Oh hey...again.

Where have I been you ask? Oh, busy with life. Not really, but you don't know that. I thought I was going to be better about writing in my blog, but clearly I was wrong. I don't turn my computer on as much anymore (thanks Apple for creating the iPhone) so I don't get on here as much as I'd like. Maybe I'm too lazy to push the power button to turn this bad boy on. I guess we'll never know.

So what has happened since my last post in January?

• I finished my third year of teaching (I had a great class who I'm going to miss!), and I am offically tenured. Can I get a whoop whoop?
• Kyle and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary, although I hear you don't focus on "anniversaries" too much while dating. Lame.
• I survived another summer of camp. I say it's my last one, but let's be real. I'll probably be back next summer even though I am praying I find something else.
• I joined a gym in April. I'm actually trying to lose weight. I have the working out thing down; it's the eating I need to get under control.
• Kyle and I might be moving in together next February. Yeah, big step. I'm nervous and excited at the same time. This is big. Like very big. Yikes.

Epic fail as a blogger.

Yikes. I feel like I've forgotten about this site. I'm sorry. Although no one actually reads this so who am I apologizing to? Myself? Okay, sorry self. I'll do better next time. Story of my life, right?

Anyways, I felt like writing, and here I am. We have a snow day today, and I don't care what anyone says, teachers need a snow day. Not just to catch up on work, but to get away from it. I've been productive too. Yeah, kind of surprising even as I type it. I worked out and planned a little. I thought about making dinner later, but then I realized I need to take baby steps. I don't want to get carried away and work too hard.

A lot has happened since I last wrote on here:

• Kyle and I are doing great. I mean like really great. I am beyond happy, and I have never been this happy in a relationship in my entire life. Although, when you have relationships in high school, those don't really count right? It's been a little over a year and a half, and I'm excited to say things are looking good.
• Derek Jeter has since retired from baseball. I cried. I smiled. I cried again. Baseball is never going to be the same again. I became a Yankees fan because of him, and after my other favorite Yankees left (Mike Mussina, Tino Martinez, Andy Pettitte, Bernie Williams, Jorge Posada), I was mainly watching for him, and now that he's gone, what happens next?
• The Patriots are playing in the Superbowl next week. If I hear one more story about this "deflategate" scandal, I am going to explode. Who the hells know what happens to the deflated footballs, but it's not like I had something to do with it so get off my back.
• I've started a new workout video/exercise. It's called Les Mills Combat, and it focuses on kickboxing, which I love. I actually like working out. Yes, I said "like". Granted, it's still a struggle to want to workout after school, but having days off like this definitely helps! I have a Fitbit Charge too (which I LOVE), and I think that gets me motivated too.
• I turned 27 on January 9th. Holy moly. I'm so close to 30. I'm making a face and cringing. That seems so old, but I still look 20 so it's just kind of funny to me.
• I'm currently in my 4th class in my Master's program. I finally decided to get my Masters, and it's not too bad? It's a lot of writing papers, but I'd rather do that then sit in a classroom for 3 hours every week. I just can't. Been there, done that.

I'm sure I could write another page or two, but I guess I'm good for now. Felt good to get these thoughts written down. :)

Fun Wedding Ideas.

I'm not even close to getting married, or engaged for that matter, but one of my friend's posted this on Facebook. Some of the ideas are really cute and creative; I would definitely consider doing them when (and that won't be for a long time) that time comes.

I starred the ones I would like to do or would consider doing for a certain someone ;)

*1. Have a pre-wedding field day so your groomsmen and bridesmaids can get acquainted with one another. 

*2. Add a line for a DJ song request on your RSVP cards.

3. Enlist your grandmas to be your flower girls.

*4. Serve your drinks on “My Two Cents” coasters.

*5. For a brunch reception, serve up a waffle bar.

*6. For seriously rad photo ops, give out sparklers as favors. 

7. Crown your wedding day with this fun cake topper. (it's the bride and groom touching each other's butts - no thank you!)

*8. Incorporate your love story into the aisle runner.

9. Hire a rad food truck for a late-night snack.

*10. Order your very own wedding Converse as dancing shoes for the reception.

*11. Have your very own beer bar.

12. Or rent a Pub-Hub for a DIY bar area.

13. Get everyone to dance on a GLITTER DANCE FLOOR. (glitter!? NO WAY - I hate glitter)

*14. Instead of wedding favors, let people fill up bags with the candy of their choice. 

15. Include an inspirational quote from vodka.

*16. Leave out advice cards near the guestbook or on the dinner tables. 

*17. Sometimes an array of bridesmaid dress colors can look prettier than just picking one.

18. Let people DIY their own confetti combo.

*19. Decorate the bathrooms with childhood photos.

*20. Keep the program simple and to the point.

21. Play a game of “flip cup” for your after-party.

22. Be dance-floor-ready in seconds with a transformer wedding dress.

*23. For an outdoor summer wedding, serve up some alcoholic Otter Pops.

*24. Put crayons at the kids table. 

*25. Forgo confetti for pom-poms.

26. Have a ball pit.

27. Lose the bartender and serve your alcohol in water coolers.

*28. For dessert, display an ice cream bar.

*29. Or just have everyone dive face-first into a 10-foot-long banana split.

30. Forgo the typical bouquet for one big-ass paper flower.

*31. Instead of a guestbook, have your guests leave a message for you in an “anniversary piñata.

Interesting TV show titles.

I was flipping through the channels the other day, and I noticed that some of the TV show titles were a little...strange. Here is a list of some that I found "interesting".

• I Faked My Own Death
• I Killed My BFF (which I've seen)
• I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant
• Extra Virgin (a cooking show)
• Who the (Bleep) Did I Marry?
• Naked and Afraid
• My Five Wives
• Sex on TV
• An Idiot Abroad
• Sex Sent Me to the ER

I love...who?

I'm waiting for my boyfriend to drop the L word first, and apparently he's waiting for me to do it.

This should be interesting...

I hate working out.

I changed into workout pants with every intention of working out, but in reality, I'm probably going to sit in these comfy pants for an hour or so until I convince myself it's too late, and I shouldn't workout.

Must. Get. Off. The. Couch.

But I probably won't. I'm exhausted from doing nothing.

Important Events 2014

January 4 - It was mine and Kyle's 6th month anniversary.
January 5 - Kyle made me dinner and gave me roses and chocolate covered oreos. It was so sweet!
January 9 - I turned 26. I'm officially closer to 30. Oh goodie.

New Year's Resolutions 2014.

Hello 2014! I am welcoming you with open arms. Hopefully I can stick to most of if not all of these resolutions.

1. Lose weight. Oh, hey. The old, reliable resolution is back. I did lose weight last year (yay!), but I need to keep at it!
2. Workout more. I started to slack off at the end of last year, but I'll try and be better this year.
3. Try new things. I can kind of be an old woman sometimes when it comes to going out and trying new things, but I'm going to try and be better about it. 
4. Make better food choices. I don't exactly have the best mentality when it comes to food so I need to work on that. Plus, that will help with #1. 
5. Cook more. I rarely cook. I'm not that good at it either so maybe I'll get better.
6. Write in my blog more. I want to keep a record of good things that happen to me this year. I hope I can do it.
7. Take more pictures. No more excuses.

What I'm Thankful for...

Day 1 - I'm thankful for my parents. Not gonna lie; they're pretty cool. And helpful. I kind of like them; they're keepers. Plus, they tolerate me. I can be annoying, but they still love me.

Day 2 - I'm thankful for my sisters (I guess both of them!). They're pretty great to talk to, and now I can even give them fashion advice, and they actually listen! They're keepers as well.

Day 3 - I'm thankful for my job. As much as my students drive me nuts day in and day out, I'm glad I have somewhere to go every day and do what I love. Plus, I like them sometimes. Yeah, sometimes.

Day 4 - I'm thankful for my coworkers. We vent to each other. We make each other laugh. We can take a stressful day and turn it into something not so bad. I love them!

Day 5 - I'm thankful for my boyfriend. He's pretty great (even though we can drive each other nuts sometimes!). I really like him, and he makes me happy. And he makes me smile.

Day 6 - I'm thankful for the weekend. I get 2 days away from work, and they are much needed. A 3-day weekend is even better, and they need to happen more often.

Day 7 - I'm thankful for photography. It's such a great release for me, and I love every part of it.

Day 8 - I'm thankful for hiking. I hate nature, but for some weird reason, I love hiking. Good conversations. Good exercise. Good times.

Day 9 - I'm thankful for my iPhone. It calls. It takes pictures. It texts. It plays games. It gives directions. It checks social media. It checks mail. I love it.

Day 10 - I'm thankful for my hair. I can wear it straight or wavy. Not everyone can say that. I love that I have options. I also like my color. I guess I'm pretty lucky.

Day 11 - I'm thankful for boots. I have brown, black, and gray, and I love wearing them. They dress up an outfit, and they're comfortable. Definitely a favorite.

Day 12 - I'm thankful for cold weather. I'd much rather be cold than hot, and I love this time of year! You can always add layers and blankets, and it definitely feels like the holiday season with this cold weather.

Day 13 - I'm thankful for shopping. Wow, who am I? I never thought I'd ever say that. I really do enjoy shopping though.

Day 14 - I'm thankful for hugs. I really do love a good hug. Especially after a rough day. Hugs not drugs. Remember that.

Day 15 - I'm thankful for Friday. I really do love this day. Plus, Grimm is on Fridays, and that helps too!

Day 16 - I'm thankful for Chinese food. I could eat it every week. No really, I could. Pork steamed dumplings. Sesame chicken. Crab wontons. Yes, please!

Day 17 - I'm thankful for sleeping in. I love not having to set an alarm. 

Day 18 - I'm thankful for tea. When you have a sore throat, it really helps!

Day 19 - I'm thankful for sweatpants. Seriously, they rock! After a long day, sweatpants are the way to go.

Day 20 - I'm thankful for hump day. Knowing you're halfway through the week will help you get through the last 2 days.

Day 21 - I'm thankful for heat. As much as I LOVE cold weather, I also like when I don't freeze to death.

Day 22 - I'm thankful that American Education week is over! I really hate this week because it's a lot of pressure as a teacher, and all eyes are on you. I'm glad my kids were pretty well behaved this week - I'm also thankful for that!

Day 23 - I'm thankful for Walmart. It really does have everything...well mostly everything.

Day 24 - I'm thankful for football. I love a Sunday where I can watch football all day and relax. It's even better when the Patriots are on TV, and they win!

Day 25 - I'm thankful for short weeks! We only have 2.5 days this week because of Thanksgiving on Thursday, and honestly, it's much needed, especially right after American Education week.

Day 26 - I'm thankful for half days. I love when the kids leave early.

Day 27 - I'm thankful for PBIS assemblies. I don't have to plan anything, and it's a great way for the students to have fun.

Day 28 - I'm thankful my Mom can cook a delicious Thanksgiving meal. If I had to cook Thanksgiving dinner, we'd all starve. No seriously. Actually, we'd be eating Chinese food. Thankfully she's a great cook!

Day 29 - I'm thankful for sales. I like a good sale price while shopping; it makes spending money a little easier.

Day 30 - I'm thankful it's the holiday season! I love this time of year, and Christmas is right around the corner. Christmas music, lights, presents, Christmas movies...I love everything about it!

Current favorite things.

• Miley Cyrus' "Wrecking Ball" - I'm a little embarrassed to be obsessed with a Miley song, but I can't deny it.
• My boyfriend. Hehe.
• Listening to Smarter Than Reagan on the radio. When I get 5/5, I feel pretty good about myself. 
• Cheese-its. They're good.

My first year.

I'm sitting at my computer and doing 4th quarter report cards on a Sunday afternoon. Normal people might be annoyed and upset having to waste their Sunday afternoon, but I'm sitting here smiling. I did it. I survived (almost!) my first year of teaching. I finally got a job doing what I love. So when most people would cringe about doing report cards on the weekend, I'm smiling and enjoying it.


Good things come to those who wait.


:)

May the fourth be with you...

Me: May the fourth be with you.
Sister: Yeah, I saw it all over Facebook.
(a good 2 minutes later)
Sister: Oh I get it! May the "force" be with you!


Wow.

Love you?

If I told my family I loved them, and they actually responded back with "I love you too", I'd think something was wrong.

Here are the responses I got from my family after I texted them, "Love you".

Sister: "Why are you saying that? haha"
(does there have to be a reason!? ha)

Dad: "Are you watching the news?"
(he completely ignored what I said)

Mom: "Ditto."
(because apparently "Love you too" would take too long to type back? I just don't know...)

And there it is...ha!

Funfetti Cake Batter Cookies

I'm not normally a baker (trust me when I say that), but I love making these cake batter cookies! They are easy and delicious! You can't go wrong with this recipe; I know you'll enjoy them as much as I do!

1 Funfetti Cake Mix
2 Eggs
1/2 cup Oil
1 cup of M&Ms (or chocolate chips, sprinkles...whatever you want to add!)

1. Turn your oven on to 350 degrees.
2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
3. Place cookies on baking sheet.
4. Bake cookies for about 11-13 minutes.

The recipe makes about 2-3 dozen cookies. The Funfetti cake mix adds fun colors to the cookies, but I've also used a yellow cake mix with chocolate chips. It's fun to experiment different recipes; all are good!

ENJOY!

Kids are hilarious.

So one of my students today was talking about new teachers, and goes, "A new teacher is when she looks like a noodle." I looked at him like he was crazy. I then asked, "Am I a noodle?", and he immediately replies with, "Yes". I had no idea what he was talking about so I asked, "Well, what makes me a noodle?" 

And he goes (all serious), "Well, you're skinny, and noodles are skinny." 

I started cracking up!! First, it makes no sense. Second, I don't consider myself skinny BY ANY MEANS. It was the best thing I'd heard all day.

This kid will be getting all A's on his report card! Haha JK, but seriously, he called me skinny. He should get something haha ;)