Life of the Party

                  First off you need to know how many days you will need to pack for. You will need to know the conditions and environment, in which you will be visiting. I great word of advice would be to always pack some sort of light rain jacket. It never hurts to plan for rain. Lay out all your items and keep a count of “outfits.”   How big is your suit case? The downfall of packing usually consists of not knowing how much you can pack.                 Are you going to fold your clothes? Have you ever tried rolling the cloths? Usually, this will save you some space as well. Never be afraid of over packing. You never know if you will need the extra stuff. Underwear is a must and having too much of it cannot be a bad thing. Put your bigger items on the bottom of the suit case. The smaller items can go on the top. Y...

          I guess we are supposed to be married by the age of twenty-five, or we become “strange.” The fact that I am 24 and not married has really been a blessing. The elders in my closed minded community would greatly disagree with me. It is their understanding that every woman is to be married and having children. Many of my peers have already completed this milestone and are living the “true life.” I’m just not ready to move into a trailer park and call it quits.           There has to been more in life than this. I want to explore and have freedom. We seem to be in this mindset that all females are homemakers or caregivers. I think we as a society have tarnished what young women could be. I will not bind myself to a trailer park and have children. I am more than these typical small town girls. I have come to the conclusion that we only live once and why waste that precious time. My g...

       Every morning consists of the same ritual. We wake up, eat breakfast, and watch News 13. We are very set in this tradition. This morning there was a gay couple shown on the TV and for the first time in years no one had anything negative to say. I found this to be remarkable.         Small towns are usually rumored to have bias opinions on those who live an alternative life style. I was actually amazed that it is becoming a “norm.” Maybe thing are really changing and one day we will be up to speed. I was actually glad that NEWS 13 had made this couple a spotlight in their early morning report. Thank you!

       We have a week until school lets out, and the students will be finished with EOGs here in a few days. So I was asked, "What now?" That was the key question of the day.  We have been prepping all year for this crazy test, so now what to we do?

Well, we did it. My students have a week of fun to look forward to. I cannot believe how fast this year has passed me by. All the agitation and stress has really been worth it. This summer still seems like a life time away. We have already begun our tourism months and the motorcycles have taken over. My early morning commute is often delayed by slow moving people from Florida who have never seen a curve before. The speed limit will be around 50 mph, but they are driving 30… Small town summers are exactly what I expected them to be. I will be working and gardening all summer. Hopefully, the lake will warm up and I’ll be swimming a majority of the time. I will not be thinking about school or my kids. I will not be doing endless lesson plans and rushing to get things completed. I will be relaxing and working at the BP. I have often wondered what like was like for a teacher when there was no school. I guess I will finally get to find out. Your whole day is usually circling curriculu...

                 Trees can reflect us as a people. You can only survive by you smallest leaf when you are working together. My yard is filled with trees of all kinds. They shelter use from storms and hide us away from the sun. I've lived my whole life under the shade of a tree, and it has been a good one. My favorite tree is located down in the field. I've spent many days sitting lazily under that tree. It is a tall redbud tree with beautiful leaves and a wide spread of limbs.                  We grow and thrive on our surroundings. I have been really thinking about themes for next year's units. Living in mountainous community has made me realize that I can inspire my students with their understanding of woodlands. I will be able to make the comparison with my students: Your Life As a Tree. I can even aline poetry with this. 

                 It's hard to believe that a whole school year really only comes down to one moment. They only get a snap shot of each student's potential. I'm at a loss for words as my students have their last weekend before their exams.                 I will not get to see any of my student’s tomorrow due to the dreaded MSL testing. Today was my last opportunity to encourage my students to take their time and really focus. I hate seeing them worry about a test. The stress only surmounts as the days grows closer. If only we could find another way to access their knowledge. I have taught my curriculum all year, only to spend the last three weeks on test prep. I have trudged through prep for the last few weeks and I’m really tired of all this. I hate that our whole year of reading and writing will come down to a test. The test will not see ...

     Starting my week off on a Tuesday is just ridiculous. I have felt off all day and I have called it Monday all day. I even wrote it across my board. I had the most productive substitute teacher yesterday. She organized my room and completed everything that I had left for my kids. I can honestly say she was a true professional.      We often forget about our substitute teacher and we under appreciate them. I have had the Tuesday Blues all day. First off, I wanted to come in and start on review for figurative language and I didn't get to see all my students. I also missed the fact that I recieved a new student yesterday. I feel as if I have missed so much in one day. 

    I love my smartphone, but sometimes the cost is just too much. It's such a luxury to have a cell phone, but I'm currently annoyed. I do not get service at my house and therefore renders my phone useless at home. I also feel angry about paying a bill and only using it half the time. I need it when I'm out and about. We still have a "land line."  I can only wish and hope for service here.     I'm thankful I have service close to home. I can drive twenty minutes out and get service. I think if more towers were placed out and about they would have more coverage and users. Mom told me that we would gladly switch over when we have service. I can still remember the days of dial up internet. It was only last year that we recieved DSL in my area. As a small community we were skipped over I guess. 

     Now that I'm getting a little older, Monday's come and go so fast. This morning was filled with dread as I drove into town. Usually mom accompanies me, but this time I was on my own.     The court house was as pale as ever, with it's menacing double mahogany doors. I have failed (NOT INTENTIONALLY) to do my civic duty and now I have to answer for it. I never recieved a letter stating that I had to do jury duty, or I would have gone. No one gave me a curtesy call or came by, so now I have a day at court. This is so humiliating and I just know that this will get back to grandma's church circle.       I wasn't notified, so I don't believe I should get treated like a common criminal. As I was driving across the mountain I noticed the pinkish red sky, and I thought for a second that this was a warning. I the sky was breathtakingly beautiful.        Dread filled me as I parked my car. Why did this have to happen? If the...

     I had to work this morning, so I wasn't here to greet her. Sometimes the morning shift is too much for me to handle, but I really needed this second job. Getting up at 4:30AM isn't my cup of sweet tea! I didn't get home until two this afternoon.       Mother's are really God's way of extending his protection. My mom has really tried her best to raise me right and instill good solid morals. How often we forget those who mean the most? I know I do. I don't know what I would do without my mom. To all moms out there here are a few words I wanted to share with you: You make everyday special and thank you for that! We really appreciate everything you do, and one day you child will realize this. Moms are God's extended hands and YES, YOU COUNT. Thank you for your unconditional love. Thank you for the endless meals that you cook, and the special lunches that you have packed.       I would now like to thank my mom: Thank you ...

                My grandmother always says, “That a homemade cake shows more about you as a person than store bought one.” She also tells me that, “you are only as good as your cake.” I actually despise cooking in general, but I prefer to bake. Baking can be a creative way to express yourself. I enjoy decorating my food instead of just cooking it. I thought I would allow my readers some insight into small town cooking.   PORK CHOPS Done right: What you will need: 1 packet (1 ounce) Hidden Valley ® Original Ranch   Seasoning Mix 6 or 7 pork chops about 1-inch thick (You may want to shred it) dash of garlic powder salt and pepper splash of lemon juice Directions: ü   Preheat oven to 435 and make sure the grease your pan, because we don’t want anything to stick ü   Premix your seasonings you may also deem it necessary to add some additional...

        It is strange, and I'm sure most people wouldn't understand. Mom and I are excited to say that we bought a new lawnmower. If your yard is as big as ours it's necessary to always have one in working condition. Life is so boring here in the south, that this lawn mower will be what my mom discusses with everyone she sees. YEAH!  She will say, "It's yellow and it came in a box. Imagine that? The old thing wasn't even put together, so I had to put on my big girl panties and do it by myself.                             Nothing exciting happening here. LOL                    She is currently so bummed out about the rain. She was like a kid in a candy store, when we brought the mower home. She went straight to work assembling it. I was amazed at how determined she could be. Mother's day is this coming Sunday and I need to remember to ...

Here we go...                   This is my first year of teaching and honestly, I have come to dread the EOG. Making prep into a game has really lightened the mood in my class. It’s not completely “horrible” to my students when they get rewarded for winning the game. First off I put all literary terms on flash cards. I can only play this game once they have covered all the terms.                  The students have around 140 cards. Some of the cards contain examples. They are to have three cards a piece. They are to form a line and tell me one of their terms. In return each student receives a point and an additional card. With each card the students become competitive and want to know what it means. This is a good way to kill two birds with one stone. I have observed that with time the student get to where there is no h...

      I think everyone has a addiction, but mine seems to be the strangest thing ever. I need an intervention and I need it now. What I don't need is someone dictating over me. I have grown up with overbearing parents and I don't need another mom.      I used the term, "we" because I know that I'm not the only one who suffers from a shopping addiction. I cannot go into a store without buying something, and this has only continued to progress as I've gotten older. The things I buy most are cloths and shoes. I officially have 32 pairs of shoes in my closet and enough clothing to float a boat. So, NO I don't need anyone telling me my business.      We don't need people coming into our community and introducing zoning either!  I feel that this may change our surroundings. I do not need anyone telling me what can and can't be don't to my property. One day I will have a family of my own, and I would love to be able to build what ever I wa...

       Can it be true? Is it possible that I'm going through a mid-twenty crisis?   I believe that it is time for me to confess this...        The last few days has really made me ponder the notion of doing something unexpected. I have always done everything by the book. I want a motor cycle, but not the traditional ones. I want one with three wheels and for it to be the color of a bumble bee. I'm tired of doing everything that is expected of me and I want to be that person who really lives. I want to travel and have experiences to recall upon when I am unable to do so. The whole idea of aging has me frustrated.        The best course of action seems to be for me to start small, and that would mean having my cake and eating it too. I'm currently researching my next big purchase. My parents are very disappointed that I would even dare to do this.   It's almost laughable.        If anyone ha...

      Girls we need to be honest with one another. We all secretly love to shop, and over shopping all to often becomes an addiction. I have come up with a few ways to avoid the dreaded shopping. I absolutely hate myself after a shopping spree. Facing myself in the morning is the hardest thing I have to do. I'm usually broke and only have a new outfit to answer for it.  1. Take a friend with you who is actually honest with you. Have them tell you that you DON'T need it! Yesterday, my friend and I went dress shopping for her graduation ceremony. She put a clear limit as to what we were looking for and how much we could both spend. She also helped me avoid buying more than one dress.  2. Leave your credit cards at home. This has always deterred me from even approaching a store. If I don't have the money, I don't go in. I'll make something up to avoid the clothing stores.   3.  Have a shopping list and stick to it. Even if there is a sale.  ...

      Well everyone needs to know a few rules about moving into the South. I believe I will be able to help with the transition. You may believe that things are the same everywhere, but you are WRONG! We enjoy a slower pace of life with the ease of southern pleasures.      First off, don't come here and try to run everything. This cannot be stressed enough. I understand that you moved here to retire, and that you want this place to be like home. Remember you moved here for change (not to change this place) 2nd-    Sweet tea is something we drink and it hurts our elders feelings when you do not accept a glass of it. Don't be rude, and consider it a peace offering. My grandmother only offers you tea in order to get to know you better. Saying no is like slapping her in the face. 3rd-  We fry things. If you don't want to eat it don't put in on your plate. Do not say how nasty it is. If its on your plate, you better have something positive...

        Yeah!   It's pretty sad to say this, but teachers cannot make it on their own with this salary. There is no possible way for an individual to live on their own. With the high prices of rent and power, how are our people supposed to survive?        I had no choice, but to seek out additional money. I thought that a teacher's salary could support me and pay a majority of my bills, but unfortunately it cannot. After filling out many applications the local BP has hired me. Yesterday was my first day and it was exactly what I had expected.       I work with a crew of women that are very focused. I love it and there is no stress as to what it expected of me. Everything is clearly written out and they provide training for ever aspect of my position. What more could I ask for? It was a relief  to be able to go to work and not worry. The stress of teaching has really made me think about my career options. BP trainin...

    I'm thankful to live in a place as lovely as this. Above I have shared a photo of my commute from work. I only wish the road was this straight the whole way.  When driving back from a long day, who wouldn't be pleased with this scene. It has been a perfect day, and even the motorcycles didn't bother me. Tourism is what helps this community thrive and so, I'll deal with their excessive speeding if it means income for my town.      The end to a day like this can only be an extended ride on the back of ta ford truck. Wind in hair and the sound of dual exhaust. I know this may seem strange to some outsiders, but it's something I've always done and enjoyed. The life of small  town person can be this simple and rewarding. In the end it's the simple things in life that matters.  

        Well ...          I finally have a job lined up for the summer, and here are a few tips that I would suggest to anyone:  - arrive on time and be dressed to empress - Shake their hand and answer all questions honestly - smile and say thank you for your consideration - have some sort of question to ask them      I will now be working as a fueling station attendant.   It isn't much but it was the only thing available with in driving distance. Today was my first day, but it wasn't as bad as I expected. You would have thought it was a high skill job. All the different directions that I received.  You are there to serve the customers, keep the place clean, and smile: was all that I needed.

I love driving in my vehicle with the windows down and the music turned up! While driving home every day you can find me singing along with STAR 102.1. People pass be me and stare.   Its days like this that driving home is such a blessing.   I cannot believe how much of a stress reliever. My mood decides the genre of music that will be blaring from my speakers. Today I was singing along with Three Doors Down when a cop pulled alongside of me. He was shaking his head and laughing. I had been using my steering wheel as a drum station. Wow, sometimes I can really be an idiot. My classes were long and annoying. Having students’ complete EOG practice is like trying to get them to eat vegetables. They just hate it. All I needed was some alone time with my radio and singing to myself. In the afternoons I can tell what kind of mood my mom is in based upon the loudness of her music. The happier she is the louder the music. She actually listens to the same music that I do, ...

OH lord! Here we go again...           Getting on these health band wagons is going to be the death of me! I want to loose weight and I can loose weight, but I have to have some type of visual reminder. I'm the world's worst person to forget to go back and plug in what I have ate. I need something right then and there to help me, so my friend recommended the FitBit to help with the exercoiing part. I should have waited and reviewed the device before I purchased it, but my friend had hers for over a year and it has done an amazing job. I think it is detrimental to its success not to have a good customer support program. I could not find my original packaging and therefore couldn’t find the identification number that was needed. It was supposed to be waterproof, but that didn’t work out. As I was taking my shower the water destroyed my new FitBit. I was so dishearten to look down   and not see the lights. The FitBit is by far the prettiest and mo...