237/365 - Party

This is how I spent my New Years Eve. Meagan and I woke up early and gutted our apartment. We took most of our clothes out to be washed, bedding, everything. We put it all into plastic bags to trap any fleas that may have been in there. We moved a lot of stuff into the kitchen onto the linoleum and then bombed the apartment. We got this really awesome spray that is supposedly the best on the market. So my day consisted of gutting the apartment, vacuuming and cleaning, spraying everything, sitting at the complex laundry place for several hours, and generally being a grump. Dave and Sally invited me over for dinner and to play cards so I spent the evening with them. As crabby as I was, I knew I didn't want to spend New Years alone!

Happy Near Year! Here's to a clean and flea free apartment!



237/365
My apartment - Fayetteville, NC

236/365 - Brake Lights

Today Dawn, Kelly, and I spent all day on the road driving back to North Carolina. I spent the entire trip in the driver's seat so I didn't really have much opportunity for taking pictures. I got home at around 10:30 at night to discover that there were still live fleas in my room. Ella has had fleas for about 2 months and we've been doing everything to get rid of them. We completely closed off my room when I left and I was not expecting to find LIVING fleas in there when I got back, especially with about 2 weeks of no contact. I was so frustrated that I cried. Then I went and slept at Laura's apartment with Meagan.

This is probably the poorest excuse for a picture I have ever seen, but it is the only one I took all day. Had I not been so exhausted and upset when I finally made it home, I might have taken some more. We had a smooth drive except for one part when we had to slow down and crawl through the mountains. There was an accident so that's why. After our trip home, seeing brake lights is never a good thing.



236/365
I-77 - Virginia

235/365 - Standing Solo

I spent my last day in Michigan visiting with friends and family. I made a special trip to Grand Rapids at the last minute to get Eileen some of the black cursive words that I have that are hard to come across. I invited Molly and Arianna to go with me so we could hang out a bit before I headed back down south. When I got back into town, I visited with Allison and the kids for a few then went over to my grandparents' house to go shoot pictures out back. It was finally a sunny day so I'm glad I was able to go. It's beautiful back there and I wish there was more snow, but I got some good shots. For some reason, this picture stuck out to me the most. It always catches my eye to see a single tree.

Solitude can be a very powerful thing. So many of us are ridiculously and completely dependent that we forget how to function alone. Be it on coffee, a friend, chocolate, or whatever guilty pleasure we might have, sometimes it's good to step back and give life a break. Being able to do things independently is incredible and it's good to take a break every once in a while and just have "me" time. When is the last time you were able to do that?



235/365
My grandparent's house - Lansing, MI

234/365 - Making Melodies

Today was an all-around wonderful day! I got lunch with Kelly, Niki, and Pat and it was great seeing them again. We had some good conversations and those generally make me happy. Then I went to play Rock Band with Allison and Arianna for a little bit. After that, I met Mrs. P and Carli at Biggby, then I drove to Marshall to get dinner with Leah. It was a non-stop kind of day, but probably the best day I've had of my whole break! Leah got me a harmonica for my birthday and I've been playing it. I'm learning some songs. Baller!!



234/365
My room - Lansing, MI

233/365 - Gorgeous

While driving around the other night, my mom pointed this house out to me. The lady who lives here owns an interior decorating/furniture store. I stopped by tonight to shoot some pictures. I think this is absolutely beautiful.



233/365
Walmar Estates - Lansing, MI

232/365 - Catching Up With Old Friends

Tonight I got to see some of my old buddies from high school. We went over to Kelly's house and ate and drank wine and caught up. The last time I saw them was last Christmas. It's always great to see everyone again!



232/365
Kelly's house - Lansing, MI

231/365 - The Reason for the Season

Merry Christmas! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! Here is a nice obligatory sibling picture on Christmas morning!



231/365
My parent's house - Lansing, MI

230/365 - Mi Familia

We spent the evening at my grandparent's house celebrating Christmas with my dad's side of the family. Here's a nice picture of my family. It's been so nice being home and being able to spend time with them! Can you guess which kid is the mailman's kid? :o)



230/365
My grandparent's house - Lansing, MI

229/365 - Puppy Love

This picture is precious. Arianna is such an animal lover and you can see it on her face. Love these two.



229/365
My parent's house - Lansing, MI

228/365 - Warmth of the Season

I played around with my low-light shooting and my tripod around the house to see if I could capture some of the Christmas decorations. I still have a ton to learn about this camera, but slowly I'm getting there. Christmas is at our house this year so my mom put the decorations on the railing. Once it got dark enough, I thought I'd play with my camera. I really really enjoy how this picture turned out.



228/365
My house - Lansing, MI

227/365 - Reunited

Today it finally worked out for me to see my munchkins. I met up with them at the Y where Allison was working and they about had a heart attack when they saw me. It's nice to know that someone gets that excited to see me. It really makes my heart smile. We hung out for a bit and went to McDonald's while we were waiting for my car to get fixed. We had a blast and I took tons of great pictures. I always have wonderful days when I'm with these two. It's hard to believe I haven't seen them since July!! You two hold a very special place in my heart. I love you both.



227/365
McDonald's - Grand Ledge, MI

226/365 - Diesel

Today was a great day. I finally got to sleep in a bed and catch up on all of the sleep I didn't get in the car. I went to St. Gerard with the Piecuch's, then out to lunch. It was wonderful seeing them and it made me super happy. They are my favorite and it was great to catch up! I also spent a lot of time playing with the puppy. He's so fun!!


226/365My parent's house - Lansing, MI

225/365 - Surprise!!

So I was supposed to get home at 3:30am this morning after the drive from NC to MI. Let's just say I got in at 9:30. Not am, but pm. It took us THIRTY hours to make it home. The South and East got hit with a massive snowstorm and the roads were just ridiculous. Not because of the snow, but because of the people. There were trucks jack-knifed all over the place, cars off in ditches, it was just a disaster. We were just into Virginia at 3:30am when we were supposed to be home. I didn't get any pictures because my little camera was dead and my big camera was in the trunk of my car. If I had known this was coming, I definitely would have documented it better. They closed the highway we were going to take so we had to take an alternate route home, which worked, but still!!! I got home and my mom and dad came out to greet me. Then they told me that the rest of my family was home and my brother and sister came walking out of the family room followed by this little guy. He's our new puppy! His name is Diesel and he is a yellow lab. I am in love with him! I love dogs!



225/365Home - Lansing, MI

224/365 - I'm Gonna Knock You Out

Since I was planning on leaving right after school to head back to Michigan, my car was all packed and ready. I decided to bring my Wii and my MacBook inside so they wouldn't sit in the cold all day. I then decided in the afternoon after lunch, I'd hook up my Wii and let my kids take turns boxing. They loved it. It was a very fun afternoon. It's crazy that I won't be seeing them for two whole weeks!!! I hope they each have a wonderful Christmas.



224/365Rockfish Hoke Elementary - Raeford, NC

223/365 - Shoes

So today was first grade's Polar Express day. We got to wear PJs, drink hot cocoa, watch the movie, and have all sorts of fun. One of my kids wore gorilla pajamas to school so I told him he should wear my monkey slippers. Then one of my girls decides that she needs to wear my shoes. It was cute. Love first graders!!

223/365Rockfish Hoke Elementary - Raeford, NC

222/365 - Sunset from School

This evening when I walked outside to get into my car, I thought the sky looked beautiful. Sometimes the prettiest part of a sunset is the pre-dusk sky. I also always love what bare trees look like against the dark blue sky.



222/365Rockfish Hoke Elementary - Raeford, NC

221/365 - Dog Like Cat

Ella thinks she is a dog. The little ring that holds my measuring cups together fell off and was on the ground and she went crazy chasing it around. Reminds me of a puppy.



221/365My apartment - Fayetteville, NC

220/365 - A Dutch Christmas

This week at school we did Winter Holidays Around the World. I had Holland, which is where they celebrate St. Nicholas and get candy in their shoes. They loved it!!



220/365Rockfish Hoke Elementary - Raeford, NC

219/365 - We're Like Totally BFFs

Ella just loves to chat with her friends online. What a little social butterfly. I mean cat.



219/365
My apartment - Fayetteville, NC

218/365 - Christmas Present

Today I finally decided to give myself a Saturday without doing any school work. I ran errands and bought a few Christmas gifts (as well as some super comfy PJ pants from Old Navy) for myself. I figure it's about time I give my pumpkin pants a rest. I was able to put together 7 of my Christmas presents. I am making about 16 and they are slightly time consuming. I made some soup tonight too for Laura and myself and it was delicious. It was perfect because today was a cold day. I finally broke down and turned the heat on.



218/365
My apartment - Fayetteville, NC

217/365 - Staff Social

Tonight was our staff social at school. There was a pretty good handful of people there and I had a good time. I was excited about it all day! I love getting dressed up and spending time outside of the normal school day with co-workers. These women are some of our amazing office staff (and a special education teacher) whom I love very much. They are wonderful women and I look forward to seeing them every day. They are always so helpful and have made my first year as a teacher go well. You are all appreciated!

After the party, a few of us went out to Applebee's to hang out and have a drink. It was good times. I'm happy down here!



217/365
Rockfish Hoke Elementary - Raeford, NC

216/365 - Look and Look Again

Part of my purchase at Barnes and Noble was this Santa Clause look and look again book. There were about 45 pictures in it (kind of like Where's Waldo.) I ripped each page out and laminated them for the kids to do with dry erase markers. It's been a huge hit so far which makes me happy!!



216/365
Rockfish Hoke Elementary - Raeford, NC

215/365 - Books Books Books

So I remember having Snowmen at Night read to me during my time in the College of Ed. I loved the book so much (especially the pictures) that I went out and bought it. I used it for a lesson with my 1-3 graders at Grand Rapids Montessori too. I was at Barnes and Noble tonight playing with the Nook that is finally out (I'm getting one for Christmas) and of course had to look at the books. I've spent several hundred dollars on books in the last month. Whoops. They are all legit purchases though!!



215/365
My apartment - Fayetteville, NC

214/365 - Temporary Cure-Alls

Tonight I went with Sally to help her pick out a laptop for her husband for Christmas. We look around at Best Buy for a while and finally settle on one. After about an hour we are out of the store. Since it was still kind of early, she asked me if there was anywhere else that I wanted to go. Michael's was just across the street and I needed canning jars for my Christmas presents, we decided to stop there. We were inside for about 20 minutes and headed back to the car. Someone has broken her back window and stolen the brand new laptop right out of her car. I can't believe it happened and it really disgusts me that some people have no morals at all. I just don't understand how people can do something like that. At all, let alone at Christmas. We called her insurance and the cops to file a police report and I got some duct tape and a garbage back to try to cover the window. Oh, did I mention it was raining and tape doesn't work well if it's wet? After a bit, we are somewhat fixed and on our way to drop me off. It's about 10:00 at this point. Not long after I got home, Eileen called me rather upset so I told her I was just going to come over. I passed Sally's house on the way so I kidnapped her and said she could come to our pity party. When we got to Eileen's I made them both hot chocolate with marshmallows and extra creamy cool whip. (Sidenote: there is now Dark Chocolate hot cocoa. I will never drink milk chocolate again. The dark chocolate is much better!) We hung out for a bit and finally decided we should get some sleep since it was a school night and all.

Duct tape and hot cocoa: temporary fixes to life's little problems.



214/365
My apartment - Fayetteville, NC

213/365 - Here Fishy Fishy Fishy

I bought one of these little aquarium things that is fake. Ryan LOVED these things and I was going to send this to him for Christmas. I decided to see if Ella liked it and judging by the picture, you can probably figure it out. I put it in my classroom and the kids enjoy it too. I need to buy another one for Ryan. Hopefully his father actually plugs it in and lets him enjoy it.



213/365
My apartment - Fayetteville, NC

212/365 - The Messiah

I went to Duke this afternoon with Dawn and some of her friends to see the Duke Chapel Choir and Orchestra perform Handel's The Messiah. The chapel and campus was beautiful. I'll definitely have to go up there again on a nicer day and take some pictures.



212/365
Duke Chapel - Raleigh, NC

211/365 - Mmmm Chocolate

So I've had a bad last few days. Sally and I decided to make it better by going to Ruby Tuesday and getting dessert. Dessert and good company always makes for a great night!



211/365
Ruby Tuesday's - Fayetteville, NC

210/365 - Cat Nap

So this afternoon I was out running some errands. I come home to find Ella taking a nap. I laughed when I saw where she was. I leave my computer shut when I'm not home now. :o) Silly girl!



210/365
My apartment - Fayetteville, NC

209/365 - Boys vs. Girls

So I started giving my kids 5 Minute Math drills every day. I had some time to kill at the end of my math lesson I split them into random groups and cut a strip from the worksheet and gave each team one strip with 10 problems. Each student did one problem and passed it on. It was one of those spur of the moment ideas that was a huge success! The kids loved it! We've been doing 5 Minute Math for almost 2 weeks and every single one of them has improved quite a bit.



209/365
Rockfish Hoke Elementary - Raeford, NC

208/365 - I'm So Purrrrdy

Steph was playin around with Ella and I had to snap a picture of this face. So funny!



208/365
My apartment - Fayetteville, NC

207/365 - Quarter of a Century

Today was my 25th birthday. The day started with Pam's first graders coming in with balloons that they had blown up for me. They were tossed into the air and we had about 45 first graders going nuts. There was some "Happy Birthday (cha cha cha)" action and then they left. It made my day!! Before we popped the balloons, I figured I should get some pictures with my kids. I love this picture. Sally gave me a birthday hat and you better believe I wore it all day! I also had a balloon tied around my waist. I'm not obnoxious.

After school about 25 of us went to Crazy Fire Mongolian Grill for me and Laura's birthday. It was really good and I had so much fun. It was great being in such good company. 25 was the best birthday I've ever had. Ever. Thanks to everyone who made it special!!



207/365
Rockfish Hoke Elementary - Raeford, NC

206/365 - Whoops

So Steph came down to visit me for my birthday a few days ago! I hadn't seen her since August so it was great to have company! Her car has been acting up and it wouldn't start one night so we had to get it towed. A few hundred dollars later, she was able to go home. The whole ordeal landed me one extra day with her, so no complaints from me! Thanks for coming Steph!!! Love you!



206/365
Rockfish Hoke Elementary - Raeford, NC

205/365 - Cooooookies

Funfetti cake has always been my favorite, but did you know that you can make cookies from the cake mix? It's sooo good, especially paired with Steph's homemade buttercream frosting! Num num num!!



205/365
My apartment - Fayetteville, NC

204/365 - Num Nums

Today I made chicken caesar salad pizza and boy was it phenomenal. I'd make it again for sure!!! I love to cook and I love to photograph it too!



204/365
My apartment - Fayetteville, NC

203/365 - Engagement Session

Today was my first attempt at professional photography. I spent all day with Eileen and her fiance Lass taking pictures. We had a great time and I think there are some good shots. This one is my favorites because it is fun. The colors are so pretty and makes me happy! I wish the best to you two! Thanks for giving me this opportunity!



203/365
Cape Fear River Trail - Fayeteville, NC

202/365 - Food Coma

Today we had Thanksgiving at Kelly and Trent's house. Laura's sisters came up too and we had a great time. We stuffed our faces (as per usual), played some games, and layed around and let our food comas take over. It was a great Thanksgiving! There is so much I am thankful for. Life in North Carolina is terrific and I love what I have here. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my transition.



202/365
Kelly and Trent's House - Raeford, NC

201/365 - Spectacular Sunset

We've had some gorgeous sunsets lately. Tonight was no exception. I've discovered I get a much better perspective if I go up to the third floor and take pictures. I get a much better reflection in the little bit of water that's on the other side of the fence. This picture makes me happy.



201/365
My apartment - Fayetteville, NC

200/365 - Bath Time

Wow! Day 200! A milestone!! Not only am I lame, my friends are lame as well. Today was Eileen's turn to give her stuffed animal a bath in my sink. The only difference is hers hasn't had a bath in like 20 years. It was like a whole new stuffed animal. It's about time she made her appearance on my blog. We met a little over a week ago and seem to have found quite the friend in each other which makes me happy! :o)



200/365
My apartment - Fayetteville, NC

199/365 - Reliving My Childhood

So for my birthday, I asked my siblings to chip in and get Super Mario Bros Wii for me. I got it a week early and played it non stop. This game combines all of the older Super Mario games from all of the old systems. If you're a fan of Mario games, this one is phenomenal and I recommend it to anyone!!



199/365
My apartment - Fayetteville, NC

198/365 - I'm Not Lame

I decided today that Mitten, my teddy bear needed a bath. So into the sink he went with some laundry detergent. I may or may not have also used fabric softener. I'm really cool sometimes. He's super soft now!



198/365
My apartment - Fayetteville, NC

197/365 - Shoes

Have you ever stopped and taken a minute and asked yourself what you would do if you were in someone else's shoes? Especially someone who does some great and amazing thing that makes a huge difference in someone's life. Sure, most of us have, and the general consensus is that we give them props for doing what they do, but could never see ourselves doing something like that. Maybe it's a lack of time. Or a lack of energy. Or a lack of money. There's always some reason we find that prevents us from being "that person." I saw The Blind Side tonight and it was a phenomenal movie. I would recommend it to anyone and I would go see it again and it's definitely one I will be buying. It's amazing how a small sacrifice to one person can make a world of a difference for another.

It's so easy to look at someone else's life with a judging eye and a finger of scrutiny, but unless we really know their story, what gives us the right to do that? Everyone comes from somewhere and each little event is a small part of a gigantic puzzle that makes them who they are. There are things in life that are unforeseeable, speed bumps we can never prepare for, and all we can do is hope for the best and look for the lesson that surely will come. Sometimes it's hard to see the good amidst all of the bad, but it's always there. I know that there are things in my life that have been on the unfortunate side, but I have learned from them and I try to practice looking for the good. Sometimes it takes years to see the good or the lesson in something, but it always comes.

I believe in karma and I believe in paying it forward. Do unto others are you would have done unto you. Go a little bit out of your way to do a favor for a stranger. Smile. A smile is a gift that we were all given and I think we should use it as much as possible.

If you were given the chance to make a difference in the life of another person, would you do it?



197/365
Lake Rim - Fayetteville, NC

196/365 - Animal Show

This afternoon we had an animal show for students who met a fundraising goal for cookie dough. There were a lot of exotic animals and the kids loved it. I, along with 6 other staff members, got to hold a gigantic yellow snake and it was so cool! I can't wait to see the picture of that!!



196/365
Rockfish Hoke Elementary - Raeford, NC

195/365 - 1-2-3 Excited

Tonight was the first grade music showcase at school. I had a handful of my kids show up and we had lined them up in the cafeteria and we were just killing time, so of course I took some pictures. And of course I played my favorite game ever... "1-2-3 *say an expression and the people need to make a corresponding face*" It's always a great hit!



195/365
Rockfish Hoke Elementary - Raeford, NC

193/365 - Morning Glory

Driving to school this morning I saw the most beautiful sunrise. Probably the prettiest I've seen since I've lived down here.

193/365
Gillis Hill Rd. - Fayetteville, NC

194/365 - Ice Cream Cures

Nothing turns that frown upside down better than pizza, ice cream, and hanging out with a friend. Oh, and calling yourself at school to see what your voicemail sounds like and leaving a message for the next morning that totally makes your day. (Yes, I did that and it really made my day!)



194/365
Eileen's House - Raeford, NC

192/365 - Baby Frog

At recess today, there was a big puddle from all of the rain we've been getting. I was telling kids to stay away from it and I looked down and saw something move and discovered this little guy. I was like "OOOOOOH A FROG!!!!" and of course all of the kids came a runnin!



192/365
Rockfish Hoke Elementary - Raeford, NC

191/365 - Mother Nature's Wonders

It rained a ton last week because of a hurricane in the Gulf. It was finally warm and nice again on Sunday so I went to the Cape Fear River Trail with Laura to take some pictures. I went to get some shots of the train trestle and I got some pretty ones, but this one definitely takes the cake for the picture of the day. The colors are gorgeous and fall as finally hit North Carolina. It was here before, but with all this rain the colors are out in full force. This picture puts me at ease.



190/365
Cape Fear River Trail - Fayetteville, NC

190/365 - Going Up

This weekend I attended a workshop on data in the classroom in Southern Pines. There were teachers from several surrounding counties and it was really cool. I learned some strategies that I could implement in the classroom. Even better, I made some new friends that I am really excited about. I love new people!! On one of our breaks I was wandering outside and saw a very picture worthy spot, so here it is.



190/365
Southern Pines, NC

189/365 - Dance Dance

Today was Friday and we got to have Footloose Friday. They absolutely love ending the day and the week with dancing and it always helps me end on a good note too, which is never a bad thing! Sometimes the simple things are the best and most appreciated.



189/365
Rockfish Hoke Elementary - Raeford, NC

188/365 - The bubbles, the bubbles, the bubbles!!!

I hadn't taken a picture yet for today and needed to relax, so I thought a nice bubble bath was due. Bubble baths are amazing. I wish I had more time to relax. I'm the kind of person who always needs to be doing something. I'm not sure I know how to slow down. I'm content with my ways though, so it's all good.



188/365
My apartment - Fayetteville, NC