My preacher taught us today about "Hope". He talked of how in the Bible it was not used in the same way that we now use it today. When we use the word today, most of the time it is for short term, frivolous wishes. For example: "I hope it rains this week" or "I hope I have a chance to see the new Adam Sandler comedy". There is a sense of uncertainty and lack of actually being deeply concerned with the outcome of what we are hoping for.
In the Bible, however, hope is tied closely with faith. As in, hoping for what we have faith will truly happen. My preacher, who explained this much better than I can, said "Hope is faith in action." Meaning, I presume, that we must have faith that what is hoped for will be fulfilled.
Another of my favorite things that my preacher says is this: "Faith is not the lack of reason, it's the lack of sight."
For such simple words, there is certainly much to ponder about both. I don't know if this is in the rule book, but I pray each night for stronger faith in that which is unseen and the ability to "Hope"(used as a verb) with certainty.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Taking time to enjoy answered prayers...
Looking over my previous posts, I tend to reflect on milestones. You know, the BIG moments in life. For example: getting the job, getting married, getting the house, getting the dog...lots of "getting". All of these things are great, wonderful, and fabulous. I wouldn't change a thing about where I am, what I'm doing, and who's in my life right now. However, I don't want to be that person who's always searching for "the next big thing". I recognize my unyielding obsession with what my in-laws refer to as "my list" and because I am the way I am, I purposly make a conscience effort to STOP and look around and soak in all the wonderful blessings in my life.
In my defense, I think we all who we are because of life experiences. All of these milestones I have "checked off" have been hoped for and dreamed of for a big part of my life. Make no mistake, when I lay down at night in my own home, next to my best friend, with the cute dog curled in her bed a the foot of ours...I sigh contently and thank God for all I have been given.
...Reminding myself every day to take time to enjoy an be thankful for answered prayers <3
In my defense, I think we all who we are because of life experiences. All of these milestones I have "checked off" have been hoped for and dreamed of for a big part of my life. Make no mistake, when I lay down at night in my own home, next to my best friend, with the cute dog curled in her bed a the foot of ours...I sigh contently and thank God for all I have been given.
...Reminding myself every day to take time to enjoy an be thankful for answered prayers <3
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Back to square one?
Terminating Contract...seemed absolutely just peachy when I was signing in back in September... I was just thrilled to have a job. Now, it is the end of my first year teaching and while celebrating a successful and joyful year, I can't help but think: "I am back to square one". Then, I wonder..."What does that phrase mean and where did the phrase originate?".
According to freedictionary.com it means:
"If you are back to square one, you have to start working on a plan from the beginning because your previous attempts failed and the progress you made is now wasted"
Geeze, kind of harsh?
Turns out, it is speculated that the phrase comes from board games like "Snakes and Ladders" (or "Chutes and Ladders"). Or, hop scotch. Get it? Square one, as in the first square of the game! Excellent...if life were a board game, I would be losing.
However, I must admit that the wait was worth it this year. I found a wonderful home at Endy for my first year of teaching and I spent it with the most fabulous fifth graders I can imagine. So, perhaps "back to square one" simply means that I am at the beginning of another exciting journey...I'm ready, I think!
According to freedictionary.com it means:
"If you are back to square one, you have to start working on a plan from the beginning because your previous attempts failed and the progress you made is now wasted"
Geeze, kind of harsh?
Turns out, it is speculated that the phrase comes from board games like "Snakes and Ladders" (or "Chutes and Ladders"). Or, hop scotch. Get it? Square one, as in the first square of the game! Excellent...if life were a board game, I would be losing.
However, I must admit that the wait was worth it this year. I found a wonderful home at Endy for my first year of teaching and I spent it with the most fabulous fifth graders I can imagine. So, perhaps "back to square one" simply means that I am at the beginning of another exciting journey...I'm ready, I think!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
The week ahead...
I can't believe that my first year of teaching is almost over. Granted, I started 5 weeks in to the year, but it still went by so quickly! Never in a million years did I see myself as a fifth grade math and science teacher...but I fell in love. First of all, fifth graders are funny. They are truly a joy to teach and can have "grown up" conversations, but have not yet gotten the "middle school" attitude. They have all become an interesting part of my life and it will be bittersweet to see them go to sixth grade. I know they're ready, but they still look and act so much different than the current sixth grade class. Is it possible that my group will be "big middleschoolers" this time next year? Will they be, GASP, too cool and will have forgotten about Mrs. Pickler? Dear 5th grade class of Endy 09-10...you will always be my first class-thanks for all that YOU have taught me!
This week they take the TEST. oOooooOooo VERY scary? Not so much. They are smart group and I know they have the ability to rock this test. I hope that this year I have taught them more than how to take a test. I hope they've learned to think. I hope they've learned to consider and evaluate. Mostly-I hope I have taught them things that they will use their whole lives AND I hope they've had fun. After all, they are 10 and 11-FUN is important!
This week they take the TEST. oOooooOooo VERY scary? Not so much. They are smart group and I know they have the ability to rock this test. I hope that this year I have taught them more than how to take a test. I hope they've learned to think. I hope they've learned to consider and evaluate. Mostly-I hope I have taught them things that they will use their whole lives AND I hope they've had fun. After all, they are 10 and 11-FUN is important!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
6 month anniversary trip?
The song "Toes in the water, Ars in the sand" came on this morning on my way to school and I almost cried...Ahhh, I miss honeymooning. I mean, it was VERY short week, but I felt like we slid into the role of "Honeymooners" with great ease. Nothing to it! Wake up at 6 am to a beautiful sunrise. Breakfast in bed. Nap by the pool. Lunch. Nap by the Ocean. Get "spruced up". Romantic date night with NO dishes afterward. Can't wait to go back....
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Top of her class!
Josie, though we may be a little biased, is the cutest, smartest, and most well behaved doggy in her obedience class. It's funny to me how proud we are of her when she does what she is suppose to or demonstrates a new trick perfectly. We even have ourselves convinced that she is the instructors favorite.
One thing's for sure, she's a wonderful fit for Sean and I. She truly is a member of the family. When we eat, she eats. When she plays, she makes SURE we play. When we sleep, she...wants to sleep in our bed, but sleeps nicely in her cozy crate.
What a great addition the "furbaby" was to our little family <3
One thing's for sure, she's a wonderful fit for Sean and I. She truly is a member of the family. When we eat, she eats. When she plays, she makes SURE we play. When we sleep, she...wants to sleep in our bed, but sleeps nicely in her cozy crate.
What a great addition the "furbaby" was to our little family <3
Monday, April 12, 2010
Josie Pickler
Sean and I have adopted a beautiful boston mix. She is a year old which is perfect! She's still a puppy, but already house broken. She already has a little routine in our house : )
More pics to come soon, but here is one of her in Sean's lap...he loves her : )
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Spring Break ROCKS!
Kudos to me for choosing a career that entitles me to a spring and summer break! Teaching- love it...absolutely the job that God put me on this earth to do. Even so, spring break was much anticipated by me and my fabulous fifth graders!
I love love love sleeping until the sunshine wakes me up...so much better than waking up to an alarm clock. Then, after waking up, I have had ALL day to spend however I please : ) Moving into the new house has kept me plenty busy, but I have also had time to just relax. During the school week, I feel like every single second should be spent doing something "school" related. However, these past couple of days I have had actual FREE time! I've enjoyed couponing, organizing ppwrk, errands, ect (my, how "grown up" my "free time" activities seem). I'd like to do some baking, but before that, I need to do some running!
Tomorrow is my last official day of spring break. I am going to use a gift card from Christmas for a relaxing pedicure. SO excited!
Back to the daily grind on Thursday...can't complain too much, thankful to have a J-O-B!
I love love love sleeping until the sunshine wakes me up...so much better than waking up to an alarm clock. Then, after waking up, I have had ALL day to spend however I please : ) Moving into the new house has kept me plenty busy, but I have also had time to just relax. During the school week, I feel like every single second should be spent doing something "school" related. However, these past couple of days I have had actual FREE time! I've enjoyed couponing, organizing ppwrk, errands, ect (my, how "grown up" my "free time" activities seem). I'd like to do some baking, but before that, I need to do some running!
Tomorrow is my last official day of spring break. I am going to use a gift card from Christmas for a relaxing pedicure. SO excited!
Back to the daily grind on Thursday...can't complain too much, thankful to have a J-O-B!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Home Sweet Home : )
On March 25th, we signed away our paychecks until the year 2040. A little intimidating to say the least, but exciting, too! Turning the lock and walking in for the first time to a home that is "ours" is contender for one of my most favorite memories.
Now, as we're all moved in, we're finding the house seems as if it was built just for us. Large living area: kitchen, dining, living room all flow together. Master bedroom with plenty of closet space (ok, i'm hogging the space just a little!) The bathroom includes a shower with a big bathtub. Then, down the hallway is another bathroom and two bedrooms. One is "the office" and another is "the extra bedroom". Then, outside is a big, beautiful backyard that is fenced. I am already picturing our dogs and children scurrying around out there!
It truly was a little bittersweet leaving behind the tiny duplex in which we spent our first months as "newlyweds". We're excited to be in "the new house", all the while remembering that "home" is wherever we are together. Feeling very blessed these days <3
Now, as we're all moved in, we're finding the house seems as if it was built just for us. Large living area: kitchen, dining, living room all flow together. Master bedroom with plenty of closet space (ok, i'm hogging the space just a little!) The bathroom includes a shower with a big bathtub. Then, down the hallway is another bathroom and two bedrooms. One is "the office" and another is "the extra bedroom". Then, outside is a big, beautiful backyard that is fenced. I am already picturing our dogs and children scurrying around out there!
It truly was a little bittersweet leaving behind the tiny duplex in which we spent our first months as "newlyweds". We're excited to be in "the new house", all the while remembering that "home" is wherever we are together. Feeling very blessed these days <3
Sunday, February 28, 2010
This quote may be my new mantra
"Those who danced were thought to be quite insane by those who could not hear the music."
-Angela Monet
This quote gives me a new appreciation for my personality. Unarguably, I am: impulsive, impatient, passionate, stubborn, overly exuberant, unorganized, and an overall quick decision-maker. This past week, in the midst of one of my crazy ideas, Sean continues to point out that all of these things that make me who I am are also the things that make me somewhat certifiably insane. I beg to differ! These things are ingrained in who I am as an individual. I'm passionate about everything, I will fight with you for something I feel is important, and I am an extreeeeeemely decisive person. I'm independent. Yes, sometimes I will admit that my "little ideas" can be farfetched and somewhat annoying to those close to me.-but at the end of the day, I'm just a go-getter who knows for sure what I want. For example, let's not forget that I'm also the girl that said "Why graduate in 4 years when I KNOW I can do it in three?" I live quickly and passionately and I feel certain this is why my wonderful husband fell in love with me. I also feel certain this is why he is a little wary when I come to him and say "So, I was thinking we should...."
Back to the quote, I sometimes get confused when I am excited about one of my "little ideas" and no one else is jumping up and down with me. (I'm great fun when there's a new adventure involved!). NOW, thanks to this quote- I GET IT! I live life dancing to the music that I hear. However, it's like I have an ipod on and am just jamming all by myself. I have two choices: I can keep my ear buds in and keep rocking....or I can find and Ihome and share my music with the ones I love!
PS...Sean, not at all arguing that you don't need a medal of honor for marrying me and sharing this life with me. At the end of the day, YOU are at the very center of every hope and crazy dream that I have. I love you.
-Angela Monet
This quote gives me a new appreciation for my personality. Unarguably, I am: impulsive, impatient, passionate, stubborn, overly exuberant, unorganized, and an overall quick decision-maker. This past week, in the midst of one of my crazy ideas, Sean continues to point out that all of these things that make me who I am are also the things that make me somewhat certifiably insane. I beg to differ! These things are ingrained in who I am as an individual. I'm passionate about everything, I will fight with you for something I feel is important, and I am an extreeeeeemely decisive person. I'm independent. Yes, sometimes I will admit that my "little ideas" can be farfetched and somewhat annoying to those close to me.-but at the end of the day, I'm just a go-getter who knows for sure what I want. For example, let's not forget that I'm also the girl that said "Why graduate in 4 years when I KNOW I can do it in three?" I live quickly and passionately and I feel certain this is why my wonderful husband fell in love with me. I also feel certain this is why he is a little wary when I come to him and say "So, I was thinking we should...."
Back to the quote, I sometimes get confused when I am excited about one of my "little ideas" and no one else is jumping up and down with me. (I'm great fun when there's a new adventure involved!). NOW, thanks to this quote- I GET IT! I live life dancing to the music that I hear. However, it's like I have an ipod on and am just jamming all by myself. I have two choices: I can keep my ear buds in and keep rocking....or I can find and Ihome and share my music with the ones I love!
PS...Sean, not at all arguing that you don't need a medal of honor for marrying me and sharing this life with me. At the end of the day, YOU are at the very center of every hope and crazy dream that I have. I love you.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Confessions
The snow days have totally thrown me off. Teachers and students out on Monday-don't worry we'll make it up AND they are taking a vacation day out of our check this month. That's lovely. Tuesday-students out and an "optional" teacher work day. Fact: if you don't go, they take that day out of your check. Again, just lovely. I went, of course, and did get some things accomplished. However, I would have much preferred to spend the day working on lesson plans at home-would have saved me the drive! Kids came back for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. They were great, but it was the LONGEST short week! Now, it's Saturday and I am totally in a funk...the following are realizations I have had this morning:
1. Our apartment still has Christmas decor on the table because I haven't bothered to switch it out with something else. I might actually leave it up until we move-in MAY.
2. I just folded laudry that had been in the dryer for 4 days. I really don't care that it's wrinkly.
3. I still haven't finished some thank yous-I really need to do that
4. Chair covers still aren't sold-Lee and Gwyn, I am sure, are tired of them living at their house
5. The thought of exercising today makes me want to take a nap.
6. I have no intention on cooking any time in the next few days. We have leftovers, freeze ahead meals, and lots of other things we can eat. I really don't care if we have to eat the same thing 3 days in a row.
7. My lesson plans for next week are still a work in progress...and I have a ton to grade.
8. No plans on washing my hair today-thank goodness for hats
9. My bathroom floor hasn't been cleaned in 3 weeks
10. Basically, there are 234237497 things I need to be doing....but the motivation is just not there today.
1. Our apartment still has Christmas decor on the table because I haven't bothered to switch it out with something else. I might actually leave it up until we move-in MAY.
2. I just folded laudry that had been in the dryer for 4 days. I really don't care that it's wrinkly.
3. I still haven't finished some thank yous-I really need to do that
4. Chair covers still aren't sold-Lee and Gwyn, I am sure, are tired of them living at their house
5. The thought of exercising today makes me want to take a nap.
6. I have no intention on cooking any time in the next few days. We have leftovers, freeze ahead meals, and lots of other things we can eat. I really don't care if we have to eat the same thing 3 days in a row.
7. My lesson plans for next week are still a work in progress...and I have a ton to grade.
8. No plans on washing my hair today-thank goodness for hats
9. My bathroom floor hasn't been cleaned in 3 weeks
10. Basically, there are 234237497 things I need to be doing....but the motivation is just not there today.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
This and That...
Headed back to school tomorrow after a VERY short week last week. For the first time this year, I am ahead on lesson plans and grading-both at the same time! haha! That's what two work days plus a Saturday spent at school will do!
Saw on the news today where this lady has her supper planned for the next year. WHAT? I can barely plan for the week! This week we're planning to eat spaghetti and meatballs on Monday, leftovers Tuesday, Fajitas (Sean's specialty) Wednesday, and Ritz Chicken on Thursday.
It's January and I'm doing "Fit For Stanly". I was weighed last week and between a honeymoon, the holidays, and the newlywed nine....I have put on a few lbs! I want to look good in a bikini this summer so I got to work immediately. I am eating healthier now and am doing Jillian Phillips 30 Day Shred. The first week went well! (I also cut out my nightly glass(es) of sweeeeet wine)
Married life is GREAT. It's all it's cracked up to be and so much more. Now, nothing excites me more than being finished with lesson plans, supper, and cleaning for the night so that we can relax and enjoy some t.v. We are watching the Bachelor, American Idol, and football. When I asked Sean if he was enjoying married life he said "Yep, my feet stay warm at night." ha!
This time 2 months ago we were enjoying our first night in Cancun.....sigh.
Saw on the news today where this lady has her supper planned for the next year. WHAT? I can barely plan for the week! This week we're planning to eat spaghetti and meatballs on Monday, leftovers Tuesday, Fajitas (Sean's specialty) Wednesday, and Ritz Chicken on Thursday.
It's January and I'm doing "Fit For Stanly". I was weighed last week and between a honeymoon, the holidays, and the newlywed nine....I have put on a few lbs! I want to look good in a bikini this summer so I got to work immediately. I am eating healthier now and am doing Jillian Phillips 30 Day Shred. The first week went well! (I also cut out my nightly glass(es) of sweeeeet wine)
Married life is GREAT. It's all it's cracked up to be and so much more. Now, nothing excites me more than being finished with lesson plans, supper, and cleaning for the night so that we can relax and enjoy some t.v. We are watching the Bachelor, American Idol, and football. When I asked Sean if he was enjoying married life he said "Yep, my feet stay warm at night." ha!
This time 2 months ago we were enjoying our first night in Cancun.....sigh.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Monday morning= rise and shine (coffee will be needed!)
It's officially the LAST day of Christmas break for teachers and Students. Not that I don't love my job, because I truly do, but it sure has been nice waking up late and lounging around. My to-do list over the break was monstrous- but nearly most of it still falls in the "To-Do" category. I still have to get my dress boxed, change my name on my license, sell my chair covers, enter grades into the computer...the list goes on! I did however RELAX! I am fully rejuvenated and ready for 2010. I enjoyed "playing wife"- keeping the house clean, fixing yummy suppers, preparing for Christmas/cleaning up from Christmas.
Sean worked at CVS over the break which was great for the bank account, but I sure did miss him during the day! He starts back classes tomorrow, too. It's hard to believe that this is his very last semester of classes and that in May he will start his rotations! He is such a smarty-pants and is going to make one amazing Pharmacist.
Lee and Gwyn's dog officially have a name- Remy! Short for Remmington-we Picklers are fancy like that. He is certainly still the most-loved Christmas gift of the year.
Alrighty, now to finish up some lesson plans, finish up some supper, and enjoy some T.V. with Sean before a very early bed time tonight! Coffee will be required for tomorrow morning!
Sean worked at CVS over the break which was great for the bank account, but I sure did miss him during the day! He starts back classes tomorrow, too. It's hard to believe that this is his very last semester of classes and that in May he will start his rotations! He is such a smarty-pants and is going to make one amazing Pharmacist.
Lee and Gwyn's dog officially have a name- Remy! Short for Remmington-we Picklers are fancy like that. He is certainly still the most-loved Christmas gift of the year.
Alrighty, now to finish up some lesson plans, finish up some supper, and enjoy some T.V. with Sean before a very early bed time tonight! Coffee will be required for tomorrow morning!
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