Bring on the Christmas Music.

Don't be jealous that my kids made me in to a good looking turkey.

"There's a point in your life when you get tired of fixing everything & trying to make everyone happy. When you finally decide to quit, it's NOT giving up. It's realizing you don't need certain people and the bullshit they bring in to your life."

Why thank you, Grey's. For always providing such great words of wisdom. I am thankful for so many things. Particularly for my 23 kids. My sweet small circle of wonderful friends, and my amazing family. Why is it that we only take one day a year to not take them for granted?

Well said, Black Cat. Well said.

give thanks and praise to the Lord and it will be alright

I only blog after going to Boone. I've started to realize this. Probably because that is where I am most inspired and loved spending time the most. Oh, Boone. Let me just say that we are SoCon champs for 6 years in a row now, hell yes. But lets backtrack real quick first...last time I posted I had gotten back from ASU and had gone to the homecoming game. That was like in October. I went to the Gravedigger's ball with my Kathryn and although nothing will ever top last year's Halloween, seeing Ke$ha with a wonderful friend was so worth it, especially after a fun Showmars Halloween too. Since then I have had the best birthday ever thanks to a bunch of 8/9 year olds. How does that happen? I got presents and cards galore, they even surprised me and sang happy birthday to me! I never like getting surprised, but it was like they kept surprising me and I didn't mind one bit. I got a candle, a sillyband, (many actually), drawings, a bag of doritos, candy, and well the nicest most loving hugs and heartfelt cards that I have ever gotten. 23 felt great that day. Honestly I've never wanted to cry of joy as much as I did that Monday morning with my kiddies. They are simply the best people ever and I want to take all of them home with me. SO bad. Unfortunately I've fallen in love with them almost at the wrong time. I have less than a month left with them and I'm already dreading the months following graduation. But, there's no need to be scared of it, whatever happens will happen and it will happen for a reason. Speaking of things happening for a reason...November has never really been a "happy" month. Nonetheless, this November has def made it seem like the worst month in the world. In the past 2 weeks 3 people that I know have passed away. Including the 3 people that I already mourn every November. These next few days are going to be the toughest, having the 19th and 21st this weekend...but I know it will be alright. I have done a few things to make me feel a bit better and one of those has been the Memory Walk. It was a HUGE success. I raised so much more than I thought and you guys CAN still donate! How neat?! But for those many of you that did already, this goes out to you: A GIANT THANK YOU AND I LOVE YOU! I really have such a great support system and I had no idea that so many of you have been affected by Alzheimer's. Thank you to everyone who has thanked me for doing this, please don't forget that I did this in your loved ones names too. It is a very sad process and I do not wish it upon anyone. It was such a wonderful experience this weekend especially to have shared it with the ones I love. My siblings are the best and we really did such a great job with it together. We miss you, grandpa. Not only did we have a fantastic time at the walk, I got to go to Boone the same day! I got to see all of my favorite people all in one day. When does that ever happen? It was nice to be at that football game not only because it was a SoCon game but also because it would be my last football game as a student. Graduation is only a few days away!! I love being in Boone as I've said endless times and luckily I get to go back this weekend for ALF! Oh Leadership Team how I have missed you. It will be a VERY interesting time but it will also be a great time to see some more of my favorite people this weekend. Gives me something to keep me going, esp tomorrow morning. Yuck, Monday. Well, my Laura moves into the forest tomorrow and I wish her all the luck in the world with her new job. I know she's going to be great I just have to convince her of it. I am also almost finished with all my work for student teaching. Well, the big stuff anyway and that will be such a relief as soon as I actually get that done. I just need a lot of minimotivation! Well I need to get some sleep now and tell myself that I've got this.

Ven con nosotros a caminar.

i whip my hair back and forth.

Apparently I only blog once a month. I can honestly say that time is flying but going by so damn slow. About two weeks ago I went up to Boone for another seminar as well as the homecoming game. Man oh man was it nice to be able to cheer on my Mountaineers. I got to see some wonderful people and we won (naturally). I was able to hang out one on one with a lot of people this time as well which def lent itself to some ridiculously great talks. About life, the future-you know, the good stuff. Especially when these talks are out on Hebron in the amazing fall weather. Or in a car ride around the freaking parkway. Let me tell you. No camera will ever be able to capture the beauty that is the parkway in the fall. May I just say that one day I may just buy a house in Boone (since I can afford that off my teaching salary) and just live there in the fall. Would that be weird? I don't know what it is about the colors of the leaves, the feel of football, pumpkin spice lattes, the cool autumn air, and the way the leaves look nested on the ground...it's like heaven. I never appreciated fall as much as I did when I was up in Boone. I'm not sure why but fall just makes me so happy. I definitely need something to keep me as happy as can be when I'm suffering through this student teaching thing. It's not a horrible experience, but it is really hard. I've been talking to a lot of my old professors and they have really helped me realize how "great" I can be as a teacher. It's just so hard to do so when it isn't really YOUR classroom. Can't wait for that to happen. One day, hopefully.
Anyway, I will be going up to the job fair tomorrow in Boone and then go to school for 2 days, then leave to go to the NCCTM conference and then have parent teacher conferences all day Friday. Jesus, and then, it's my birthday. WTF. Like, how the hell did my birthday come so quickly? Halloween is going to be so different this year than it has in the past but I'm actually pretty excited. I think Kathryn has finally convinced me to go to the Grave Digger's so I think I'll be doing that this year. What to be, what to be...
Well I have still a bunch of work to do so I think I'll be off to do so but all I wanna do is carve pumpkins, eat delicious foods, enjoy the company of my wonderful friends and family, and enjoy the weather.

Food for thought: Graduation is a month and 18 days away. I only have 24 more school days of student teaching left.

"Consider it all joy when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

secrets.

Well. These past few days have been ridiculous. In both good and bad ways. It was SO great to be back in Boone with some old friends and in great weather but it was also wonderful to come back to my kids. I have def had a lot of time to think over some stuff and I think I definitely want to become the teacher I once was. As pathetic as that sounds. It was such a breath of fresh air to talk to other student teachers who are feeling as ridiculous as I am. Thank you Boone for that mini-inspiration trip. Now I must create my own Improvement/Growth Plan, plan out some Smart Goals and create artifacts. I need to make new lists! I need to eat healthy. I need to work at my new personal goals. I need to keep running! I'm sorry that my posts are becoming smaller and smaller but I would much rather write this much than nothing at all. TGIF. Promise to reflect a lot more regularly and in more detail. The picture at the top was from Melanie's in Boone with my regulars-Justine and Cassie. The fruit bowl I usually buy. Encased with the richest, organic, yummies and refreshing fruits/foods. Idk why, but this fruit bowl was so beautiful in many ways. Symbolically and biologically...perfect representation of the last few days/days to come...


“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

poppin' champagne like we won a championship game

Why yes, I am still alive. These past few 4 weeks have been incredibly ridiculous to say the least. I've had moments where I just want to quit teaching and there are days where I couldn't see myself doing anything else. I have learned to cherish the ground that weekends walk on and hate my body for not letting me sleep past 7:30 am most days. I am not the biggest fan of waking up while it's still dark, but this experience has been so humbling and a huge reality check which I was definitely in great need of. My classes and classmates at App where amazing. As close to perfect as they could have gotten; That perfection of comfort is really what I'm missing at this point. . It's so weird for me to get used to this journey. However, at the end of it all I think all this doubt and fear will make me a better teacher. I've learned that during the past few years I've been learning and getting better at being around others and making things work as a team. Ironically enough, a lot of what I'm doing makes me face these challenges alone. This isn't to say that my family and friends have not been there for me.I am so grateful to have so many friends that have been there for me through this entire experience. I don't know what I'd do without Cassie, Stacey, Katie, Corey, Kathryn and Brittany. Honestly, they have been my lifelines at certain times. My students are amazing and so is productivity. While I was having coffee with Kathryn this morning, we talked about how weird it is to go into the "real world"- whatever the fuck that means- and how uncertain it is. I saw Laura this weekend and that was really nice. It's nice to think that a lot of us are going through tough times right now but we still have each other even if it's at a distance. I will be going to Boone Tuesday afternoon to spend the night and then attend a seminar. I am so excited to do so, but I also know that it will make me so tired. I totally can't wait to see some people. Even though, I know I am going to miss my kids. I saw Cassidi at Chick-fil-a Saturday morning and it was so nice to say that I saw one of my kids outside of school. . I am actually about to head to church and I still have about a million things I could blog about but right now, I think this is all I can do. Promise to blog more frequently. PS: I have a new mission and motivation. Details to follow...
Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections.

You've got a friend in me.

"Intelligence plus character- that is the goal of true education."

Ice Cream Truck

69 more days of student teaching.

Endless Possibilities.

So I'm sitting in "my" apartment. Sans it really being my own. I am staying in Carla's room tonight since she was so nice as to let me use it since she is still in Crowntown. It's so odd. This apartment feels like home to me, and it will always have that place in my heart...yet...at some points...I miss Charlotte. Today was a very busy, tiresome, roller coaster day. However, it has served me well. This morning, I woke up bright and early around the same time that I will be getting up these days and got dressed to go to the first student teaching seminar. I was engulfed in a sea of wonderful student teachers. I saw so many of my girls today and it was such a nice comforting feeling. From the minute I saw my boys sitting in the lobby reading the paper, it had seemed like no time had really passed at all. I walk into the room, after speaking to Dr. Henries (the best man ever) and saw all my block I and II girls. After hugs galore from and a kiss on the head from Katie, I felt right at home. Surrounded by the people that had kept me sane through blocks. The seminars were obviously quite annoying to be at but mainly because they stressed me out. My life is going to be pretty booked this semester and I have to make the best of it. For many reasons. It scares me shitless but it also puts butterflies in my tummy. It was definitely needed. To experience both the emotions. Why? It's the biggest reality check. Even thought I felt at ease going through this experience with all these wonderful girls, I couldn't help to miss the things that I need to survive that don't live in Boone. I am finally getting into teacher mode and I like it. Everything about today was useful. From lunch at Blackcat with Cassie, Justine, Katie and Soots, to the hours of being in Kim's office, to Our Daily Bread and Do It To Julia, to watching The Devil Wears Prada and seeing my EL kids come up to me all proud and telling me all the ways they are becoming involved on campus or their goals to become better people. THAT my friends, is why I do what I do. While I sat in Kim's office today (or more so laid on her couch and read Harry Potter) she kept introducing me to everyone as still a member of the Leadership Educators (Leadership Team, obvi). I hadn't really thought about it that way, and she pulled me aside later and said that just because I wasn't physically there didn't mean I was no longer a part of the team. Hm. Kate called the CSIL office (my second home) and it was so nice to her. It's easier to deal with difficult situations when you know you're not alone. I can't wait to hear how Kate beasts Chicago. Both today and yesterday were great days. Yesterday, I woke up early, ran some errands and got some Stickboy with SarahJane. NOM. I had cheesecake and only wanted to buy everything in the store. I pulled myself together, despite the nasty weather, and went on to get my tetanus shot. After that I met up with Cassie at Melanie's (the cutest little organic breakfast/lunch place) which was fantastic. I then came back and decided it was time to shop. I bought wayyy too many things at the Shoppes on the Parkway. Oops. But they are all for teaching things! After, Kathryn and I almost burned down the apt making dinner for us 3 and Emily (litearlly-the fire alarm went off, but it was due to our wonderful chicken and the lack of the fan) Anyway, I am very tired and have a really big day tomorrow so I need to go to bed. Sorry I rambled. So much fun stuff. Pictures to come later. Goodnight, Consuela.

"You are ready"

Don't stop believing.

Oh my gosh. TODAY WAS INSANE. I did not like. Many good things did happen but then again some not so great things happened. I really want to blog but at the same time I am exhausted. I have a very nice full couple of days coming up. I really have some of the best friends up here. It's so hard picking where to stay certain nights, how did I get so lucky? :) I CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS WEEKEND! However, I do have to remember to keep myself in a reality check because I am not back here to stay. It's pretty hard to stay neutral in emotions because everyone is just moving back in, and that's always such a fun part. Ah. Well, enough about that. My bed and the boy are calling my name, like every other night so lets just say this...I'm excited about student teaching and this semester but it is probably the definition of bittersweet.

Teaching? WTF.
Smells like Boone.
Sounds like Boone.
Feels like Boone.
Looks like Boone.
I love you, Boone.
No matter what sketchy roads you make me take in the pitch black mountain night/in a monsoon/after traffic and some bad news.


"Never give up. This may be your moment for a miracle"

wonderful.

I love music. I vowed to myself that I would blog about music and how big of an inspiration it is to me. Not tonight though, but it has def made an influence the past few days. I just want to blog before I get too busy this week. 2 DAYS UNTIL BOONE. THANK GOD. However, before I get to Boone I will have to do a few things. Tomorrow I plan to see Natalie for our wonderful breakfast filled with essentials of beginning a good morning and a good semester. I'll have to say bye to her for awhile, but after going to her concert the other night, I think I can manage. She is a wonderful singer and her new stuff is fantastic! After breakfast I plan to go to Showmars, as always, and then I have a nice Charlotte date with my roommate to indulge in summer before it slips through our fingers and we find ourselves back in 108. This got me to thinking, (as well as Eli's first day today) I envy everyone in normal majors. I almost wish that this semester would mean class schedules, taking notes, almost falling asleep in desk during 180 min periods, and studying to regurgitate information back out on multiple choice tests. I miss the backpacks, the way you would just carry around all your necessities in it and slouch it on the floor as you found your new desk and began evaluating the class surrounding you, only to pick out a notebook and a pen to begin the day. It's funny how those little things are the ones that I find myself missing. I cannot wait to be Ms. Gonzalez, but as I've found out in these past few years, being on the other side doesn't necessarily mean that the grass is greener. I have orientation on Wednesday for CMS which will then turn into some time with Scags and then to pack my bags for a 5 day trip to 3,333 feet. I'm pretty excited. Especially since I have already been making plans with many wonderful people once I'm in Boone. I really need to go and finish Harry now, and just rest because I know that these next few days sleep will seem like a distant memory.

Dear freshmen in college, I envy you for beginning the wonderful road to finding yourself that is college. Take nothing for granted. Especially the simple life. Love, an old geezer.


"Learn to live with what you’ve got But hey, we love what we got Look how happy we are "

Electrolytes.

It's usually at night when I start feeling all thoughtful. I got back from a day completely filled with work and I am now sitting here with my hair semiwet, the most comfortable clothes I own (tshirt, shorts/sweats duh) with a nice cup of chamomile tea. Mmmhm. Just makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. Primarily because I used to drink this in cold weather, you know like blizzards...etc. Funny thing is, I would usually drink this the most right before heading off to Blowing Rock Elementary but for some reason this innocent bag of tea is reminding me most about the Catholic Campus Ministry at school. Waking up those Sunday mornings (after regretful or not so regretful Saturday nights) and heading to St. Elizabeth's. Sundays were my "at peace" (mainly before the storm) days. Idk, something about going to church as soon as I woke up just made me feel so much more ready to deal with the struggles of the week. That one hour of mass is heavenly, ironic, but true. Everything seems perfect at that time, or everything feels so manageable and ok. Coming right out of church though it seems like the real world just bitch slaps you. ( Maybe those 2 words shouldn't be used in the same sentences. Eh.) When I go up to Boone next week, I only technically need to be there from Thursday to maybe Friday evening. However, I need some self namaste in my life. I really need to find that spark between God and I again, the same one I had all during lent and during the peak of my dysautonomia. No one can make that difference except me, right?
On another note, I woke up with a killer headache today. One in which I almost felt just like laying in bed all day reading. However, I remembered that I had the power to make the day atleast seem a bit better. I love all my pep-talks. Yet there are some things that I just think about all the time. My favorite is the one telling me that rap music makes me 100x happier. It's disgustingly true actually. You'd figure I'd be anti the lingo, messages and meaningless lyrics that go along with rap but it just makes you feel so badass. So that's what I did, I turned up the music real loud, had my own dance party (with all of you in spirit-in moth forms or whatever other symbolic forms) and rapped along to some of my favorites.Even if I am rapping about bitches, hoes and other nastiness. Like crumpin'. Bahah. I even spoke to Natalie about my passion for rap. As we know, Natalie Royal is a very talented musician friend of mine and will be having a summer concert tomorrow night at the Water Ice Factory. I suggested we make one song in which I'd sing (well, er rap) in one of her songs), she said she'd think on it. Today was Natalie's last night at Showmars and despite how sad that seems, it wasn't at all, it was nice to think back to all the wonderful memories and smile that they happened. Especially since....I ate a pita burger. This has been the first burger that I've eaten in literally about 3.5 months. It was so good, but not as enjoyable as I thought it would be or remember it being. Another thing that seems to be a guilty pleasure is facebook. I think I will have to say bye to effbook pretty soon, it is making me feel just like we discussed, Betty, and I do not want to fall into that again. We shall see. Alright, that's enough venting for tonight. It's time to enjoy this tea while reading and falling asleep whenever the hell I want to. Thank you blog, for being my pensieve.

"You have to find some reason for living. You have to find something to believe in and for it to work, it has to be larger than you, that you will discover that you are no enough to satisfy yourself"

Attraversiamo

love.
epic.
I need to make a list.
My desk is completely disastrous.
Student teaching is so so soon.
coupons.
Push.
best roommate.
Soccer commentators are better in Spanish.
talks.
Boys suck.
my new shoes
Maybe I'll speak Greek soon.
eat.
Last couple nights with Natalie at the 'Mars.
BBQ is amazing.
Yoforia- the shit.
Eff you, dysautonomia.
Totes wanna watch My Big Fat Greek wedding soon.
Almost done with the 5th HP.
I'm thankful for teachers.
CMS orientation? Lame.
I need to totally buy more teacher clothes.
Go Manchester.
I still want to travel the world.
I still want to teach all over the world.
I like poetry. I should write my own. Hmm.
Boone next week.
Too many cockroaches.
Back in Gold mode.
Change.
Excited about student teaching.
I'm so lucky for everyone in my life.
pray.

I should be in bed. I should be reading Harry. But again, I feel like I have a ton on my mind. Summer is winding down really quickly. In many ways I am so excited to start this year (sorry but as an elem ed major I tend to think of school years as actual years) but at this same time I feel like I don't know where to start. Don't get me wrong, this whole week has actually been really really fun and great but now that I finally accept Charlotte weather (to an extent) and am getting into a nice routine, it's about to change. Yay change! I'll be back in Boone next week and will get to see and give thousands of much needed hugs to many wonderful people (maybe meditate on the mountain-alliteration) which will be nice, especially since certain people are back from camp/from the beach/moving back to Boone! I don't really know what I'm trying to say which is why I just decided to make that list above. All thoughts. Thoughts I want to share but not too thoroughly.

What should we value in our lives?"Someone to love; something to hope for; something to believe in."

la connaisance est pouvoir

Je crois en la vie.

So you know how I totally wasn't in the blogging mood? Well, I totally am now. Wahoo! This weekend was almost as spectacular as last weekend. It was spent doing many fun things that included sports, shopping and fun times. As I sit here sipping on my wonderful (or as wonderful as decaf can get) coffee, I don't even know where to begin with this post. Someone mentioned to me that I was getting back into the swing of my ultimate Gold-ness, and you know what? I've missed it; I'll start this blog with a list.

1. I believe that I am in love with the outdoors.
   
2. I believe in great causes.
3. I believe in achieving your PERSONAL best.
4. I believe that I love my family and friends.
5. I believe that I have faith.

Now that I've brainstormed my post, I will begin. As you guys have probably noticed, I really do just love being outdoors. My siblings and I decided to reminisce some favorite childhood pastimes. We were going to go Canoeing but didn't have much time so, nevertheless we made the journey out to Cane Creek Park (you should visit if you've never gone) out in Waxhaw and went on our usual hike. We had so much fun and really wound up having an intense hike. They have a wonderful "outdoor" fitness center equipped with many things and even a climbing wall. I was in love. I forgot how much I loved that place. So, the great causes I am speaking of today (I believe in many!) Are the PROLIFE and LIVESTRONG ones. The last time I went to Boone, Chris and I had this whole discussion on how Catholic I am. We went across the big points that we are recognized (and criticized) for and of course abortion made the top 3. It's weird having those conversations with them, especially for the first time, but he took it very well and it was nice to have stood up for what I believe in. Needless to say, I am very much a Pro Life person, and admire many of the organizations making a stand for it. Yes yes yes, don't worry I am all about women making their own choice but I am just more on the Pro Life stance on it that Pro Choice. Now, I'm not running for president so there is no need to go into detail on that. If you're interested in what these people do, please visit the website! I was fortunate to meet some of the people making a difference and they were great, so check it out! This weekend was the infamous tax-free weekend so of course Dad and I went on our usual back to school shopping (in sport stores-we just use this weekend as an excuse, even though we are still charged tax). We went to Dick's because he was really wanting to buy some tennis shoes so I decided to go along. We got to talking about my new running habit and he seemed to be very proud of my new hobby and is very impressed that I've stuck with it so long (I've hated running my whole life except now, thank you dysautonomia?). We were looking around many shoes and we came across the live strong running shoes. Of course I love them, and he went over took a look at them (after he had chosen his own new pair) and randomly asked if I like them. I kind of gave him the whole "are you kidding" look and he said that he was so thrilled that I've taken up running that he'd buy me a pair, and then he added how much he looked up to my drive of good causes. Take action people, get involved. I still haven't gotten over any of that. As far as my numbers 3, 4, and 5, they all kind of deal with the previous two. I ran my best timed mile today, I spent the entire weekend with the people I love and faith is a tremendously powerful thing.

"Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen"

just dance.

I have not really been in the mood to blog this past week. I think this is due to a few reasons, but primarily because I am once again having that struggle with balance. I do want to balance Charlotte and Boone life but that's pretty hard. I get to go back in a week and a half to kind of get my mind focused on school and spend the last of my summer up there. I want to love being back here but things are so different with friendships and such, I mean they're good but I hope they stay that way next week. We'll see. I remember in Grey's once, Christina and Meredith were having really tough times and they would just tell each other to dance it out. What a freaking great idea. I hadn't noticed how much of my life I have spent "dancing it out". Dance Marathon does not necessarily count, but that was when I noticed just how much I really do use dance as an outlet. Don't get me wrong, I super suck at dancing but it is so fun. Little kids are the best at it, and that's why I kept thinking of this. If I were to write a book (which is likely one day) it won't be named "eat pray love" mine will def be "learn pray love". You learn so much throughout life, but you have to love it. LOVE THE JOURNEY. Which I found in my famous "Words of Wisdom". Dancing really helps you to learn and enjoy the journey. The other day I noticed that (shamefully, I was running to 'I like it' the Enrique and Pit Bull song) and I didn't notice myself start dancing as I was running. Not flat out start waltzing or anything but def post-dance-marathon-effects. It's so great. Lilly and I have our usually dance parties and boy, have we danced in Boone. As a matter of fact, I danced at Showmars today. It was really silly because I just busted out and Madison (who thinks I have no fun bone in my body) was sitting out there with me and said she could now die happy. Here are a few good memories involving some sort of dance...each being a WONDERFUL day, one in which I'll never forget, and def one that made me smile.
Best thing...all were completely sober. Oh, and that I can do the Souldja Boy. Duh. Now, everything else has been good. The dysautonomia, my running and preparing for 3rd grade. For now, I have to get back on my goal of becoming a decent human being. Here I come, Harry (5th book, mind you)

"We're fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance"

"I wish. But there were no "to go" butterbeers."

Why oh why is it August 3rd already? So, yesterday was a pretty nice day. I'm really sorry guys but today has just been such a weird day. I almost don't feel like blogging but I know that it usually helps to just vent. Ha. As I was saying, yesterday was so fun. I had to work at 5 yesterday but I made decent money so I can't complain too much. My grandma also left yesterday. I feel like I should be sad or something but honestly, I'm just hoping I won't see my dad and my uncles as stressed as they are when she's here. God I miss my grandpa. In the afternoon though, I went over to the Comisky's and helped Katie babysit Campbell and Jackson. They are seriously some of the cutest kids on the face of the Earth. We literally sat around and played with them for a few hours while drinking lovely coffee. Can't go wrong with that even if you try. I found out that my camera phone is actually a lot cooler than I thought. There is this Mosaic setting for pictures that takes individual pictures for one picture if that makes sense. Let me show you, I've got some pretty hot shots of some hot people.These cuties!

However, today was not as great. I hate Providence High School. Jay Kay, although I wish I did. Chris wound up not making the soccer team. WTF, right? It just really sucks because he was so motivated to do this and just worked so hard to condition and do the best he can. Chris is the best soccer player I know and I just really wish this could have worked out better. He deserved it. I really love Chris so much, it's really weird. We seem to be alike in many ways that Eli and Lilly could never understand. We just have the same sense of humor and it is so fun just talking and hanging out with him, esp since we love the same stuff. I guess life does suck sometimes. I just hope he isn't discouraged. He's a great kid. Just makes me sad to see this as his sister. However, I had been in such a weird mood at work that I decided to just skype/talk to Corey. That usually brings about a few good laughs. In the memory of that (because he'd hate if I put a picture of our skyping up, I leave us with Corietta) oh and Corey, start that list. #1 Broyhill.
I think it's time to go to bed with a great man. Thanks for being there for me, Harry.

"But tomorrow may rain, so I'll follow the sun"

Here today.

I'm sitting here waiting to go to bed and read Harry but I have a massive food baby right now that it wouldn't be possible for me to go to bed. Let alone, really lay down. We just finished having dinner with the Vargas family after church tonight (we went to Spanish mass!). It was very neat to hang out with them and enjoy a dinner amongst friends. Although I am having some tummy aches after half a shot of tequila that my dad offered me...however, most of the night was spent with Helen and prepping her for ASU. She asked me all the questions that I wish someone had helped me with. From the dorms, to football tickets to packing. I'm very glad that she's going to App but is it bad that it makes me jealous that she's going? I mean I guess I do share App with tons of other people, I guess it's ok for a family friend to share it with me too.
Regardless of all that, I've never really talked about how much I love being Catholic. But not tonight, I promise it'll come up soon.
Today was a really good day actually. I woke up before anyone else and obviously decided to read some Harry to pass the time. Then Chris woke up and we went on a 2 mile run. It was actually really nice because we needed to keep him in shape for tryout tomorrow! (Pray that he makes the team) After that we made some delicious french toast and had a wonderful breakfast. Before lunch, my siblings and I decided to do something outdoors since the weather was so nice (I kept telling them I brought back the Boone weather but they won't believe me) so we decided to go on a hike. My brothers had never come, it was usually just Lilly and I or with the company of Sky and Katie. However, it turned out to be LOADS of fun. I loved just having us time. We hiked, played, joked, went on wild adventures and found very neat things. One being this cute turtle we named Colonel.
We also decided to climb up this tree which was very hard. Chris did the best, but this was the best picture I got since we were so scared he was going to break his neck. Anyway, here goes the first week of August. I cannot wait to see what it brings. "You are so much sunshine to the square inch"

baby, i like it.

Oh boy. These past few days have been wonderful.

The reason I named my blog what I did was because I found that life is a constant revolution against one thing or another; I have also noticed that most of the time, it is bittersweet. This week has been a perfect explanation of that. Going to Boone to move out after 2 years...seeing BRB, Lauren, Em...it's just always bittersweet.
My trip to Boone was way better than I expected. I arrived in Boone and didn't even go to the apartment I went straight to meet Stephanie and Sean at Galileo's. YUM. I had been craving that food like crazy. Yeah, I missed Trivia night and it's def not the same without trivia night every monday but it was so nice to be back there. Not just in Galileo's alone but also in Boone. I took a minute (after our 3 hour dinner in Galileo's talking about everything from school, peeing, and periods) to just sit out in the Boone air and take it in. Stephanie did with me and we just thanked our lucky stars for having us in Boone and having given us such a nice group to hang out with. Sweet. On the other hand, she did say that family night was going to be happening as soon as I came up one weekend to visit. Bittersweet. However, I went to Boone Bagelry for bfast, Welborn for lunch, Black Bear for Harry, the new (crazy) Walmart and to our beautiful campus. It was so nice to be back. I saw many wonderful people as well, like Laura and Chris. Chris was very sweet. I had certainly missed that boy like crazy. But he helped me move out, once again, and bought me lunch. Poor chipmunk face. Anyway, I met th girl that is going to be moving in to my room and she seems nice. The only bad thing was that it was just sad to see "my" room as hers now.but you know what else I noticed? Boone will always be home to me. No matter who occupies my room. So, thank you for a wonderfully adventurous 2 years, 108 Hardin Street.It's wonderful to think of all the nice memories, and you know no matter how much I cry (not that I do-figuratively, of course) I spent those 2 years as best as I could have, so why live in the past? I'm never going to forget any of those wonderful times. Not the good, the bad or the ugly. It's all totally about the journey. I miss it like hell, but it's not like it's going anywhere. It was nice to stroll down the streets downtown, but it was also very nice to come home and see Katie. Balance is another wonderful thing in life, no matter how tricky it may be. We watched Leap Year and just sat here for a while laughing at high school pictures. It made me just so happy to know that she has always been a Charlotte constant. She's da best. I miss high school sometimes, but like App, it's a memory I'm always going to hold on to. The day after all that I went to Jimmy Johns with Brittany and it was SO nice to see her too.It's hilarious how quickly we bonded at LT last year. She's my bed buddy and always will be. I can't wait to visit her in Boone and you know what? She gave me so much motivation and encouragement about student teaching and just following my heart. Speaking of seeing inspiring friends, (with Betty being DEARLY missed) I met up with Em and Lauren in Greensboro today for a day-cation. Gosh it was nice to tell each other our summer stories, share our new plans/dilemmas and laugh til we need a break to massage our cheeks.
What can I say? I have an amazing journey ahead of me, I will cherish every single memory, and I have wonderful friends to help me do it all. Life is pretty damn great right now. you take the first right turn, then turn left and then right....

"Sometimes you just have to take the leap and build your wings on the way down"

put up your hair or I'll chop it off

Before going any further, I just need to provide a disclosure. I absolutely love my parents to death. But sometimes-I just get so confused. I really love being at home and spending time with my family, but at the same time, there is so much out there that I need to get out and do that really can't happen with my parents there at all time. I'm pretty happy that I get to go to my favorite place on the face of the Earth tomorrow. I need some Boone time. BAD. I almost wish I was going back up there this semester. Like, it's such a struggle knowing that my best friends will be up there doing the amazing things we did that I totally took for granted. Luckily, I'll be up there all the time which is my like saving grace. I don't know what about Boone, or App for that matter, what really what changed me. The more and more that I think about it, LT is the one that really brings tons of wonderful learning experiences, challenges, memories, and friends. It's really funny how things work out. Today, was a pretty uneventful day but LT has been everywhere I look today. Especially since I got to see Meghan Megargee today! Talk about random. It was so nice to catch up with here and hear how teaching is going for her (she's moving out of CMS but has a job!!!). I also got a postcard from Betty and I had the strangest dream about the LT retreat last year. Not to mention, Chris and I had the longest conversation via text last night. I miss Kate, Robert, Will, Betty, Brittany...gosh all of us. The cheesiest but best part about that is that I will never forget any of them ; they totally helped me become who I am. I thought about this too over coffee this morning as well. It's Katie's 22nd birthday-YAY! and of course we came across the topic of teaching amidst our conversation (crazy, I know). I really don't think I'd ever want to do anything besides teach. I talked to Katie about it, I talked to the McClains about it and honestly, it is like...the butter to my bread. Just makes things 100 times better. I can't wait to be Ms. Gonzalez again, I can't wait to shop for materials for lessons or stress out about making a difference. I kind of want to move to Mexico and teach there...Ha. And that was me venting/ rambling. thank you for listening.

I've come across this pretty interesting blog. It's about this family trying to eat as healthy as possible for 100 days. Makes you really think about things...give a try: http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/
I realized today that I haven't eaten a burger in over 2 months, haven't had sodas in about a year and haven't had caffeine in like 2 weeks. WTF is what I'm saying- I like that. Well, it's getting to be bed time so I'm going to hop on over to bed and hang out with my boy Harry. (PS: does anyone own all the movies?)
"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trail and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved."

roma ro ma ma.

Ok, so someone needs to give me another weekend. I was completely robbed of mine this week. No bueno. But you know what? It wasn't all that bad. First thing's first. I finally got the PRAXIS over with. Regardless of how I did (I think I did well) and regardless of how long it was (excruciating pain, really) it is over and done with. It completely like knocked the wind out of me for the weekend because it threw things into such a whack. However, many nice things came out of it. For instance, the day before, Katie, Skylar, Lilly and I went down for a nice little morning at the Colonel Beatty. Hell yes it was hot, but hell yes it was freaking awesome. I really love being on trails, in nature, getting a grosser Chaco tan, and being with some of my favorite girls in the world. That day was going to be set aside for more studying but it wound up being a very fun and relaxing day. Saturday after the test i came back to Dakota only to find like a thousand "good luck", "kick ass", and "you're going to do fine!" texts from many wonderful friends. That def made me feel a thousand times better. I even got to have a conversation with Betty via text! After worth, my amazing friend of a roommate took me out to lunch at this incredible new place by Blakeney. Heavenly food, visit NEWKS! That was very nice. I passed out that afternoon and just hung around the house/going shopping after that. Unfortunately I haven't been feeling well either, but it has been a good way for me and Harry to catch up some. I am now on the 4th book! WAHOO! Despite reading, drinking gatorade, skyping with amazing people, feeling crappy and catching up I've been thinking about how funny it is that it really just is the simple and tiny things in life that matter. The acts of kindness...the words...hugs...effort...etc. With being at the park out in nature just simply laughing, enjoying the sun and watching cute little girls it really just reminded me what summer is really about. Being able to talk to Betty via text was so interesting to me because I never noticed just how lucky we are to be able to text. Mailmen are crack heads, but besides that. Kathryn's lunch date and just being so interested in my PRAXIS and just catching up was just so cute.
Here comes the last week of July. It's funny to think how different it was last year. I was doing the chair project with Olivia last year in art and the weather wasn't scalding. Speaking of, I will be going to Boone this week! This has been the longest I've been away from Boone ever and it'll be so nice to be back up there and enjoy the weather. I really think this week is going to be great for more reasons than one. (I think the day-cation with Em and Lauren will happen this Saturday!!!!!) (Oh, and Brittany and I will have lunch sometime this week!YES!) So, I'll def be sending July off with a smile.
If you don't read Post Secret, you should.Thanks to those of you that do read my blog, it really means a lot. Especially when you tell me that you like it and that you feel that we are closer, because damn it, I do it for you. Thanks for sticking by me, regardless of the cray cray things that come out of my head. yous da best.

"The mind determines what's possible. The heart surpasses it"

Coreitta

I CAN SO DO THIS.
It all just depends on how I do this.

here we go, PRAXIS.
Going to sleep to wake up and beast the thing after having a wonderful day.

invented spelling.

July 22nd. Already.
I have spent this past week "studying" my little butt off just to be reminded that some of you may never even have heard of this horrible little thing. The PRAXIS is basically set in a few parts. The first is only to get you into the education program at school with a test very similar to that of the SAT. It has a math, reading and writing part to it. That can sometimes be waived by getting good scores on the actual SAT. However, the PRAXIS that I have been bitching and moaning about lately is the PRAXIS II. The big daddy of the education program because essentially, many states require one to take the PRAXIS in order to get the certification to become a teacher. It is comprised of a few parts. The normal multiple choice aspect for a few hours, with questions ranging from the 4 main subject areas, the integrated subjects to curriculum and instruction along with 4 essays in a matter of 2 hours (eh?). Now, the question that always got me was as far as to why the test name itself was capitalized. Does it stand for something? Nope. However, I did find this out:

Prax-is: [prak-sis] –noun, plural prax⋅is⋅es, prax⋅es.
1. practice, as distinguished from theory; application or use, as of
knowledge or skills. 2. convention, habit, or custom. 3. a set of examples for practice.

So I guess that kind of makes sense. IDK. Dumb teachers. Right Corey? Which reminds me, this one is for you buddy and I am so sorry to many people who in fact may really feel like I've died this week due to being preoccupied. Sorry that I have been absolutely MIA. This will change next week! pwomise.
Despite the fact that I have been sitting here studying, I've also been reading Harry Potter. I am now on the 3rd one and I simply cannot put these books down. I'm going through them like crazy-or as an acceptable human being. Which reminds me of Stacey! STACEY IS NOW A 4th GRADE TEACHER! Congrats to that lovely lady. I had been hopelessly confused as to what this teaching thing is really all about until we got to talking. It is so mind boggling to think that one of my own friends is a real life teacher. We're growing up and I cannot even believe it. Speaking of growing up and such, in an effort to study from my prior knowledge I went through all my old notes that I've taken in all my education classes. Boy was that a bad idea; merely a trip down memory lane. However, I really just can't believe what kind of classmates and teachers I have been blessed to have. I can still hear Dr. J's voice saying Bloom's Taxonomy. Never will I ever forget what a schwa is. So in essence, I really am not too stressed about this dumb little test (eff you standardized testing-hehe) I know I have plenty of resources to help me through that. This afternoon, Kelsey, Carmen and Valerie came to visit. I absolutely love those girls. They really put a smile on my face. We read Stellaluna and they asked me more questions than I could answer. It's just another wonderful little reminder of the things that usually get me through most days. How could I not teach? After all...Dysautonomia, you thought you had beaten me but guess what? i can drink coffee...who said anything was wrong with decaf. HA!

The best thing to hold on to in life is each other."- Audrey Hepburn

lucha por un mundo nuevo, lucha por la verdad.

Reflection

Change.

Motivation.


Inspiration.

Confidence.

Sometimes, in life, this is all you need. Why make things difficult?

All photos courtesy of Darcy Wade Photography; visit her site! She's a fabulous friend, and excellent photographer.

and it makes me mellow right down to my soul.

True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.

Peace is seeing a sunset and knowing who to thank. The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.

Life isn't about how to survive the storm but how to dance in the rain.

just one of those days :)
thanks, friends.

love love love love, crazy love

Well hot diggity. This week is flying by!! AHHHH. So, the other day 'member how I realized that the PRAXIS was closing up on me? Well, I am sorry that I have not had a new post in quite some time but I have been busily studying! Many trusted friends have told me not to worry and I don't think I'm necessarily worried, I just like to plan and be prepared. My days have become lovely little routines of fun, work and play. I am trying these new foods and love them all! I found the best salad dressing, croutons and fresh veggies from my local stand which I am obsessed with. I have been running every morning before work or whatever I need to get done that day, and have been trying to complain less about work and time running out while still providing myself with one exciting part of the day. I think I need some new running shoes for added motivation. SUGGESTIONS PLEASE. Just to really sit back and think of what has been going on lately...here's a slide show of my week thus far. Usually don't have a picture a day but this week has been amazing...

Oh the moment Casillas held up the cup...2nd Grade reunion with Anthony 14 years later!
This should be a picture of Kathryn for her bday, but this is hilarious!
I love ben and jerry's for more reasons than 1.

I also found out that my shit needs to be outta that apartment by July 29th @ 11:00. Therefore...I have that apartment for approximately 14 days.

PRAXIS countdown: 9 days.
3rd GRADE countdown: 42 days.One of the least embarrassing pictures we took during our photoshoot at work today.

"Everything is at odds when God sends a thinker on the loose"