14 things for 2014

1. See Gavin Degraw in concert

2. Road trip to Wilmington, NC to visit some of the places One Tree Hill was filmed 

3. Build up my "teacher wardrobe"

4. Snowboard with Jaiden in NY

5. Run some type of organized race

6. Take my Varsity girls to the state tournament

7. Blade 20 miles consecutively 

8. Deadlift more than 200lbs

9. GO TO THE BEACH - Crazy I live in FL and didn't go ONE TIME this year.. it's a shame. 

10. Buy and learn to use a DSLR Camera! (Specifically the Canon Rebel Ti3) 

11. Drink around the world at Epcot 

12. Go to Sea World for FREE as an Educator (multiple times of course)

13. Run a mile without stopping (hence the race, should probably accomplish this before signing up for one)

14. Go to the midnight premier of Divergent at City Place to the theater with the seats that move like a roller coaster!

Bring on 2014!

Ahh, the obligatory new year post. 

Crazy to think that it was a year ago that I posted about the exciting stuff that was going to happen for me in 2013..being that I didn't follow through and blog quite as much as I would have liked to in 2013, I'm going to do a little recap...

2013 was HUGE. So many things happened but I'm going to highlight a few of my favorites...

I coached my first season at OHS.. and let me tell you, for a team that wasn't supposed to go anywhere this season..making it to a Regional Semifinal ain't half bad. I loved every bit of it, even the struggle, stress, and sometimes hard situations, just added to accomplishment felt when growth was made and shown. 

Pretty sure this was against South Fork the second time.. my absolute favorite game of the season. We were expected to lose, and the girls came out swinging. Beat those bulldogs to the ground. 

On top of coaching at OHS, I graduated from FAU and landed a job teaching at the high school right across the hall from dear old Dad :) teaching the exact same thing... Crazy  right?! The first picture listed is my classroom the day I got my keys... it felt so surreal that it was MY classroom. (Obviously said by the snapchat ;) The second picture was last night after Mom and I spent a few hours there. If you're a broke, recent college graduate who has to decorate a classroom with all the supplies you DON'T have and CAN'T afford...ask your Mom. They're pretty handy at stuff like that. Mine found old Maps in the classroom, ripped up an old Atlas,  and Wah-Lah! A decorated wall that looks flippin awesome! - And the third pic is one of my cap.. my first completed Pinterest project, but mine looked WAY better, of course. 

Also added some Dr. Seuss to the wall, half to bring that Elementary degree in somehow. 

2014 brings a whole bag of challenges and new chapters. I'm really starting my career. It's insane how fast college flies by, when in the process of earning that degree, the light at the end of the tunnel is about as noticeable as a star on a cloudy night. It's never there and then all of a sudden, BAM you're on stage shaking someones hand and receiving a degree that you've stressed, sweat, and cried over. 

I'm an elementary Major embarking on a career in 11th grade American History. Only 5 years ago I was sitting in one of the seats I'll be teaching to. NUTS. In 2014 I want to be a teacher that touches lives and inspires students to seriously shoot for the stars. As cliche as it sounds, I became a teacher because I wanted to help kids see their potential, to help them understand that no matter where they come from or how much money they do or don't have, they have an opportunity to be great, if only they work to achieve it. (The summers off were a bonus as well.) 

2013 also included a trip to Wisconsin for Thanksgiving. To say I had a good time would be the understatement of the year, the trip was as awesome as going to Disney for the first time when you're 5. It was FREEZING and I loved it! There was snow, tons of snow... and lots of Aunts and Uncles to spoil me, feed me, and convince me to move to WI. And honestly... if not for coaching and this job at the HS, I would consider it. (That's another thing I've realized this year, anything is possible! Even moving across the country! Not that I plan to anytime soon, but you never know.) Here are some pics from the trip..

There were 100+ people at the Peirick Thanksgiving - so it included a nice cake and some congratulations on graduation and lob landing :)

Taken right after arrival, waiting on Auntie Dee to pick me up. By the time she got there my nose was numb.
FREEZING. 

Random adventures with Uncle DJ and Jordan. 

YES I have an Aunt Kristi and Uncle Chris who are married to each other. I love them.

 

This little man was attached to me the entire time. Every morning I heard his little feet coming down the stairs to the basement to wake me up.. "Tale-Uh, can you wake up now??" He showered me with kisses and snuggles all week. 

This was just behind my Aunt's house, after the snow came we made use of it, sledding was so fun!

In 2014, I want to make it to Wisconsin at least twice. I figure having a solid income will allow me to travel a bit more. So I plan to... I'd also like to make it to NY to visit Jaiden. It's no fun when your cousin/best friend moves across the country. Not having her in FL SUCKS. 

2013 also came with a John Mayer Concert - that was FANTASTIC. I'd like to see him again in 2014, along with Gavin Degraw, and Katy Perry. ( I know, drastically different artists, but I think Katy would be so fun) - On top of that, I'm really wanting to take a road trip. Laughing with the two ladies in the picture below, is one of my favorite things. Friends since we were 4 and still close as ever.. I recognize that friendship like this is a rarity, and I'm so thankful for it. - Allison and Mel have been around forever, and so have Angela, Rebekah, and Sarah. I'm so thankful for them and that we're still close despite that our lives are constantly changing. Emy and Raychie are the "newest" friends in my circle, and I'm so glad to have them. They too will be around forever. Friendship is such a blessing. I'm counting on road trips, concerts, movies, and more fun in 2014 with all of these ladies. 

So this blog has become a recap of 2013/what I want for 2014 :)

I want to be a good teacher, coach, and friend. I want to spend much of my time laughing with my favorite people, and pursuing every dream I can. Most importantly, I want to spend more time seeking Jesus, and the plans he has for me. 2013 taught me what it really meant to love God's plan, and to do away with the worrying. There's no point to it! Seeking him and trusting that he really does have it all together makes for a less stressful existence. - I'll read more of his word and write down what he tells me through it. (While assuredly consuming a nice cup of Dunkin Donuts coffee.)

And YES I'm going to be a cliche when it comes to resolutions for the new year... but what I won't be is one that doesn't follow through. Quite simply, I want to get fit. I dabbled in Crossfit this year, and due to lack of time and funding wasn't able to commit like I wanted to. But Come January 7th (school starts, back from cruise, routine starts) the prodigal daughter is coming back to her Crossfit family!. I want to lift heavier, run further, and just do more than I could before. 

One last thing - this year I'm going to try and be more thankful. I am beyond blessed in EVERY area of my life, and sometimes it's easy to forget and whine about what I might not have yet. I'm going to do my best to keep those moments down to a minimum, because in all reality life is good, God is greater, and to wallow in the "I wants" is stupid. 

2013 was more than good to me, but I'm ready to kick some major butt in 2014! So many good things to come, and hopefully unlike last year, I'll document them a little better via this blog. 

Happy New Year! 

Holla at your girl, the graduate!

Who's got two thumbs and is now an Alum of FAU?!

THIS GIRL! HA!

December 12th, 2013 was a good day, scratch that, a GREAT flippin' day. A day marked with accomplishment. I not only crossed a stage but a finish line. Before that the only major finish line I had crossed was the one that brought High School to an end.. But, it's not the last stage I'll cross in my college career. I fully intend on pursuing a Masters in something.. I'm just not sure what for.

The plan now is to teach and keep seeking the big guy for the rest of the instructions. Scary to not have an exact map laid out of how this new chapter of my life is supposed to go.. but I've learned that that's quite alright :) 

In the last few months I've come to a realization... one that has absolutely altered my outlook on life. I go on and on about God's plan, how it's perfect, and that I'm so excited about it, trusting that God has the best ideas on how my chapters should play out. But the thing is, as humans we tend to have our preconceived ideas of how our lives should go, down to specific situations and life events. We write these details in our minds like authors telling a story. Especially women. We have thought about cooking Thanksgiving dinner for our families, down to conversations we'll have with our Mother in Law about how the sweet potatoes may need a tad more brown sugar. We've named our children and then decided which team-sports we'll sign them up for and how we won't yell embarrassingly from the sidelines like our own parents did.. (though we totally will). We've thought about the way our friends will react when we tell them we're pregnant.. or how our husbands will act when we tell them we want to go back to school (you know, for that Masters you weren't sure about a few years back). 

We think in moments..because of this, many times we think about how/what decisions will get us closer to those moments we fantasized about. - The thing is, if we worry about how or what we have to do to go about getting the desired "moment", we spend all our time over thinking and lose focus on what's important. And what is important, is keeping our focus on the big guy. The thing is, God has a plan, and what will be will be regardless of our manipulating. We don't have to worry about what decisions will get us to a certain point or place that we want to be. If we are actively pursuing a relationship with the God who wrote our plan, we'll make the right decisions because the Holy Spirit will make them apparent. It takes a huge weight off of our shoulders when we recognize that focusing on Jesus allows the plan to fall into place without all the worry or anxiety. 

When I read back through old posts, I can see and feel the struggle I had with accepting God's plan. 

I don't anymore, not at all.

Cheers to the next Chapter - and all the unplanned moments it will include.

Ohhhhhh and, Go Owls! ;)  

It's been a while..

The face I'm making in the picture above, is me thinking "Has it really been since June that I've posted?! That's insane, and a little sad." - I really wanted to be posting at least once a month.. crazy how quickly time passes. As I type this I'm only 28 days away from graduation.. let me repeat GRADUATION! This school thing will be OVER (for a while) and I'll actually be working in a Job that I've been training/studying for. Pretty sick.

This semester/internship has shown/reminded me of a few things...

1. I do not want to teach Elementary school...EVER.
2. God is faithful. 
3. I'M GETTING OLD(er) Almost 23?! HUH?! WHAT?! 23?!
4. Coaching was the best decision - even though many thought it would be "too much".
5. I am still the same procrastinator that I've always been, I've just gotten better at it. 
6. I have never felt more comfortable/in my element, than when I'm on the Volleyball court, and/or in the classroom. 
7. I am surrounded by a fabulous support group, who pray for me, encourage me, and love on me without any conditions or expectations.
8. Family isn't always biological - I've been blessed with more than I know what to do with! (Kammer, Alfie, Mama, Pops, GiGi, Coach, Lala, Yeyo, Tia, Heather, Scoot, I could go on and on...)
9. Success isn't about a career or a dollar, but about the lives you invest in. 

As school wraps up, the planning starts again. The type of planning where I'm laying out the next ten years of my life. Weird thing is... after Graduation, I now simply say - "Next ten years? They're going to be awesome. Doing whatever God calls me to." See, that's the plan. When I moved back home, God literally wiped my 10 year plan completely away. Past graduation I had NO CLUE what the heck I would be doing, where I would be doing it, and who I would be doing it with. NO FLIPPING IDEA. For a while that scared the junk out of me, but over the last 3 and half years I've realized that knowing the plan isn't the point. It's trusting the planner that's important. 

As much as I sometimes feel that "I'm doing it wrong".. God is faithful. Even through my faults and shortcomings, HE is faithful. I've come to realize that no matter the detour I may take, as long as I find him again, and line back up, the plan is still the plan. There's no Plan B with God. NONE. It's a concept I feel like I understand, but in all reality have a hard time wrapping my mind around. There isn't a Plan B. There isn't another option. He knew, and he knows, and that's insane. NO PLAN B. Accepting this has released a lot of the anxiety I once carried. Remembering that it doesn't add a day to my life, but takes away from the person God asks me to be. Success isn't found in a career. Success isn't found in "the almighty dollar". Success is measured by how we love people, the lives we invest in, and the way we show Christ's love. When seeking Jesus, the plan is to trust the planner. Communicating with him consistently and intently to make sure it's all lining up as it should. And picking back up when we see that we've gotten off course. 

There have been some AWESOME things that have happened this semester.. my first season coaching at the HS, and my girls make it to the Regional Semifinals. NUTS. "A young team that lost a lot of talent..." was only the THIRD team in Chobee's history to make it that far. - All glory to God. That wasn't me. It was all him. I was just the vessel.  - On top of that, I will undoubtedly have a job when I graduate on 12/12/13, at a school that I want to be at, working with students I'm excited to get to know. Which is more than I can say for a lot of my friends who went through this program with me, many of them are unsure if they'll have a job and are hoping to find one next Fall. My God is faithful. 

I feel like I hopped all over the place with this post, but I feel like that's all my brain has been doing recently anyway - Really, the bottom line is to remember that knowing the plan isn't the point, it's trusting the planner that's important. God is faithful. He is who he says he is, and he can/will do what he says he can/will do. 

One more time - God is faithful. :) Believe it. Claim it. Never forget it.

Psalms 130:5 - I am counting on the Lord, yes I am counting on him. 

I have put my hope in his word. 

Psalms 16:8 - I know the Lord is always with me. 

I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. 

Psalm 18:30 - God's way is perfect. All the Lord's promises prove true. 

He is a shield to all who look to him for protection. 

Got it? Good.

Happy Birthday, Kammer!

Photo Credit: www.brandiwatford.com 

There's this lady I know, who is a blessing that can't be correctly described by any amount of fluffy words typed in a blog post... but this is my best attempt.

My introduction to Kami Jo was ordained by Jesus. A time when I needed a shoulder to cry on, listening ear, and laugh provider. She's everything that is wonderful, and she's my friend. I believe that everyone needs someone in their life that has more life experience then they do that can relay advice and encouragement that only someone who has been through similar instances could share.. yes this is me saying someone older but this isn't me calling Kami old ;) The last 3 years of my life have been full of transitions; physically, educationally, emotionally, and spiritually. Kami Jo has been a constant, unwavering staple throughout all of them. She has listened to me whine when things weren't going my way, prayed with me when my heart was hurting, and celebrated with me when blessings rolled in.

One of my favorite things to do with Kami, is dream with her. As life happens and things change, my dreams get bigger and bigger. She listens and indulges in the planning, and then always assures me with "I can't wait until that happens...". From furniture to baby names... we've discussed it all.

The absolute BEST part of my friendship with Kami, is the assurance that it's one that will last forever. Knowing that our friendship is anchored in our Savior, is the BEST blessing of all. Jesus, without a doubt, ordained this friendship before the making of this Earth, and I'm so thankful that he did!

Kammer,

Thank you for being the friend I need all the time! For laughing and crying with me, including me in the lives of your children and the rest of your family... for giving it to me straight and always encouraging me in the right direction. Thank you for teaching me that even when I don't understand, God is good, and reminding me that I don't have to know it all! 

You're my favorite small footed gangster, and my sister in Christ.

Happy Birthday! I love you!

Arrrrrrg! And other Piratey Things.

Right now I'm supposed to be working on a "Case Study" for my Reading Diagnostics class...In a nut shell, I gave this a kid a reading test, and now I'm supposed to analyze all this data and figure out what his reading levels are, along with some ways to help him move up a level or two so that he may become a stronger reader.

It all sounds fine and dandy but all this clinical speak mumbo jumbo is a language I just don't know how to converse in. ARRG! (The only point in this blog that is anything piratey related. If you wanted more about pirates, google it) ((That was me trying to be witty like the other bloggers I follow...how'd I do?))

I guess I should get back to it...my professor has been kind enough to allow me an extra few days, best I not take too much longer.

But before I go, I'd like to list a few prayer requests...if you think about me from time to time, here are some things I've got going on that I could use some extra guidance/comfort/peace in:

• 1. I'm applying for a "job" that is really exciting and right up my alley, please pray the interview goes well and that I would say and be exactly who God asks me to be. 
• 2. School sucks. My motivation is down to zero and I need some more to finish out this semester.
• 3. Along with motivation, I need some more self-discipline in almost every area of my life.
• 4. Patience. Due to the fact that I'm graduating in December I'm starting to do the "Planning" thing again that usually gets me in trouble because most of the plans are MINE and not all God's...I need some patience to hold still and wait for him to speak so I don't jump before he says to.
• 5. And last but not least....PEACE. Pray that my anxiety is down to a minimum while I run myself ragged the next 6 weeks as the semester is wrapping up...

For all who keep up with me on here, you are appreciated more than bloggy words can say.

Now back to that study I don't understand......
     

I. Love. Volleyball.

The 9 young ladies you see above play for Big Lake Juniors, and for the another consecutive season I get to coach them :) Last year was a year spent on improving the basics and learning how to mesh as a team. This year is about fine tuning those same basic skills to make them even better players. The first tournament is always nerve racking, as a coach you're never sure if you covered enough in practice. The first tournament is about finding a flow, in rotations, positions, and communication on the court. Usually the first game is shaky, as everyone finds their bearings but it was quite the opposite for these ladies in their first game yesterday morning. They took the court like champs who had been preparing for months. They communicated, transitioned, and did all the little things I had  especially gone over in practices. I kept looking back at Kyla and saying "Oh my goodness, they're doing everything we talked about! They were really listening!" 

Volleyball is a sport I've always loved. Growing up next door to the Varsity Coach, I attended a lot of games with his wife, Rachel. Rachel and Todd introduced me to volleyball when I was only 8, I couldn't wait to turn 10 so I could start playing with Big Lake Juniors! I played all the way through high school until an injury took me out. As much as I love playing volleyball, I can say that I probably like coaching more. I get to be a part of the "WOO!" moment when a middle gets their timing right on a block, or when a libero (defensive specialist) digs that hard hit up so that her teammates can play it, or when a setter sets so perfectly that the outside hitter gets a bangin' kill....I get to watch my players grow as athletes as well as young adults. 

My goal in coaching is to transpose that same love of the sport into them. I want to teach them respect, loyalty, confidence, and a good work ethic, so they can share in the satisfaction that comes when you work together  towards a common goal, in this case to win!

This weekend they did just that. They communicated with each other, trusted each other, and played some awesome volleyball :) I was so proud to say that Kyla and I had a little part of that. Side note, my Assistant Coach, Kyla is AWESOME... idk what I'll do when she's coaching her own team next year ;) She knows what I need her to do before I even ask her, I can't say enough how much I appreciate her donating her time to this team and to help me, she's wonderful!!

This weekend was an awesome kick off for this season!

It will only get better, and I know by the end I'll be posting a picture of these girls with medals around their necks!

BLJ All the way! 

2013

It's going to be a big year for this girl! 

2013 is the year I will become a college graduate and will begin teaching instead of studying. 

This year I want to document the stresses and victories, so that on 12/13/13 I can look back and appreciate all that my God has helped me accomplish. I'm only 3 weeks in and already feeling the pressure, but I think about how fast 2012 flew by and I'm reminded that there is a light at the end of the tunnel! Since graduating high school I've looked forward to the day THIS year that I would walk across the stage again, but with a degree instead of a diploma. 

As excited as I am to graduate, I can't help but get nervous about teaching full time by myself, without a teacher to "shadow"....All I can picture is  me standing in the middle of the room with kids running wildly shooting glue across the room, hanging from the ceiling, or finger painting the walls! Thoughts cross my mind like "How will I know what to teach them? Will I be able to reach each kid? Will they respond to me? Will they feel encouraged or will they feel frustrated? What if I absolutely bomb?!" It's laughable really, that I'm nervous about things that aren't even happening yet. What's that passage in Matthew about worrying not adding any time to your life? haha, as much as these worries consume my mind, God consistently reminds me that this is his plan and I need not worry because he's a pretty smart dude! :) As long as my center focus is pleasing him and loving people, the rest will fall right into place.

I'm so excited for things to come!

Originally I planned on blogging weekly to document this year....as much as I would love to do that, and I am going to try, it's more realistic to say that I will blog bi-weekly or monthly....

Soooo if you're a regular to my blog, I'm excited that you'll be along for the ride! And I ask that you just pray for me as this year unfolds, and I will pray for you!

2013 is going to be awesome! I can feel it in my bones! :)