Smiles Abound

I think some of my other Twenty Somethings are trying to stay caught up with their schoolwork and work life. I'm sure they'll get caught up on their pictures though in the near future. For now, let me show you a smile! Or a few smiles I should say.

Thanks to Captain for sharing this picture with me.

Yesterday was graduation at the college, and I was very excited to help some of my friends celebrate. Captain and I took this picture after graduation where smiles were aplenty. Congratulations to all of the graduates and to all of the Twenty Somethings who graduated two years and one year ago respectively.

Cheers!

Lots of seasons

So first I gotta say Granny Eyre totally stole my idea for this particular post. But that's okay. I have a couple other ideas for this post though. For example, this is a season for yard sales, a season for beautiful weather and sunsets, and a season for saying goodbye to some friends who are graduating in just two days. I couldn't just pick one so I'm sharing pictures of all three.

                   Some friends graduating

                       Beautiful weather

                         Yard sales this way

Snack...Day 4

An unhealthy snack today. On many days I go for an orange or another piece of fruit for a snack. Today, I went for a doughnut and an iced coffee. I'm not sure beverages count toward snacks, but I guess it's counting for this post (since it includes some food).

Sprinkles are the best!! 

P.S. Happy graduation Anniversary to myself, Martha S. & Miss Ellaneous! Two years already!? It's hard for me to wrap my mind around. We're getting old, girls. 

The Farmer's Daughter

So long, farewell 2015

Wow this photo challenge is ending and I'm thinking where in the world did this year go? There are so many moments that have made this year and I am so thankful for each of them in there own ways. Before I get ahead of myself I should catch up on a couple days that I missed. A scarf and me! I decided to combine the two so here you go. Also for this particular picture I am adding a wonderful song that kept running through my head as I prepared myself to take this selfie. Do you want to take a selfie?!

And now for the final day, reflecting. I may or may not have gotten this idea from Granny Eyre but I have made a collage of different photo highlights of this past year. At the beginning of this year there was snowman made, a couple of snow days (which had never happened at college before), a trip to sonic in March, a beautiful remembrance of Jesus Christ risen from death on the cross. In May probably the biggest accomplishment of my life thus far, graduating with Bachelors degree. An exciting camping trip and fourth of July celebration. Just a "few" card games with friends happening all throughout. Rallying around a dear sweet lady and visiting Alabama come next. To end the year there was a white elephant gift exchange with fellow bcm'ers and a very important time of  reflecting the birth of the Savior of the World. I hope there are many more moments of joy, friendship, laughter, hope, and love in this new year.

Painting

After painting a bookshelf for Amanda's graduation present, I had some blue paint and some inspiration left, so a few weeks later, I decided to re-paint my bookshelf. It felt a bit wrong to re-paint it because it's had yellow paint and little hearts on it since I was a kid. My dad made it and my mom painted it. Nevertheless, I decided it was time for a change. It's now blue with a huge sunshine and flower. Maybe it's not any less childish, but it's at least different. Who knows, maybe I'll keep it and pass it along to own daughter some day and she can re-paint it yellow with hearts?


                                                          

Amanda's Bookshelf

 My bookshelf 

Fun Tidbits

Just a couple random updates with photos...

Substitute Teaching

      First of all, don't get too excited about me switching my pursuit of a career, but being a teacher isn't too bad. I have really grown in my understanding of how to discipline and keep kids in line much more effectively than when I first started. (But I could really only go up from where I started...because I had no experience!) But I feel much more comfortable in front of a classroom and I have learned enough about kids to give me better judgement about handling various situations. I have especially become used to working with special needs children which is perfect, since Occupational Therapists usually work with this group of children (especially in the school system). Over the past couple of weeks I have gotten to be an unofficial OT, by using sensory boxes with children and even going into the OT's office in one of the schools and letting an autistic youngster jump in the ball pit to rid him of some excess energy. 

      Also, last Friday (the day before the Kentucky Derby), was a big day at the school where I substituted. First of all, it was a field trip day. One thing I have learned about substitute teaching is, you never really know what you are getting into. I wasn't aware there would be a field trip I would be going on, until I got to the school and one of the regular teachers informed me! It was DARE graduation day and the students were going to the high school for the "graduation" then going to the park for a cookout celebration afterwards. The speaker, Retro Bill, was entertaining while also educating them about bullying, drugs, and other subjects. The park was also fairly nice. I was working as a teacher's aide that day, so I basically just had to follow one special needs child around and make sure he was safe and he didn't get in a fight with any of the other children. I even got a free lunch that day--a freshly grilled hamburger, chips and cookies...it was nice! When we got back from the park the children at the school had their own Derby. Kids from each grade raced around a track-like driveway in the back of the school with horses made from pool noodles. It was pretty cute. The kids could also wear decorated Derby hats. I thought this boy had a particularly cool hat. He said his mom cut out the horse from cardboard and then decorated it. I thought it was a really cool hat, so I snapped a picture of it. 

Poppy

  It was also a very exciting weekend at my house because, my niece, this adorable little ball of energy was here to visit. Unfortunately she was feeling ill throughout the visit, but most of the time she still had so much energy and happiness that you couldn't tell she wasn't feeling well. We took her down to Gwyn's and we all rode (the beau, me, Gwyn and Poppy) out through the woods and down to his pond where Poppy got to feed the fish. It was a nice adventure and I think Poppy had a good time.

Catching up with "Nofa" when she first got to the house. She really likes "Nofa"

Graduation
     Sunday was also an awesome day because I got to see the last of the Twenty-Somethings graduate from Berea College. I was very excited for her and I wish her the very best in life after Berea! I am glad that we should all be in and around Madison County next year so we can have more fun together. Also, Naomi Judd was a very good graduation speaker. She was funny, wise and had a short and sweet message for the graduates.

You probably can't tell, but Naomi Judd is on stage in this picture

A picture of my dinner after Amanda's
graduation, because it was really tasty.
It's a burrito with pineapple, chicken, onions
& mushrooms with rice & beans! 

That's all for now Folks,

The Farmer's Daughter

Goodbyes

As graduation is slowing creeping up and real life is starting to hit I am hit with a sudden wave of goodbyes. I dislike goodbyes though, they seem too permanent. I like to think of a better way to depart from a person would be to say see you later alligator, after while crocodile. You know like children do. This way it leaves things open to possibilities and potential. Today I had to say goodbye to the CDL. I almost cried which is very unusual for me. I am sure going to miss those wonderful children a whole lot. Not to mention the other teachers and my fellow labor students, it was just an all around good work environment. This weekend is going to be full of goodbyes, some more permanent than others but that is okay. I keep thinking about that verse in Jeremiah 29:11  For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Even though God was talking to the Israelite people, I think this verse is still applicable to His children today. No matter what lies ahead of me God will always be with me so as Paul says, " I will press on and keep fighting the good fight until that day comes when I am called home" (that is Amanda paraphrasation for you there). It has not really hit me yet that I am graduating from college in less than 48 hours. Maybe by the time Sunday rolls around it will, but there are still lots of goodbyes to be said, moving to be done, and lives to be lead. It has been a busy week and it's going to be an even busier weekend.
In other news as some of you may remember from last year, there have been goodwill bins placed in many of the dorms on campus. So this afternoon/evening I have been dorm hoping. I have to say that I have seen and found some pretty interesting things. I also gained a few extra things along the way like a huge duffle bag, a new backpack, and a trash  bag full of clothes. This should be an interesting addition to my current wardrobe.
In other other news I have unofficially but officially yet, gotten a duplex apartment with a trust worthy acquaintance It is exciting and will be officially moving in on the 15th. So yall should be on the lookout for me, for a bed and dresser?
I have been looking forward to this summer and what this next chapter in my life has in store. I am quiet excited to see what God has planned for me. My new job at the daycare starts on Monday so that will be fun I do believe. Also am thinking we should all meet up sometime soon I miss seeing you all. Sometimes I wish life would slow down a little bit and maybe even have a rewind button so to go back when we were all in one place and didn't have to travel very far to see one another.
I am getting sleepy so I should stop while I am ahead. But I'm sure I'll be making another post soon about graduating and starting my new job so be on the lookout. Captain Something Fun signing off.

I'm still feeling 22...

So as you might have guessed from the title of this post, I am currently jamming out to some T. Swift while finishing up some of psychology homework. The perks of being an undergrad I suppose. I would probably be up dancing right now if it weren't for the fact that there are people besides me in the dorm common area. I have not made a post in a while. I know, I know The Farmer's Daughter is probably very disappointed in me...
So since my last post a great deal of awesomeness has happened. Instead of writing in paragraph form, like Granny Eyre would probably prefer I am going to start listing.
1. I turned 23. WOAH. Exciting right? I am losing focusing writing I got distracted ahhhh.
2. The Lego movie is AWESOME, Seriously I enjoyed the movie for the most part. I had my hesitations about it but those were overcome.
3. I have officially been offered a real job that is not the mart of wal! Woot! I have had two interviews today one lasted 3 hours and the director did not even watch me she just let me loose in the center which was actually very exciting. I would really enjoy working with children even if it is not the CDL. But the job offer I got is working with mentally disabled individuals just helping them learn basic every day things that we might take for granted. I am kind of excited about the potential of this job because it is different individuals than what I am use to but I think I am up for it if God calls me to do this. I also applied at 2 other daycare's here but have not heard much back from them and I am not sure how much more harassing them I should do.
4.  There is a new little friend in my two year old classroom at work. I can't say much more except that they are super cute and adorable.
5. There are so many song lyrics I could insert in this post but, I can make the bad guys good for a weekend... , I better not though... But I'm FEELING 22!
6. I should not become a statistician, like ever. It is all gibberish to me.
7. I graduate in 16 days HOORAY!!! Finally
Okay that's all folks no more news on my end. Until next time Captain Something Fun signing off.

Will you succeed? Yes, you will indeed. (983⁄4% guaranteed.)

So I have noticed that no one has made a post for the month of March and can you all believe it, the month is almost halfway over O.O
So some super exciting news... I get to graduate on May 3rd officially I got the email from Kathy Wallace. (I tried making a copy of it to show yall but it's not working right). 51 is the number of days I have, so be ready!

I had a super fun experience yesterday while at work. But first some back story to set the tone. March is Theodor Geisel aka Dr. Seuss's birthday month. Also all around in schools March is known as Literacy Month. Well every Wednesday and Friday for the whole month the child development lab has special guest readers come and visit with the children. There is also special appearances from The Cat in the Hat, and Thing 1 and Thing 2. Yesterday I got an email around lunch time asking if I would be willing to dress up as the Cat. Having worked at the child development lab for three years I have always been afraid to volunteer for dressing up but something in me changed apparently because I quickly responded to the email saying yes I would be the Cat. It was a super exciting experience the children all loved seeing the Cat in the hat they have grown to know and love come to life. I did kind of have an epic fail though. I was the first Cat to ever talk at the cdl so that went over well as you can imagine. I just couldn't go visit all the children and not talk and nobody told me this unspoken rule for the cat in the hat. My supervisor was okay with it though she told me as long as I enjoyed it and the children enjoyed it that is all that matters.

In the spirit of Dr. Seuss's birthday I challenge all of you to read at least one of his books this month and write about it. My favorite book is Oh, The Places You'll Go. It is chuck full of good quotes and a good tale.

New Room, Same Brown Walls

So I officially moved into my final dorm room yesterday. Cathy helped a lot which was great. Something that came to mind though as I was trying to sort through things was,  how come all dorm rooms here are the same ugly brownish color? I think dorm rooms should be happy colorful places so I've added some special touches to my room. You can admire my beautiful organization as you look through the pictures I am attaching.
I am looking forward to this last semester at school.  Only 17 weeks until I graduate! I think it will be a good semester,  sad though because all of you have already left me behind but good times shall come.  Well I better get back to writing my term paper.  Until next time captain something fun signing off.

Graduation

I'm currently at school right now, but the students are writing essays. It's going to be a long day considering all of the classes have work days today for various projects. Tomorrow is my last day here. It's a bittersweet feeling; part of me is ready to go and part of me will miss these teenagers. I'm so excited to have some free time, but I'm also worried about feeling purposeless. It will be great the first couple of weeks, but by the time Christmas "break" is over I'll be ready to get back to doing something productive.

Meanwhile, I'm preparing for graduation. People keep asking me if I'm nervous or excited. I'm sure other Tidbits writers can relate. I'm both. It's a big milestone in my life which is exciting to finally reach, but it's also a scary idea to think that now I'm expected to figure out my life. I don't know what to do with my life. I've got ideas, but I don't know how to start acting on these ideas.

A List of Things I'd Like to Do (in no particular order)
1. Learn ASL
2. Read a ton of books.
3. Get closer to God
4. Get closer to my friends
5. Be crafty
6. Sing a solo
7. Open a after-school center
8. Get married (eh maybe)
9. Be an amazing teacher
10. Write a book
11. Own rocking chairs
12. Travel to London again
13. ....It could keep going.

How am I supposed to know where to start first?

Those are my current musings. For now I'm just finishing these last two days here, completing the exit portfolio, and watching Netflix.

-Granny Eyre

Soloing

So I know it's been entirely too long since I made a blog post. No excuses other than exhaustion. I spend almost all of of my time outside of school working on school stuff. It's getting intense.

I'm currently smack dab in the middle of my solo week(s). They failed to tell me before this semester began that "solo week" actually means ten days or two weeks in the school world. For me, it's stretched over three weeks because of crazy scheduling issues. I began the two days before fall break, taught the three days after our two day fall break, and then have all of this week to teach.

It's been interesting since I've switched coordinating teachers in the middle of that. The first teacher left (this was planned if you remember) and after some crazy mess with hiring there is now a full time sub listed as my coordinating teacher (well as soon as he gets his paperwork complete). I was very nervous about this change, but it's been pretty good. He gives me different advice than my first teacher, but it's still solid advice. It lets me see that no one teacher has it all figured out and takes some of the pressure off of me.

It's also been an interesting few days since I know the students and the classroom routines more thoroughly than he. It's been a bit stressful since all the planning was on me. He has provided some material.

Enough school talk. What else have I done? I did start watching Gilmore Girls. It's entertaining. ;) I wish my mom and I had that sort of relationship, but then again I kind of like the relationship I have with my mom. So far it's just a happy, funny show that I use to break up my study/planning sessions.

One month and three weeks until graduation. Very little idea what I'm doing after that day, but I'll Scarlett O'Hara that thought. By the way, you are coming to my graduation, correct? December 7.

Recapitulate.

It appears to be my turn to make a blog post since everyone has made one since I made my last post. Honestly, there haven't been many exciting adventures in my life minus the ones I've had with ya'll since my last post. I go to school, come back to campus in order to plan/grade for the next day, and then try to get some sort of sleep. It's a schedule that's wearing on me and making me reconsider my plan to teach in a public school. More on that later once I've figured out my life. Right now, I just wanna recap some of the small milestones in my life.

Today my car stopped functioning...again. Poor Roxie is back in the shop. I went to start it this morning to drive to our book/Bible study for the girls of BCM. It didn't even turn over. After much deliberation, prayer, and searching for a four leaf clover, I got it started...with a little help from some friends. Julie and her husband came back for the second time and were able to get it jumped enough to drive it to the mechanic's house. When we got to the mechanic's house, we were standing behind the car discussing details when we noticed that the brake lights were still on even though the keys were in my hand. Hmm...that's a problem. So right now my car is sitting at a mechanic's house and it seems the problem is a faulty switch causing the brake lights to remain on and drain my battery. Here's to hoping Roxie gets better soon and that the hospital bill is not too much.

My emotions are up and down about my time at the school. It's difficult to motivate myself to get up and go some mornings but some days I am super enthusiastic. The day always leaves me feeling drained. It takes me a couple of hours to recuperate each day and then it's time to go to sleep. The days that I really enjoy my time at school though make it all worth it. It's those moments when a student acknowledges me in the hallway or shows that he really learned something. Sometimes the lessons aren't exciting and I feel that my teaching is lackluster but a student says something that just makes me smile. Then the reflections and grading and regulations and hoops and stuff seems just a bit smaller.

Earlier this week in a teacher's meeting I heard about a new law passed in Kentucky that irks me. Apparently now in the state of Kentucky students can choose to take a path that allows them to graduate early even if they have not met the school's graduation requirements. As long as a student has passed all four end-of-course exams and met benchmark on all areas of the ACT, the student can graduate. These exams happen around sophomore year and the ACT can be taken anytime. This means that a student could effectively skip the last two years of high school, receive a diploma, and be accepted at any state school in Kentucky. For some students, this could be just the out they need. For some students though this could be devastating. They could take this path and then find they are not ready for college or a job. How can a 15 year old make this kind of life choice? It amazes me that the state would pass this law when they are so focused right now on making teachers better with PGES.

Now it's 10:30 which is when my body starts getting tired these days (the name Granny Eyre wasn't arbitrarily chosen). I'll sign off now.

Fun fact: The word capitulate means to surrender and give in. The word recapitulate does not mean to re-surrender. Know the word "recap" that we hear so often at ball games? Yep. You got it. That comes from recapitulate.

Granny Eyre

Graduation Blues

Having graduated almost a month ago now, I am gradually beginning to settle in to life as a post-grad. It isn't easy. Just five weeks ago, my life was consumed with due dates, a full schedule, two jobs, and a struggling social life. I never had to give myself a to do list. Everyone else was doing it for me.

Since May 4th, I have had to work at keeping myself feeling productive and being entertained. My handiest tool, the thing that has kept me most sane, is this little guy:

A simple (and cute!) notebook Miss Ellaneous gave me. In it I write down what I have accomplished that day. Projects I work on, the four Netflix movies I watched, stores I stopped at, and visits with friends and family are a few of the things I include. I also frequently jot down goals -- sometimes for the next day or the coming week. It is a place where I can reflect on what I've thought or done and later be reminded that I have done lots of things despite being unemployed and not currently going to school.

Unemployment: my main source of the blues. As I've researched and watched close friends struggle with the same issue, I've learned a few things:

1.) Trying to find a job directly related to what I want to do (which is occupational therapy by the way) is like trying to find the golden egg; there's a lot of eggs out there with some benefit (decent pay, ease of work, hours or location) but the golden egg has the most benefits (healthcare experience, part-time, working with children or seniors).  An article I found here says that around half of all college grads aren't able to find a job directly related to their major. HALF.

2.) If you're having trouble finding a job, you are not alone! There's at least one other person searching every classified ad and keeping Indeed, Monster, and Glassdoor tabs open in their browser to be refreshed every couple of hours---me. You'll find the right opportunity eventually.

3.) Lots of articles and books I've skimmed have told stories of people who thought they knew exactly what they wanted to do in the beginning but life offered them something completely different. They've had careers in several different fields that has led them to a job that they truly love.

4.) I'm a darn good housewife. I've had the time to cook. A LOT. I've also gotten to make cute gifts, read  newspapers and books, watch some TV, seek out deals, organize our new home and take better care of myself. But there is absolutely no way I could do it for the rest of my life.

So for now, I'll sit back, try to relax, fill out my handy dandy (and cute!) notebook and continue my search with a promise to myself that I won't let all the waiting and frustrations get me down.

Until next time,