It's been a minute since I've posted.... or a lot of minutes. With some new found inspiration from some dear friends of mine, I'm going to attempt to blog again. This time, with a different purpose. In the past, I've blogged about events in my life, or even my teaching and my classroom. My intent this time around is to use my blog for accountability. My hope is that by putting my goals and my story out there in the infinite abyss of the inter webs, I will be able to hold myself more accountable and therefore, possibly, reach those goals.
I'm specifically focused on health and wellness, however, I'm a sucker for sharing, and I enjoy writing, so the occasional non-health related post may creep up now and again. But I digress. A few weeks ago, I was browsing some music teaching blogs looking for classroom ideas, and I stumbled upon one that shared monthly goals. When I saw it, I thought "what a great idea!" Now, this is a way to actually reach your goals, instead of letting them continually be in the distant future. That's my problem with goals anyway. I find myself putting them off and giving excuses about how one day they will happen. And then they don't. Because it's always in the future, and never in the now. I need my goals to be in the now. So, although it is the middle of October, and not the beginning, here are my goals for the next 30 days:
1. Put good food in my body. This means that I'm not eating pizza every week (seriously?! love me some pizza), or justifying that dessert every night as just a "once in a while" thing when it's really every night. Instead, eating food that my body needs to nourish and fuel itself. I've struggled with weight for as long as I can remember, and even more than that, I've had a poor relationship with food. The next 30 days are the road to recovery in that relationship. I'm sure I won't be cured of my desire for pizza in 30 days; but maybe I'll only want it once a month instead of once a week?
2. Let exercise back in. If you know me, or have talked with me recently you know I injured my back almost 2 months ago now. I've been in physical therapy for half of that time and it has slowly been getting better. Before the injury, I was just getting back into the routine of exercising regularly. My trusty workout buddy and I would meet most days of the week and bust out some HIIT workouts, or go for a run- it was all good. And then, I mysteriously injured myself (the believed culprit is weed pulling--seriously with the monsoons this year!?) and was unable to do the things I had been doing even just the day before. It's been a long road, and I find myself extremely frustrated with the process most days. But I also think maybe I'm afraid of making it worse and not letting myself push too hard. It's been better- I went to yoga and for a walk this week! But I need to keep finding ways to let the activity levels increase in my life so that I can continue to heal. Who would have thought a physical injury could mess with your mental faculties as well?!
That's it. That's where I'm starting. It needs to be little steps. If it's not, I'll never get there. I will do my best to keep you posted on my journey, and in 30 days I'll evaluate the goals and see how I did. Maybe even create some new ones.
Namaste,
Sam
Sunday, October 16, 2016
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
New Year, New Room... Classroom that is
Part of the excitement of starting a new school year this year is that I get to be in a different room than last year. Moving everything over was a bit of a pain, however I could not be more excited about the spaciousness of the new room and how much more organized I feel after having put it all away. I finally have just about everything up on the walls and ready for students, so I thought I'd show you via pictures. :)
So please, enjoy my classroom- picture style.
So please, enjoy my classroom- picture style.
Here is the room looking straight back as you walk in the door
My bulletin board:
My desk nook, close up
The door way- I plan to use that poster on the door for upcoming concert dates
My "office" corner of the room
The room standing at the back looking towards the door
Instruments
The "office"
Sound System area- the shower curtain is hiding a washer/dryer
That's it for now! I need to hang up my Recorder incentive posters still-but I won't do that until we start recorder in a few weeks. I'm pretty proud of all that I've done so far to make the new room the best that it can be- I'm excited to put it to the test next week when students arrive!!
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
My Posting Skills Need Some Work
When life gets busy, the blog gets forgotten. In a way I'm kind of okay with that... this way my life isn't completely attached to a computer and technology. Or at least, that's what I'd like to think.
I know that summer seems to be the only time that I ever update this thing.... that's probably because the school year generally eats my soul- or at least all of my time. This past year was amazing, with so many things that I hope to learn from in my 2nd year, and so many amazing memories to start off my teaching career. I feel so incredibly lucky to be where I am now. I have a job that I love, an apartment that I adore, and amazing friends and family members to share it all with. That is the dream.
One thing that I wanted to make sure I shared is what I did for my birthday this year. A while back, I had come across a pin on Pinterest ( What would I do with out it?!) about a woman who had completed a random act of kindness for every year of her life on her birthday. I loved the idea and decided I had to implement it on my birthday. The best part was that she had friends and family who did a RAOK in her honor as well! So I attempted to do 24 RAOK on April 25. There were a few problems with this idealized plan. The first, and biggest was that my birthday was on a Thursday, when I had to work. So I couldn't spend my day running around town completing RAOK like I wanted to. The other problem was that I really wanted these to happen organically... and that just wasn't happening for me. So the list I accumulated is not at 24. It's not even really close. And they did not happen just on the 25th. It was pretty much that entire week and a half surrounding my birthday. But it's the thought that counts right? So here's my list:
1. Anonymous Thank you cards for the entire staff at my school.
2. A snail mail letter to a friend that lives forever and a day away
3. Donated $ to a child abuse charity jar at In-N-Out
4. Gave my free coffee card to the Barista and asked him to use it on the next customer
5. Anonymous thank you cards to my apartment complex office staff and maintenance staff ( I'm not even sure if this really counts since I already wrote thank you cards...)
6. Took extra carts back up to the store front from the parking lot
7. picked up an elderly woman's keys for her when she dropped them
8. donated all of my change to the tip jar at Starbucks.
I know it's not much... I actually feel a little lame for not even coming close. But I guess there's always next year. And the things people did to help me celebrate were awesome. Here's some of them:
1. I'm loaning an old prom dress to a student for her prom. Random, indeed. What teenager would want to wear an eight-year-old dress?
2. Some rude gentleman in the grocery store let about 6 heads of lettuce fall on the floor and just walked away. I stopped and picked them all up.
3. I saw a guys truck get hit in the Walmart parking lot and waited to tell him because the people just left.
I am quite positive there were more too... I just can't find them. But it's still super awesome! I love the dedication!
On a completely separate note, I decided to join a community orchestra for the upcoming season. I need to play again. When I was in school I played all the time, and now I hardly ever play because it's not necessary for what I'm doing now. The thing I need to remember is that it's a part of me, and really where my musicianship came from. So I will be working on learning some new rep for an audition at the end of August. I'm pretty excited about it!
Those are the big things... everything else is just every day life. I could say I'll try to be better about posting, but we all know I won't.
Until next time,
S
I know that summer seems to be the only time that I ever update this thing.... that's probably because the school year generally eats my soul- or at least all of my time. This past year was amazing, with so many things that I hope to learn from in my 2nd year, and so many amazing memories to start off my teaching career. I feel so incredibly lucky to be where I am now. I have a job that I love, an apartment that I adore, and amazing friends and family members to share it all with. That is the dream.
One thing that I wanted to make sure I shared is what I did for my birthday this year. A while back, I had come across a pin on Pinterest ( What would I do with out it?!) about a woman who had completed a random act of kindness for every year of her life on her birthday. I loved the idea and decided I had to implement it on my birthday. The best part was that she had friends and family who did a RAOK in her honor as well! So I attempted to do 24 RAOK on April 25. There were a few problems with this idealized plan. The first, and biggest was that my birthday was on a Thursday, when I had to work. So I couldn't spend my day running around town completing RAOK like I wanted to. The other problem was that I really wanted these to happen organically... and that just wasn't happening for me. So the list I accumulated is not at 24. It's not even really close. And they did not happen just on the 25th. It was pretty much that entire week and a half surrounding my birthday. But it's the thought that counts right? So here's my list:
1. Anonymous Thank you cards for the entire staff at my school.
2. A snail mail letter to a friend that lives forever and a day away
3. Donated $ to a child abuse charity jar at In-N-Out
4. Gave my free coffee card to the Barista and asked him to use it on the next customer
5. Anonymous thank you cards to my apartment complex office staff and maintenance staff ( I'm not even sure if this really counts since I already wrote thank you cards...)
6. Took extra carts back up to the store front from the parking lot
7. picked up an elderly woman's keys for her when she dropped them
8. donated all of my change to the tip jar at Starbucks.
I know it's not much... I actually feel a little lame for not even coming close. But I guess there's always next year. And the things people did to help me celebrate were awesome. Here's some of them:
1. I'm loaning an old prom dress to a student for her prom. Random, indeed. What teenager would want to wear an eight-year-old dress?
2. Some rude gentleman in the grocery store let about 6 heads of lettuce fall on the floor and just walked away. I stopped and picked them all up.
3. I saw a guys truck get hit in the Walmart parking lot and waited to tell him because the people just left.
I am quite positive there were more too... I just can't find them. But it's still super awesome! I love the dedication!
On a completely separate note, I decided to join a community orchestra for the upcoming season. I need to play again. When I was in school I played all the time, and now I hardly ever play because it's not necessary for what I'm doing now. The thing I need to remember is that it's a part of me, and really where my musicianship came from. So I will be working on learning some new rep for an audition at the end of August. I'm pretty excited about it!
Those are the big things... everything else is just every day life. I could say I'll try to be better about posting, but we all know I won't.
Until next time,
S
Monday, July 2, 2012
Wait a minute... I'm a teacher?!?!
That's right folks, it's starting to get real. Realer than real. (Is realer even a word?! I MIGHT be making things up now). July is quickly slipping away and the closer we get to the end of the month, the closer I get to being a legitimate teacher with real students and things. (OH MY GOSH!) Most of me is super excited. Then the rest of me (like 10 percent) is super nervous. I've never had a classroom all to my own before! ( I guess that's why they call it your first year of teaching, huh?) But, alas, I'm getting ahead of myself in explaining the excitement. I should start at the beginning.
You know the part about graduating college, that one happened in May and I already shared that story. I still can't believe it sometimes. And until yesterday when I opened my mailbox and saw my beautiful new diploma I really couldn't believe it. That's right, yesterday I got my official diploma, stating that I was officially a graduate of the University of Arizona and had fulfilled the requirements for a Bachelor's of Music degree in "Music Education- Instrumental Emphasis" (That's what it says on the diploma, and it sounds so official- I just had to write it here.) Woah. Now I just need to get a pretty frame so I can hang it up in my classroom as proof that I really do (theoretically) know what I'm doing. :)
THEN, last week, I finally was able to go get my certification. This piece of paper that says I have passed all of the requirements to be certified was a whopping $90. Holy Crap! I about had a heart attack. That is one piece of paper I will be holding near and dear so as to NEVER lose it. I'm pretty sure the replacement fee is significantly less, but I don't care. Losing a $90 piece of paper is like losing your phone, or laptop or something. Basically, not an option. And with those two documents, I'm officially a teacher in the state of Arizona. Which just feels insane. And so awesome. This, my dears, is what we call "living the dream." And I haven't even told you about today yet!
So, today, I went to my classroom to get some work done. I still have SO much organizing, and going through stuff to get done; but let me tell you, today we made some headway. The wonderful Band/Orchestra teacher at my school and my former cooperating teacher met me and we tackled that classroom and took no prisoners. They were an ENORMOUS help, like throwing away about 6 bags full of trash and a stack of old magazines as tall as me help. We went through just about everything in that room and decided if it was worthy of being kept or just too old for caring. Some of that stuff has been around since the year I was born. That's 23 years of accumulating dust. Wowzers. Thanks to those lovely ladies, I have so much less to do! But that's not even the exciting part. ( I know what you're thinking- wait, there's more?!) After a nice chat with my principal, I came to discover that my login information and email address are finally set up! Okay, so maybe that's not that exciting to you, but basically it's the coolest thing ever to me. Other than signing a contract, I feel officially part of the Flowing Wells family. And I can log into my computer at school now, which is awesome. I'm excited to spend some time playing with various SMART board lessons now, which I couldn't do when I couldn't log onto that computer. So all in all, a GOOD day.
It's hard to believe that in 3 short weeks, I'll be going to my first day of EEI training and then a week after that, I'll have students in my classroom. And they will be mine. Not students I'm borrowing, but actually MY students. Unreal and so exciting. I just can't wait.
Not to worry, I'll keep you as updated as I have time for... I'm going for a first day of school post- but I suppose that will depend on how busy I am. It's kind of funny, because all of this classroom prep really reminds me of RA training week, when I spent every spare minute in my wing decorating and preparing for residents. The difference is that I'm preparing a classroom for learning and the "residents" are much younger. Oh, and they leave after their specials time is up. ;)
I'll try to post pictures of the classroom once it's all done. I still have a lot of work ahead of me, but I'm starting to see it in my head a little bit more. And that's just so exciting.
You know the part about graduating college, that one happened in May and I already shared that story. I still can't believe it sometimes. And until yesterday when I opened my mailbox and saw my beautiful new diploma I really couldn't believe it. That's right, yesterday I got my official diploma, stating that I was officially a graduate of the University of Arizona and had fulfilled the requirements for a Bachelor's of Music degree in "Music Education- Instrumental Emphasis" (That's what it says on the diploma, and it sounds so official- I just had to write it here.) Woah. Now I just need to get a pretty frame so I can hang it up in my classroom as proof that I really do (theoretically) know what I'm doing. :)
THEN, last week, I finally was able to go get my certification. This piece of paper that says I have passed all of the requirements to be certified was a whopping $90. Holy Crap! I about had a heart attack. That is one piece of paper I will be holding near and dear so as to NEVER lose it. I'm pretty sure the replacement fee is significantly less, but I don't care. Losing a $90 piece of paper is like losing your phone, or laptop or something. Basically, not an option. And with those two documents, I'm officially a teacher in the state of Arizona. Which just feels insane. And so awesome. This, my dears, is what we call "living the dream." And I haven't even told you about today yet!
So, today, I went to my classroom to get some work done. I still have SO much organizing, and going through stuff to get done; but let me tell you, today we made some headway. The wonderful Band/Orchestra teacher at my school and my former cooperating teacher met me and we tackled that classroom and took no prisoners. They were an ENORMOUS help, like throwing away about 6 bags full of trash and a stack of old magazines as tall as me help. We went through just about everything in that room and decided if it was worthy of being kept or just too old for caring. Some of that stuff has been around since the year I was born. That's 23 years of accumulating dust. Wowzers. Thanks to those lovely ladies, I have so much less to do! But that's not even the exciting part. ( I know what you're thinking- wait, there's more?!) After a nice chat with my principal, I came to discover that my login information and email address are finally set up! Okay, so maybe that's not that exciting to you, but basically it's the coolest thing ever to me. Other than signing a contract, I feel officially part of the Flowing Wells family. And I can log into my computer at school now, which is awesome. I'm excited to spend some time playing with various SMART board lessons now, which I couldn't do when I couldn't log onto that computer. So all in all, a GOOD day.
It's hard to believe that in 3 short weeks, I'll be going to my first day of EEI training and then a week after that, I'll have students in my classroom. And they will be mine. Not students I'm borrowing, but actually MY students. Unreal and so exciting. I just can't wait.
Not to worry, I'll keep you as updated as I have time for... I'm going for a first day of school post- but I suppose that will depend on how busy I am. It's kind of funny, because all of this classroom prep really reminds me of RA training week, when I spent every spare minute in my wing decorating and preparing for residents. The difference is that I'm preparing a classroom for learning and the "residents" are much younger. Oh, and they leave after their specials time is up. ;)
I'll try to post pictures of the classroom once it's all done. I still have a lot of work ahead of me, but I'm starting to see it in my head a little bit more. And that's just so exciting.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Ok.. So it's been awhile....
Yes, I know... it's been awhile since I've posted. Okay, longer than a while, like a year a while. Oops? To be fair, I've never been one for journaling; and that's basically what this is except that the whole world can view it... or at least the people I'm friends with on Facebook (which, let's face it, sometimes feels like the whole world). Okay, so where to start? I've had kind of a whirl wind of a year.
Let's start with the fact that I put on a recital. I won't lie, it is something that I both dreaded and looked forward to since the moment I found out this was a requirement for graduation. Having bounced between 3 different teachers certainly didn't help either. Many tears were shed, many stressful days in a practice room were spent and I may have ( okay, I did) snap at many close friends and family members under the pressure. It was probably the most stressful time of my life to date. And then, it happened. I got up on stage, and every thought that I could possibly think ran through my head; everything except the music and what my fingers were supposed to be doing. I'm not kidding, I wish I could say it was like everything fell into place and the recital went wonderfully. I really do. But I can't. I got so nervous, I was more distracted than I had ever been. It wasn't a terrible recital, but it certainly wasn't my best performance either. So I kicked myself for a few days, accepted the praise that my family and friends gave me (regardless of believing it or not) and then moved on. Student teaching was next on the plan, so I did my best to move on. I went home for winter break and prepared to take the AEPA and face 500 Kindergarten thru 6th graders.
Student teaching was the greatest experience I have ever had. I can honestly say I never felt more sure of myself and my life choices as I did from January through May of this year. The people I met at my school were absolutely amazing, and if the teachers and staff weren't enough, the students were over the top. I loved all of those kids. Quite honestly, even the ones that gave me a struggle every time I saw them were worth my time. I know it sounds cheesy and unrealistic. I won't sit here and tell you that I enjoyed every student's company every day. I certainly did not. In fact, I even had a day that resulted in tears. But I will say that every tough student, every hard day was a huge learning experience. And for that, I will forever be grateful. I learned so much more in 5 months than I even thought was possible in 5 years. It was certainly more than I had learned sitting in a college classroom for 4 1/2 years. I really have no other words for the experience than absolutely amazing.
Towards the end of my student teaching career, I began applying for jobs. I knew I really wanted to work in the district I student taught in, however with it being such a small district, chances were slim. My dear friend Paige was a teacher in the district at a position that I could only picture myself in when she announced she would be resigning to find a place closer to her home in Indiana. I applied, schmoozed the principal, and got an interview. I spent the few days I had preparing for the interview; rehearsing for my 10 minute lesson, going over various interview questions. I left the interview feeling great. All I had to do was wait out the weekend. The next day I checked my phone and had a message from 10am that morning. The principal had called to tell me that I had not gotten the job. I was devastated, but I tried to look at it positively. It helped that I had to teach all afternoon, so my mind was occupied from the all too familiar over-thinking it does in situations like these... well, actually, any situation. That same day, I received a phone call from another principal in the district asking me to call him to discuss a possible opening at his school. My faith was renewed. I met with the principal later that afternoon for an informal interview. I had a formal interview a week later, and taught a 30 minute lesson. Within a few hours of teaching my lesson, I received a phone call offering me the job. I was ecstatic. Not only did I get a job in the district that I wanted, but I got it before I graduated from college. All of this I know is a blessing. I am so unbelievably happy.
two weeks later I graduated with my Bachelors of Music degree in Music Education. I have spent my summer trying to get used to the idea that I'm a college graduate with a job in my field. Not to mention, it's not just a job, it's my dream job. I know I am unbelievably lucky. I've had so many great experiences in the last 5 months, and I can't believe how lucky I am to have all my dreams come true.
So, I suppose the next part of the journey will be my teaching adventures. That is still so surreal to say- MY teaching adventures. I think I'm finally finding my place in the world.
Let's start with the fact that I put on a recital. I won't lie, it is something that I both dreaded and looked forward to since the moment I found out this was a requirement for graduation. Having bounced between 3 different teachers certainly didn't help either. Many tears were shed, many stressful days in a practice room were spent and I may have ( okay, I did) snap at many close friends and family members under the pressure. It was probably the most stressful time of my life to date. And then, it happened. I got up on stage, and every thought that I could possibly think ran through my head; everything except the music and what my fingers were supposed to be doing. I'm not kidding, I wish I could say it was like everything fell into place and the recital went wonderfully. I really do. But I can't. I got so nervous, I was more distracted than I had ever been. It wasn't a terrible recital, but it certainly wasn't my best performance either. So I kicked myself for a few days, accepted the praise that my family and friends gave me (regardless of believing it or not) and then moved on. Student teaching was next on the plan, so I did my best to move on. I went home for winter break and prepared to take the AEPA and face 500 Kindergarten thru 6th graders.
Student teaching was the greatest experience I have ever had. I can honestly say I never felt more sure of myself and my life choices as I did from January through May of this year. The people I met at my school were absolutely amazing, and if the teachers and staff weren't enough, the students were over the top. I loved all of those kids. Quite honestly, even the ones that gave me a struggle every time I saw them were worth my time. I know it sounds cheesy and unrealistic. I won't sit here and tell you that I enjoyed every student's company every day. I certainly did not. In fact, I even had a day that resulted in tears. But I will say that every tough student, every hard day was a huge learning experience. And for that, I will forever be grateful. I learned so much more in 5 months than I even thought was possible in 5 years. It was certainly more than I had learned sitting in a college classroom for 4 1/2 years. I really have no other words for the experience than absolutely amazing.
Towards the end of my student teaching career, I began applying for jobs. I knew I really wanted to work in the district I student taught in, however with it being such a small district, chances were slim. My dear friend Paige was a teacher in the district at a position that I could only picture myself in when she announced she would be resigning to find a place closer to her home in Indiana. I applied, schmoozed the principal, and got an interview. I spent the few days I had preparing for the interview; rehearsing for my 10 minute lesson, going over various interview questions. I left the interview feeling great. All I had to do was wait out the weekend. The next day I checked my phone and had a message from 10am that morning. The principal had called to tell me that I had not gotten the job. I was devastated, but I tried to look at it positively. It helped that I had to teach all afternoon, so my mind was occupied from the all too familiar over-thinking it does in situations like these... well, actually, any situation. That same day, I received a phone call from another principal in the district asking me to call him to discuss a possible opening at his school. My faith was renewed. I met with the principal later that afternoon for an informal interview. I had a formal interview a week later, and taught a 30 minute lesson. Within a few hours of teaching my lesson, I received a phone call offering me the job. I was ecstatic. Not only did I get a job in the district that I wanted, but I got it before I graduated from college. All of this I know is a blessing. I am so unbelievably happy.
two weeks later I graduated with my Bachelors of Music degree in Music Education. I have spent my summer trying to get used to the idea that I'm a college graduate with a job in my field. Not to mention, it's not just a job, it's my dream job. I know I am unbelievably lucky. I've had so many great experiences in the last 5 months, and I can't believe how lucky I am to have all my dreams come true.
So, I suppose the next part of the journey will be my teaching adventures. That is still so surreal to say- MY teaching adventures. I think I'm finally finding my place in the world.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Whew! Summer's FLYING by!
I promise, pictures are coming soon! Unfortunately, my cord for my camera is hidden away somewhere in a box, so probably until I move into my new apartment, I won't be able to upload anything. Just trust me, I'VE BEEN BUSY!
I've had the pleasure this summer of being a summer live in nanny for my good friend Jen and her 2 lovely children. Ivan is 10, and Miranda who is 5. We have done some amazing things, and I've had a blast hanging out with them all summer! We've gone to the "turtle pond" on campus, a local train station, baked things, gone to a miniature museum, and done so many other wonderful things that I've completely lost track! (That's what the pictures are for). Now, I'm sure you're thinking, 'Sam, these seem like things that mostly a 5 year old girl would like, what about the 10 year old boy?' Ah, not to worry dear friends. He has actually been traveling a lot this summer, so I haven't spent a whole lot of time with him. Quite honestly, most of these were for a 5 year old girl.... and let's face it, that's perfect since I am also a 5 year old girl!
In addition to all of the fun Nanny stuff I've gotten to do this summer, I've been working out. Like hard core. I've gotten a little discouraged along the way, since I've only lost mostly inches and I've been doing it ALL SUMMER, but I'm trying to hang in there and have faith that it will work the way it's supposed to soon enough. Easier said than done on some days. I've officially reached the point that I've decided I need to be healthier, and I've had a great support system along the way. Jen and Paige have been right along side me through the whole process, working out with me, eating right... the whole 9 yards. My family has been super supportive as well. When I go home, they work out with me, so I don't loose my momentum.
I've also had the pleasure of conversing with a close friend of mine while he was away in Spain. I was able to send a little piece of home to him every week (in letter form) and I got a nice taste of Spain and abroad as well (in postcard form). I am still SUPER jealous that he was able to go to Spain, since that is where I would go first, if I could afford to go abroad; but I'm happy that I was able to live some-what vicariously through him. :)
I promise, this post would be SO much better if I had pictures! We have done so many cool things this summer, I wish I could share them all with you. Fear not, they will be posted soon, maybe I will have a blog post that is purely pictures. After all, a picture is worth 1,000 words right?
Until next time,
xoxo,
Sam
I've had the pleasure this summer of being a summer live in nanny for my good friend Jen and her 2 lovely children. Ivan is 10, and Miranda who is 5. We have done some amazing things, and I've had a blast hanging out with them all summer! We've gone to the "turtle pond" on campus, a local train station, baked things, gone to a miniature museum, and done so many other wonderful things that I've completely lost track! (That's what the pictures are for). Now, I'm sure you're thinking, 'Sam, these seem like things that mostly a 5 year old girl would like, what about the 10 year old boy?' Ah, not to worry dear friends. He has actually been traveling a lot this summer, so I haven't spent a whole lot of time with him. Quite honestly, most of these were for a 5 year old girl.... and let's face it, that's perfect since I am also a 5 year old girl!
In addition to all of the fun Nanny stuff I've gotten to do this summer, I've been working out. Like hard core. I've gotten a little discouraged along the way, since I've only lost mostly inches and I've been doing it ALL SUMMER, but I'm trying to hang in there and have faith that it will work the way it's supposed to soon enough. Easier said than done on some days. I've officially reached the point that I've decided I need to be healthier, and I've had a great support system along the way. Jen and Paige have been right along side me through the whole process, working out with me, eating right... the whole 9 yards. My family has been super supportive as well. When I go home, they work out with me, so I don't loose my momentum.
I've also had the pleasure of conversing with a close friend of mine while he was away in Spain. I was able to send a little piece of home to him every week (in letter form) and I got a nice taste of Spain and abroad as well (in postcard form). I am still SUPER jealous that he was able to go to Spain, since that is where I would go first, if I could afford to go abroad; but I'm happy that I was able to live some-what vicariously through him. :)
I promise, this post would be SO much better if I had pictures! We have done so many cool things this summer, I wish I could share them all with you. Fear not, they will be posted soon, maybe I will have a blog post that is purely pictures. After all, a picture is worth 1,000 words right?
Until next time,
xoxo,
Sam
Monday, May 30, 2011
It's been a while...
I know, it has been forever since I've posted anything to the world wide web bloggosphere. Unfortunately, my busy end of a semester was not conducive to blog writing free time. So allow me to fill you in on all of the major events.
SPRING BREAK
For spring break, I went on 2 trips. This was the most eventful spring break of my life! I went home first. It was really nice to hang out with my sisters, especially nice to see Katie, who has been away at school just like me and I hadn't seen since January. On the Tuesday of spring break, we all loaded up in my dad's truck and hit the road for Albuquerque, New Mexico. I know what you're thinking, "What on earth could be in Albuquerque, New Mexico?" Well, only the home of the largest violin shop in the country- Robertson's and Sons Violin Shop. Katie and I both got new instruments, and Allison inherited Katie's old cello. Being all new-instrumented up we hit the road back home to Scottsdale.
It was a really great road trip with my family- something we haven't done together in a while. :)
A couple days later, I hit the road yet again, this time with my good friend Paige to drive to Lake Havasu for another good friend of mine's birthday- Jen. Paige coming with us was a huge surprise for Jen, and we had a grand old time. We spent our days hanging out on the lake, or exploring town and our evenings we went out and explored the night life. I have never had a college spring break experience like this one, so it was nice to be a 'real' college student for the first time ever!
And, yes, for any one who's wondering- that little spot on my nose is most definitely a nose piercing! I got it done while in Havasu. :)
MY BIRTHDAY
A month-ish later was my birthday! I love birthdays, always have, pretty sure I always will. I love my birthday, other people's birthdays- I just LOVE birthdays. So for my birthday, I got double celebration. I went home Easter weekend (also the weekend before my birthday) and celebrated Easter and my birthday with my family. I was so lucky that Katie had found a ride home to celebrate with us! This made me very happy. :) Then my family made the Saturday before Easter my day. My mom made green chili burros for my birthday dinner, my sisters made me beautiful presents- Katie made me a charm bracelet that she has a matching one of, and Allison made me a beautiful picture that I will be able to hang in my new apartment! Then, we had Angel food cake with strawberries and whip cream and SPARKLE SPRINKLES (!) for dessert! It was delicious and a beautiful way to spend time with my family. A week later, I celebrated with my friends. We went to Applebee's for dinner, which was delicious and then had a country themed bar- hopping experience. I had a great time, and I love my friends! :)
SPRING BREAK
For spring break, I went on 2 trips. This was the most eventful spring break of my life! I went home first. It was really nice to hang out with my sisters, especially nice to see Katie, who has been away at school just like me and I hadn't seen since January. On the Tuesday of spring break, we all loaded up in my dad's truck and hit the road for Albuquerque, New Mexico. I know what you're thinking, "What on earth could be in Albuquerque, New Mexico?" Well, only the home of the largest violin shop in the country- Robertson's and Sons Violin Shop. Katie and I both got new instruments, and Allison inherited Katie's old cello. Being all new-instrumented up we hit the road back home to Scottsdale.
It was a really great road trip with my family- something we haven't done together in a while. :)
A couple days later, I hit the road yet again, this time with my good friend Paige to drive to Lake Havasu for another good friend of mine's birthday- Jen. Paige coming with us was a huge surprise for Jen, and we had a grand old time. We spent our days hanging out on the lake, or exploring town and our evenings we went out and explored the night life. I have never had a college spring break experience like this one, so it was nice to be a 'real' college student for the first time ever!
And, yes, for any one who's wondering- that little spot on my nose is most definitely a nose piercing! I got it done while in Havasu. :)
MY BIRTHDAY
A month-ish later was my birthday! I love birthdays, always have, pretty sure I always will. I love my birthday, other people's birthdays- I just LOVE birthdays. So for my birthday, I got double celebration. I went home Easter weekend (also the weekend before my birthday) and celebrated Easter and my birthday with my family. I was so lucky that Katie had found a ride home to celebrate with us! This made me very happy. :) Then my family made the Saturday before Easter my day. My mom made green chili burros for my birthday dinner, my sisters made me beautiful presents- Katie made me a charm bracelet that she has a matching one of, and Allison made me a beautiful picture that I will be able to hang in my new apartment! Then, we had Angel food cake with strawberries and whip cream and SPARKLE SPRINKLES (!) for dessert! It was delicious and a beautiful way to spend time with my family. A week later, I celebrated with my friends. We went to Applebee's for dinner, which was delicious and then had a country themed bar- hopping experience. I had a great time, and I love my friends! :)
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