Christmas Meltdown 2011

Oh, Christmas...How did you sneak up so quickly this year? The only thing I've done as of Dec. 18, one week before the big day- is decorate our house. Yep. Deep breaths here... I'm trying to avoid Christmas Meltdown 2011.

I have managed to wrap the handful of presents my dear husband has purchased for his family-- he's so ahead of me here--, but those are the only things under our tree. I am mentally preparing myself now for a whirlwind week full of high-strung kiddos on Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday- two doctors appointments, a cookie exchange, and a birthday dinner for my mother, Thursday- Christmas gathering at our house, Friday- Christmas cocktail party at our house, and Saturday and Sunday-- all full up of family.

Sheesh. I'm tired just thinking about it. My fashion style for this week will most definitely be Cozy-Chic. I will probably be in jeans, a comfy top and either tennis shoes or bejeweled flats-- frazzled hair, limited make-up, and caffeinated beverage in hand (images of Britney with her Starbucks just came to mind). Let's hope my husband called "What Not to Wear" for me for my Christmas present and they are secretly filming somewhere.

At some point I need to squeeze in all of my holiday shopping. I am actually seriously considering waiting until Christmas Eve. As long as I go really early I can still make it to our Christmas Eve lunch ... depending on what I have to cook ...

Will my entire family be offended if they all get gift cards? Thoughtful, not at all. But I think we can all agree that gift cards are in the top 5 list of most wished-for gifts AND I can purchase them all in one store in less than 20 minutes. Another pro: a basket full of gift cards is much easier to transport to the three different family functions we attend.

I keep reminding myself to do something thoughtful and to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Hopefully those two mantras will help me refrain from assaulting someone in Wal-Mart.

So, if you see me out shopping in the next seven days, I'm not trying to be rude. I'm not lost. I'm not homeless, despite my appearance. I'm simply trying to avoid Christmas Meltdown 2011.

Holiday Update

How quickly time passes during this time of year! Here's a quick run down of our past few weeks...

Since my last posting, we hosted Thanksgiving (which turned out quite fabulous but not without its fair share of drama). I've decorated our house for Christmas... after multiple shopping trips and close to 12 hours of labor. :) I must say I'm proud of myself for the holiday decor this year despite its blows to the budget. I even made a wreath for the front door, an all day project that was an amazing distraction from reality. Last week, I spent two amazing days changing diapers, rocking, and giving bottles to two of my handsome baby nephews.
In the last hour, I've finished addressing Christmas cards and purchased the ridiculous stamps required for square cards. My plans for this evening are to get some housework done and pack for a trip to Atlanta. I'm excited to spend some time with my husband, his sister, and her new baby, Spence. I'm actually really excited because being away from home will give me an excuse to procrastinate on Christmas chores, like shopping. I haven't bought the first Christmas present. *Sigh

My act of kindness to note today... I know there have been so many more in the past few weeks... but it's been a long day with 19 kindergartners who are already so excited about Christmas. After my two hour shopping trip for holiday stuff in Hobby Lobby two weeks ago, a nice lady offered to take my cart back in the store for me. I think she could clearly see I was dizzy and lightheaded from spending way too long in those florescent lights. Or maybe she just wanted to get the buggy for herself; either way, I didn't have to walk it back inside the store.

Enjoy the next few weeks until Christmas! I know I'm reminded everyday of how exciting this time of year is, especially for the little ones.

Charlie Brown Wisdom

The last week at school has been… trying. My emotions could be summed up through the words of Sally Brown: “Anyway, why should I give thanks on Thanksgiving? What have I got to be thankful for? All it does is make more work for us at school.”

Oh holidays! How they add excitement and inevitably more work for all. My kindergartners have worked for weeks preparing for a Thanksgiving play, and my colleagues and I have worked for weeks getting costumes made. Well, I never really made a costume, but my assistant worked for weeks— almost months—making sure these kiddos would look perfect on stage.

All of this hard work created much added stress on everyone, finally peaking Wednesday afternoon at the last rehearsal. The kids were exhausted, the assistants were exhausted, I was exhausted-- stressed, fed up, frazzled, irritated, OVER IT! I began to question my career choice at this point as the students were losing focus and restlessness settled in among us all.

At home Wednesday evening, I forced myself to think of something thoughtful for my blog. I hoped reflecting on a reason to give thanks would help adjust my attitude toward this play and the days pending before the holidays. I remembered how eager another colleague had been to help us make our students’ costumes when we couldn’t quite figure out the pattern. To be perfectly honest, I had given up on the whole costume thing and would have been happy without our Native American paper bag vests, but another kindergarten assistant reached out in kindness to make them for us. I’m pretty sure she could sense my impending stroke from high blood pressure after dealing with these things.

The program went on without any major glitches, except for my student who had to dramatically exit the stage to take a potty break in the middle of the performance. Comic relief for the audience, I suppose. And on Friday, my class celebrated with a Thanksgiving feast. Nearly thirty parents and grandparents filled our classroom to celebrate and share with us. Yes, this did cause more work for me and for my sweet assistant (and my amazingly kind husband who carved the turkey and ham at 9:00 Thursday night), but it was so worthwhile to see the smiles on everyone’s faces.

Thanksgiving is always my favorite holiday for many reasons. First, I get to entertain family and friends with tons of good food, but I don’t have to buys presents for anybody. Second, it officially kicks off the Christmas season: beautiful lights, Christmas carols, family photo cards, cocktail parties, trees, Advent candles, shopping sprees, etc. Yes, this time of year does make more work for us at school and at home. Despite the work, most of us are at our best during the weeks building up to Christmas; we are hopeful, giving, kind, smiling, singing, sharing.

As Thanksgiving Day approaches, and soon thereafter Christmas, I am reminding myself that yes, it is hard work to clean, decorate, and prepare a meal for our families. But in the end, “Thanksgiving is more than eating, Chuck. … We should be thankful, too. We should just be thankful for being together. I think that's what they mean by 'Thanksgiving,' Charlie Brown.”

Successful Sunday

At only 3:20, I'm declaring today a success. We attended church and met our new pastor. I've had time to catch up with a dear friend. And... I've repaired my MacBook- at least for now, anyway. This laptop repair has been bugging me for three days, and now I think I've done it!

As for my "thoughtful" action to note... I had the best Wal-Mart experience in the history of Wal-Mart on Friday. I typically despise Wal-Mart and leave the store with my blood pressure around 140/90. But, on Friday, I really wanted one of their delicious deli pizzas for dinner. This of course meant going there on a Friday after school and battling the large "first of the month" crowd, but I was willing to take this one for the team.

I rushed in after parking somewhat close to the door, grabbed my pizza, and quickly scanned the lines to see which of the 8 open registers would be the fastest. I was amazed when a little old lady in front of me let me go ahead of her. I guess because I only had the one thing and clearly was in a state of panic (that's how I always look in there). How sweet she was! I was in and out of Wal-Mart in less than 10 minutes. That woman probably added an extra year to my life by helping me keep my blood pressure low. And she definitely made me smile on the start of the weekend.

Happy Sunday, everyone!

Blessed beyond Belief

My weekly blog post has slowly declined to a monthly posting, but maybe that will be next year's resolution.
When I write these sentimental blogs, it may sound like “cheese” to those of you know me. Please know, I am writing today with great sincerity and gratitude.

When I made my resolution to be a more thoughtful and kind person, I also made a commitment to observe kindness in the world around me. I have been inspired by the love and kindness of people around me, including friends, family members, and complete strangers.

For today, I need to take a few minutes to reflect on the kindness of a dear friend-- one who goes above and beyond the call of friendship. I will be the first person to admit that I am not always the best friend I can be. I’m what some would call selfish at times and definitely not the best listener in the world. However, God has blessed me with a friend who understands these faults and loves me anyway. The past month has been overwhelming, both at work and at home. I’ve had chaotic days with students, busy weekends tailgating, a baby shower to host at my house, and an out-of-town trip. Through all of this, my amazing friend has been there to help… listen when I needed to vent (however irrational), lend me her dishes because I don’t have party platters, decorate my house for a baby shower because I can't "place" things very well, bring me batteries when my TV remote is dead, even dog-sit my fur baby.

To say I’m lucky to have her as a friend wouldn’t suffice. I’m blessed beyond what I deserve to have such a kind and thoughtful friend in my life.

Fall Cleaning

After two weeks of boycotting any type of housework, I think it is time to get cracking on some fall cleaning. Our house is filthy and in desperate need of scrubbing. Blah! But first, I wanted to catch up here. Clearly a procrastination tactic.

October is always extremely busy, and I'm not exactly sure why. I'm guessing fall sports play a major part in the madness, as well as Halloween and the annual Oktoberfest. Throw in a baby shower to host and planning a trip to Atlanta and you've got one slammed calendar. Normally, the Garlands are MIA at family functions this time of year and feel super guilty about it around time for the holidays.

The past few weeks, we've been able to spend some quality time with my aunt Cindy, my mom and her boyfriend, and our new nephews. Cindy, my mom and her boyfriend have been able to tailgate with us in Clemson for the past two games. Some may think having them there could cramp our style, but you don't know my crazy family. I've so enjoyed hanging out with them, playing cornhole, and eating some delicious tailgate snacks.

My random acts of kindness to note actually come from my mom and her boyfriend. My mom stopped by this week to bring us some homemade broccoli bread, something I love but have never made myself. It was a nice surprise, even though the husband ate most of it. And yesterday, at the tailgate, I was impressed by her boyfriend's thoughtfulness... opening doors for her and offering to help me with moving heavy objects. Of course, I wanted to pick up the cooler myself because I'm that hard-headed, but it's the thought that counts, right?

The husband and I definitely need to do a better job of spending time with our families. But, it's always nice to know that no matter how long we're apart, the love is still there and we're always welcome when we do come around.

Fall is here!

Today is an absolutely beautiful day here in SC. Cool breeze, upper 60's, bright sunshine. And football on all day. Ahhhhh. Now if only my Tigers would bring home a win from Blacksburg, this will be perfect.

As for my thoughtful observations this week, I've noted many small things. First, my husband came home with a homemade apple pie from a group of students at his high school. I thought it was so kind of them to think of him (us)... and the thing was delicious! We argued over who would eat the last bite (not so kind), but I won in the end. I know. Selfish me. Second, he was also invited by a student to Rally at the Pole, something he usually wouldn't attend, but agreed this time. I was proud of him for going, and he came home excited about the experience. These small acts of kindness from his students served as a much needed pat-on-the-back for him.

To celebrate the start of fall and the harvest, I read Stone Soup to my class this week. On Friday, we made soup together and had a taste test. I was impressed with most of them for eating, not just tasting, what we made. The soup was mostly potatoes, onions, carrots, and chicken broth; it tasted a lot like pot roast without the meat. I enjoyed watching them "sharing" the ingredients for the soup and enjoying it together.

I'm ready for my football-watching-marathon. Happy Fall Saturday, everyone!

Nerds

For some reason, I have always had an addiction to childlike candy... things like suckers and Fun Dip... and especially NERDS!
My random act of kindness to note this week comes from another teacher who surprised me with a giant box of rainbow Nerds last Friday. Mrs. Bay has no idea how much that really made my day... my week! I'm saving them at school for "one of those" days when I will desperately need a sugar fix.

Sharing Chalk

I would graciously accept “World’s Slackest Blogger” Award at any time for my lack of posting lately. To say the past month has been busy wouldn’t give my life justice.

But I won’t bore you with the details. Fast forward to today and I have successfully survived my first two weeks of teaching kindergarten. I have an inkling that a lot of my blogs in the near future will reflect events in my classroom. Of course, names will be changed to protect the sweet identity of my school babies (and protect my employment). :)

Watching kids interact with each other is one of the most humbling parts of my job. I love the honesty and the passion kids have for everything… and specifically in this story, sidewalk chalk (also a personal favorite).

“Suzy”, one of my angels, was intently drawing a masterpiece on the sidewalk of the playground one day last week. A couple of boys kept pestering her to play tag… “Tag! You’re it!” and then they’d run off as fast as possible. The first time they tried to get her attention, she politely said, “No thanks. I don’t want to play that game.” After two or three more attempts to get her to play, I could see the frustration in her face. The girl didn’t want to play! She continued to kindly decline their invitation several more times, before she finally, angrily said “LEAVE ME ALONE! I’m busy here!” With a sly grin, she turned to me and shrugged her shoulders. The boys looked like deer in headlights. I had to explain, “She told you ‘no’ very nicely, and you didn’t leave her alone.” Life lesson here, kids: She said no; she meant no.

Another little girl approached her a few minutes later and asked if she would share the chalk so they could play together. Suzy’s sweet little grin emerged again, and the two of them sat peacefully the rest of our time outside drawing with sidewalk chalk. I was amazed at her immediate reaction to share, something that seems so hard for a lot of others (especially grown ups) to do.

I’m also including a picture of my precious newborn twin nephews, born Aug. 27^th. One proud auntie here.

Slightly Overwhelmed

This week was the first week I could get into my classroom to start moving and unpacking. I started Tuesday, full of excitement to make this kindergarten room "mine." As I stood in the room, taking it all in, I was overwhelmed by the stuff left behind by the previous teacher. She retired and left so much, I've spent all week cleaning it out to have a place for my things. I'm exhausted, and still haven't started unpacking my boxes. I know I still have time, but I'd like to have the physical labor (furniture moved and boxes put away) done by the time in-service starts. Nobody wants to be sweaty during those in-service days...

During this mad rush to get ready for school, I have had so much support from my co-workers and friends. My classroom assistant, who only has to work on days with students in the building, offered to come in and help me yesterday. I am so thankful she did because we got so much accomplished. I know she didn't have to, but it was extremely kind and helpful. Today, a dear friend is coming to help me "take care" of an aquarium situation. Dead snails in stagnant water are not an appropriate way to start the year and welcome kindergartners. These are my noted acts of kindness for the week, and they are very much appreciated.

In the meantime, my source of humor the past few days has been the Target back to school commercials. My favorite is the music teacher singing about back to school supplies... if you haven't seen it, please watch (http://youtu.be/BNDfreK0Yno). It'll make you smile despite any back-to-school blues.

Family

We returned about a week ago from our trip to Folly Beach with our friends. During the time we were gone and since we’ve returned, I’ve thought a lot about the kindness and love that exists among my family and my friends. I consider myself quite lucky to belong to such loving bunches.

Before we left, I spent some time visiting with my mom and her parents. I don’t spend as much time as I should with my grandparents, and I wanted to visit with them before leaving town. It’s always interesting for me to sit down “catch up” with them about life's happenings…. They always ask for details on my job, my husband, the house, etc. Their questions and interest in my life give me a sense of comfort knowing how much they care.

While we were gone, our family was extremely helpful in taking care of little things for us. My mother-in-law kept Crazy Dog, also known as Madi. She and her husband are the only ones Madi can stay with because she is… well, crazy. Caring for this “special” dog is not an easy task, especially when my in-laws already have so much on their plates. My dad was enormous help, too. He took care of my baby schnauzer, Riley, and he got our mail and watered the garden. If we didn’t have the loving support and kindness of our families, our dogs would have been miserable in a kennel all week and our garden would surely have withered.

I also can’t help but mention the fabulous time we had at Folly Beach this year. Despite the tiny little place where we stayed, full of those lovely low-country creatures we call Palmetto Bugs (which, in actuality, are huge cockroaches), we enjoyed our time with our “second family.” With our group of close friends, I think we could have fun just about anywhere…so this jungle-surrounded, basement-esque home was no match for our spirits. Our days were spent lazily on the beach; our evenings full of delicious seafood dinners and cards.

Returning home from the beach is never pleasant, but I did miss home. I also returned to a lovely surprise from my husband and his dad. For my birthday, they ordered a new dining room table for our currently empty dining room. Scheduled for delivery tomorrow, it will be here just in time to host a baby shower for my brother-in-law and his wife, who are expecting twin boys in August. I need to get busy on that to-do list….

Superior Customer Service

Although it's quite early according to my teacher's summer watch, I couldn't sleep. I've been up since 4:00 making mental to-do lists to get ready for vacation. Finally, around 5:20, I gave up trying to count sheep and lugged myself to the couch where I watched Julie & Julia. This movie obviously inspired me to get off the couch, cook breakfast, and write.

Last week, my search for kindness was chaotic yet simple. Monday morning, I had several appointments early and rushed around to get to them on time. In between appointments, I made a quick stop at the grocery store for the week's necessities. I used the self-check because, for some odd reason, it made me feel more efficient. After scanning and bagging my items, it was time to pay. Debit card is missing! Sheer panic sets in as I start to imagine some thief with my money running off to Mexico. (Teachers only get paid once in the summer, and our checks had just been deposited... we get two months of pay in one big lump sum... see where this is going...??? PANIC!)
I frantically searched my wallet, twice, and my purse, twice. Still no card. As calmly as possible, I write a check for my groceries and then race to my car to search there. No card. Now, remember, this in between appointments, and I have about 45 minutes to make it home, put groceries up, and get to the dentist. AND FIND MY DEBIT CARD! I turn our house upside down, and still... no card. At the last possible minute, I get in my car and head to the dentist, calling the bank on my way. The lady on the phone was not as helpful or compassionate as I really wanted her to be, but she told me to come in and fill out the paper work to cancel the card. Exactly what I'll do, after my dentist appointment...

Which was fabulous! I absolutely love my dentist's office. They are always on schedule, I never have to wait, and the people who work there are so friendly. My A+ on dental hygiene and their super service helped calmed my nerves about my bank account for a while.
When I left the dentist, I went to one my bank's branches to fill out the paper work to cancel the lost card and order a new one. The teller that helped me was amazing! I think all I really wanted at the time was someone to say, "Oh, bless your heart!" in a fantastic southern accent, to make me feel better about it... and she did. She filed my paper work and within 15 minutes, I was out the door and feeling relieved.

I don't think I could ever make it in a job like these, either a dental hygienist or a bank teller, dealing with adults all day. I do not have the patience or kindness to pleasantly work with grown ups (like me, who are all flustered about something when they come through the door). This is one of the reasons I chose to work with kids... I can be patient with them because they're little, but that's a different story for another day.

It takes a genuinely kind person to work with the public all day with a smile. Those ladies may not know it, but they gave me a sense of comfort I desperately needed that day.

On a lighter note, I later found my debit card when my husband and I climbed into the Jeep to go out for dinner. I saw it wedged between the passenger seat and the arm rest, but I left it there to shred later... without him knowing. I felt too stupid to admit I'd found it right there in the car. If you see him, don't tell him.

Love is in the air...

Everywhere I look around...
Cheesy title? Maybe. Appropriate? Definitely.

This blog entry is quite different from what I typically write... a little more loving & not so much sarcasm. Seriously. Hope you enjoy...

In my search for thoughtfulness or kindness in the last week or two, I've been astounded by the amount of love I've witnessed. In two weeks time, I've attended two weddings. As different as they were, I was truly moved by the amount of love in them both. One weekend, the first gay wedding I've ever attended. The next, my big cousin tied the knot. Both overflowing with love.

(Be forewarned, I'm not interested in political or religious debate.... I'm just sharing my honest, first-hand experience here.) I was anxious about attending the first wedding because I was unsure of what to expect. I mean, I had never been to a union ceremony, so I kept thinking to myself ... "Will there be bridesmaids? Groomsmen? Who walks them down the aisle?"... (Needless to say, I stressed about what to wear for days because I knew I'd be facing tough critics in this crowd.) Once we arrived at the ceremony location, I felt a sense of relief. My friends and I were seated, and I immediately noticed the amount of love in the room. All of my anxieties, or questions, disappeared. I witnessed so much joy, love and happiness in that place... I honestly thought the windows would bust.

The second wedding a week later was also filled with love and happiness. The bride was beautiful and beaming with happiness, and the groom grinned from ear to ear watching her walk down the aisle. Their honest love for each other made my heart smile. The wedding and reception gave our families time to be together and to celebrate, which is always special in itself.

My experiences over the past two weeks have reminded me of how grateful I am for love... from my husband, my family, and my Heavenly Father. These experiences have also inspired me to show love to those around me.

1 Corinthians 13:13 - "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

Shifting Gears

This blog was initially created to help me document my progress toward my New Year's Resolutions as a way to hold myself accountable (and possibly entertain a few readers... ahh heem). My main goals were to run a 5k, set and follow a budget, and try to be a more thoughtful person. As a courtesy to my devout readers.... who are sincerely interested in my progress... I am writing a quick mid-year update.

I ran a 5K in March and have since decided that's not really for me. I'm crossing that one off my list. From now on, I'll be sticking to the classic walk-down-main street or my dear friend, Elliptical. But, I ran one... Mission accomplished.

The budgeting goal is still a work in progress (ask my dear husband... who has bailed me out several times as of late). This will most likely remain a work in progress over the next few months with vacations, weddings, and showers (oh my!). Hopefully, as I finish my master's and see that pay increase, this will be a more feasible goal.

Now to my thoughtfulness...and sometimes lack thereof. I have made a more conscientious effort to do thoughtful things for my friends and family (and some dear strangers along the way) over the past six months. I feel somewhat awkward blogging about these things because it sounds rather "holier-than-thou"... which is NOT my intention in the least. So, I modified this resolution; in addition to being more thoughtful, I will notice the random acts of kindness or thoughtful acts of those around me and blog about what I see. By observing others' thoughtfulness in action, I will be encouraged to follow suit and possibly inspire some of you to do the same.

In the near future, I will share my people-watching (my favorite sport) notes and stories of random acts of kindness around us. Unless I see something really ugly or rude... and I may share that, too.

Summer Simpleness

So....It's been a while.... life's been busy.

The end of school is always an intense time of year, despite the excitement for summer. This year, our end-of-year stress has been significantly higher than in the past. My husband is leaving coaching to be an assistant principal, a bittersweet change for us. Although I will miss the excitement of cheering at games and watching those players grow, I will be happy to have my husband at home a little more. I always joked about being a "baseball widow" from January to May, but I loved the games and the kids. I know we'll have baseball withdrawals next spring, but I'm praying for an easy transition into my new "assistant-principal's wife" title and for my hubby into his new role.

I have been transferred to a new school for next year, so I too, will be moving this summer. Although I'm extremely grateful to have a job in such an awesome school district, I am sad to leave my precious students and school family. I'm still not sure exactly what I'll be doing, but I know it involves a cross-county move. I'm, again, just hoping for a smooth transition. The physical move is unpleasant during these upcountry heat waves. Currently, our garage is slammed full of school supplies, college textbooks, and the husband's office furniture. It's pretty disorganized, but it'll do until we move into our new spaces.

In the meantime, our summer will be full of simple pleasures... Dinners with our dearest friends, days in the yard, nights on the porch solving the problems of the world, fresh tomatoes and peppers from our garden... Tonight, we sit on the back deck reading and, obviously, blogging. The weather is lovely; low 80's & a full moon. I can smile because, despite all the chaos in our changing lives, we have this simple peace. I can smile because we have each other. I can smile because I know we're blessed.

Thoughtfulness of Others

I don't have much time to blog today, but I wanted to take a minute to comment on the thoughtfulness I've noted in others lately. In the past week, a complete stranger helped tow my friends and I out of a bad situation, my sister-in-law shared very inspiring words, and my friends expressed love and concern during a tough time.

Today, even more than most days, these acts of kindness mean the world to me; they are evidence of the good in the world.

Today, my family, friends, and I remember my brother. Six years ago today, he was killed in a car accident at the age of 15.

Today, we grieve, we remember, and we celebrate.

The loving support of my friends and family keeps me sane and smiling. I recognize, more than ever, the impact of a kind word, friendly hug, or simple email.

I get by with a little help from my friends...

Deep breath in...

Finally, a sigh of relief...

A very bittersweet time for us as baseball comes to an end. The hubby's team lost Monday night, knocking them out of the playoffs for this year. It is always sad to say good-bye to a season and a group of seniors, but there is relief in having some time back to ourselves. We were actually both home before 4:00 two afternoons this week. He has to do prom stuff this weekend, but prom is the last big event for this year.

What have we done in our free afternoons this week? You'd think we would have taken care of the piles of laundry and disgusting collections of dog hair that cover our floors. But no... sitting on our porch and consuming beverages with friends is much more entertaining.

So, tonight, as my lovely helps decorate the high school for prom, I'll be cleaning by myself. And then watching my recorded episodes of Chelsea Lately. If I ever get motivated. I may just spend my time alone attempting to tie a bow on my Derby hat for tomorrow.

The Final Countdown....

The final countdown has begun... almost like the 12 Days of Christmas, but not related to any major holiday and not quite as snazzy and a little bit longer (like 22 days). This countdown, oh yes... the end of school, the start of summer. The last four weeks are upon us... end of the year testing, prom attending, classroom cleaning, party planning, field day playing... not to mention the student-managing ... it is all a bit overwhelming.

In the past week, I've finished my spring courses and my portfolio for graduation in August. Huge relief! Now I can actually focus -- or at least try to focus -- on finishing the school year and getting back to my resolutions. I haven't been for a run in over a month, and my financial budgeting skills are definitely not improving. It's also more difficult to be thoughtful when I'm busy (I know, I know; that's the point-- to not be so selfish, but it's kinda hard).

AND... on top of the race to the end ... Tis' the season for playoffs around our house. This "joyous" season implies late nights reviewing game strategy, daily venting sessions about umpires/officials, and heaping piles of dirty uniforms (in the most peculiar places... i.e., my kitchen table). Although exciting, especially if the games end in victories, it's exhausting.

The month of May is chaos. That's all I can really say about that today. Tomorrow, maybe I'll get out for a run. If not, it's one day closer to the end. (Insert keyboard music and bad dancing... The Final Countdown).

Infectious

I've been on a blogging hiatus for several weeks. I think my sincere dedication to this year's resolutions finally got to me, and I had to take a break. Too much pressure.
This week, my husband and I have been on spring break (we're both teachers). Our spring break "vacation" has involved five days worth of intense yard work. I actually threatened to call DSS and complain that my husband was abusing me by forcing slave labor, but I digress. After approximately 40 hours of shoveling, mulching, planting, PUSH MOWING (note bitter tone here)... I think we are ready to actually relax. At least until I cook/host Easter dinner for 12 guests on Sunday.

During our landscaping marathon, we had to drive back and forth to the home improvement stores multiple times. During these drives, I noticed a billboard that reminded me of my resolution to be a more thoughtful person. My goal has been to find small ways to help others or share simple acts of kindness. Sometimes, just sharing a smile is an excellent way to achieve this goal.

So... The billboard read "Smiles are contagious, and it's okay to infect as many people as possible." Okay, I get it. I understand the intent of the message, but I find the word "infect" disturbing.
There must be a better way to encourage the passersby to put a smile on their faces... and not make kindness sound like a deadly virus.

Pride in Accomplishment

It's taken me almost a full week to sit down to blog about it, but I completed my first official 5k run this past Saturday. Let's set the stage...
For the past month, our weather has been about 10 degrees above normal (like, in the 70's), and the absolutely beautiful spring sun has shone down on this lil' town. Perfect running weather for my taste. On the day of the "family fun run", the sounds of pouring rain and thunder served as my wake up call. High temperature: 58 degrees. Not the most motivating conditions-- and definitely not what I would label as "family fun." I seriously debated going back to bed.

But no.

My darling husband and his innate coaching mentality looked at me and said, "Suck it up." Oddly inspiring. My stubbornness wanted to smack him, but instead, I laced up my shoes and headed out the door.
The first mile was tolerable. The rain was cold, yes, but I had a jacket to keep me dry. So I thought. By the second mile, my North Face waterproof protection was failing. The rain was driving in my face, and I thought to myself, "I seriously PAID to do this!?!?" Misery. My iPod was getting soaked, my shoes were holding quarts of water, and I was running with kids.

At this point, I noticed the only adults near me were running to coach their elementary-aged children. Awesome buzz kill.

When I could see the finish line, I felt a new surge of energy. I decided to pretty much sprint the last couple of blocks (my "sprint" still isn't very fast...). I passed several ten-year-olds on the way, but I could see the finish line; I was determined to not be last.
I finally crossed that line and got out of the downpour to met up with my hubby who was there for moral support. My first question was "Am I last?"... no. "Am I the last grown-up?"... no. I achieved my goal. I finished a 5k, and I was NOT the last person to finish.


Now I'm struggling with this last question....
Can I be proud of myself for not finishing last if the only runners behind me were elementary school kids and their parents?

Spring Break...??

For the past few days, blogging has definitely not been on my mind. This week is Clemson's spring break, which means I did not have class on Monday or Tuesday. One might think this is cause for celebration, possibly even relaxation. But no! Not around this house. Two nights off from class means two more nights attending ball games. If that's not enough to keep us on our toes, we'll thrown in a trip to Greenville to visit my husband's mother in the hospital. What a lovely break! With four baseball games, coping in-laws, two homework assignments (which I still have to do, even though it's spring break, because I'm "that" student), and my first official 5K race on Saturday, this is anything but a break.

Our school district's spring break isn't for another three and half weeks. Without a day off since MLK day, I'm beginning to lose my sanity. Whoever scheduled spring break so late this year... well, let's say I'm unhappy.

And this "super"moon, I can't even describe its effects on student behavior. I am seriously hoping it's just the moon and not spring fever so soon. I can handle a phase, but not spring fever-- that lasts until the end of school. That's still nine weeks away.

Overwhelmed doesn't describe it. How do I cope? Blogging. A necessary priority.

Great Sadness

I have been mourning all week the loss of my Clemson class ring. Although this may not seem to be important to some of my colleagues or readers, I have LOST it. Not "misplaced it" or ... "I can't find it"... it is GONE. I know this because I watched it go down the toilet.

"How?" you might ask...
The ring was in my pocket. I reached to flush, and I heard the slight ding of metal in the ceramic bowl. Frantically, I tried to stop it, but let's be honest: there's no turning back once you've pushed the handle. Sheer panic. Our overly caring maintenance guy at school even called the plumbers to see if they could retrieve it by removing the toilet from the wall. Nope. Evidently, we're working with extreme flushing power.

It is LOST, as in gone forever. Of course I can order a new one, but it would always be a replacement. Not to mention the price of gold right now is absolultely outrageous! My husband said he would help me buy a new one for my birthday in August. A slight glimmer of hope.

My biggest fear: singing the Clemson alma mater at a football game with a bare right hand. What will I do when all the alums raise their hand and gently wave ... "O'er the mountain height..." ???

Lack of Motivation

After two nights of sitting in class and an afternoon of coursework... listening to the calming sounds of this monsoon on the school's tin roof... I am suffering from a severe lack of motivation. To do anything.
I haven't exercised since Sunday because of class, and I desperately need some cardio today. I haven't been home to clean, and the winter-coat-shedding our lab/dalmatian is doing is more than obvious. But blah! This weather makes me want to sit on my comfy couch in my warm living room and watch mindless television episodes I've missed over the past few days while staring out at the pond forming in our back yard.
Hopefully, with a boost of this Monster drink, I will at least go get the garbage can off the curb. Maybe. Dinner will be the next challenge.

March Already?

March. Month 3 of 2011. I guess I'm just getting old, but time seems to be going by so much faster than it used to. Already, I'm supposed to be in the third month of my resolutions. Hmpf-- my sound effect for self-assessment. I have managed to successfully run a 5k outside, today in only 29 minutes. (That may seem like a tortoise pace to some, but for me, it's like neck-breaking.) I must admit, I'm quite proud of this feat. My budget-- still under construction.

I am also pleased with my progress on being a more thoughtful person. Although it's difficult to do everyday, I have been working to do nice things for others. Simple things... giving up my seat at lunch, speaking kind words about someone's outfit, buying a book for a friend's baby... etc. Yesterday, I got up early and made my husband's traditional pre-game meal-- two peanut butter and honey sandwiches. Not my personal snack of choice, but he is a baseball coach. Anyone who knows baseball players or coaches must recognize their extreme belief in and dedication to game day superstitions. He has been eating two of those sandwiches before every game as long as I've known him (about 8 years). Crazy. I would be so sick of them, but I guess that's what superstition is about.

We've made progress around our house this week. I worked last weekend, despite two ball games in less than 24 hours... where I am now in charge of running the concession stand..., to paint my dining room. It's annoying how when you finish one of those kinds of projects, it makes you notice the flaws in other rooms. Serious domino effect. At least I'm motivated...

Surge of Motivation

For the past week or so, I've felt a sudden surge of motivation for my 5k resolution. I think it's the unusually spring-like weather we've had in February. Today, I successfully completed the run outdoors for the first time. Pretty excited. Kind of exhausted. I owe credit to being trapped in a child-sized seat for two days straight... after teaching all day and going to class in an elementary school science lab, I've saved up the energy.

I've been missing my husband this week. With baseball in full swing now, I knew this spring would be tough. I just don't think I realized how little I would actually see him. Tonight, we were thrilled to be home together before 7:00. I actually had to cook for the first night in a week. I guess I'm getting old, but I just don't know how long I will survive this crazy schedule.

One of my students asked me today if I was born when Abraham Lincoln was president... is that my sign?

Winter Blues

Battling winter blues this week. My husband's baseball season is starting up with practices and scrimmages, and I desperately want to be a supportive wife and fan. It's just so hard when the high is in the 30's or 40's to sit outside and enjoy baseball. Wednesday night, I had on three jackets, two pairs of pants, gloves, a hat, etc. I was so bundled up I couldn't turn my head to see the batter. It was no fun at all. Luckily, for today's scrimmage, the sun is shining with an afternoon high of 58. This cold is taking a toll on my running ambitions. I didn't run at all this week. Slacker! I have been sick, but we all have our excuses. Next week looks like lovely running weather... we'll see how it goes.

Sticking to my budget has been harder this week. I think that's because it's officially two weeks until pay day, the time of the month when I typically run out of money. I managed to blow my minimum balance, which means I need to re-attempt this resolution. *Insert pouty face. Oh well! Can't win 'em all.

Finding small things to do for others this week was easier. A pregnant friend has been craving margaritas, so I took her a margarita scented candle to work. I helped a coworker hang a bulletin board. My height really helps with those kind of tasks. My sister in-law found out this week she is pregnant... with TWINS! To help congratulate her, I surprised her with flowers and gummy bears. I thought the gummy bears were appropriate because her babies are about that size at 8 weeks.

Today, I will help my husband by selling concessions at his baseball scrimmage. Not thrilled, but I do what I can to alleviate his stress. The weather is nice enough today to enjoy some baseball...

Yesterday, our second graders went on a field trip to see The BFG at the Peace Center. My students were amazed by how nice the theater was. One of my little girls said, "Mrs. Garland, it feels like we're rich or something!" It was one of those reaffirming moments-- when I remember why I chose to be teacher. Seeing their faces and reactions to the play and listening to their conversations about the book provided me with the chance to be thankful. Pleased with the experience I was able to provide my students and with their spectacular behavior, I reflected on how this resolution of being more thoughtful is making me more aware of other people's needs and perspectives.

One month down

One month, and a number of days, has passed in this new year. Already, I feel slack on my resolutions. Guess I'm just like every American.

I have been able to successfully run a 5k on the treadmill, and I'm looking for a race to run in March. This semester, I have class on Mondays and Tuesdays until 8:00, which seriously impedes my running schedule. I mean, I guess I could get up at 4:45 am and run before work -- or not. Teaching second grade requires too much energy. As I settle into the routine of classes and my husband's baseball games, I hope to be more consistent with getting to the gym or hitting the pavement. We'll see...

I have also been able to establish something resembling a budget. Sticking to it thus far, despite desperate impulses to go shopping. Online shopping is my biggest weakness. I LOVE not having to leave my couch or change out of sweats to make a useless purchase. It's just so easy-- click a few buttons, enter a few numbers, and in a few days-- something new and unnecessary sits patiently on the porch, just waiting to be opened.

Random acts of kindness have definitely been the tricky resolution for the year. It's just so easy to get caught up in what I have to do... to become consumed with rushing around and meeting deadlines... I often overlook the little things I could do for others. It takes skill and effort to think about what other people need and small ways to help. I'm obviously still working on this skill. Although it's been a few weeks, I can recall a few simple acts to report. First, I volunteered to keep another friend's baby while she and her husband attended a meeting. I feel like this is somewhat a selfish task because I so enjoy spending time with this little guy. He absolutely makes me want to have a baby... or just keep him for myself. Another day, I took a co-worker a bag of her favorite candy, just because. Her father recently passed away, and she's going through a rough time. I thought the chocolate would help her through that specific day.

I'm really hoping noticing opportunities for kindness will become easier as I try to be a more thoughtful person this year.

Quick Mid-Week Update

Despite the intense winter weather, I managed to make it to the gym yesterday. I successfully ran a 5k!! I have never been more excited to hug my husband... sweat and all!! Granted, my time was not competitive, and I did run on a treadmill (I'm told that's easier than on the pavement...). Nonetheless, I completed the miles. Tomorrow, I can focus on getting a little faster and possibly going outdoors (at least when the snow melts).

For tonight, I will revel in the glory of crossing the finish line.

Week One

The first week of the New Year went really well for me and my resolutions. My motivation was high for working out and running. I was able to run 2.5 miles on Friday. Although I still have a ways to go to reach my 5k goal, I am proud of my progress. I know a 5k seems like an easy feat for many people, but to me it's a goal I've had for years. It may only be 3.1 miles, but I seem to always give up or quit around 2 miles. My 2.5 mile mark this week is a major accomplishment.

As for my small good deeds for others, I struggled with this some days this past week. The first few days back to school were so hectic and busy. I focused so much on doing my job and teaching 14 second graders, I know I missed opportunities to do something for someone else. One afternoon, I did get the chance to keep a friend's baby so his mom could rest. She is six months pregnant and has not been feeling well. I knew she needed a break, so I offered to pick up the baby for a few hours after school. Not only did this help the family, I thoroughly enjoyed spending this time with the little guy. There is nothing in the world that compares to the genuine joy of a young child. It's amazing to watch children learn about their world and to see them grow. His excitement to see me and play at my house for a short while was so rewarding. I loved every minute.

My budget resolution is taking a backseat until payday at the end of the month... so those updates will follow later. Too much spending at Christmas on a teacher's monthly pay schedule kind of ruins January's budgeting attempts.

This week will be a challenge for my resolutions. Sunday night, seven inches of snow fell in our small little Carolina town. This may not sound like much, but around here, it's a crippling amount. Already, we've missed two days of school. The roads are in poor condition, so the gym is the last place I want to go. Luckily, my husband is also a teacher, and we've been at home together. I guess I will be searching for small good deeds around the house and the neighborhood...

Resolutions for Twenty-Eleven

The beginning of a new year is bittersweet... a time of reflection on the previous year and a time of anticipation for new things to come. The past year was amazing for me and my husband. In just 365 days, we made unforgettable memories with new friends and old, bought a house, enjoyed a week at the beach, worked hard in our careers, and the list goes on... I'm proud of how much we accomplished in 2010.
With the new year comes new goals. My primary goal, along with so many others, is to get myself in shape. I started the Couch to 5k running plan several weeks ago, but the holidays did nothing but interrupt my progress. This year, I plan to be ready to run, hopefully competitively, a 5k in April in Clemson. The Easter Bunny Run sounds friendly enough...
Additionally, I want to really stick with a budget this year. Historically, I am not a financially wise gal (I get it honest). This may be the most difficult goal for me, but I'm determined to make improvements.
My last goal for this year is to take advantage of those little daily opportunities to do nice things for other people. I must admit I am not the most thoughtful person, so I am planning to make an effort everyday to help someone else.
By keeping a blog-- and hoping someone reads it occasionally--, I can be more accountable for my resolutions. I look forward to updating my followers on my journey to a bikini-ready body, a money-wise budget, and a considerate mind.
Happy New Year!!