Beginnings & Endings

New Beginnings

New Possibilities

SO MUCH to be thankful for...

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Words can not even describe this month.   

I'll just let it be by saying that it was simply amazing.

May 23rd 2013

My fiance and I closed on our first home :)

 So excited to be home owners!

May 24th 2013

It's real. We moved in!

I especially love our kitchen & baking yummy Pinterest goodies!

May 25th 2013

The fiance and I drove to St. Joseph to pick up our new family member!
We are pleased to welcome this little Schnoodle (Schnauzer + Poodle Mix) to our new home.

Meet Miss LOLA :) 

Lola Bear :)

 She didn't know what to think of the silly Scooby-Doo slippers!

 Playing with daddy.  (Steps were scary!)

 One pooped pup!

Can you tell I'm a little obsessed?  I love my baby girl ♥

May 29th 2013

The students LAST day of school. I had to say goodbye to an amazing group of second graders.  They were an absolute joy to work with and I will cherish the memories we had in our classroom forever. 

I got this cute gift from a kiddo (no doubt her mom checked out Pinterest for this creation!) 

It is jam packed with tasty spices for our new home!

May 30th 2013

LAST DAY for teachers!  My first year of teaching is officially over! 

Where did time go? It all happened SO fast.

 Hero Unit: The students picked a hero of their choice, decorated their hero and wrote three reasons on the back.  

It's things like this that make me smile.  I can honestly say that I LOVE my job and making a difference in my students' lives

 :)

May 31st 2013

My final comps presentation for graduate school! It's f.i.n.a.l.l.y. over!

June 7th 2013

Lola started puppy class! She had a blast and let me tell you, was quite the charmer.  All the male pups were drawn to her!  She is going to be a little handful! ;)

5 more weeks of classes left!

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SO much has happened in such little time.

I feel blessed to have such a loving fiance, supportive family, and great friends!

Can't wait to see what the summer and future has in store for us :) 

What are your summer plans?

♥ erinj0

What a Week + Awesome News

There are many reasons I smiled this week.

Just like this owl, I am a very happy camper ...and have a lot to be thankful for!

plus, I absolutely LOVE owls. extra smile.

Reason #1

I had two interviews scheduled for a potential job.

I was just excited to get interviews at a time where finding a job is incredibly difficult

Reason #2

A kiddo made me laugh. A lot. Here's the story...

There is boy I work with that has very poor fine motor skills. He cannot write
(it is not legible whatsoever, so he is required to type all of his assignments)
Well, I was looking through his health homework about "morals" and I noticed it has scribbles (his writing) for every answer and a 100% plastered on the front. I said "Bobby (obviously not his name) why did we write our assignment? Obviously your teacher can't read this buddy." I then proceed to ask him what his answers say, as I am just a tad curious...

The first question said "You didn't study for your test. The teacher  has you sit next to the smartest kid in class. What do you do?" 

His response (literally, verbatim and 100% serious) was: I would make sure the teacher wasn't looking and then copy his answers.

I stare at him in utter disbelief and immediately respond, "Bobby!" "You can't do that, that's called cheating!"

He then looks at me, with a weird look on his face and responds...

"I would make sure the teacher is not looking first... DUH!"

too funny. I have to give him props for his mad honesty. 

needless to say, we had to have a "talk".

...after I finished laughing

:)

Reason #3

VitaTops in morning. 

Absolutely delicious and fairly healthy!

Reason #4

Fish frys with friends :) 

It's never a dull Friday when a fish fry is added in the day!

Reason #5

My interview on Wednesday!

...it went well I thought

Reason #6

*last but certainly NOT least*

The missed call I received on my phone around 8:30am...

The email message I received around 8:35am....

The note from my school office brought down to me around 8:45am...

...all saying to contact the principal I interviewed with the day before :)

I GOT THE JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will officially be a second grade teacher this August.

Grad school begins THIS May and I will receive my masters in 14 months.

FOR FREE :) 

just an added bonus

It will be a lot of work.

First year teacher+Full time grad student= no life

But I'm ready for the ride. To tackle this exciting new start. 

To spend all summer taking classes and getting my classroom ready.

I think this week was definitely worth a BIG SMILE.

:)

So excited.

xoxo

Mom Saves the Day!

{What's been going on}
...for the past two days, I have been home sick.
Feeling crappy and crazy busy, trying to tackle so many upcoming projects and tasks.
It is quite difficult to accomplish all your things when you suffer from a dang chronic illness.
It makes it even more difficult try and explain why you are under the weather or why you "always" get sick. That is the part I hate the most and I don't think it wil lever get any easier.

Today I had my update appointment with my autonomic neurologist.
SO much to say, so many interesting new insights
I will save that for another day...stay tuned!

{The Big Day}

TOMORROW is my big assessment presentation to wrap up my student teaching experience. The performance given will be ranked into categories: Excellent, Above Average, Average, Below, and Poor. You are graded on your confidence, knowledge, skills presented, content, and professional attire.

Here's the thing. I don't own any super "professional" clothes. I am really a sweat pants and cotton shirt kind of gal. Yes, I do "student teach" so I wear dress pants and cardigans, but nothing to spectacular. Honestly, most first grade teachers I know just stick to the business casual world of the target women's department! ;) If it gets dirty, torn, or tattered...no biggie!

Life in the big, fast lane of suits and snazzy outfits just doesn't fit me (nor my wallet). 

{The Story}
Get a load of what my AMAZING mother did for me tonight. As I am attempting to practice and perfect my 12 minute presentation, I am worrying about what to wear. The men are wearing suits and the ladies were told to wear your "best professional attire". I'm freaking out in my apartment thinking thoughts of "oh man, what am I going to do" "I don't feel good, I can't fathom going out and shopping right now". Well, my lovely old mother decided to get in the car and head to the store.

She purchased hundreds of dollars worth of clothing. Yes, hundreds. She came knocking on my door bearing gifts and was so excited. I attempted to try on all of the wonderful options; however, slowly but surely, one after another, they all became "no's. I was very thankful for everything she tried to do for me, but it is just very difficult for me to find clothes.

I assured her that I would make something work, but I just felt kind of nervous. Your self esteem kind of drops when you know that everyone around you will be wearing nice clothes and you...well, aren't.

She knew I was screwed (for lack of better words) and the little stinker drove all the way to more stores and purchased MORE outfits to try. I didn't know until she wasn't answering her home phone and I tried her cell. I couldn't believe that she went out of her way & went driving to ANOTHER store.

She came on over and showcased 15 more articles of clothing.
How special is she?! I was shocked and so grateful.

Luckily, I was able to find TWO pieces of clothing that would work perfectly.
She was elated and that pit in my stomach was put to ease.

On top of that. She even stay and ironed them all :)
Double bonus.

***

So now, I have the clothes...
All that's left is the infamous presentation tomorrow!
Wish me luck :)

What are your tips for easing your nerves before a big project/presentation or has anyone went completely out of their way to make sure you are completely confident and comfortable?

I am so happy to say I have the most amazing mother.
I love you mom,
xoxo

A Day of Remembrance

September 11th, 2001

10 years ago

♥ photo credit

 As I remember...

It started as just another typical day of an average 8th grade student. 

I woke up a little late and skipped breakfast, as my friends dad was early to pick me up. 

The school day began and the class was chipper and talkative as usual; however, that didn't last long.

Math class had just begun and the grunts and frustrations of not understanding these problems seemed like our biggest concern at the time, until Mrs. Chytil (the history teacher next door) came into our room with floods of tears streaming down her face.  

*Mrs Chytil was one of those teachers who never showed emotion and was very stern - it was in that moment the class went still and knew something was terribly wrong*

I remember specifically her saying "it's the twin towers". 

I looked around at my peers, with a confused look in my face, only to see everyone just completely dazed and confused as well. 

Our teacher ran out of the room as we all sat in silence, with a couple speculations about what the twin towers might be...

Management was a word that was thrown out the window that day. 

...you see, the seventh and eighth graders had the whole third floor to thenselves, while the K-6 classrooms were on the first and second...

I don't know what was happening on the bottom levels, but I remember just going up and down hallways and sitting in the science classroom as Mr. Colon had CNN playing and everyone just watched in utter disbelief. We asked so many questions, like "what are the twin towers" "what is happening" and so many more...

We were able to leave school whenever our parents/rides were there to pick us up. 

I remember the absolute terror of walking outside...it is that feeling you get from the unknown...

We just starred up in that bright sky and just felt very uneasy and vulnerable. 

*The one thing that I clearly remember is the bright sky and gentle breeze*

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I couldn't fathom how the sky could look so beautiful when something so dreadful just happened to our nation? The whole way home, I just kept starring, starring at the sky -

I felt the gentle breee again as I got out of the car and my mom picked me up in my arms, squeezing ever so tightly, as she never wanted to let me go. It was in that moment, I felt safe. 

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Safe, in a sense of comfort - we were still on edge about what could happen next. 

What if this, what if that... 

The "what-if's" literally flooded my mind.

All that mattered is that if something happened, I was with the one person who mattered most to me in the whole entire world, my mom.

It wasn't until later that night that my and I sat and talked about what is happening.

The people who lost their loved ones, the pain, suffering, and agony of that city...

the list goes on, SO many people were/are affected.

Today is a day, I want to take time to say thank you to all those heroes who risked their life to help serve others, to  pray for all the families who lost a loved one, and to never forget that through many heartaches and even in the worst of times, we will prevail. 

I believe that good can come from evil - 

Throughout that time in our life, for once it wasn't about whether your democrat or republican,  gay or straight, rich or poor, we all worked together for a common goal, and that...that was beauty.

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My thoughts and prayers are with everyone today

God Bless you all :)

xoxo

AARP?!

I checked my mail today, and to my surprise, I am now a senior citizen.

I received an official "laminated" AARP card and membership ID. 

{what the heck?!}

Now, I knew my life was moving pretty fast here lately, but oh gee - I didn't realize it passed by me THIS fast! haha

Even if I did become a member (which dear lord, I would never...it's probably a scam) but hypothetically, if I did, there would be plenty of perks...

• I could get movie discounts (because they don't do student discount anymore...stupid, I know!)
• Senior citizens get free pie at village inn! whoooo, who doesn't like FREE pie?!
• Shopping discounts! On certain days the old folks get super savings on their clothes! (can you say, jealous!)
• Fast food joints and even dine-in restaurants offer special savings to those over the age of 55! (heck 15% off your meal or free drinks can really add up ; )

...the list continues! This gets me thinking that just maybe...living the "good-OLD-life" won't be half bad after all <3

Speaking of old(er) people, I have a quick story.

Yesterday my family got together for no apparent reason, but just for the fact that it was a nice day and we decided to have a Sunday grill out.

After dinner, we pulled out the good old game known as "Taboo" - the purpose of this game is to get your teammates to guess the word on the top of the card without using the basic words that most people think of to describe it. 

For example if the word is [pizza] you can't say sounds like, rhymes with, or the words: slice, cheese, food, junk, eat, etc... it actually is quite difficult.

You see... the problem when we play "team games" is that my grandmother is 91 years old and she tends to (for lack of better words) suck at these things. Granted, she is old and processing time is quite different and much more difficult, but we always dread if grandma gets put on your team.

*sorry grandma*

Funny thing is  this: she ended up killing it & rockin the show! She even showed up my mother and got THREE words completed before the timer ran up! (My mom only got ONE. ha, it was great)

-This might have been a "you had to be there type story, but it really was funny" - 

She is so independent and hates asking for help. 

Quite the stubborn one she is. 

I know I will be just the same when I get older, I can foresee my future already.

(man, I feel bad for my future children already!)

Anyways.

Goodnight all.

Hope all is well :)

xoxo

-erinj0

Story Time.

Okay, so here is a funny story I thought I would share.

This happened last year in kindergarden...

♥ photo credit

Story: A little girl did her show and tell about "press-on tattoo's". She had a barbie doll that she was going to demonstrate on. First, she pulled down the shirt (so the barbie doll was now topless) then she got out her tattoos. She said she needed something cold to make the tattoo's stick, so out comes her mini cooler that she carried into class. She pulled out two Pepsi's and a Milwaukee's Best...of course she takes the Milwaukee's Best (not knowing what it is) and places the beer on the topless barbie doll. PRICELESS. The teacher couldn't resist and snapped a picture!

...innocence at its finest :)

It's WEDNESDAY and you know what that means :)

caution: this post is rather long.

Today is the one day of the week that I am my grandmothers chauffeur :)

Since I had leftover cake-pops, I decided to baggie them up and give individuals out to her lovely lady friends :) Oh my, they just gushed over the things... I learned that dear old ladies just love when youngin's like myself go out of their way to do something for them. 

{Granted, I just put my leftover pops in individual baggies}

**two pops per bag**

 They LOVED them. 

I even promised to bake them another treat for next week :) 

...and since I had extra almond bark to use up, I made some sweet and salty snacks...

**********************

The day started out interesting {as always}

I always get a good laughin' when my gram calls me on her little JitterBug cell... 

As you can see, it is a senior citizen friendly phone :)

 ♥ photo credit

 She calls me when they are almost done eating/talking

(her friends take her to the nearby restaurant after Organ class)

*Note: The phone is programed to call me automatically when she flips open the phone. All she has to do is press the YES button to confirm calling me! ...nifty, eh?!

The reason I chuckle every time she calls. 

Well, there is only ever THREE possible locations they dine at:

IHOP, Julio's, or Garden Cafe

...and every time she calls here is what it's like

Me: "Hi Gram, where you at today?"

Gram. "Erin. Hi. We are at ______. Do you know where that's at?"

Me: "Yes, Gr..." 

(she gives me NO time to answer and assumes I do not know where she is at, despite the fact that I have picked her up from each location at least 4-5 times this summer)

Gram: We are at _____. It is right off of x and q street. Do you know where that's at?

(I am thinking to myself....I have only lived in this city my whole life!)

When you pull up, enter the building and take a left. We are in a big brown booth and sitting in the far left hand corner next to some people that are all dressed up... 

(she continues to give me MAJOR descriptors) 

...the funny thing is, the restauraunts are so small that it's not like I won't see them RIGHT when I walk in the door! We don't live in NYC or anything?!

Oh Grandma.

 ----------------------------------

Next. She tells me, (not asks like she usually does) that she will be needing to make TWO pit stops on the way home... The Credit Union and Walgreens.

In a round about way, I asked her what she needs at Walgreens, because I have a lot of coupons at home that she could use. 

**Keep in mind that my Grandma feels the need to give cash away like candy at Walgreens. 

Why? I have absolutely no idea, but she has no care in the world for the price of things 

(only at Walgreens) - and it's not like she is made of money or anything!**

 She tells me that she only needs a prescription cough syrup (which actually turned out to be Clariton allergy medicine once I called my mom to confirm) and "Dove" face soap. 

Hm. I made one mistake.

I asked her if it had to be "dove" face soap.

"YES!" 

How else do I stay looking so young?! she responded quite abruptly. I have been using it all my life. It even helps with wrinkles says my dear 90year old Gram.

...we go into Walgreens.

look EVERYWHERE.

Down all the beauty isles and even candy isles that Walgreens has to offer.

NO DOVE BAR face SOAP. 

Oh dear. oh my.

I decide to ask the beauty clerk. Excuse me miss, do you sell "Dove Face Soap"

her response: "Dove Face Soap? ughhh, no. Not face soap"

My Gram is in disbelief and cannot even fathom the idea that some place would not carry Dove "bar" face soap. 

{Haven't most people converted to the liquid FACE wash by now?!}

Here's the best part.

FINE. She mutters under her breath. I will go to Bag N' Save (it's just as bad as it sounds) 

I know they will carry the "nice" soap I am looking for! 

Bahahahaha. Bag N' Save!?

NICE? now that's a hoot.

I cannot for the life of me find "Bar Dove Face Soap" that is made specifically for your face. She keeps assuring me that it is out there, but I have tried all the stores in Omaha and cannot find it anywhere. I have found many different types of Dove bar soap, but not SPECIFICALLY for your face alone.

 

♥ photo credit

(this is the closest thing I found - but it's not made specifically for your face?)

I think she has been using body soap for her face this whole time. 

She refuses to use ANYTHING except Dove Bar Face Soap. 

HELP. Is there such a thing!? 

I don't know how I will please her in regards to this one!

Sorry for such the long post. 

Hope everyone is well :)

xoxo

-erinj0

Disgruntled Grandma & the "Amazing Bracelet"

As many of you all know - Wednesdays are the day I become a lovely chauffeur and take my grandmother to Organ class and where ever she may need to go after.

Well, here is a story about my recent experience I had this week while driving her home :)

Oh boy, get ready - 

BUT first, here is some background knowledge...

♥ photo credit

It all started with this little think called 'iRenew"  

Well, I am sure you have seen the silly late night infomercials of people in a shopping mall seemingly able to balance better after putting on this bracelet.

So, does it work?
Well, it bypassed all clinical trials, scientific studies, and a peer review process
WHY would this so called miracle bracelet do that if it claimed to be so life changing?



Also! It costs a whopping $19.95 per bracelet, plus $7.95 for shipping
(Oh yeah, and for another $7.95, they will send you another free bracelet)
REALLY? $7.95 for shipping this piece of plastic...

 Okay this magic bracelet claims that it can give you "healthier blood",  "greater flexibility", "inhanced balanced", "increased strength", and more...

There is NO supporting data whatsoever for this product, only "testimonials" that people are paid to give. Click here to watch the slowed-down version of their advertisement

I'll let you be the judge.

Now- let's get back to the good stuff,

Well this weekend, my gram took a tumble at a local store. She is ninety years old and lets face it, age is just catching up with her!
As I pulled up in her driveway after Organ, here's how the conversation  went down...

   


Gram:

"You know, when I fell this weekend, everyone made such a big deal about it. Rushing over to me and all. What do you guys think I do when I am home by myself?!"

Me:

"Well grandma, your leg started swelling and your walking was pretty unsteady."

Gram:

"Well, you know...did you ever get me that bracelet I asked you to look up. NO!"

Me:

"No, I didn't...I just know that it doesn't work and I don't want to waste your money on some scam. It doesn't really work, it's all psychological"

Gram:

"...When Erin, when I tried Sally's on at Organ, I could walk perfectly straight immediately after I put it on. I tried it! So, when you get your dear old grandma this bracelet, you will see how great I walk and wish you would have got this for me months ago like I asked."

*In my head, I am thinking...shoot, shooot, shoooooooooot. 

she STILL remembers this darn thing.

the guilt trip is so strong.I can feel it.

Sigh, it's time to give in...*

Me:

"Okay, I'll see what I can do then, Grandma."

**She then proceeds to get out of the passenger side door & as she steps out of the car, she stops, looks at me with strong determination... pretends she has the future bracelet on and gives me a wink...then looks intently at her front door... & attempts to walk in a perfectly straight line with complete balance to her front door**

Ooooo, grandma :)

Even though in my honest opinion, this bracelet is complete bogus and people are taking advantage of others asking SO much for a piece of plastic and metal...I think if I don't get her this bracelet by her next Organ class, I will get the wrath of Grandma.

I just have to remember, even if it is psychological...

if it helps her walk or "think" she is walking better, it's worth it!

♥photo credit

Do any of you have any stories like this?!

Enjoy your weekend♥

xoxo

-erinj0

I Hate the Heat...& the Heat HATES me : /

 Welp, it's the first official day of summer. 

As for summer, I mean the spring semester is totally finished

...all the grades are reported and books returned. 

I should be excited right? It's like a catch 22 - Excited school is over, but the actual temperature and the heat of summer is just dreadful to think about.

...Sort of anticlimatic


The summer time brings about many things in this dear old life of mine that I just do not like. It is like a vicious circle that I know will not turn out well. (Oh lordy, am I being positive or what) ha.

Heat=Tachycardia

Tachycardia=Fatigue

Fatigue=Brain Fog

Brain Fog=Homework/School Trouble

Homework/School Trouble=...you get the picture!

Sometimes I think I overdue to. I try to do too much or I go out for too long. I need to learn when is enough, but how will I every know? Will I ever learn... I don't know.

Story Time!

 *So, my gram calls me up last week and proceeds to ask how I am doing and start the typical grandma chit chat "so, how are you doing Erin? Feeling good today?" blah blah blah, the typical grandma conversations - After all of that, she then proceeds to ask if I could drive her to the weekly Wednesday organ class that she attends, with all her lady friends. (She knew that I had nothing to do, I finished my finals early and I would just be sitting at home, twiddling my thumbs staring at the wall) How could I say no? She has been trapped in her apartment for almost a week, as her typical driver has had a family emergency and unable to take her places.

*I pull up promptly on Wednesday around 10:10am. Let me tell you that I have a very low car and watching a ninety-two year old woman get in and out is quite...sad? Ooo, that sounds wrong - but you know what I mean. I ask if I can help get her seat-belt on (ask I typically do on the way to family functions when my mom and I always pick her up) - I definitely shouldn't have asked : / "I can do it, Erin!" she replied harshly, and I quickly backed down...*

*So. we were driving and I asked for clarification to make sure I knew where I was headed. I then said I would just catch the interstate, as it would be the fastest route. "I am in NO hurry!" Don't take the interstate. Well, mistake number one - I took the interstate and the eyes rolled and a "UGGHhHhh" fell out of her mouth. Whooops?*

*Arrival!!!!  As we stop she needs to put in a new hearing aid before she can enter.  I could see she was having difficulties trying get the tiny battery in her little aid with her arthritic fingers. You guessed it, mistake number two, I asked her if I could help. Eeeeeek. I'll just stop there*

*I was about to ask what time she would like me to pick her up. This is the kicker...she was really pulling my leg, playing the old lady card good here! She said..

• Well, you could pick me up after class around noon, if your in hurry - I mean I understand if you have to, but I usually eat lunch with all my friends and it's nice to catch up. 

OR

• I could call you from my cell phone (a "jitterbug" to be exact for people with hearing difficulties that has only a call, yes and no button! toooo cute!) and let you know where I am eating at. This way I could eat with all my friends and this is what I usually do. 

But it's totally up to you, she says. First, let me tell you that I was NEVER going to pick her up early, but man! She totally played those two options pretty well to tug at my heart strings.

*Lastly, as she was getting out of the car, I said "So are you playing today Grandma?" and she chuckles and responds, "Oh no dear, I didn't practice this week! This class is for advanced players and you need to practice!" HaHa ; )

I love being her new Wednesday chauffeur for the month of May!

THINGS THAT WILL MAKE/MADE ME SMILE THIS MONTH

1. STAR JONES GETTING ELIMINATED FROM CELEBRITY APPRENTICE! Finally : ) 
2. The Bachelorette starts this month
3. I renewed my lease & get to stay in my apartment another year
4. My appointment with my neurologist is less than a month away (I've been waiting 6months)
5. I find out where I student teach this month!
6. My family comes in town 
7. My lovely boy graduated from college this past week : )
8. My amazing family  
9. ♥

What made you smile this month?
: ) erinj0

Blast from the past

--So, I just get a text from my friend --

I love the old memories that fly into your mind and you sit and reminisce when days were so carefree, you were "healthier" than you are now, and you were able to accomplish everything you wanted for that day : )

Anyways: Here is the story!

When I was a teen coordinator for a volunteer program, one of my little teen volunteers brought me in food to try from her culture. It was home-aid "goat meat"... 

...(*Deep Breath*)

you see, I am not big on trying things "out of my norm" and I like to smell things before I eat them

Yes, I like to smell my food : / weird - whatever!

Well, that was a mistake. I thanked you as she is ever so sweet, but told her that I was very full and would try it later & be sure to tell her how it was! 

Immediately after she left, I dialed up my friend who was working in the department next door to come in & right away, "Erin, what is that SMELL?!"

Oh boy! So yeah - we looked at it. Contemplated trying it.

But no. I refused & I guess she did & till' this day I can never live it down.

She still hates me for introducing her to goat meat.

--On a positive note--

...this song is stuck in my head & the words have been rolling through my head

Eight to five, two to one
Lay your money on the sun
until you crash what have you done?
Is there a better bet than love?
What you are is what you breathe
You gotta cry before you sing


Chances chances...

xoxo

-erinj0