2012 Reflection

So, only a couple more days left in 2012.  It has been a year of ups and downs, trying to figure things out and figure out who I am.

There were many good things that happened this year that one would wonder why I still focus on the negative or not so good things.  Well, being that I am wired to analyze things over and over to see if something different could have taken place, makes me think about things that cannot be changed whatsoever.

For example; First impressions are extremely important. Remember that Amber and Stephanie as you go out in the working world.  No matter how much I have tried to show people that I am actually smart and mature (yes, I act mature in the work place), they will always see me as this lady who was bouncing off the walls when I first began working in education.   Also, what could I have done differently in my past to make things different today?  Probably nothing but my mind wonders when I get going.

Some of the good things, revolations, etc. have allowed me to understand things a little more clearly.  Like, I got to enjoy what it is like to be a student who has been given grades based on personal beliefs not on what I actually did or contributed. This has given great insight on how NOT to treat my students.  I've also got to enjoy the inept ability of some people to communicate and follow through on things when they were suppose to (and the college wonders why their enrollment is going down).

I had 3 observations during my last internship and ROCKED them ALL :) My field supervisor says my lesson plans are the best she has seen in a long time and my lessons are SOLID!! :) As I begin my student teaching the day we get back work Jan. 3, 2103; I am filled with excitement and fear.  I am excited for the opportunity to get teaching under my belt but also fearful that I will bomb in classroom management.  As Tabitha will say, I put way to much pressure on myself to be perfect.  Which is true; however, aren't the administration, district, and then the state putting that pressure on us to be "perfect" and to teach to every child.

With the excitement of student teaching comes the worry about finances.  I worry that we won't be able to make ends meet or that my relationship with Kelly will suffer b/c he is working a lot of extra hours to sell another car to make money.  I also hate relying on him to pay the bills.  I relied on someone for 15 years and then got back on my feet and blam..all over again.  I know 6 months isn't that long but still....it is something I am working on. 

Another high note, my relationship with my girls is awesome!! I love being their mom and watching them grow into adults who understand things and are contributing to society.  :)  I am very proud of my girls.
Oh..one more thing..My BFF is getting married in October of 2013 and I am her maid of honor.

As I wind down my last remaining days of Christmas Break, I will be doing a craft project from Pinterest, getting lessons together for my cherubs, and attending the last Seahawks game of the season.  WOOT!!!

Happy New Year to everyone :)

Last Day of the School Year

Finally, we made it to the end of another school year. Where did the time go? I truly feel like the year had begun and now it is done. Exciting things happening for me right now and coming up that make my decision to be a teacher. More to come

52 Things To Do in Puerto Vallarta

52 Things To Do In Puerto Vallarta
Need a little help deciding what to do? Well, maybe these tips will be just enough to get you started.

1	Get a bird's eye view of Vallarta on a parasail ride over Banderas Bay
2	Snorkel or Scuba Dive at Los Arcos or Las Marietas with SCUBA VALLARTA
3	Have your portrait or caricature done by a street artist on the Malecon
4	Visit La Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe - the heart of Vallarta
5	Haggle with vendors at the El Centro Mercado Municipal "flea market"
6	Experience the magic of México aboard a La Marigalante night cruise
7	Rent a car and explore the secluded beaches along the Nayarit coast
8	Reel in the big ones on a MR MARLIN deep sea fishing charter
9	Try to spot the elusive "green flash" as the sun sets over Banderas Bay
10	Buy a teeny bikini, hat, or souvenier T-shirt to wear on the beach
11	Stroll down the Rio Cuale River Walk and visit the pre-Hispanic museum
12	Play a round of golf on one of Vallarta's 7 world-class golf courses
13	exercise your option for health at one of the many fitness centers
14	Swim and interact with Pacific bottlenose dolphins at DOLPHIN ADVENTURE
15	Take a horseback ride or hike through the jungle to Yelapa's waterfall
16	Explore the streets of Puerto Vallarta on a motorbike or moped rental
17	Race around Super Karts' professional go cart track in Nuevo Vallarta
18	Rent a mountain bike and explore the hills behind Puerto Vallarta
19	Enjoy a romantic dinner at LA PALAPA RESTAURANT on Los Muertos Beach
20	Dance the night away at one of the many nightclubs along the Malecon
21	Peruse the works of Mexican artists in any of the many art galleries
22	Practice your Spanish reading the subtitles at the movie theaters
23	Experience the culture and history of Mexico at a Mexican Fiesta
24	Keep in touch with friends back home at one of the many cyber cafes
25	Pamper yourself with a relaxing massage or spa treatment
26	Treat yourself to a refreshing cocktail served in a coconut shell
27	Shop for a beach house or vacation home, so you can visit more often
28	Toast the sunset at the El Faro Lighthouse Bar in Marina Vallarta
29	Visit the movie set of "The Night of the Iguana" on Mismaloya Beach
30	Tour Casa Kimberly, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor's love nest
31	Fly up to the village of SAN SEBASTIAN in the Sierra Madre Mountains
32	Wobble across the two swinging bridges from Isla Rio Cuale
33	Ask strangers on the Malecon if they have change for a peso
34	Take all three walking tour in El Centro or Marina Vallarta
35	Explore the jungle behind Vallarta inside a huge 4-wheel drive-truck
36	Try a genuine Cuban cigar, or a shot of Raicilla - Mexico's "moonshine"
37	Go on a Banderas Bay WHALE WATCHING excursion or whale photo safari
38	Take the bus to Punta de Mita and enjoy a day at El Anclote beach
39	Get wet & wild on the 9 water slides [toboganes] at Splash Water Park
40	Enjoy a day of palapa hopping at Vallarta's busiest beach, Los Muertos
41	Eat a chocolate banana, ear of corn or fish on a stick
42	Shop for Mexican TALAVERA pottery, tiles, dinnerware and accessories
43	Feel wealthy by living the "high life" at Mexico's discount prices
44	Drink a Tequila Sunrise as you watch the sunset on the Mexican Pacific
45	Get a temporary tattoo while basking in the sun on Playa los Muertos
46	Explore Banderas Bay on MARINA MISMALOYA's Discovery Cruise or sailboat
47	Shop for silver jewelry, blankets & vacation souvenirs on the beach
48	Take a morning or sunset stroll along a beautiful white sand beach
49	Swing through the jungle like Tarzan on VALLARTA ADVENTURES' canopy tour
50	Go to a bloodless bullfight at Vallarta's bullring on a Wednesday evening
51	Listen to the Municipal Band at the Plaza on Sunday or Thursday nights
52	Attend a local AA meeting and complain about the last time your car got towed

Way too long in between blogs

I really don't like taking such a long pause blogging...so my resolution is begin blogging more often.

My 16 yo, is getting the much needed help.  She is getting better and not so out-of-control.  I love her so much and am very proud of the hard work she has begun and continues doing. 

My 20 yo has moved back to Western Washington and living w/her grandparents.  She is currently work at Hooters Restaurant & Bowling in Renton.

My BFF moved in w/me and Kelly last December 2010 and it has been the best thing ever.  It is so much fun having her living with us.

You say...who is Kelly?  Well he is the man that came into my life August 19, 2009.  After a spontaneous lunch date, we have been dating ever since.  We got engage on Dec 31, 2009/Jan 1, 2010 right at the stroke of midnight.  Ending one decade while ringing in a new decade w/a blue moon up high in the sky (2nd full moon of the month).   We moved in together in January 25, 2010 and have been together ever since.  When is the wedding you ask?  Well..that leads me to the next part of my life.

Beginning this July, I will be attending City U to get my BA in Education w/dual endorsements in Special Education and Middle School Math.  This will take approximately 18 months to complete.  Then I want to get a full-time teaching job w/about 6 month experience under my belt.

So, that is about it for now!! :)

Changes

There have been several changes in my life since July, 2009.

My 15 year marriage ended on Oct. 26, 2009.
My 15 year old is out-of-control.
I've been diagnosed with ADHD.

On the bright side....
I am dating a really nice guy.
I grew professionally during the 2009/2010 school year.
My 19 year old moved back to this side of the mountains (living with me).
My relationship with my mom is getting better.

Anniversarys

There are different types of anniversarys that come up daily. Anniversary for a month of dating a new guy/girl. Wedding Anniversary's, anniversary of a death, etc.

Today is the one year anniversary of my friend's wifes death. It has been a somber day watching my friend deal with it the best that he can. HUGS!!

My 15th Wedding Anniversary is coming up on August 1, 2009. I wondering where the time has gone and wonder if I will have anymore? I've been trying to figure things our with my life while trying to find some shred of hope within my own marriage.

What Do I Really Want?

....I want to be "that" teacher who makes a difference in high schoolers lives.
....I want to be an adult in near future but am not sure how to be without losing myself.
....I want my girls to be successful and happy at the same time.
....I want to succeed in my calculus classes but procrastinate doing homework all the time.

What do you really want?

Things I Have Done Thus Far

The things that are in PURPLE are the ones I have done thus far.
I Copied from this http://burgeeblogs.blogspot.com/ who copied it from groovy chick who copied from this cool chick.....Copy it if you wish :)

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow Fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
l24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb - Does a baby goat count?
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
49. Kissed in the rain
50. Played in the mud
51. Gone to a drive-in theater
52. Been in a movie
53. Visited the Great Wall of China
54. Started a business
55. Taken a martial arts class
56. Visited Russia
57. Served at a soup kitchen
58. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
59. Gone whale watching
60. Got flowers for no reason
61. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
62. Gone sky diving
63. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
64. Bounced a check
65. Flown in a helicopter
66. Saved a favorite childhood toy
67. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
68. Eaten Caviar
69. Pieced a quilt
70. Stood in Times Square
71. Toured the Everglades
72. Been fired from a job
73. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
74. Broken a bone
75. Been on a speeding motorcycle
76. Seen the Grand Canyon in person- Yellowstone Grand Canyon count?
77. Published a book

78. Bought a brand new car
79. Walked in Jerusalem
80. Had your picture in the newspaper
81. Read the entire Bible
82. Visited the White House
83. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
84. Had chickenpox
85. Saved someone’s life
86. Sat on a jury
87. Met someone famous
88. Joined a book club
89. Lost a loved one
90. Had a baby
91. Seen the Alamo in person
92. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
93. Been involved in a law suit
94. Owned a cell phone
95. Been stung by a bee
96. Totally copied a post from someone else's blog to your own

My Friends Who Blog

I want you all to know that I read all your blogs daily. I can feel your happiness and sadness and frustrations in your lives.

Thank you to all who blog daily or every other day. It is what I read when I check my emails as I have feed set up to alert me when something new has been added.

Again thank you for sharing your lives with me.

Terri

Since Agusut...

...I have been busy with work, college, and life. ;)

I got my braces off. Began the Fall Qrtr @ GRCC taking Math 124 which is 1 of 3 Calculus Classes. Work began on September 4, 2008.
I only work 4 hours a day but end up staying about 1/2 extra to help the kids. I am enjoying the classes I work in and the teachers are awesome as well. I get to help kids with their english and reading skills, science, and math skills.
Braces came off after being VERY VERY VERY frustrated over my gums getting "eaten" alive by the brackets and wires.
The fall quarter began like any other. Homework the first night. I thought working only 4 hours would allow me the extra time for math study. Nope. It turns out that I do all my errands and appointments after work b/c why schedule during work when I have the whole afternoon free.

I am on TBTL

There is this show on Kiro 710 (now on 97.3 FM) called Too Beautiful Too Live with Luke Burbank, Jen Andrews, and crew.

They hosted a TBTL Prom last weekend. They asked for listeners (whether you were going or not) to submit your photos from prom. Well....unbeknownst to me....I was checking the site to see the TBTL Prom of 2008 and noticed 1 of 2 prom photos on the main page.

Here is the link..check it out and DO NOT laugh at the hair. LOL http://www.mynorthwest.com/?nid=93

Major Announcement

I have a major announcement to share with all my bloggers out in cyber world.

I have decided not to return back to work this September. Why? Well, it is due to my college classes. I have to take 2 math classes per quarter for the next three (3) quarters. I need to be completely done by Spring 2009. I will then be heading to City University to finish up getting my teaching credentials.

I am excited but scared at the same time. The Fall quarter doesn't begin until September 22, 2008 and will need to fill my time with something. I have thought about doing the following (with putting an astericks at the end of those things that will get done.)

The following are:
Donate Clothes to Value Village*
Donate Books to the Library*
Make a Dumped Run*
Scrapbook
Finish Reading: Golden Ratio*
Finish Reading: History of Pi*
Figure out how to use my TI-89 Calculator

I am sure there are more things I can be doing and will be adding to the list. :)

My Fitness Pal

I have decided to take my calorie counting to the next level. I have joined an online Fitness Pal that will track my calorie intake, track my exercises as well. The calorie logging area has a lot of the popular foods that we all tend to eat and LOVE. Check it out!!! :) Join me and we can help each other stay on track.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com

Things I "LURV"....

My friend Tiffany inspired me to think about the things that I love or as she says..LURV.
1) Venti Americano
2) LG Voyager Phone from Verizon
3) New BackPack for College
4) My Wolfsburg Volkswagon
5) My Nikon Camera
6) Freshly Made Bed with clean sheets
7) My Cowboy Hat
8) Summers
9) Change of the Leaves
10) Daily Fried Egg Sandwich
11) Daily Treadmill Walk

All Growed Up

My little girl has grown into such a beautiful young adult. Did I do a good job raising her? Will she go to college? What dreams does she have? Will she get married? Have kids? Where has the time gone?
I remember worrying about someone snatching her away from me in the middle of the night shortly after she was born. She was so laid back and relaxed about anything and towards everyone. It was so much fun to watch her sleep with her hair all messed up, hugging her doll all the while sucking on her thumb.
This girl who came into my world on July 3rd, 1990 will be graduating on June 6th, 2008 from Curlew High School. I would love to take ALL the credit but cannot and will not. She moved to her dad's house in the middle of her 8th grade. She attended the rest of junior high and high school living with her dad. She is the product of her dad and I. Hopefully she was able to take the best parts of us and developed into her own person. Love you Amber!!!!

Dates...

during Memorial Day Weekend, I attended a scrapbook marathon with some of my "closest" friends. ;) We scrapped, ate, chatted, and anything else you can think of doing at a weekend crop session.

One topic that stood out in my mind were season finales and the leading men that women would love to have a date with. At that given moment I couldn't think of anyone and felt that was a true testament of my unwavering love for my husband. But alas...I watched my TiVo'd stuff and found not 1 but 2 men I would love to have a date with. What show you ask?

The show that has not 1 but 2 men worth drooling over is, "Miami Ink." Freakin' yummy guys: Ami James and Tim.

Close-Up but Blurry View

For those of you who wanted to see what my tat on back looks like up close.

Thank you Tiffany @ The End of the Beginning

As I was reading blogs that I subscribe to (mostly friends) it was refreshing to know that I, too, am not the only one who struggle with viewing the myself in my shape. Tiffany @ The End of the Beginning had this too say, http://scrapsadaisy.blogspot.com/2008/05/no-freakin-way-i-say.html about loosing weight. I struggle with my inner beauty being seen on the outside when I look in a mirror. I am also determined to loose my "muffin top." What is interesting is that we are our worst critics when it comes to self-examining via the mirror.

However, looking at old photos remind me that I have come a long way to where I am now and DO NOT want to EVER go back to "quishy mommy" as I was so loving referred to by my daughter (she meant it in the nicest way).

As I venture on to my "ideal weight" (according to my personal trainer, Scott) more inner self-reflecting will be neccessary to appreciate the hard work and beauty that is coming out from the inside. Thanks again Tiffany for your inspiring words and companionship as you and I both go through our transfermations. :)

I want to remember...

I want to remember....

...what it is like to sleep in
...what it is like to have more time for blogging
...what scrapbooking is
...what the sunny day looks like
...what my life what like without responsiblities


I want more time...
...to watch the grass grow
...to see all my friends
...to scrapbook ALL my photos
...to devote more time to my Math Classes

Our New Rug

We decided to add a little a fun to our basement floor.
Check out our new rug.