Catching Up with Thursday Thoughts

Greetings!
I am well aware of the fact that I haven't blogged in a while.  I definitely hit a blogging wall and just didn't feel very motivated.  However, I have decided that I want to try and continue posting for my own memory's sake.  My mom recently showed me a "memory book", of sorts, that she jots down important dates and memories so that when we say, "What did we do last Easter???", we can look back and see.  That is what I want my blog to be.  A memory book.  Not a collection of posts that I make up just to fit in with the rest of the blogging world, but posts that mean something to me.  And if no one reads them but me (and maybe my mom), that will be alright with me.
So, here goes my thoughts for this Thursday:

Ready for summer!

Tomorrow is the LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!  I don't know about you, but I am ready for summer.  Saturday will be so glorious, I can hardly wait.

Visiting the reception site...holy hometown goodness <3

I don't think I have announced this on the blog yet but my BFSTG (BEST FRIEND SINCE THIRD GRADE) is getting MARRIED in October!!! To say that I am excited is an understatement.  This girl & I go way back to the days of roll-on body glitter & Hit Me Baby One More Time.  I am so honored to be her bridesmaid and support her through this exciting season - and beyond!

Her Bichpoo! via Katelyn James Blog

I have decided, thanks to stalking the amazing photographs of Katelyn James Photography, that a Bichpoo is the dog for me.  Now all I need is a full-time job and my puppy search will begin! Let me know if y'all know anywhere on the east coast to find one!

On Galveston Island

While I was away I visited Houston.  I have now been to Austin, TX & Houston, TX.  I can say that I like Austin a whole lot better than Houston, however I just love Texas in general! 

Lastly, today I am yet again wearing an outfit completely made up from LOFT.  Fact #32 about living in a small town: sometimes all of your clothing ends up from the same 2 or 3 stores (in my case that would be Target, Old Navy & LOFT...aka the only stores we have with clothing for my "age group", whatever that is.)


T.G.I.T., y'all!

Balancing Life :: Working, Grad School, & Marathon Training

WHEW! This past week has been craaaazy. It's been a week of trial and error as I begin to figure out how to balance my life.
Work has been a little off balance because we are short staff members, so I've been working every day instead of my regularly scheduled days (Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday) to make sure everything ran smoothly. We have tons of little ones this year! The kindergarteners are still getting used to our routine so it's helpful to have enough staff members to make sure we don't lose anyone. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love my job! Even when I have a stressful day in other aspects, I know I can go to work and have 3 hours of fun :)
Grad School is officially in full swing. I was really happy with my summer session classes and therefore have high hopes for fall semester! I'm taking 3 classes: Instructional Strategies for Inquiry-Based Classrooms, Inquiry into the Human Growth, Development and Diversity, and Classroom and Behavioral Management. I'm also doing 2 of my 4 practicum experiences in 4th grade! I've gone into the classroom now four times and I LOVE IT! The kids are so sweet and fun, and I have a pretty awesome mentor teacher! It's going to be a great semester learning all about Virginia history :) I definitely have a LOT of work to do.  No doubt about that.  I will really need to buckle down and use my time wisely -- and stop being tempted by hours of watching HGTV and TLC.
Marathon Training is also in full swing. This weekend I have the Hokie Half Marathon here in Blacksburg. It's on Sunday and I can't wait!! It works perfectly with my training schedule so nothing will be thrown off.  I will treat it as my training run -- just a bit glorified, with a medal and t-shirt. My mileage is definitely starting to rack up, which is scary and exciting at the same time.  I've had to once again buckle down and really dedicate a portion of my day to running, whether it be at 6 am or 7 pm.  I hate running in the heat of the day, so typically I'm out really early or late when the sun is going down! My preference is definitely morning - it's so nice not to have to worry about my run after a full day of work/class. I alsooo signed up for another half-marathon in October before Richmond - the Runner's World Half & Festival. This race is held RIGHT where Steven goes to school, so it works out perfectly with a trip to see him! Plus, again, it works perfectly with my schedule since I'm supposed to run 14 miles that weekend anyway...might as well glorify it a bit and run someplace new ;)

My life is busy! Unfortunately I can't blog as often as I would like, but I'll still be popping in and I appreciate y'all still coming to read!

This weekend I'll be cheering on my Hokies, who are on the road, and resting up for the race!
Have a great Thursday, y'all!

Catching My Breath

Whew! Where is my summer going!? I feel like I've put my blog on the back burner recently because life is busy, busy, busy. It's hard to balance work, school, running, time with family and Steven, and then still enjoy my 'summer life' at the same time. It's a battle for sure, but I'm going to try and incorporate some more blog posts. I'm really going to try. I miss staying connected & finding new blogs & exploring new ideas and posts.
To play a quick catch up, here's what's up in my life!
| work | Has been a blast! We have such an awesome group of kids this summer. Typically we have around 40 a day but that can change due to field trips, weather, etc. The weeks are flying by and I have loved every minute of it.
| school | I'm halfway through my first class, which is a Language Arts class, and am going to start a Math class on the 20th! So far, grad school is wayyyy different than my undergrad classes, but in a good way. A very crazy, and sometimes overwhelming way, but it will be good for me. Driving to Roanoke has been OK...it seems every Wednesday something goes wrong (accidents, detours, bad weather, flooding, etc.) and it's become a joke now! Can't catch a break.
| running | Training for the marathon is in full swing. Last weekend I did 7 miles and felt pretty good. Although the heat has been getting to me so I need to be better about hydrating. I got some new shoes recently, that I love, and am trying out a new handheld water bottle on long runs. So far, so good. Now I'm in the market for headphones that don't fall out from getting sweaty! :/
| family & steven | My older brother is DONEZO with the U.S. Navy in August & has decided to move to Austin, Texas - coincidentally where Steven was born & raised until he moved here in the 8th grade. It will be a huge change, but we're all very excited for him. I'm excited to visit! I am just loving having Steven home for the summer.  He's working in a lab at Tech during the week & playing baseball with a team in Roanoke on the weekends. It's a win-win situation. Love.
| random | I've officially moved back home. My new roommates are pretty cool :) My mom & I decided to switch rooms since her room was a little bigger & I have more pieces of furniture. That has been quite the chore, but it's basically done! Although we had to rent a storage unit, I love having the extra space in my room. I don't think I'm going to miss apartment life.  Yes, it feels weird coming home after living on my own for 4 years, but at the same time it will save me money & time. Hopefully the next time I move will be to wherever I find a JOB!


Happy Friday!  

This is it.

4 years, 8 semesters and many classes later...my last day of classes at Virginia Tech is here.
I never used to believe the whole "time flies" saying.  When people would tell me to enjoy college because it flies by, I would smile and say "Okay!" but always thought they were crazy. Because for a while, time moved really slow. I thought college would take forever.  Sophomore year turned to junior year at the speed of molasses.  I saw graduation as a tiny little bit of light at the end of a very long tunnel.  Especially after changing my major twice freshman year, I thought I would be here forever catching up.  Not that that was a bad thing, since I am absolutely in love with my school. So I just kept on keepin' on...
But here I am...about to pack my backpack for the last time, take my last walk to campus and sit through my last 75 minutes of academics at Virginia Tech. Afterwards, I'm going to spend the rest of my very last meal plan at Hokie Grill - I'll never get to have Chick-fil-A on the meal plan again... Then I'm going to make the long stroll back to my apartment and try to not cry my eyes out as I wonder to myself WHERE DID THE LAST FOUR YEARS GO? I honestly feel like it was 3 days ago that I was googling where "Wallace Hall" was located and wondering how on EARTH was I going to make it there from McBryde in 15 minutes...   To all the young and/or future Hokies out there - or really any college students - do not waste this precious time you have been given. LIVE IT UP! Take your academics seriously, but take absolutely every amazing opportunity you run across.  Have lunch with every single one of your friends.  Go to silly campus events, make a midnight run to WalMart and PLEASE always take a study break to go to Sweet Frog.  This is your chance to live life with no regrets - to try something new, just to say you did - to find a new hobby - to really change your life. Time literally does fly by when you're in college.  And I'm not just saying that...believe me :)
Okay, I'm off! Wish me luck! ;)

Taking The Week Off To Think

I apologize, for this isn't a "picture perfect" post but rather a "real life" post. I don't know what it was about this weekend, but it wasn't that great. Yes, I caught up on sleep, but for some reason I just couldn't get into a really good mood - besides Saturday night when I had a delicious meal at home & watched Pitch Perfect with my momma!
On Sunday I just felt completely unmotivated to do anything. I even went to Target after a group meeting but walked around feeling like a zombie.
I have a big decision to make tomorrow, lots of studying and two tests this week. Why could I not get anything done yesterday!? Why could I not focus my mind on reading my novels for school instead of personal things worrying me? Everything in my life that I seem to think is going wrong somehow flooded my brain all at once and just drained me.

I try so hard to trust in the Lord's plan for me. I try so hard to "go with the flow" and "follow my heart" and all that. Sometimes it's hard though. My body feels physically exhausted, yet I have so much to do for school. YET, when I go to work on things I feel like I have severe A.D.D. and no creativity. I know what I should be doing, but it's as if my mind would rather be anywhere else.   I think I'm just in a rut. {midterm week :: what a wonderful time for a rut}   All I can say is thank the LORD that as of 6:15 on Thursday I am on SPRING BREAK! Even though I am staying put (for most of it) at home, I hope I can take that time to recuperate my body and mind. Especially as I prepare for my half marathon on St. Patrick's Day. All that being said, I am going to take a blogging break this week so I can focus the little attention I do have on my studying.    Have a wonderful week and please send all good vibes my way!

Happy Thoughts

This week has been exhausting. I had such a good weekend in Fairfax, but when you travel and then jump right back into the school/work week, you don't have time to catch up on anything - especially sleep.
Anyone else feel like they need a weekend to recover from their weekend??
I'm feeling sort of stressed/anxious/unsure about a lot of things. I am turning to these mantras this week:  

{things will work out}

{i have so much to be thankful for}

{all I can do - leaving the rest up to God}

{God has a plan for me -- good things will come into my life at the right time}

{ain't that the truth}

Have a SUPER Thursday!

Recently...

I realized I haven't done a "catch up on life" post recently and, although nothing major has happened, I still want to document some fun things!

Recently...I finished my first cross stitch that I gave to my mom for her birthday:

 Not the best picture, but after I was finished with it I ironed it and framed it.  I also added the quote and heart on my own to make it more unique. I think I did pretty good for my first one ever!  Definitely some mistakes, but thankfully no one but me can tell where they are :)
Recently...I rang in the New Year on one of the best NYE I've ever had!

I wish this picture wasn't blurry :(

I honestly couldn't have asked for better people to spend it with -- although I was sad my roommate Lindsay wasn't able to come back for the night!   Recently...the weather (last weekend) has been gorgeous!

 I got to pleasantly run outside down in the valley.

Then I went for a run at Pandapas Pond!
Recently...Steven got me a new Vera Bradley wallet for an early Valentine's gift/happy spring semester of senior year gift :)

I love VB wallets.  In the past I've used their basic Euro Wallet, the All-in-One Wristlet {as a wallet}, the Clutch wallet and I've been happy with all of them. However, I hadn't found the perfect style quite yet -- either they were too small, didn't have enough card slots, the change pocket was too tiny or they just didn't work well with carrying them around campus. This is the Turn Lock Wallet in Plum Petals - one of my favorite prints. I wanted this style because it's easier to access your IDs than it is in the clutch wallet (what I've been using up until now) and there's plenty of card slots! So far I love it and I love that Steven remembered the style that I wanted! He picked out the print on his own though :) (Although, I did tell him some of the prints that I do not like...)
Recently...my brother built me a nail polish stand for Christmas!

Wouldn't ya know...it's already filled. I actually even had to eliminate some! I guess I'll have to ask for another one to match for Easter or something... :)

Like I said, not too much going on, but still I've been keeping busy! This is my last week before classes start and I'm working every day & going in to kindergarten on MWF. I'm starting to organize my room, car and purse TODAY! Wish me luck and send any tips :)

Catching up -- James is HOME! Go Vote!

I am BACK! Last week was whirlwind of fun and craziness.

We left on Saturday for Norfolk and James came home on Sunday!

I had a perfect weekend and am super sad to be back to the real world!

Let's play catch up!

Steven's classes were cancelled for the whole week as a result of Hurricane Sandy, so he came back home!

We went out as a nerd & prep on Tuesday:

On Halloween night, it was Ballerina night with our homemade tutus!

Steven went with cowboy again since he didn't have another costume:

At Hokie House, our usual hangout!

On Thursday night we were back at Hokie House to catch the Hokie game!

The game was quite depressing, although I had so much fun with all of my friends AND my boyfriend!

I felt so lucky!

Teacher-y girls :)

*Now, we're in Norfolk! James' Welcome Home crew, minus 3!

The most precious sailor baby, with the band & Sesame Street characters:

The Enterprise is HOME!

Happy Birthday and Welcome Home!!!!

My family! Back together again!

  

James & his girlfriend - they started dating while he was out at sea:

HAPPY!

We went up on the flight deck:

Whew! I am so exhausted but so happy and blessed to have my brother home, safe and sound. Today I am thankful for all of the men and women in our military! God Bless them!
I hope everyone goes out to VOTE today! Please exercise your right to vote, no matter who you vote for, just go vote!!
I promise to be back to regular-ish blogging soon. My incentive is going to be blogging about things I'm thankful for as we prepare for Thanksgiving!
Happy Tuesday/Election Day!

do what you can.

plain 'n simple.

My Life...

Y'all probably think I've fallen off the face of the earth. And you would be right.
I knew as soon as school started blogging would be on the back burner, but it seems like every chill moment I have, I find myself either a) painting my nails, b) watching something on Netflix, c) cleaning my room or d) getting into shenanigans with my roommates. That is, aside from my normal hobbies such as shopping at Target and sleeping a lot.
I promise I haven't abandoned blogging completely, but it definitely isn't my top priority. It's my senior year and I'm living every moment to the fullest and taking every opportunity presented to me.
Anyway, here's a little recap!  

The ladies of 401 Green Street. LOVE them to the moon and back.

HOKIE FOOTBALL! I have missed it so much...and I will miss it so much next year! We're 2-0, woo!

I miss my pets so much. I had to have Baby Belle over to visit. Of course she snooped around and then slept!

we're essie snobs. Painting nails is a weekly, sometimes daily, occurrence in our home.  
I will come up with an apartment/room tour sometime this week if y'all would like! There's not much to it, but I do have some DIY things up and I actually have my closet organized!

I've also started my internship at the school where I also work! I'm in a kindergarten class and I am LOVING it! The kids are so sweet and my host teacher is amazing. She also has a student teacher who is wonderful! I feel so lucky to be there three days a week -- I'm learning from the best!   In addition to my internship and work hours, I also have a service learning position at a daycare center...now you see why I'm so busy/exhausted!
I promise I am still trying to keep up with your blogs, though. Even if I don't have time to comment, I am reading!   Thanks for sticking with me :)