Making it Happen

1. Way to go, Tim Tebow.
2. Epiphany!
3. River Whyless, thank you for the inspiration.
4. Day 1 of 5k training.
5. Please visit my amazing friend's blog! http://kcomiskeats.blogspot.com/

So it's Sunday, which usually means that I am feeling all motivated and rejuvenated for the week that is upcoming. I have started eating healthy again, not stressing about unimportant/unessential people in my life and concentrating more on running, yoga and the things that matter (sorry for the broadness but it's true!). Lets see.... I am aiming to run a 5k on March 10th but then realized that I may be getting my wisdom teeth pulled out soon, so needless to say, we'll play it by ear. Now, don't think that me being the huge "gold" that I am is doing things too spontaneously, I have a new planner and am very disgustingly ready to use it. I think that the "semester of fall 2011" was a bit too unplanned and random, I am enjoying the journey, but I think I need to have small focus points along the way. I got carried away by the youthfulness of just having fun, which I did, but I like going after things. I am on the fence about my next move, but luckily have a few ideas over what it will be. Get excited. Look at what an awesome salad I ate while chilling at Katie's condo! Nom.


Kk, so game plan for now is to make this 5K happen because along with it comes my dedication to yoga, teaching and running. I ran 1.5 miles today with a 7.5~ish min mile. Not a bad starting point. This is going to be a busy education week but it'll happen.

Also, I may be a very organized teacher when it comes to folders and such but my room needs a big time makeover and by makeover I mean something that will make me finally see my desk again. Why do I do that?

I'm back like I forgot somethin', I'm somethin'

Finding balance.

Hello again, world.
It has been nearly forever since I've blogged and this one may be very short, but I have to start somewhere.

Idk what happened this past year from June-Dec. I think I got very sidetracked with things that I hadn't really done in a long time and I don't think I wasted time, but I do think that I need to get back on track if that makes any sense. I had another wonderful starbucks date with Katie and despite the fact that I was feeling like crap, it was nice to just be and talk. I have actually started talking to a lot of old friends again and it is very comforting. Diana made some wonderful points to me today and even though I act tough and awesome, I need peptalks too. They make a world of difference. I need to grow the balls to do some of the things I know I need to do this year, so luckily for you, you get to see it unwind. I reread my blog post from last year, primarily because I remembered Mr. Royal, but it's funny to see how worried I was about the way things would be this year. Now I'm worried about new things, the cycle never seems to end and I think that it's because we forget our own history. I don't even know what else to update you guys on, those will come at their own time. Today some of my kids asked me about my new year's resolutions...I didn't really know how to tell them what they are but I know I am going to have a ginormous to do list.

The whole airplane rule of "put your oxygen mask on first, then help the person next to you" is a great metaphor for life.

87 ajr 04

Damn. I haven't blogged in literally almost 6 months. Where did the time go? Things have actually been really amazing though so I think that's why I haven't had much time for blogging. This week has been kinda tough since November always brings such sad memories but today, despite the fact that it is Andrew's 7th year anniversary...well it brings new light to what I SHOULD be doing today. Not grieving but making the most out of life. I have so much to update you guys on but today's post should only be about carpe-ing the hell out of every diem.

"Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I've got hold of for the moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible.."

the edge of glory.

3rd grade was even amazing the second time around. Who knew it could even get better?

I am in a loss for words. I don't even know how to begin this post because so much has happened in May. My kids did such a great job with their EOG's and have honestly made me so proud. I've had a lot of fun with my friends lately poolside or just sitting and talking about life. Enjoyed my family life and trying to love the summer time again. I don't really want to talk about what the end of third grade this time around means to me because it's a lot more than I like to share. But I will say that the last month with my kids has been astonishing. I can't even describe what those kids have done. How much they have changed my life and how much I love them. I'm glad I could do to those kids what my third grade teacher could for me. As long as I can rap with my kids and have them say that they will never in their whole lives forget me...well, I think that is pretty "osom" as my little lady said to me.

I went to the Mexico vs. Cuba Gold Cup match the other night and that was fantastic as well! I LOVE CHICHARITO! The game was great to watch and I am so glad that many of my friends were following it along with me.

I am very curious as to what the future brings now that this school year has ended...but I have to remember that like my amazing ring that Kathryn gave me on the last day of school...I have to let some things go. Spread their wings, right?

Summer will be filled with plenty of wonderful things. Lately, I have been listening to the Lady Gaga CD (which is AMAZING), hanging out with some kindergartners, reading some great books, laying out, running and spending time with wonderful people. Oh and breaking fingers! I'm excited to see what summer has in store...a trip to Boone is in the near future.

"Luda! When I was 13, I had my first love, There was nobody that compared to my baby and nobody came between us or could ever come above She had me going crazy, oh, I was star-struck, she woke me up daily, don’t need no Starbucks. She made my heart pound, it skipped a beat when I see her in the street and at school on the playground but I really wanna see her on the weekend. She knows she got me dazing cause she was so amazing and now my heart is breaking but I just keep on saying..." - the best rap of them all

i don't just come back for the fun stuff.

so today pretty much rocked.

may has pretty much rocked.

Not only have I been starting to like the summer weather (sans thunderstorms-those are scary) I have also really just been really happy this month. Idk what it is really but it has been great. Lets see...my updates are usually about the same things: my kids, boone, friends and life decisions. This post is nothing different. I don't have much to say really, because I don't have

words that could convey exactly what I mean. (Thanks, Alan!)

So I went to Boone I think about 2 weeks ago to meet the Dean and a few scholarship sponsors for lunch. That was pretty darn cool in itself but being in Boone was not just beautiful and all...I saw SO SO SO many awesome people. I saw Brittany Burdine, Patrick Rust, Christopher Barbour, Aubrey VanGoethem, Corey Dodd, Kathryn Brown, Carla Banker, Sarah Carpenter, Laura Comisky, Kim Murphy, Tory Celements, Christopher Lawrence and Chaney Poston. Like I literally got to hang out with all those people. Talk about an awesome 48 hours. It was kinda sad though because I slept in Kathryn's room/my apartment for the last time ever. Unfortunately all of my roommates will be living in different places next year or graduating. It

was so much fun though!! Breakfasting, running into random hugs, getting naked, drinking on

the porch in a thunderstorm, and I mean...what is there not to love about going back up?..planning a trip again soon...

Ok on to the next thing...my class! Oh my goodness my babies will be taking the EOGs the next week and today I was lucky enough to go to a staff meeting and just sit there being trained for it. I am just so excited to be there with them. It is truly a blessing and it is always beyond

amazing to see them.

Here is my lovely Proctor's Guide and my new book that Valentina told me to read. (I guess I have to read an educational book too this summer...)

In other news...Lilly finally did her first communion this weekend! It was so nice and she had such a blast. It is fun watching that little lady grow up. I mean, does this not look like a

facebook profile pic in the making? SCARY. Anyway, I have also been hanging out in Charlotte with some awesome people. Kathryn is finally back in town and I think I am annoying her enough with making her see my face everyday...love that girl. Christine is in freaking Mexico but luckily got back tonight safe and sound. Katie and I have really made it a weekly thing to not only have Caribou but to run! How awesome? Seriously Katie, I am so glad you do this with me. Did I mention that our 5k went great?! Maybe minus the fact that I totally got a cramp, forgot my ipod and was just totally unprepared? It was still so awesome and I cannot wait to do my next one. #624- 00:29:38 was my time for the 5K! Katie and I also went out to eat with Betho for her birthday a month late but it was actually really fun. Makes me miss the days of DTN.

May I also just say that the St. Gabriel group is also effing amazing? I think I met some of my new best friends.

"Just as each of you has received grace, minister in the same way to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." -1 Peter 4:10

Determination

Man oh man, how time changes. The past week has been a lot of fun. Let me start off with mentioning the fact that St. Gabriel's is starting this new "youth group" at church. However, instead of it being for the youth per say, it is technically for young adults. People ranging from college age to the beginning of starting a family. I went to it a few weeks ago but had not really mentioned it to anybody because it was just starting and I didn't really know how I'd feel about it. I think that's because I usually compare things (yes, I know, you can't compare people or things but I still sometimes do it) and in this case I started comparing this new church group to CCM. Anyone that knows me knows that CCM was basically my lifeline at times throughout college. I met some amazing people that have changed my life and despite the fact that things are a bit different now, well I will never forget any of the kids at CCM or our adventures. They truly brought out my own faith. Having said that, I went into this new youth group with a sense of "this is not gonna be as awesome as CCM so it sucks" mentality but I think it actually has some potential. I need to have that chance to talk about my faith a bit more with people that actually care and want to talk about it. I have some great friends that I am sure I can mention some stuff to, but I just need that support group too at times. IN CHARLOTTE. Haha, besides Father Pat is the best person ever and if he personally asks me to come I can't say no. Anyway, all of you also know that I was very involved at school...and since apparently I can't keep my mouth shut (sorry but when they ask for group activities/ice breakers...well...LT would kill me if I didn't speak up) and so I am now leading certain group activities especially outreach ones for our community. How so? RUNNING 5K's! Yep, I have told everyone that they should run 5K's and do walks and such to raise money for wonderful organizations in Charlotte. Dance Marathon style almost. I am very excited.

Speaking of 5K's I have been training hardcore for it and I am loving the results thus far.It has been so much fun to run this much and to really stretch my personal best. I think I have gathered up some more people to run (and walk, right Kathryn?) which I am very excited about. What else do I get this passionate and excited about? oh right, of course..my kids. On Thursday of last week I decided to go see my babies during lunch. So I woke up early and was productive before I decided to take some Subway to my CT. Lunch was so much fun to be at again, and again to have that same rockstar sensation when all the 3rd graders in that cafeteria want to run up and hug you. During lunch my CT told me that the kids were going to have a Wax Museum the next day. Unfortunately she had to miss it so guess who basically subbed that morning? ME!! The kids were so excited and the best part was that all the parents were also thrilled that I would be there and not some random sub. Did I mention I had to be at the school at 6:15 again that morning?! I truly did miss that. I saw all the parents and had so many wonderful things said to me, but my kids were the icing on the cake. I got to meet Albert Einstein, Billy Graham, Coretta Scott King, Amelia Earnhardt, and Queen Elizabeth all in the span of an hour. It's nice when Albert Einstein, her fake mustache and her parents say that Albert Einstein considers me her real hero.

I could just stop right there and have that be an amazing day, right? Hellllll no. Why stop there when my day just kept getting better? This was only from 6-8:30. I had to run to Lilly's school at 9 to get to go to her poetry reading! It was so cool to be on the other side going to Lilly's school. Playing the part of a bystander and not the teacher or student. She is so talented and her poems were soooo precious. Stop there? Nope. That Friday kept getting better. After this I got Lilly out for early dismissal and headed off to Boone. Boone? Yep. Boone. I had to attend the RCOE scholarship ceremony again and boy does it feel amazing to have Dr. Jacobson still poke you in the rib and say, "Ivette Gonzalez...still staying out of trouble?". It was nice to see old familiar faces again and be in Boone, not to mention ASU again. After the ceremony I decided to surprise Kathryn in the apartment. I really wish I could do that again. I did a great job! Haha, couldn't really surprise Corey as much but def got to see him. Where? At the Shoppes on the Parkway, duh. Now, before the rest of you get mad that I didn't tell you that I was coming to Boone, I am sorry but I was literally only there for 4 hours and my mom and Lilly were with me. SORRY! I will be back in Boone next Tuesday and this time for more than even 24 hours! Wahoo!

So this post is getting extremely long so I will leave you with these pictures to sum up the rest of the week

Henna tattoos! This was so much fun. Started with, "Wanna go to South Boulevard?" and ended with " You have no choice. Turn around and take off your shirt." Isn't my bff a great henna artist? On the shoulder it says "determination" in arabic. Fitting. This was all after a full day of eating at Newks with Jack, and lounging around watching TV. Man, I'm so glad Kathryn is home.

Check out the new plate! The Lincoln keeps getting even more baller every day.

"no one can make you feel inferior without your consent" Eleanor Roosevelt

dakota, i love you.

So...life has been very hectic lately. I don't really even know how to explain it all. It's already April!! To begin, I went up to Boone not too many weeks ago and as always, it was amazing. I had some great times with Kathryn and Corey as always. BB nights, what up! I had always wanted to leave a beer bottle right at the bottom of those stairs and I sure did just that. Anyway, I ate all my favorite things and got to hang out with some of my favorite people. The tweets from that night were pretty freaking awesome too. It was so nice to rekindle my friendship with my old roommates, Carla and Sarah. I do miss those girls so much. Anyway, back here in Charlotte I have been tutoring more than ever now and it is so exciting. I have wonderful kids and they just inspire me to do so much. Hard work...but it's so worth it. I have had a few setbacks lately in regards to things that I have literally no control over and all of you know how much I hate that. I think that lately though I have really been able to feel better about not knowing where I am heading. I wish with all my heart that I knew things would be ok...but I know that no one can tell me that. However, I've found ways of keeping myself busy and with short term goals at least. For instance, Showmars has been so much fun with Chris working there and Christine and Nick make it worth working there. I've learned so much more now after coming back from school and it's nice. Especially since now there is Yoforia right across the street! Aside from my Showmars and tutoring stuff going on, I have decided to sign up for my first 5K! I wanted to blog yesterday because I ran my best 4 mile yesterday and my best 3 mile today. It is so exhilarating! I cannot express how much I love running now. I was talking to Katie about it (I'm sure over some coffee or a soccer game), how I never really would have considered running to be a favorite anything for me, esp in high school but now that I don't have IM or any other kind of soccer running has become a great sport for me to stay active in. I have had my old shoes for such a long time and my knees progressively get worse so I decided that it was time to get new shoes...check these motherfuckers out!

Nice aren't they!? I am so excited. Oh and not only did I buy new shoes...my dad got us a new car. It's a Lincoln and it's apparently mine now. Yes, yes, I know what you are all thinking...what about Dakota? I am not even going to get started on how much I love Dakota because it literally gets me teary-eyed but I will say that it is in good hands. Dakota is now Chris' car. I couldn't have asked for a better owner and I am sure that as soon as this Lincoln has an App sticker on it, it will be fine. Still, I just need some time to get used to leaving Dakota. Boone this weekend and a busy week ahead...lets do this.

John 11:25-27