DIY Skills

Yesterday was my kick-off party with taking down holiday decorations around the apartment. Yes, party. Blasting the last of the holiday music and breaking out special dance moves (that were only shared between me, myself, and I), happened all while taking down the remains of Christmas. 

Although I was proud of myself for putting most of the decorations away on my own, today, many decorations are still lingering around and haven't quite found their home for the next 11 months.

One of my newest and most favorite  decorations that I can't find myself to store away can be seen in the picture below: the happy 2014 banner. I found this free  printable online and figured I'd tap into my DIY skills for our NYE party. A few cuts, hole punches, and fun with pretty glitter ribbon and voila! The banner eventually led me into an idea for a DIY photo booth, too! Bring it on, DIY skills!!!

When I stare at the banner, which I secretly want to hang somewhere without my husband noticing (not gonna happen), it reminds me of the side of me that gets packed away for 10 months. Being a teacher screams for creative juice, but lately it hasn't been calling my name. Having two weeks off from school enabled me to have fun with other hobbies, which so often get boxed up and put on a shelf until summer break.

 I finally tapped into my DIY skills and it feels SO GOOD! I started many projects for the apartment and projects that will help relive moments of our wedding. I didn't finish ANY of these projects though, and hope that this energy won't leave once I get back into the "school routine." 

I'm feeling optimistic! 

The beginning of something exciting!

January 3, 2014…it started off as a freezing cold day, and got colder as the day went on.  It had snowed overnight and my holiday break was extended for another day, providing me with a two full weeks off, just what I needed!  My best friend, Dawn, and I had been planning to meet up to kick off our weekly Friday night dinners for 2014.  It was the coldest night either of us could remember, but little did we know that tonight would be the beginning of an amazing idea!

The roads were barely plowed, but we made it out for dinner, and then grabbed a cup of coffee at Starbucks.  The two of us sat down, and then realized that the heat in the usually crowded coffee shop was not working! We decided to stay and chat (with our coats and scarves on!), and the idea of taking one photo a day for 365 days and writing about each special moment was born!  We were both thrilled and couldn’t wait to get home to write about our first pictures! 

Sometimes I find that life goes by so quickly, that I forget to stop and think about life’s simpler, wonderful moments that just pass me by. It’s easy to get caught up in working and other things, but taking the time to stop and live in a moment excites me!  I’ve gone through a lot in the past few years, from leaving a broken relationship, selling a house, and now I’ve begun a new chapter of living my life on my own for the first time ever!  I’m on the brink of turning 30, and loving life.  This blog is just another way to document a moment of my beautiful life each day, 365 days right along with my best friend!  I hope you join us on this journey!!

A napkin at Starbucks

2 girls 

1 year 

730 moments to share 

Our motto can be revised to share more about us:

2 teachers 

1 year 

730 moments that define us 

Or... 

2 teachers on holiday break 

1 year to enlighten, reflect, seek an outlet 

730 moments to reach a lifetime goal 

Either way you put it, here we are! A new birth and creation started over coffee 
at Starbucks. Isn't that how most business endeavors start?

Our bodies felt frozen against the wooden chairs, the -3 temperature outside 
begged for us to discuss summer plans. And once again, after a more than 12 year 
friendship, our minds read one another and we almost spoke the same words at the 
same time: "I really don't want to teach over the summer, I need a brain break." 
We giggled and then I proceeded to explain my thoughts on blogs I'd been 
following and ideas for starting a fun business together. 

We'd talked about dream businesses throughout our friendship but somehow life 
always got in the way, or we found a way to say "that'd be fun, ha ha" and laugh 
it off. But there was a tingle in our eyes tonight, and it was felt throughout 
my body too. Maybe it was the New Year, New Beginning mantra, or maybe it was 
the bottled up feelings of being eaten away by teaching. All I know is, I'm 
motivated, determined, excited and happy, to be sharing in this adventure with 
my best friend and sharing our moments in life with so many of you. 

2 girls 

1 year

730 moments to share