to other runners enough to know that there is a science behind it all. You cannot go out running the same speed as you would for a quick couple of miles. There is a definite need for pace-setting. It is important to listen to your body as you pound the pavement.

I was feeling great this morning. I felt like my body could go on forever. I realized that in some ways I would rather run longer distances that shorter sprints. Long runs are a great time to get in touch with my body, mind, and soul. I love the freedom that running permits me. I am able to be alone and think, listen to music, or soak up my surroundings.

Short or long, I have never regretted a run. I hope you are enjoying your Easter weekend!

It Takes Just One

The job hunt continues for me. I am working at being patient, while remembering to be proactive and take charge when the situation calls me to. I know that the best is yet to come.

I continue to hold on to the words of my best friend, Katherine. "One day you don't have a job, and the next you do." Of course this is true in any part of life. One day you are single, the next you are married. One day things seem to be in your favor, then you find yourself in a storm. One encounter, one moment, one second can change everything. As I embrace each day, I know that everything is happening for a reason. I am blessed in every way and have a lot to look forward to.

So, you tell me, what are you excited about?

Messy Pony

I was throwing my hair up into a pony the other day, making it messy. In fact, by the end of it, it looked like one hot mess. Then, on top of that, I used sprayed Kenra so that each mess would hold it's place. Now, this is just a part of my daily routine, but I got to thinking about how strange it really is. I mean, we (and by we, I mean girls) strategically mess our hair up. We don't like to look to finished. Heaven knows we can't look like we care too much.

I was surfing around on Pinterest and found that messy ponies are everywhere. Not only are they on the heads of many girls, there are actual steps in achieving the messiest of messes on our heads.

So when did the "I just rolled out of bed" look become so popular? Does anyone remember when girls slicked their hair up into a nice little bun? I suppose there is a time and place for that too. I believe they call it the library? Or perhaps a ballet recital?

If you ask me, messy is the way to go. Then when it really does get messy, no one will ever know. See, it's all about the strategy :-)

What Are You Wearing?

I have convinced myself that perfume just doesn’t ‘stick’ on me. There are people that you can smell as they breeze on past. Then there is me; it doesn’t matter how many squirts I put on, because I just never get that luscious scent.

Yesterday I was proven wrong. I was subbing for a third grade classroom. One of the other teachers stopped me at recess to ask, “What are you wearing?” I was a little shocked, mostly because I didn’t ‘waste’ a puff of my Viva La Juicy on any nine-year-olds. All I had put on that morning was coconut lotion from Victoria’s Secret. She continued on, “Jamie* told me she was asking you questions because you smelled so good, and she wanted you to come over to her desk!”

I guess the way to smellin' like a lady isn’t $85 worth of Victoria Beckham’s latest scent after all. So why do I keep buying it? In hopes that some day it will ‘stick.’ 

*name changed :-)

Mom and Movies

The other night I realized I was in desperate need of some alone time. I sat in my room and listened to Lori Line piano music while writing. It was just what the doctor ordered.

“Wind Beneath My Wings” popped up on my playlist. It got me thinking about the first time I watched Beaches with my mom. I was only a few years old when the classic flick starring Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey first came out. My mom must have rented it one afternoon, and I got the pleasure of watching it along side of her. Now, I do not remember this day exactly, but I love hearing my mom retell the story. Many of you may know that Beaches is incredibly sad. There is a part when “Wind Beneath My Wings” plays as the young Victoria deals with the loss of her mother. On this afternoon years ago, my mom looked over at me during this very scene. She told me I had tears rolling down my face. My mom was surprised that I was moved by this scene at such a young age. “I didn’t even know that you understood what was going on.”

There is a part in the movie where Victoria mentions that her hands are the same as her mom’s. I realized the other day that I have my mom’s hands. Every now and again I look down at my hands and think of my mom and our afternoon movies.

The Naughty Spot

I’ve been a bad, bad blogger. For some reason I have had difficulty tuning into my creative side. Usually I have “ah-ha” moments that lead to my blog posts, but lately I’ve had a lot of… well, nothing.

I have been searching for entertaining writing ideas. I have been going through quite a few changes. Often it is hard to completely wrap my head around it all. When there are uncertainties in life, it is hard to share them (especially when posting them online). Things are not exactly “stable” for me right now; therefore, I am reluctant to be an open book.

What you must know is that I’m very happy. Even though life can be crazy, it can also be fun and exciting. The new adventures that I am embracing make me smile. Life really is good right now. Hallelujah!!

My weekly goal is to be a better blogger. Until then, I will place myself in the naughty spot. Toodles!