Finding time for myself

I have been feeling the back to school blues over the past few weeks.  It has nothing to do with my students, or even my school.  It's trying to find the balance between work and home life.  The weekends fly by, and before I know it, it's back to the work week.  When school begins, I throw myself into my job, pulling 10 hour days, and bringing more work home.  I try to get to know who my students are and what their strengths and weaknesses are, and do my best to begin to provide the best instruction possible, as soon as possible.   Sometimes, this comes at a cost.  

Marc and I have been discussing this topic a lot this week at the dinner table.  The conversation usually goes something like this:

Me: I'm overwhelmed.

Marc: Why?

Me: Because I have a. b. c. d. etc.... to do and not enough time to do it.

Usually the etc... includes things I need to do for myself to keep up my own sanity.  This includes exercise.  If you have been reading my blog posts over the past year, you'll know I like to eat healthy and know how important it is to be healthy.  

I'm really going to work over the next few weeks to try to put myself first and to find some "Me Time" so I keep myself sane and happy.  I know I'll be better for it.  Do you have trouble finding time for yourself, too?  How to do you make sure you fit it all in?

Taylor Swift Visits Boston Children's Hospital

If you love Taylor Swift, here's just another reason why you will love her even more!  She visited Jordan Lee Nickerson who is sick in the hospital.  She brought her guitar and sang "We are Never Ever Getting Back Together" with little Jordan who sang along and danced with her.  What an incredible memory they will both have forever!

BREAKING NEWS: New *NSYNC Album Released!!!!

They're BACK!!!!! Well...kind of.  Today, SONY released an album with 34 (yes THIRTY FOUR) *NSYNC tracks!  I'll admit, most are still in my collection of *NSYNC CD's from my high school days, but I can't resist a good old school *NSYNC song.  (I'm currently singing along to Tearin' up my Heart.  I'm swooning

The band isn't getting back together anytime soon.  In fact, the newly released CD was put out without the guys even knowing about it.  The Essential *NSYNC is currently #5 on the iTunes charts!!!  Come on, guys, your fans are dying for a reunion.  We're still proving we're loyal fans!!!  A girl can dream... In the meantime, go download your Essential *NSYNC!

Life Moves Fast

Thank you, Alex and Ani, for reminding us that we need to enjoy each and every moment.  I know I've blogged about this topic before.  We're always rushing and pushing to get to the next thing in life, when we need to savor each and every moment that we're actually in. 

I've really been working on this.  I stopped projecting, I stopped worrying and I started living.  I remember saying, "I just can't wait!" as I was growing up.  My grandma used to tell me, "you can wait."  She was right.  Time moves faster than we realize, and the thing we want so bad will eventually find it's way.  

So live in the moment.  Don't rush it.  Enjoy every day for what it's worth with the people who are around you.  

{Soul Pancake} The Science of Happiness: The Secret to a Happy Family

Have you ever had a time where you watch a video...a movie...read a card...something and it brings tears to your eyes?  This video did it for me.  I'm not a parent, but I am someone's child.  I am also a teacher, working with kids every single day, looking out for their well-being.  My students talk to me about many things, including their worries, fears, anxieties, excitements, and loves, among other things.  My students tell me things about their families (maybe much more than you as a parent may realize...I have heard about fights between moms and dads, and other things you'd wish your little ones didn't repeat).  Regardless, I know that each family dynamic is quite different, but at the root of it all, your kids just want you to spend time with them.  You may be busy with work and other things in life, but you may be surprised as you watch this video what kids are really thinking!

Tea Time with Sophia Grace and Rosie

There really isn't much for me to say about these videos!  I think you just need to watch and enjoy for yourself!!!  I love these two!


Here's some of my favorites:

First Monday of Summer

The first Monday of summer...

Restful...

Relaxing...

Relieving...

Laid back...

Enjoyable...

Too good to be true!!!

I can't tell you how good it feels to be off for the summer.  Yes...I have lots of things planned, but to have the first Monday of summer is like having the first bite of an ice cream sundae.  Delicious, cool, and refreshing!!  I hope you enjoyed your first summer Monday, too!!

It's SUMMER! All things FROZEN fun!

Happy Summer Everyone!!! I have to admit...ever since Frozen came out, I have been in love with it...especially with OLAF! He's hysterical, and now that it's summer, I can't help but laugh at him a little more because of his funny personality.  I decided to dedicate this post to all things Olaf and Summer!!

This video is great!!

Top Ten Things I Love About Disney World!

Since I'm on a Disney kick lately, I figured I would make a top ten list of things I love about Disney World!  If you have something you love about Disney, please add it to the comment section below!  I'd love to get your tips!!

10.  Soarin'

This is by far, one of my most favorite rides in Epcot.  The flight above California is incredible, and you really do feel like you're flying.  As you fly over the orange groves you smell...oranges!  When you fly over the pine tree forests you can smell pine!  I've never been to California, but this ride makes me want to go there every time!

9. Resorts

Staying on site at one of the many resorts on the Walt Disney World property is the way to go.  There are so many perks to staying on-site, from their transportation system to Extra Magic Hours...why would you stay off site?

8. Main Street Electrical Parade

The Main Street Electrical Parade wasn't running for quite a few years, and then they brought it back!  This parade is true magic at night at Disney World.  I love each float, and the light up costumes that each character wears.  This will be a must see on my next visit!

7. Toy Story Mania!

Another ride I love is Toy Story Mania in Disney's Hollywood Studios!  In this ride, you're actually playing an arcade game!  Everyone is a kid on this ride, and it will become an instant favorite for everyone you're with!

6. Cirque du Soleil- La Nouba

If you've never seen a Cirque du Soleil show...and you're in Downtown Disney...and you can afford the ticket price, I suggest you go see this show.  The show will keep you on the edge of your seat and your hands will be sore from clapping so hard at the end.  You will have a new appreciation for dance and the arts after seeing this show.  It's just another piece of Disney Magic!

5. Illuminations Fireworks Show

Haven't you heard the saying, "Disney does it best?!"  They don't disappoint when it comes to this fireworks show.  As many times as I've seen it, I can't help but say "wow!!!" the entire time!!  Suggestion: Grab a table outside at the Rose and Crown Pub for an amazing view of the entire show!

4. Wishes Fireworks Show

I love the Wishes Fireworks Show at Magic Kingdom a little bit better, because I think you can't take the fairytale loving little girl out of me.  There's something incredibly magical and breathtaking as the fireworks are going off in front of Cinderella's castle.  It's completely awesome and exciting!!!

3. Thrill Rides at Hollywood Studios

 

These two had to go together...they're two of the best thrill rides in all of Disney World!  I love the anticipation of the Tower of Terror...and I love the fun of the Aerosmith "Rockin Roller Coaster!"  You can't miss either one while you're in Disney World!

2. Holiday Cheer

It doesn't matter what holiday is coming up...Disney does it right!  You'll be put right in the holiday spirit if you're in Disney World for Christmas.  I've been once around the holidays, and the decorations are just as amazing as anything else Disney does.  I can't wait to get down there for Christmas!

1. Feeling Like a Princess

Going to the parks and riding the rides, seeing the parades and watching the fireworks and other special events just makes the Disney Experience incredible.  Each time I go I can't wait to get back there again.  I'm hoping the next time I go my niece can come with us, so she can begin to experience the magic of Disney!

I'm going to Disney World!

My boyfriend and I have already started to think about vacations for our Holiday break this year.  We both have two entire weeks off, and were discussing possible destinations for the time off.  We looked into Peru...super expensive the way we'd want to do it.  I wanted to be sure to see Machu Picchu and the Amazon, which would cost a pretty penny.  It's still on both of our bucket lists, and I'm sure we'll get there.

Then, we thought more.  Marc knows I love Disney World.  I've been there many times...I can count at least 8 times, but I've probably been more than that.  It's a place where I can't contain my excitement when I arrive, and when I hop on the monorail one last time before I head home, I usually have tears in my eyes when I hear Mickey say, "We'll see you real soon!"  Gets me every single time!

This year, we're planning on spending an entire week in Disney World with both sets of parents, as well as Marc's sister, brother in law and his two nephews.  We're also hoping that my sister and her husband and my niece will join us, too!  We'll be spending Christmas in Disney World, something that I hear is truly magical.  I have to say, I'm really looking forward to the joy in the kids' faces as they see each new, exciting thing.  

We've been in major planning mode over the last couple of weeks, scouting out dining options and special events so we can make reservations as soon as we can!  I can't wait to share the fun with you as we plan this exciting getaway!!

Congrats, Grads!

You made it!!!  You're graduating and tossing that cap up in the air, shaking hands and grabbing the diploma and walking into the next step of your life!  The hardest days are behind you...and more different, difficult ones lay ahead.  The foundation has been set, and you're ready for your future!  

This video made me reflect on life...and how much things have changed!  Technology has taken life to a whole new level.  You can document every single part of your life.  Enjoy the good times, take pictures and have lots of fun.  You'll look back on these days and wonder where the time went!  Savor every moment!!!

Rest in Peace, Dr. Maya Angelou

With the passing of Dr. Maya Angelou today, I thought it was fitting to have my blog post be a tribute to her life and good works.  I use one of her poems, Still, I Rise, with my third graders, and it's one of my favorites.  Phenomenal Woman is another favorite.  I think you'll like it, too.   Rest in peace, Dr. Angelou. 

Phenomenal Woman

BY MAYA ANGELOU

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.

I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size   

But when I start to tell them,

They think I’m telling lies.

I say,

It’s in the reach of my arms,

The span of my hips,   

The stride of my step,   

The curl of my lips.   

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,   

That’s me.

I walk into a room

Just as cool as you please,   

And to a man,

The fellows stand or

Fall down on their knees.   

Then they swarm around me,

A hive of honey bees.   

I say,

It’s the fire in my eyes,   

And the flash of my teeth,   

The swing in my waist,   

And the joy in my feet.   

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

Men themselves have wondered   

What they see in me.

They try so much

But they can’t touch

My inner mystery.

When I try to show them,   

They say they still can’t see.   

I say,

It’s in the arch of my back,   

The sun of my smile,

The ride of my breasts,

The grace of my style.

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

Now you understand

Just why my head’s not bowed.   

I don’t shout or jump about

Or have to talk real loud.   

When you see me passing,

It ought to make you proud.

I say,

It’s in the click of my heels,   

The bend of my hair,   

the palm of my hand,   

The need for my care.   

’Cause I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

Still I Rise

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops,
Weakened by my soulful cries?

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don’t you take it awful hard
‘Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines
Diggin’ in my own backyard.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I’ve got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history’s shame
I rise
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain
I rise
I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.

We're also linking up with 733 Blog for the Inspire Me Wednesday Party! Click on over for more awesome stuff!

[The Good Friend's Guide] Helping your Best Friend through a BREAK UP!

This is a positive post...a post for the girl who is watching her best friend feel defeated by a break up. The moment that a relationship ends...usually a long one, is terrifying to the person going through the breakup.  Life as they know it is going through a major overhaul (usually one that is necessary for personal growth), but for a very long time, he or she hasn't done much without thinking about the person they've broken up with.  

Being a person who has gone through a breakup, and is now in a healthy, loving relationship, I can tell you that it isn't easy to go through something like this, BUT I can also tell you that it was the best thing that could have ever happened to me.  I'm making a list of a few things you can do to help your friend through one of the toughest times of their life.

1. Go to the bookstore and buy them the book, It's Called A Breakup Because it's Broken.  I literally stumbled over this book one night browsing the internet while nursing my broken heart.  It woke me up from feeling sad for myself.  It made me realize that this breakup was necessary because I didn't deserve the crap I endured.  Here's a little summary from Amazon.com:

"There’s no doubt about it—breakups suck. But in the first few hours or days or weeks that follow, there’s one important truth you need to recognize: Some things can’t and shouldn’t be fixed, especially that loser who dumped you or forced you to dump him. It’s called a breakup because it’s broken, and starting right here, right now, it’s time to dry your tears, put down that pint of ice cream, log out of his e-mail, and open this book to Chapter One–and start turning your breakup into a breakover.

From Greg Behrendt, the co-author of the smash two-million copy bestseller He’s Just Not That Into You, comes It’s Called a Breakup Because It’s Broken--the ultimate survival guide to getting over Mr. Wrong and reclaiming your inner Superfox. From how to put yourself through “he-tox,” to how to throw yourself a kick-ass pity party, Greg and his wife, Amiira, share their hilarious and helpful roadmap for getting past the heartache and back into the game. You will learn:

• Why you shouldn’t call him—and what he’s thinking when you do
• How to keep your friends and not lose your job
• How to avoid breakup pitfalls: IMing, stalking, having sex with your ex
• Reframing reality—seeing the relationship for what it was
• How to transform yourself into a hot, happening Superfox and get a jump on the better, brighter future that awaits

Complete with an essential workbook to help you put the crazy down on paper and not take it out into the world, It’s Called a Breakup Because It’s Broken is a must-have manual for finding your way back to an even more rocking you."

2. Tell her to shut off the radio.  One of my closest friends told me while I was going through the toughest days was to stop listening to the damn radio.  You don't realize how many songs are about love until your heart is being ripped out of your chest.  

3. Listen to Kelly Clarkson's Album, Stronger. Go here and buy it: amazon.com

This girl is a genius when it comes to making girls feel empowered and better about themselves.  It got me through. It will help your friend, too.

4. Check in on her more than you think you should.  Be there for her.  Call her up and get her out of the house on the weekends.  She needs to feel like she has a life outside of her house.

5. Buy her an alarm clock.  She needs to get up every single work day and go to work.  Don't let her sit home and eat ice cream.  She'll be a boyfriend-less, job-less, girl.  That's not attractive to anyone else out there.  The best thing I could have done was get my crying ass out of bed every single day.  

6. Schedule a mini-getaway.  Have a girls weekend and get her brain busy!

7. Let her date whenever she's ready to date.  She'll know when she's ready.  Be her "check in" friend if/when she decides to online date.

I can't tell you how important friends are to a girl who has a broken heart.  These tips will help, and before you both know it, you'll be gushing about Mr. Right instead of hating on Mr. Wrong.  I promise!!

Tonight we are linking up with Creative-Geekery for the Pin-It Party and Fry Sauce and Grits for theBe.You.Tiful Party! 

Super Soul Sunday: Oprah and Tracy McMillan; Love & Marriage

Why You're Not Married

This morning, I was doing some much needed spring cleaning, when I was looking for something to watch on TV.  I decided to give Oprah's Super Soul Sunday a try, and it just so happens she was interviewing Tracy McMillan, the author of The Huffington Post's article, Why You're Not Married.  This article has been shared over 54,000 times on Facebook, and has been liked by 290,000 people.  Tracy gives women a no-nonsense outline of why they haven't met "Mr. Right."  The fact is, that if you aren't married, it's probably because of you...not the jerk men you blame your single-status on.  McMillan has six reasons that women are unmarried:

1. You're a bitch

2. You're shallow

3. You're a slut

4. You're a liar

5. You're selfish

6. You're not good enough

I can see your face now.  You're probably thinking, "Amanda!  That's an awful list." Well...go read the article, and then we can talk. Not for nothing, but if you read the article to the very end, you'll understand where McMillan is going with all of this.  I'm pasting her words into this blog post because she couldn't be more right:

"Alright, so that's the bad news. The good news is that I believe every woman who wants to can find a great partner. You're just going to need to get rid of the idea that marriage will make you happy. It won't. Once the initial high wears off, you'll just be you, except with twice as much laundry.

Because ultimately, marriage is not about getting something -- it's about giving it. Strangely, men understand this more than we do. Probably because for them marriage involves sacrificing their most treasured possession -- a free-agent penis -- and for us, it's the culmination of a princess fantasy so universal, it built Disneyland.

The bottom line is that marriage is just a long-term opportunity to practice loving someone even when they don't deserve it. Because most of the time, your messy, farting, macaroni-and-cheese eating man will not be doing what you want him to. But as you give him love anyway -- because you have made up your mind to transform yourself into a person who is practicing being kind, deep, virtuous, truthful, giving, and most of all, accepting of your own dear self -- you will find that you will experience the very thing you wanted all along:

Love."

Women need to remember that we have to take care of ourselves.  We need to get to the bottom of our own issues before we look for Mr. Right.  The white dress...the love story...all of that will not make our lives a fairytale.  The fact is, that we need to realize that marriage is a life long commitment to love someone even when they aren't so lovable.  It's facing the fact that you can't just walk out the door, because someone's counting on you.  

Oprah's interview with McMillan was fantastic.  I urge you to go to The Full Episode on Oprah.com and watch the episode for yourself.  Even if you are married, I know you'll take something from it.  If you have single friends, pass this blog post on to them. 

Tracy McMillan just published a book, titled Why You're Not Married...Yet.  It's "the straight talk you need, to get the relationship you deserve."  

Remember, the man, the wedding and the dress won't change your life.  You only have the power to change your life.  A healthy marriage is one that is the joining of two equals, taking two great people, and making their lives all the better.

Happy Sunday!

What's on your bucket list?

Bucket lists don't have to necessarily be lists of things we need to complete before we die.  Since Pinterest has become popular, I've seen more and more bucket list images.  Things that people want to do during their lifetime, or during a specific period of time.  People make bucket lists of things they'd like to do in a season, before they reach a significant milestone birthday, or things that pertain to a certain topic, like traveling.

After browsing Pinterest, I couldn't help but start to gather some ideas of my own to start to create a bucket list.  I suggest you start to create a bucket list of your own.  You can get started by creating a list the old-fashioned way in a journal, or create a Pinterest board with all of your ideas gathered in one spot.  Whatever you choose, I think it's important to think about what we want out of life, and go for it!

In the meantime, I started to create a list of some ideas.  Here are a few that I'm adding to my own bucket list!

We are linking up with Creative Geekery tonight, as we take part in the Pin It Party! Head on over to find more great stuff! 

Foolproof Veggie Garden

Do you love fresh grown veggies?  I sure do!  Two summers ago, I helped my parents plant a vegetable garden right on their deck!  We grew cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, and lettuce.  The cucumbers were the sweetest I've ever tasted!  Every few days I'd take a peek, and the next thing I knew, we'd have more than enough vegetables for the week!

Here are some suggestions to make your garden grow this summer...wherever you live!

Seeds
Start your seeds at home now!  You can get kits at Home Depot, Lowes or Wal*Mart fairly inexpensively!  All you need to do is add water, and you have little pods all ready for planting! The brand I used was "Jiffy" but I'm sure you could use any brand you can find.  The pods I used looked like this:

Plant in the Right Spot

Find a spot on your property that has great sunlight.  It doesn't have to be a spot that you'll be planting in the ground, because I have other suggestions for that!  I'd actually recommend that you choose a spot that's on a patio or a deck.  That way you can control the amount of contact your veggies get with wild animals.  

Choose the Right Planter

I'm going to suggest a specific planter that I used and had great success with.  It's called a City Picker Patio Planter.  It's the easiest planter I've ever used.  It comes as a kit with a watering system.  You can't beat the setup for just about $30 from Home Depot.  I found the listing here: Home Depot

The planter comes with directions for the right mix of soil, as well as directions on how often to water your plants.  The best part about this type of planter is that it's weed free!  You can even plant multiple planters depending on how much you want to grow!

I promise that you will have an incredible summer with this type of gardening. It's seriously maintenance and carefree!  Let me know if it works for you!

Tonight we're participating in The Creative Geekery's THE PIN IT PARTY, as well as Fry Sauce & Grits's Be.YOU.tiful Link Up Party.  Click on over to both blogs for some incredible ideas!

Twelve Ways to Unwind

I don't know about you, but I look forward to coming home after a long day to just relax and unwind.  There are a lot of times where the stress of work gets in the way of my relaxation.  It can take a while for me to fall asleep at night, so I've been doing some research on how to unplug after a long day.  They may seem pretty straightforward, sometimes we need a reminder!

Here are some suggestions to help yourself relax.

1. Go for a walk:  I know that getting some fresh air can wake me up after my drive home, and forces me to think about my day.  Call a friend and make it a social time!  Dawn and I have gone for walks together and have been able to discuss our days, which makes going home to relax easier!

2. Try some yoga: Sometimes just relaxing and meditating helps to clear our heads and get things straight.  I think this is helpful when I have something on my mind that I want to sort out.

3. Read a book in a cozy chair: This works only if I'm not tired! Sometimes I end up waking up, realizing I didn't even read a page!

4. Pour yourself a glass of wine: I say just a glass, because you're looking to unwind, not get drunk! Alcohol can make you sleepy, which will make you completely unproductive.  Just have a glass of wine to relax. You don't need a hangover tomorrow!

5. Eat dinner outside: This spring weather has me itching to start eating meals out on my balcony!  I'll be sure to take some pictures when I do.  Don't you love eating al fresco?

6. Have a cup of tea: Recently, I've been drinking a lot of green tea to detox.  I love the calming effect it has on me!

7. Take a long shower or bath: I have always loved long showers.  My dad used to ask me if I did laps while I was in the shower!  Hot showers help me turn my brain off!

8. Make yourself an appointment for a massage: Last week I had the best massage that I've ever had.  It made me realize that taking time for myself is completely necessary.  Massages may become part of my "take care of myself" regimen.

9. Cuddle with your kids and read a book together: I don't have children, but I do know how important it is for families to spend time together.  One of my students keeps sharing updates about a book she has been reading with her mom.  Those are times your kids won't ever forget, and it sounds relaxing!

10. Take up a craft/hobby: I love to draw, and I don't do it nearly enough.  It's so therapeutic to just express my feelings through drawings.  I also really want to learn how to knit! Perhaps I'll learn this summer!

11. Listen to some quiet, classical music: When I can't sleep, I have a sound machine app on my phone that I turn on.  It always relaxes me enough to put me to sleep!

12. Turn off your cell phone: This is so hard for me, but putting the phone away and taking some time for yourself will work wonders and help you unwind.  Just try it!


We're linking up with seven thirty three's link up party, Inspire me Wednesday, as well as A Savory Feast's Hump Day Happenings!  Please click over to both blogs for wonderful Wednesday ideas!