The "Issues"

This past week I sent in my application to receive my absentee ballot (better late then never?) I have always believed that it is my civic duty to voice my opinion in elections. I had a teacher in high school that told us, "Always recycle and vote." We would all kind of laughed about it; however, we all knew she was serious... and right.

I was asking my senior students (those that are 18, of course) if they were planning on voting in the upcoming election. While there were few that plan on participating, many of them pulled out the worn-out excuses: "I don't like either of the candidates." "I don't know enough about what is going on to vote." "What's the point? My vote doesn't matter."

I started to become discouraged when I remembered that I used to say the same things. I used to believe that my voice didn't matter. While I am only one person, I am still a part of the American population. It is important that I utilize my right.

Yes, politics are confusing. No, I do not fully understand the terminology and issues that are discussed. To be honest, much of it doesn't really interest me. This does not mean that I am a shallow person, only that I am not engulfed in the technicalities of the upcoming election.

With that said, I am informed on the issues that matter to me. I know that foreign policy effects me; however, I am more directly touched by issues of education. I have researched where each candidate stands when it comes to No Child Left Behind, vouchers, and standardized testing. I am interested in lowing student loans and other aspects of higher education. These issues matter most to me, so I do my best to read and study to know that I am making the right decision in the voting booth for me and my future.

I guess my point is, get informed. You don't have to be an expert, but it is your duty and right to have an opinion and vote.

TGIF

I made it to the end of the week. Around Tuesday and Wednesday I was skeptical that I would survive the week; however, after a rowdy pep rally, I was on my way out the door.

After a couple of busy weekends, I knew come Monday that I would need a weekend of nothingness. Yes, I planned this weekend out before the week had even started, which probably added to my anxiety and poor mood this week. I was not in the mood for really anything, leaving me to just "get by" in all aspects of my life. While teaching, I felt like I was lacking strength to pull together effective lessons. As I got home, I realized I didn't feel like doing much beside lounging and catching up on "The Real Housewives." There's really nothing better than popcorn and educational television. The added stress of personal issues did not help the situation. Did I mention it was cloudy and rainy most of the week? I am powered by sunlight, and this was not a good way to start my days. 

Enough of all that. I am happy to say that I am contently watching my second movie of the night. I have completed two loads of laundry and have a fresh coat of nail polish on my fingers and toes. I am looking forward to a good night's rest and some fun with family and friends tomorrow. I just want to say for the 78th time today: "TGIF!!!"

Happy weekend, peeps!

P.S. I didn't feel like proofreading. Back to my movie :-)

Twenty-Something

I celebrated my 27th birthday this past weekend. To be honest, I have mixed feelings about my age. Every once in a while I get a little anxious about growing older. It has taken me a bit longer than expected to "come in to my own." It may be hard to believe, but going back to school and the transitioning that came along with it was not my initial plan. Yes, I still wrestle with regret and heartache. Upon reflection, there are still times that haunt me. I comfort myself by remembering that it has all helped shape and strengthen me.

I am still learning to stand on my own two feet. I realize now, more than ever, that I needed to weather a storm or two in order to fully appreciate my self-worth. There are very few things that I take for granted. With each struggle that presents itself, I am confident that I will be able to tackle the situation with grace and optimism.

I ran across an article titled "20 Things That Will Make Your 20s Even Better." Y'all know me... I clicked, and instantly I was scrolling and nodding my head. Here are a few of my favorites:

* Acknowledge moments of happiness and be grateful for them.
* Make a point to spend more time with your friends and family in person.
* Don't let your mood or your self-worth be directly tied to your bank account balance. Money is important, but it is not everything.
* Never forget that while you are getting older, your parents are too. Spend time with them and always say, "I love you."
* Get a library card and use it. Time spent nourishing your mind and soul is never wasted time.
* Find an activity you love to do that is good for your body.
* Educate yourself in politics. You don't need to be an expert if you don't want to, but you should know how you feel about big issues.
* Don't be scared to fall in love, but remember to fall in love with yourself first.
* Walk away from relationships where you are treated like an option and not a priority.
* Always be kinder than you feel like being. You never know what other people are going through.
* Let go of the need to rush through life When we are young, all we want is to be older. Pretty soon, we're going to be wishing to be young again.

Just what I needed to read.

Pep Talk

Monday left me feeling discouraged and lacking confidence. I felt like I was being tested, and I was unable to really figure out how to address the situations that were presented to me. Luckily, I have a lot of wonderful and supportive co-workers, family, and friends. I was offered advice that boosted my confidence. 

Every once it a while there are a few things that I need to remind myself:

1. I am qualified and know what I am doing. It's almost as if I start believe that my students are smarter than me. Yes, many of them are very bright; however, I am the certified teacher.  During my student teaching, I had a mentor tell me to never forget that I am a smart, trained professional. 

2. It is my classroom. There are a lot of different ways to do things. I respect what other teachers do in their own classrooms; however, that doesn't mean it will work for me. I am in charge of what I teach. Yes, there are certain standards that I must meet, but I am able to teach them in a way that makes me feel comfortable. 

3. Each student matters. It is so easy to teach to studious students. I was reminded today that a monkey can teach those students; however, reaching the more challenged students is where the work resides. "We do not get to pick and choose our students." No matter the background or academic capability of a student, they deserve my best. 

"You've gotta take the students that the school gives you and do the best you can."  

The short pep talks I have heard over the past few days are enough to motivate me... at least until the weekend :-)

It's a Colorful Life

Can we start the weekend over? I would just looove to experience it all again! The lack of sleep will probably hit me this week, but the amount of fun was totally worth it.

Friday night I hit up a sports bar that I hadn't been to in way too long. I met up with a couple different groups of friends, which not only makes you feel good, but it was great to laugh and chat. I really missed the atmosphere and the company, so I wasn't regretting the lack of sleep when Saturday morning arrived.

Saturday was full of activities. I feel like I exercised the entire day, which is why my legs are jello today. My family came down to watch my sister and me participate in The Color Run. For those of you who don't know, The Color Run is a 5k that has been traveling around the country. You come dressed in white, and at every kilometer they spray you with a blast of a different color. It's a leisurely run for people of all ages and abilities. Honestly, it's just a huge party with dancing and colorful dust everywhere. It was AWESOME! The turn out was incredible. It ended up being the largest 5k in the country, which gives me goosebumps. I ran beside my best friend, Katherine, and her husband, Adam. We had a blast together getting blasted with color :-)

Last night, I went out with my brother and a ton of friends. I guess I couldn't stop moving because I ended up dancing most of the night. In short, I am loving my life right now. I can't stop smiling today :-)

Let It Be

As I drove home today, I couldn't help but realize how at peace I felt. Last week, I felt like a total fruit-loop. I was crabby and unsettled. The lack of sleep from a ticking mind truly impacted each moment of my days. I am happy to say that this week was a complete 180. School has gone so much smoother, and for some reason, I feel much more comfortable in my own skin. Sometimes it just takes a conversation with a friend or a change of heart to really put things into perspective. I am definitely much more at ease.

My grandpa sent me an email the other day which included, "God already knows everything about you and the situation. He's not asking your permission to proceed; rather, He is calling you to move forward with faith and obedience. He didn't make an error in choosing you for the task, but you will make a huge mistake if you refuse to do it."

I realized I was feeling on-edge last week because I was loosing confidence in myself, not only as a teacher, but in all aspects of my life. I started to pressure myself. I was bumming myself out about things I had no control over. Questioning and over-thinking was beginning to make me anxious. As I get older, I find this happens a lot around my birthday.

I used to find myself living in the past, leading me to regret and discouragement. I learned how to forgive and more forward. Now I struggle with living in the future. I forget who is in control, and I worry my little heart out. I need to remember to live for each day. In order to find peace and enjoyment in life, there are some things that I just need to let be.

School Picture Day

Tomorrow is school picture day. I have yet to lay out my outfit on the foot of my bed, but I'm sure I will get something worked out before I head out the door tomorrow morning. My mom suggested that I practice my smile in front of the mirror this evening. That will not be happening.

I don't know why I used to get so anxious over school pictures. I always packed a comb and  travel-size hairspray in my backpack in order to "primp" right before the snapshot. As I got older, my makeup bag was in hand along with my cold lunch and Algebra textbook. It would have been the end of the world if I couldn't reapply bronzer and mascara before entering the bright lights of the infamous large camera.

If I were to lay out all of my school pictures, you would see the aging process quite definitely. You would see my hair transformation, as I tried to grow out my bangs and eventually start adding highlights. You would also be privileged to see that my "awkward stage" lasted from 5th grade until my junior year. That, my friends, takes talent.

Tomorrow I will be sure to throw on my best blouse and smile from ear-to-ear. My fingers will be crossed in hopes that my school picture will not turn out like any of these: