115/365 - The Start of Something Wonderful

I've been pulling 15 hour days at school and have been so tired at home. This is my classroom thus far...



118/365
Rockfish Hoke Elementary - Raeford, NC

114/365 - Typical Sunday Night

Um yeah, our apartment is trashed. We both have so much school stuff scattered everywhere. It sort of looks like a hurricane passed through here, but I expect this is what most Sunday nights are going to look like. This is what happens when two teachers share an apartment.



114/365
My apartment - Fayetteville, NC

113/365 - Love is All Around

Today was my first photo tour with Dawn. We headed out towards the coast to Bath, which is the oldest town in the state. When we were about 15 minutes away we found another historic place to stop so we decided to pull off there. We wandered around for a bit and it was really cool. Tons of boats on the water and it was just really pretty. It seems to be a little bit of a mix of historic and newer things... lots of businesses in old buildings which was always cool. This is easily my favorite picture from the trip. I just like how I was able to capture the clouds and how it looks like an almost heart. I didn't notice it at the time, but it makes the picture that much better. Love is all around us, we just have to open our eyes and see it.

Love is one of those things that I think people have some sort of taboo against. For me, I have no reservation when it comes to the word. I bet I couldn't even count how many times a day I tell people I love them. I think the word is underused and I don't know why people are so intimidated to say it. I'm sure I say it a whole lot more than I hear it, but I guess I'm okay with that... it's just part of what makes me Jenni Clark.

Love is more than just a word, an expression. Love can be seen in a child's eyes when they finally learn how to do something. It can be heard in the shrieks of children playing. It can be heard in a baby's laugh. It can be seen in a beautiful sunrise or a snow angel. Love is all around us, we just need to learn to open our eyes and our eyes and see it.

Don't be intimidated by the word.

I love you. Pass it on.



113/365
Washington, NC

112/365 - One Dolla!

Today I made my first purchases as a teacher. I went to Dollar Tree first and got 84 things (for $84, isn't that something?!?) and then I went to the uber overpriced teacher store for got a few more things and spent another $30. I'm feeling overwhelmed today but I am starting to feel better because I actually have stuff in my room now and I got teacher books and pacing guides. I'm going to split my time next week in the other first grade classrooms and getting mine set up. I should know who my students are early in the week and I might be able to pull them for a little bit to do an activity and get to know them before they are officially mine. I need to do a few more observations before I can figure out what exactly I need to do academics wise. Setting up my room wise, I'm not terribly worried. Except for maybe centers... I need to figure out what that's all about. I'm really excited this is all happening. I have a lot of great friends and coworkers and I think this year will be great. I've always had a thing for the older kids, but my mom has always told me she thinks I belong with the little ones. We'll definitely see.



112/365
Dollar Tree - Fayetteville, NC

111/365 - Cape Fear

I've been going to the Cape Fear River Trail a lot lately to run and Laura and I are walking there are night too. There's this really cool bridge that goes under an old railway bridge and I've been looking forward to getting a nice shot of it. I love it! This might be one of my faves.



111/365
Cape Fear River Trail - Fayetteville, NC

110/365 - Pimp My Ride

Um, so apparently down here you can "rent" tires and rims for your ride. RENT. Wtf!?!



110/365
Fayetteville, NC

109/365 - Tuna Love All Around

Tonight I came home from working After School Care and made dinner. I've been good with running so I've decided that I should start monitoring what I eat too and maybe I can drop some pounds. I've been craving tuna for a few days so I made a tuna fish sandwich. Ella was going crazy and I couldn't figure out why until Meagan pointed out that she's a cat and I have tuna. She literally jumped onto me and climbed all the way up to my neck. It was hysterical!



109/365
My apartment - Fayetteville, NC

108/365 - Runaway Train

I had a few errands to run around Fayetteville and Raeford today and I was really keeping my eye out for things to photograph. I didn''t have time to stop, but I did see some places I'd like to return to. I see this painted railroad car almost everyday during my drive between school and home and something about it always catches my eye. There are a lot of tracks around here that aren't used anymore and I just think it's cool how this one is painted and just sits on the track alongside the road.



108/365
S. Reilly Rd. - Fayetteville, NC

107/365 - All Up Ons

This morning I went for a run on the treadmill. I did 2 miles straight without stopping which I was super excited about. I haven't ever run that long straight without a short walking break. I was really proud of myself. Not long after I went to the river trail for the first time with my friend Jesse and her roommate and did 2 more miles straight there. I ran 4 miles in one day and I can't believe myself. My hips hurt (because I have the hips of an 80 year old) but I'm going to try to see if I can do it again. Some parts were pretty hilly so my toes hurt from hitting the front of my shoes during the downhills. I am thinking of digging out my marathon training book and maybe getting back into that again.

I came home from my first run and got some water. I set the cup down on my desk and Ella sticks her entire head into it to get some water, which I thought was cute. I then decided to actually lift the cup and tip it for her to drink out of. She's a silly little one.



107/365
My apartment - Fayetteville, NC

106/365 - And a Cherry On Top

Tonight Meagan made us dinner (sloppy joes, baked beans, corn, and potato salad!) and Laura brought stuff to make ice cream sundaes. Kelly came over and so did Zada and her kids. The kids were an absolute riot and I had fun with them! (What else is new?) As I was putting together my sundae, I knew it was definitely picture worthy, and boy was it good! There are some things in life you never get too old for and ice cream sundaes is one of them!



106/365
My apartment - Fayetteville, NC

105/365 - Starting Things Off

Today was the back to school open house for the girls. I spent most of the afternoon there helping out and then I sat at the After School Care table in the cafeteria to help answer questions and finalize people's registrations. Meagan's mom sent her flowers as a sort of kickoff for the school year and they were gorgeous! Of course this meant I had to take pictures! I can't believe school starts so soon already! This summer went by so fast, but it's the best summer I've ever had in my entire life! Thanks to everyone who made that happen! I love you all!



105/365
Rockfish Hoke Elementary School - Raeford, NC

104/365 - OMG PLASTIC!!!!

So Ella has this thing with plastic bags. Anytime she hears one she comes darting out of wherever she is to attack it. I bought one of those things that you stuff plastic bags in to organize them, so while I was sitting on the floor with tons of plastic bags, she was basically in heaven. It was cute. I love her!



104/365
My apartment - Fayetteville, NC

103/365 - Lack of Skills

Tonight was yet another night of karaoke at Skip's. And of course we had to take some pictures. We were trying to think of ones we haven't done yet and they suggested rolling our tongues. Yeah, I can't do that and I'm like the only person I know who can't do it. So this picture is them doing cool things with their tongue and me pouting because I can't. Wonderful.



103/365
Skip's - Fayetteville, NC

102/365 - Mega Confusion

Meagan's sister is staying with us this week and Laura told her since she was the "newbie" she had to make us dinner. She made us grilled cheese, tomato soup, and mac and cheese. She was boiling the water for the noodles and then it started to boil over and she points to it and shrieks, "WHAT DO I DOOOOO?" and it was hilarious. Laura and I just looked and each other and then I was like, "Um, you turn the heat down." It was super funny. She's cool and it's going to be a fun week!



102/365
My apartment - Fayetteville, NC

101/365 - Bonanza in North Carolina

This morning I was running some errands and decided to take a different way so I could explore the area a little bit. As I was driving I happened to look at a street sign and did a double take when I read what it said. Bonanza was the name of my apartment in college when I lived with Steph and Leah. Whenever I see the word, it makes me super happy! Love you roomies!



101/365
Fayetteville, NC

100/365 - Endless Fun

Today marks 100 days in a row for my blog! Wow! It's crazy to look back at how much has happened in the last 100 days. I've lived in 3 different states and have had quite a bit of fun and adventures. I've made some new friends, left others, but all in all I'd say I'm the happiest right now than I've been in a long time. I've been living in North Carolina for 16 days and I am in love with it. My roommate and I get along well and I've pretty much already fallen into a social network which I am really appreciative of. Without these girls down here, I think I'd feel a lot differently than I do. So if you guys are reading this, thank you so much for being so inclusive and helping me adapt to my new home so quickly. I'm really looking forward to this year (and hopefully many more) with my new home and my new friends.

We've been doing group dinners a lot lately, which I love. We take turns cooking and just hang out and watch movies. We went to Cook Out to get shakes after dinner. I love that place! They have like 40 different kinds of milkshakes and it's the greatest thing ever. My favorite so far is cherry cheesecake!

We got Ella some more toy ball rattle things. We put all of them on the floor to see what she did. She went nuts and it was super cute! She's so much fun to have around!



100/365
My apartment - Fayetteville, NC

99/365 - Shopping is Exhausting

So Laura and I went to Wal-Mart today to run a few errands. A lot of people got paid this weekend so it was pretty busy. We were in line for quite a while and Laura taps me on the shoulder and tells me to look behind me. This is what we saw. Who does that!? Also, how did he get way up there. Those things are pretty high off the ground! I love taking creeper pictures.



99/365
Wal-Mart, Fayetteville, NC

98/365 - Home Sweet Home

Apparently the only pictures I took today were of my painting hung up in our living room. I'm still really happy and excited about it, so I guess it makes the blog two days in a row. Whatevs.



98/365
My apartment - Fayetteville, NC

97/365 - Living Color

I've been really itching to paint lately. I lied, I've been dying to paint lately. I've also been in a super artsy mood too. I've been buying and matting and framing a bunch of pictures of mine and have been looking for inspiration for something to paint. I found my inspiration yesterday and went to Michael's to buy supplies. I did most of my outlining last night, then finished the outlining and did all of the painting today. Overall, I'd say it took me about 4 or 5 hours, which isn't too bad. I've only done 3 paintings and this one is by far my favorite. It's three separate 18x24 canvases, but it's one big picture. I've always wanted to do something like this and I'm super happy with how it turned out. Painting is one of those things I don't get to do very often, but when I do get the time and money, I'm never let down. I really should look into selling some of my work... be it photography or paintings. You never know what might come of it...



97/365
My apartment - Fayetteville, NC

96/365 - Bank Robbers

Tonight we went to Skip's for more karaoke and we were having a photo shoot in the booth. I LOVE this picture!!



96/365
Skip's - Fayetteville, NC

95/365 - Pitter Patter on the Water

Today I hung out by the pool with Kel and Laura for quite a while. At one point it started sprinkling, then we were all talking about how cool raindrops looks on the water. When I was younger I used to love floating just under the surface of the water with goggles on and letting the raindrops hit me. Oh the joys of youth.



95/365
Hidden Creek - Fayetteville, NC

94/365 - A Piece of Hawaii in North Carolina

As I was making breakfast this morning (an egg sandwich type deal) I was looking at the back of the box of my Canadian bacon and saw a recipe for Hawaiian pizza so I decided that would be on the menu for tonight's dinner, so I made it for Laura and I. We watched some movies and hung out, which was cool. The pizza was good. I'd definitely make it again!

On a sidenote, the temperature reached 102 here today. That's straight up air temperature. Wow.



94/365
My apartment - Fayetteville, NC

93/365 - Singin' Sunday

Today was a pretty fun, awesome, and productive day. I worked out, ran errands with Laura, hung out by the pool and filled out paperwork for subbing, played tennis with Laura, Kel, and Trent, went swimming, ate some dinner at Laura's (lasagna, mmm!), and went to Vick's for some karaoke. We had a fun time, but it definitely wasn't as busy as Wednesday. I guess that means we'll have to go back on Wednesday night! Life in NC remains good! :o)



93/365
Skip's - Fayetteville, NC

92/365 - The Birthday Boy

Today we went over to Ashley and Jeremy's house for Henderson's 1st birthday party. Laura and I went over early to help set up, which mostly constituted sitting around and hanging out. He is an absolutely adorable baby and has warmed right up to me. I had a lot of fun playing with him and got some cute pictures. This one is definitely my favorite of the day, but there were many close seconds. I plan on matting and framing it to give to Ash and Jeremy since I didn't bring Henderson a birthday present. After being around Ryan so much in Hawaii, and even Henderson the last two days, I can't wait to have kids and be a mommy.



92/365
Ashley and Jeremy's House - Raeford, NC

91/365 - Wine Tasting

Tonight I went out to the Cypress Bend Vineyards for Jazzy Friday, which is basically a wine tasting/live jazz band night every other Friday. It was so much fun and we had a great time. We were on the younger end of the crowd, but we definitely plan on going again for sure! It was an overall hilarious night and I certainly laughed quite a bit. Life here in North Carolina is good so far!



91/365
Cypress Bend Vineyards - Wagram, NC

90/365 - HATE!!!

ANYONE who knows me know there are three words I absolutely can't stand and they like to use them around me as much as possible. Tender, moist, and panties. Especially in that order. People even say TMP to me to piss me off. So Laura and I went to lunch today and I look out the window and see one of those white oval bumper stickers with random letters on it. Yeah, guess what it was... TMP. Ugh.



90/365
Mi Casita - Fayetteville, NC

89/365 - Fail

Laura and I attempted to make cookies today. We are a great team. I put pretty big globs of dough on the cookie sheets, so when they cooked they were huge and stuck together. Then she let them sit too long on the sheet and they didn't exactly come off in once piece. It was a pretty entertaining endeavor. The cookies were good though!



89/365
Laura's apartment - Fayetteville, NC

88/365 - Sleeping Beauty

I only took three pictures today. Lame. I promise to do better.



88/365
My apartment - Fayetteville, NC

87/365 - Making Progress

This is my new bedroom. It's about 75% finished/put away/unpacked, but most of the stuff that isn't unpacked yet is out of sight, so that works. I like how the place is coming together. Most of my stuff is unpacked, I just need to do the decoration part of it. I've been doing tons every day so I am pooped! My parents left tonight and I was sad. I'm such a baby sometimes. This move wasn't nearly as bad as the last one. I know people here, I have friends close by, and I'm in the same flippin' time zone as pretty much everyone else. Thanks mom and dad for driving down here with me and for all of the help and support with this move. I love you so much!

If anyone wants my new address, just ask!



87/365
My apartment - Fayetteville, NC

86/365 - Meet Ella

This is my third roommate. Her name is Ella and she is 9 weeks old. She is absolutely hilarious and was a big help unpacking yesterday and today. She climbed into and onto everything and I got plenty pictures! So far, life in North Carolina is good. All I need now is a job...



86/365
My apartment - Fayetteville, NC

85/365 - Feelin' Lucky

85/365
Rest Stop - Tamarack, WV