So, it's been awhile since I last posted. ALOT has happened since my last post in May. Almost too much to recollect, but I'll try. My first year of teaching is now behind me. I can't believe it. I feel like I am legit now and now that the first year of trial and error is over, that the remainder of my time in the profession will be dedicated to developing into a career teacher.
The year ended with a BANG with several parties, a retirement dinner, teacher workdays, engagement parties, meetings, and the like. Oh, and food. Lots of food.
I feel like I should have some sage wisdom to offer being that I've completed my first year, but I don't really. If anything, the biggest piece of knowledge that I've gained is we are all always learning. Every day is different. Every one is different.
This summer I've been on the goooo....
In June I went to Atlantic Beach with Melissa and Corrie. So far that was the highlight of my summer! I was telling one of my friends the other day that the three of us are all so similar in nature that it made it easy to plan our outings, meals, etc. We're all very much agreeable and I don't think I would've rather go on this trip with anyone else than these two. I'm so blessed to have these two ladies as friends.
The following week I went to visit my best friend Jessica in Baltimore. It sounds cheesy, but it was so nice to make this trip on my own. If you ask any of my friends all of them will tell you I was so frantic about having to tell my parents about my driving up to Baltimore by myself. But I did it and in the end they were fine with it (for the most part) and I'm glad I went. I feel like I never really do anything "spontaneous" or "risky" because I'm always too worried about what my parents will say and think. When they worry, it constantly makes me second guess myself. However, I can tell I'm getting older an more independent as my parents have definitely been more flexible and "hands off" with many of my actions.
Anyway, I had a great time in Baltimore. Jess and I took the metro into D.C. and saw the monuments and went to the Holocaust museum. We went to Inner Harbor in Baltimore and walked around. (We did A LOT of walking). We went to see the Orioles play at Camden Yards. I got to hear Jessica preach at the church she interns at and see where she will be working and living in D.C. next year. So it was a really eventful weekend. I also discovered this delicious sandwich called the Asiago at Panera Bread. Yum!
I spent a week at home at the beginning of July. My aunt and uncle came up for a few days too. My dad cooked out for 4th of July and we had some friends come over. Leonora came over too which was awesome. The two of us hung out with Liz in the evening and we watched Extremely Loud Incredibly Close. It was so good, but so sad. We should've watched Joyful Noise. On my dad's birthday I actually had an ultrasound which had me in a panic the entire week. But everything came back normal so after that scared I've been trying to be more health conscious. We went to the Airborne Museum with my aunt and uncle on his birthday. The day after his birthday, we all rode down to Myrtle Beach and spent the day.
I went to my friend Melissa H's baby shower. It was really good to see her. She lives out West so I probably haven't seen her in a year. Jessica spent a week with her and her husband this past week. (I actually need to go pick her up from the airport soon). I got to hangout with my bff Hyzer too. I miss her; I really wish she would come visit. We went to IHOP and Babies R Us.
So yeah, it's been an eventful summer...
My family had their 9th family reunion this past weekend which was an absolute blast. I can really see how I change clearly when I'm among my family. I feel like I'm more outgoing now among my family. Before I would stay right under my parents, no matter what. And I mean, I still kind of do that, but at the same time, I feel like I'm more independent and naturally reserved instead of painfully introverted.
What else...
Oh, I hung out with some of the young adults at my church about a week ago. We all went mini-golfing at this place called Pelican's. Samantha, Chelsea, and I got dinner beforehand at Red Robbin. Jessica came to stay with me too on her way back from Baltimore so she got to meet everyone at the church and find out all the juicy details. ;)
I met this girl named Elizabeth at mini-golf and she was really cool. We hung out after church and she came to Panera Bread with Jess and I.
I've actually been getting really involved with my church as of late and it's been great. I went to a game night, mini-golfing, and over one ladies' house for dinner and games. By the way, that was THE nicest house I'd ever been in. I'm really excited I get some time to spend with the people I worship with. It's harder during the school year being that I'm busier and a lot of the ongoings at my church happen 30 minutes from me.
Other random summer happenings....I've spent some time with Ms. Dale & her mom. We did some fun birthday things for her mom. I've gotten to meet Sabrina for lunch and catch up with her. I've been working with her student at the community college which I LOVE. It's part-time, just a few hours a week, and incredibly decent pay. Which reminds me that I really need to take the EIPA... And I've discovered pinterest.
I've also been researching grad-school programs and am looking at applying in a Master's in Reading program at either NC State and/or ECU.
In the coming weeks I'll have some more adventures planned....but until then I need really buckle down and get some school work done. It's so easy to be lazy though. Ah.
Alright, this was just an update on life. I'm living it. I'm loving it. And I can't wait to see what next year brings. Jessica is flying in tonight from LA (I should've went) so I guess I'll get ready to pick her up.
Happy summer. :)
