Are you an organ donor?

The other day, I had to stop by the Revenue Office and get a new drivers license. I have not gotten a new license, since my sister has passed away. One of the first questions they asked me was if I still wanted to be an organ donor. In the past I have always said yes, with a smile, knowing that someday I might be able to help someone out if something were to ever happen to me. But this time it was different, after she asked me, I just stood there with a blank look on my face, not knowing what to say or do. The only thing I could think of was the horrible scar my sister had from being an organ donor, and how we couldn't burry her in her white princess gown because of it. How last minute we had to find something else to send her home in, and it wasn't quite as beautiful as the white gown. This really made me stop and think about being an organ donor. Should we all be organ donors and help someone in the future who might need it? What about in our everyday lives, are you an organ donor? Have a you gave your heart to Jesus? It's exciting to know that in our lives, we have the opportunity to be an organ donor twice! So, stop and and think about your life. Sometimes its worth having those ugly scars for God to forgive, so that we can "donate" our hearts back to him. = )

Pool Time!

What's better than spending the day at the pool with friends! This past weekend, we spent both Saturday and Sunday at the pool, and it was a blast! On Saturday, we had a Horseshoe Competition - and for the record, I am horrible! But it was still fun. We also grilled chicken, steak, and had baked potatoes, salad, and grapes! It was yummmy and cooked to perfection. Every time we all get together at the pool, all the guys have some sort of competition. Last time, they spent hours seeing who could swim the underwater the farthest (down and back). This time they had what they called the QBC, Quarterback Challenge. They spent all day jumping off of the diving board and throwing the football at each other. It was pretty interesting, and got pretty competitive!

Teacher or Dog Sitter

Today was my very first day as a "teacher". I spent my morning in new teacher orientation, and will finish that up tomorrow. Then, I join all of the experienced teachers for some more teacher inservice, from now until school starts. So, my summer is officially over. Today, we took a tour of the building, went over important dates and other information that ALL teachers needs to know, and watched a video on strengths. According to the video a strength is something you enjoy doing, not necessarily something you are good at. After the video, we had to create a poster, listing our strengths. Do you know how how it is to come up with your own strengths? Think about it: your whole life, different people, like your family, friends, co-workers, teachers, pastor, etc have praised you with your "strengths" (things your good at, but are these things you actually enjoy?) So, you should sit down and come up with some of your own strengths (things you enjoy) It's pretty interesting. After orientation today-- (Becke' you can stop reading, because you might get mad) I ran to Bella's Gifts and bought a cute little polka dot bag and got my name monogrammed on it. MS. MARTENS How fun does that sound? Now, I feel more official! (Becke', if you didn't listen, and you kept reading, don't worry, I've found something else for you to get me!)

I'm excited and looking forward to student teaching this year.

It's time to get serious, but still have some fun.

But, I'm wondering if I should think about changing my career....

FYI: If you write something down, and take a picture of it, it's backwards.

FYI: Even if you write the name backwards, the letters will still be backwards. = )

After several years of school, hard work and lot's of time and money - I'm wondering if maybe I should be a professional dog sitter. In the past month, I feel like that's all I've done!

• Constantly check on a friends dog while he's out of town during the week. (almost everyday)
• Dog sat for an old friend at the bank. (weekend... and had to take the dog to the vet, long story!)
• Dog sat for some close friends while they went out of town. (weekend)
• This weekend, old friend at the bank wants the best dog sitter back again!

But, I think I'll stick with teaching, even though dogs tend to not talk back! ; )

Have a good day!

What makes a good day?

• Test Drive a Black Camaro - check
• Eye Brows Waxed - check
• Great Sale at Maude ($5 rack) - check
• Lunch with the Girls - check
• Pedicure with my best friend - check

What more could a girl ask for?

I've been enjoying my days off, I don't know what I'm going to do next week when school starts back.

Been 2 Long?

According to everyone in my family, it has been way too long since my last post. Honestly, I've been trying to enjoy my so called summer, before I have to start back next week. It's amazing how fast the summer goes by. I technically wouldn't even call it a break. I'm sure you're wondering what I have been up to these past few months. So here's a mini break down-

1. Floating Trips to the River

Several of my friends thought it would be a great idea to invest in some canoes, so we have been able to go to the River a couple of times this summer, before it got to dry and too hot. I love floating! There's just something about being on the quiet river, sitting in the front, not looking at anyone else or worrying about anything! It's a blast!

2. Trip to the Beach

Mom and I loaded up our stuff, left the house at 4:30 AM and headed to the beach. It was nice to be able to spend some quality time with my beautiful mommy. Even though I still live at home, we hardly ever get to see each other, because of our different schedules. We went to Gulf Shores, AL. The oil was there, and we got quite a bit of rain, but we still had a wonderful time. As always, we ate at some of favorite restaurants, went to Target, and spent some time in the sun by the water. AND we made it home in record time this year! Thanks again mom for a wonderful trip!

3. Expensive Dog

Dogs are like children, and when they're sick- you have to take them to the Doctor. For the past year of so, my poor baby has had problems with her ears and eyes and NO doctor around here can figure it out. She is starting to get older (She'll be 9 this month) and I just need to except that, but she has always been SO healthy her whole life. So, we have been on trips to different vets and spent many dollars at each one. But she's worth it!

4. Birthday Party

I was in charge of throwing a birthday party for one of my friends. We had it at Sassy's, on the patio. It turned out great and was very surprised! Surprise party's are the best!

5. Celebration of 40 wonderful years

My parents 40th Wedding Anniversary was this past Saturday, so we had a small get together at my Aunts house. She prepared a wonderful meal and baked a delicious cake. It was nice to be able to spend time with my family and I got to meet my brothers girlfriend, Jennifer.

6. Decorating a Classroom

My intern teacher invited me to help decorate her classroom and it was a blast. But let me tell you, there's a lot of time and effort that goes into that! And it definitely works out better when you have some extra hands, so I will hopefully be doing some recruiting next year when I'm decorating my first class! (If I get a job)

It's Real Now...

I have an interview tomorrow at Shaw Elementary. I never thought I would actually be here, interviewing for a student teaching position for next semester. It's crazy to stop and think that I will actually be done in one year and will hopefully have a classroom full of my own students! I am very excited to have my student placement at Shaw, I have heard so many wonderful things about their school and faculty. I'm looking forward to learning lot's of new things and expanding my knowledge in so many ways! But, I am NOT looking forward to the interview tomorrow, I am a nervous wreck. I do not do well when I am put on the spot, and let's face it- that's what interviews are, you are put on the spot! Well, wish me luck tomorrow.....

First Time For --

GOLFING

I went and hit golf balls for the first time and let me tell you, it was actually a lot of fun. I've now realized that golf is a great way to relieve a lot of stress! It's a special time with just you, the put (driver, or some club with a number... not sure. not that good yet, lol) and the ball. I had a great time and I think I might have missed my calling. I actually hit the ball... in the air on my very first try. I told my sister that my brother-in-law would be very proud of me! So, I'm open for any pointers. So far I've gotten:

• Keep your head down
• Don't pick up your feet like your swinging a bat
• Thumbs Down
• Lock pinky and finger together
• Keep arms straight

*I think there's a lot to remember in this sport.....

Keystone, CO

Last minute vacation -- KEYSTONE, COLORADO

IT'S TIME TO GO SKIING!!!

Kirby, Craig and I headed out on Sunday night (11 pm) to go skiing. We drove (well I rode) through the night and arrived at our destination around 3 pm on Monday! We stayed slope side and had a wonderful time. We got to ski Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and headed out around 4 pm and got back home Friday morning at 6:30ish am. It was a fun, but quick trip!