Another one bites the dust . . .

Happy Tuesday!

I'm back from the Family Reunion Adventure. We had so many catastrophes (most of them minor, thankfully) that I couldn't wait to get home, just to make sure I was safe. There were 45-50 of our crazy family members together and in 3 days we had 8 accidents/injuries/etc. NO JOKE! Maybe the whole reunion thing wasn't a good thing? Fortunately, all survived and all are improving (if they hadn't improved over the weekend). I can say, we had a blast, but we also had moments that we could've (and should've) lived without. From the forehead gash/infection, to the heat exhaustion, to the collision of boats, to the choking, to the tripping, to the falling onto the boat dock and the heart attack scare, we have created some serious stories - I bet there are more, I just don't care to remember them all. This was a weekend that showed us how much we love and appreciate our family. Believe it or not, we can't wait to be together again. Of course this will have to wait until everyone heals! I LOVE my family!!

In other news . . . I received a call yesterday stating that I was not selected for the job - again. This one didn't surprise me, based on the experience I had at the interview. I was told that the person that was selected had a lot of experience with this grade level. Again, back to the drawing board! Sure, I'm still trying to remain positive. Unfortunately, it's difficult. But, this too shall pass! I know that greatness is out there and that is what I will wait for. It will be worth it!

I've also decided that I need to get my rear in gear! I'm going to get back to my exercise & healthy eating. I figure that if I'm feeling great about myself, then good things can happen. When I'm feeling bloated, lethargic, and not-so great, people can see that. I want to be the best I can be because I want to get the best possible for me!! So, I'm making changes! I need more water, more exercise/movement, and less food. Can't be that difficult, right? Once I have a full plan, I'm sure I'll be sharing it!

I hope all are well and having a fantastic week! I look forward to hearing/reading what happened in your lives this past weekend! :-)

Procrastinate much?

Well, as a matter of fact I do! Thank you for asking!

I've procrastinated so much this week that I even thought I could do my Thursday - 13 on Friday morning. Then, I realized that wasn't right so I didn't post one at all. How's that for procrastination? Wait, wouldn't that just be failure to follow through? Hmmm, we'll have to think about that!

I'm heading out to a family reunion today. I'm super excited about the get-away. The whole family (probably about 50 - 60 of us) are meeting at a lake resort to ski, play in the water, boat, act like crazy people (which we are) & just be together. I can't wait to be there. I take that back. If I couldn't wait to be there - I would have been packed by now. Right? Thanks to procrastination, I'm JUST NOW starting laundry I need to take. Boy! Anyone out there have a cure for this procrastination thing?? Does that come in a pill form?

Fortunately, I only mildly procrastinated yesterday. I had an interview. The interview was at 1:30pm and I was up early to prepare. I had put together packets of my resume, letters of recommendation, and all the other things that make me look great (on paper). I washed my car, gathered my portfolio, and was ready to take on the day. I got to the interview and it was the strangest experience yet. I was in a room with 4 strange people that I did/do not know and they each asked me four questions. The questions were read, I answered, they moved on to the next. I was trying to be energetic and bubbly (like I typically am) but it didn't change the mood in the room one bit. I didn't get smiles, affirmations, nods or anything! Can we say "awkward"? I can, and I did! I have to say, I did the best I could and if being "me" doesn't get the job, then I don't want it. I should hear more by Saturday.

I hope you're all in for a fantastic Friday and a wonderful weekend. I hope to have a wonderful weekend and have some amazing stories to share from the family get-a-way. I look forward to reading your fun stories too!!!

Happy Friday!

Anyone else just trying to catch up?

Wow! When did Wednesday get here? I've been in a bit of a tunnel since last week. Boy, have I had some adventures!

It's funny how dependent we become on little things like "technology". I was trying to be proactive and get some things (like my iPhone) updated. I felt good about it until I "fried" my phone! I lost everything! The phone wouldn't even turn on/off. I had a blank screen and no where to go. I was without a phone for over 24 hours this weekend (through Monday). I constantly claim that I do not get calls or say that I don't "need" to be contacted or have contact with others so much. I was so wrong! I was nearly lost without that thing! Not to mention that I have applications and resumes out and can't very well receive the call to be interviewed without my phone! Fortunately, I was able to march into the Apple store (had to make an appointment) and get it all fixed. I lost a bunch of my contacts and things, but I was able to get the phone restored and even got a call for an interview!!! YIPEE!

This week started rough, but it is turning out to be good. I received OFFICIAL notification this morning that I am now a CALIFORNIA CREDENTIALED TEACHER! Celebration is in order. On second thought, I will wait to celebrate until AFTER tomorrow's interview! Yep! I have an interview tomorrow for a 5th grade position (fingers crossed & prayers are flying). I'm trying to hold back with telling people and getting my hopes up, but I can't help but be grateful for the opportunity. One of them has to work out, right??

So, in a nut shell, I've had/seen the good, the bad, and the ugly this week. But I've got some great things to look forward to and I choose to be excited about those good things!

Happy Wednesday!

Thursday - 13 - "To do list" edition

It's Thursday!

We've made it and I'm excited about my 2nd week with the Thursday 13 crew! I was thinking about what to list today and I was reminded of a list I used to keep when I was about 20. I had created a list of 20 things I wanted to do in my lifetime. The cool think was that when I did something from the list, I'd create a new "thing" to add to my list. So, today I am going to list 13 of the things I still want to do! Here goes . . .

1. Travel/visit all 50 states. So far, I have 18 states under my belt and I have a few more to go! This one may take a long time, but with my list of festivals, I'm sure I'll get there soon! So, Laurie & Jil, watch out! I'll be in Texas at some point!! :-)

2. Be a teacher, if only for a year. This was on my very first list. The good news is that I've put in a lot of hard work to reach this goal and I'm so close (I have now officially been recommended to receive a California State Teaching Credential)- just a classroom/job away. But I wanted to include this because I still haven't accomplished it - but I WILL!

3. Drink a Guinness in a pub in Ireland. When I was younger my aunt had visited Ireland. I was so taken by the photos that she brought back that I have been fascinated with Ireland ever since. I will get there and I can't wait!

4. Ride in a hot air balloon. Have you ever just wondered what it would be like to leisurely coast over beautiful land? I have and I want to experience it for myself! Every year, in my town, we have hot air balloons gather and ride right over our house. One of these days I'll be in one!

5. Experience a gondola ride in Venice. I have an adventurous nature about me, but most of it is just in traveling and experiencing new things (not like eating bugs and such). I see and hear about people going on these breath taking adventures and I want to get in on that too!

6. See the Eiffel Tower in Paris. I can look at pictures of this tower all day long. I want to be there! I want to see it! I want a picture of the tower with ME in it! That's one picture I'd be happy to have!

7. Join a bowling league. I'm not the best bowler. In fact, I'm not even really good at it. But I enjoy the social aspects of bowling and I would love to be part of a team. This would probably help me to be a better bowler. If not, it may bring me new friends.

8. Watch roller derby live! I didn't realize I wanted to participate in something like this until I saw the movie "Whip It". I had so much fun watching the sport in the movie that I would love to see this live! I'm not sure I could ever participate in a league (I break too easily) but I sure would like to be a part of the crowd. I'm not even sure if they have roller derby in my town. This one may force me to travel. :-)

9. Be able to run/jog for at least 1 mile without stopping. This is something that seems to silly to some (those that run on a regular basis), but I've never been able to do this. I have just recently met people and read blogs about people that are runners or have become runners and I am inspired. This is something that doesn't cost money but could provide great benefits (health, exercise, adventure, stress relief).

10. Learn how to successfully make home-made tortillas. Again, this may seem minor or silly. I love my aunt's homemade tortillas. I have been wanting to do this for a long time (not that I need to eat them). I have attempted to make tortillas myself but I either don't have the right recipe or I'm just horrible at making them. So, I will be (hopefully) taking some lessons and be able to make home made tortillas whenever I want! :-)

11. Create a video and post it on You Tube. I'm not quite sure what I would create, but I think it would be fun to be able to say that I created a movie/video and others (from around the world) could watch it. How cool would that be? I'm open for suggestions.

12. Purchase a Tiffany & Co jewelry set (ring, earrings, necklace). I love the Tiffany & Co. silver jewelry sets because they can be simple yet elegant. This may take some serious money saving, but I think it would be worth it.

13. Have a full day "make-over" (including wardrobe) followed by a nice evening of dinner and dancing with people I love! We never seem to take enough time to allow ourselves to feel like a million bucks. We deserve to show off who we are and we should make a point to take care of that.

What a list! I had best get started. I'm curious to know if anyone has already taken care of one of these. If you have, how was it??

Happy Thursday everyone!!!

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others’ comments. It’s easy, and fun!

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It's on my to do list . . .

As I sit here playing on the computer I have the TV on in the background. A commercial comes on that speaks to my day. The voice says, "It's on my to do list" and he starts listing all sorts of things with a tone that says, "there will never be enough time to get to them all". Well, that's exactly how I feel. I keep saying, "That's what I'm going to take care of this summer." Yet, some how, these things are slipping through my grasp just as quickly as time is flying by. Who knew that July would get here so quickly? It's funny how a commercial can speak to you (me) and remind us that there will always be things to do and time will get the best of us if we don't watch out. We just have to set priorities, right?

Today is the first day that I've taken my son to an "all day" summer vacation spot. I had decided that he'd benefit from having a social outlet this summer so he doesn't get bored with me (which he does). It also helps me to get stuff done and not get stressed out by a bored/under occupied little one. So, I've got the WHOLE day to take care of my list!!!

For me, I get to look forward to a day of accomplishments. Sure, some of these may be mini-accomplishments but I'll take what I can get.

Wishing everyone a happy day full of accomplishments!

How can I make a difference today?

I'm sitting here "playing" on my computer while my son is sitting (just a few feet away from me) playing a video game. I started thinking, "hey, this is what we did yesterday." I'm nearly ashamed to admit it, but it was a sad day. I was obsessively searching for jobs, submitting applications, and checking to see if anyone had read or responded to those. Sure, we got up and away from our technology for an hour to clean. But honestly, one hour to be up and at 'em in an 8 hour time frame? This is not acceptable! Yes, I did get up, shower, and take the little giant to karate, but really? Do you know what we could've done with those 8 hours? A LOT!

So, today, this will change. We will make a difference and a change in our lives today. I haven't yet decided what we will do, but it's going to be something and it's going to be active! I'm thinking about hitting the roller rink, the library, or the craft store (by the way, I'm always up for suggestions). Something so that the little one doesn't have to say, "I just played video games all day long." What kind of a summer would that be??

Here's to creating a very fun, eventful, and happy Friday! I hope you are all able to make a difference in today too!!!

Happy Friday!

Thursday Thirteen!

I decided to get off my "sour apple" sort of a day and jump on the band wagon with Laurie and Kim. So, I am attempting to join the Thursday Thirteen bunch! Yahoo. Here is my first T-13 post and I'm going to write about the festivals that take place in the United States that I would like to attend. This all started from a simple show on the Food Network and these festivals are tugging at my "heart strings". I plan to hit these over the next few summers/years to come!

Festivals to attend (in no particular order). . .

1. The Garlic Festival (Gilroy, CA) - Gilroy is actually pretty close to where I live, yet I've never made it. This needs to change next year!
2. The Banana Split Festival (Willmington, Ohio) - Who wouldn't want to go to a banana split festival? Doesn't this just sound divine? And I've never been to Ohio. What would be a better excuse than a festival to go to?
3. Pig on the Pond (Clermont, FL) - I'm not quite sure what this adventure would hold, but I'm guessing it has to do with the many ways to prepare a pig. If nothing else, it sounds like an adventure and it would get me to Florida.
4. National Buffalo Wing Festival (Buffalo, NY) - I have been to New York, but never been to Buffalo. Since I love a good buffalo chicken wing, I would imagine this would be a great place to get some good ones!
5. Valparaiso Popcorn Festival (Valparaiso, Indiana) - I LOVE popcorn. I would love to go to a festival that's featured guest is popcorn. At this festival they have recipes that are not usual that have to feature popcorn. Food Network did a special on this and it looks like it would be a blast! I can't wait!
6. Georgia Peach Festival (FortValley & Byron, GA) - I love peaches! Though I can't really eat many peaches anymore, I still love them and would love to experience all of the things you can do with peaches. Bring it on!
7. National Cherry Blossom Festival (Washington, DC) - I have heard some incredible things about the Cherry Blossom Festival and I would love to be there to experience them for myself. Plus, this takes place at our nation's capital. I'd get to sight see and take in the festivities. Can't wait to pack my bags for this one!
8. California Avocado Festival (Carpinteria, CA) - Now, this one I could hit this year! I love avocados and could make a mean guacamole. I would love to see what other things could come out of avocados!
9. The Zellwood Corn Festival (Zellwood, FL) - A friend of mine had told me about this festival. What a great vegetable to focus on - corn! Corn is in everything these days. I want to see if they create dresses and art out of it too!
10. California Strawberry Festival (Oxnard, CA) - Now doesn't this just sound delicious? I love strawberries! I may not be able to do them all day long, but at least I could say I tried, right?
11. Boston Blues Festival (Boston, MA) - who wouldn't love to go to Boston and experience a blues festival? Ok, Ok, I don't typically think of blues & Boston going together, but I like the blues and I am itching to experience Boston - so, now I have an excuse. :-)
12. Beale Street Music Festival (Memphis, TN) - My family (grandparents) were from Memphis and it's a place I would love to see. I've heard about this festival from many people and would love to experience it for myself.
13. Mardi Gras (New Orleans, LA) - I may not be the "take off your top and flash everyone" type, but I'd still love to see (if only once) the madness and chaos associated with this extremely famous event. I can only imagine the craziness that happens during a time like this. Someday . . . I will experience it (modestly, of course).

I'm always up for good suggestions and adventures. Let me know if there's a festival in your area that would be worth a trip!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others’ comments. It’s easy, and fun!

Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants