Life of the Party

       I was watching a YouTube video this afternoon that suggested that there would be a new released Switch Pro. This console is barely through its life cycle. Please tell me this was all rumors!   I have found a new love of gaming and I just couldn't imagine having to buy a whole new system. I did, however, purchase the Switch Lite. Ummmmm, I'm not that impressed!  Don't waste your money folks! Keep the one you've got. On a side note, I have really enjoyed Splatoon 2! I highly suggest spending the extra cash on this game. Your kids will love it!      My after school gaming club absolutely loves Splatoon 2. It has been hard to find something that they all agree upon! 

    I come from a community that fully embraces their youth. Our players won the state championship last week and nothing has been the same. I love the full support that you see. I've counted at least twenty different signs for the kids. Once again they have done a terrific job! School is not all about winning, there is character building as well!  

       As the state play offs start, we must remember that these are students (kids) who are playing. I love how my small town supports these students and really push them to do their best!  Robbinsville has always been known for its "title town" signs. I hope these young men achieve their dreams!        We drove around in town today, because school was closed and I didn't have to go in. I saw signs and banners all over. I guess from the outside, we seem like a "hick" town, but I love it all the same. I love this time of year, because we pull together as a community to support our players. I don't really attend games here due to the fact that I teach at a different school. It's nice to see some positive light being spread around here. Hopefully, they will win!         Best of luck! Go Black Nights!!!

     It's been a few weeks since Vegas, and it seems as if it was all a dream. Coming back into the middle of a work week was pure hell. Everything passed by so quickly, and I don't think I got to take everything in the way I wanted to. We went from hellish hot weather to freezing temperatures. I even purchased a hoodie. Wow!      I think the devastating that really hit me was the homeless situation. There were children everywhere digging in the trash for food. In our small town I have been sheltered from this. I handed my leftovers and snacks to these individuals. I just cannot see how you can just walk by people who are starving. It's a normal occurance there, so no one really pays attention to it. The cost of living is so high that the average worker cannot afford to survive on one pay check alone. I think this adventure has come to a close. I did have fun, but it was an eye opening experiece. 

    3 Doors Down played last night in Cherokee! It was a wonderful decision to purchase tickets to see one of my favorite bands play and the proceeds when to help Veterans! Living in the mountains of Western North Carolina often means that you have to travel great distances to attend live entertainment venues. I was glad the Cherokee Casino had picked a band like 3 Doors Down to play. I would have driven further out to see them anyway, but it was nice to have it close to home! 

     Due to unforeseen circumstances I will not be attending our ten year reunion. I have decided that I do not need to see anyone from my past. If they are still in my life its because I want them there. Besides, my best friend isn't even going.      I wonder if other people are thinking along the same lines? 

    As I watched the first leaves of fall slowly sway to the ground, I realized this would be my first Fall without dad. This is going to be my first hunting season without my sport system. I was raised to be a true tomboy, but it just doesn't seem possible without him. I have spend countless hours listening to my pack run, target practicing, and training my dogs. All the things he has taught me seem somewhat foolish now. Why in the world did we spend so much time in the woods?     As the leave continue to Fall, I will be counting down the days until October. I have hounds, guns, and a thrill seeking personality, but it will not be the same without him. Loosing a loved one opens up wounds that never seem to properly heal, and here I am trying to stitch it back together. So, I guess today I miss my dad the most.      I miss him yelling at me to hand him the correct tools, practicing backing up the boat, and sitting on the creek banks. 

    School starts back for the kids this Thursday and prepartations are on their way to welcome them back. Every year I stress out about the first day of school. The students are excited to be back and we are excited to see their faces. Teachers need to make a good first day impression. I don't know about you, but this is always my top prority. The first day back should be filled with fun interactive activities. Yes, I will go over the rules, but it will be followed by a movement activity.     I have never asked my students about how they spent their summer, because for some of them school is their haven. I was one of those kids. I counted down for school to start back. I didn't want to be home where I wasn't learning and life was stagnant. Personally, I will never disclose how I grew up, but knowing that school was my safe place should suffice. I dispise teachers who as the students to write about their summer adventures. Not all kids went on a vacation or had any...

    Oh, let me tell you about our upcoming event. My friend and I have decided that Vegas is our new destanation for Fall Break. Ummmmmm, I'm completely over the whole party scene, but this decision seems sound. There must be plently of things to do other than drink and gamble right?  She is the mother of three and I'm settled into the permanet single life, so this will be interesting.      Our personallities are somewhat simular, but our versions of fun seem to be drastically different. I think best friends are the best travel buddies because you get to be yourself. This will also me by first time flying. Yeah, I'm nervous to say the least, but it should be entertaining.      I have a little of a dare devil inside me and I love seeking out thrilling things to do. I think I'm going to do the free fall activity suggested by our hotel. I wonder how I'm going to convince her to do this as well? Do I have the ability to peer pressure her into ...

        It’s always funny to think about. At school I’m organized and I got my life together there, but at home I can’t even find matching socks. I spent at least twenty minutes this morning plunging through baskets of clothing. I wonder if everyone, lives two lives?  I seem to be a completely different person at home then I am here at school.  Adulthood comes with many challenges that you never foresee as a teenager. We never saw the struggles that her parents and grandparents had or their sacrifices. I set up four different doctors appointments today only to cancel them all because I forgot I had to drive my mom to her‘s.       Oh I have a personal planner and is very detailed, but I never seem to get it all in there and I always miss something. I even have a highlighting system that ranks events. It’s when you’re sitting in a doctors office and realize that you were supposed to be at a dental appointment instead that you reali...

    Listen up first year teachers lesson planning does get easier!  Unfortunately, I spent a majority of my day going over for different curriculums for this upcoming school year.  I’m very thankful for my hoarding tendencies to keep all curricular materials in designated boxes with labels.  It is always OK to use teacherspayteachers.com to look up lessons that you struggle with.       I spent some time setting up my classroom, enjoying towns with my coworkers, and getting organized.  Apparently, I over organize and have too many labels and too many boxes to the point I’m going to have to downsize.  I was so nervous for the first couple teacher workdays, that I forgot my keys phone and wallet at the house.  Being on able to open any of my cabinets was completely frustrating!  You know you’re becoming a veteran teacher when you have full folders filled with lesson plans from past years and you still have a hard time deciding w...

      Well, it’s  sad to say that it’s going to be my 10 year high school reunion. I thought this time wouldn’t come so fast! It’s like high school was just yesterday.  As I’m sitting here scrounging through my old high school yearbooks, I have discovered that maybe I don’t want to see all these people again. The ones I wanted to keep up with stayed friends and they stayed close. I didn’t follow the typical path that most of my peers.  Most of them are married, have children, and they are stagnant.       I want to avoid the bombardment of routine questioning from peers. Perhaps I should have a shirt made that says “I’m not married, I have no kids, and definitely don’t plan on it any time soon.” I was voted most outspoken in my class our senior year.   So, wearing this said T-shirt would have some justification.  Spending the afternoon with a fake smile and laugh isn’t my cup of tea.  I wonder if other people go through this s...

     Packing is the strangest commonality that people go through.   Today as we pack up to head home, I discovered that my suitcase had four outfits past the days we were here. Women over think things and over pack. I’m extremely guilty of this, and it’s something that needs to be addressed. Was I going to need that short dress and hills? Heck NO!   I can go out in my shorts and tank top and have just as much fun. No one cares if I took extra time to look semi cute.       It also shows us what we value. Evidently, life cannot go on without that makeup bag. Who knew? I spend so much time each day hiding my face.  When I don’t wear it I get asked if I’m sick or sad. It’s just my face. I guess I value shoes as a top priority too.   I ended up packing 5 to 6 pairs and I’m not apologizing for it. There is always a occasion for each pair.       I guess the point is to know what you need to pack and don’t over pack. 

   As we age, we question what is appropriate for our current status.    I’m almost in my 30s so the party scene has drastically changed. I’m at home with a good book at hand and red wine at my disposal. Nothing too exciting is going on here, but my friends are all at the parent phase 🥳. I’ve not got that far yet....        How old is too old to go out?      If you had to think about the answer you’re already past that stage.   The answer is NEVER!  Go out and live it up because you only live once. Buy that car, take that vacation time, and enjoy your adulthood, because lord knows you deserve it! It took me 29 years to figure out that in the end there is only one question, “ did you live the life you wanted?”   I’m still working on this answer myself, so no judging if you know me personally. 

         Oh.... it’s truck weekend and I’m excited.  The 6 hour drive here was totally worth the effort. I cannot post pictures due to rude gestures by the drivers.  Myrtle Beach has so much to offer its guests from food venues to actual activities!       Every year we make the drive down for our girl’s weekend. It’s usually just my sister and me. This weekend was no exception, and we’ve had a total blast. So.... here is a list of suggested things to do: 1. Go to the damn beach, it’s why you came. 2. Eat at the local restaurants ( Angelos) is the best! 3. See the Pirate show (dinner included) 4. Shop until you drop (2 different Tanger Outlets) 5. Did I say shop? 6. Ripley’s Aquarium 7. Go see the fireworks at Broadway 

            I just can’t believe it’s July already and the stores have already got a begun to put up back to school signs.  It’s just ridiculous that they’re already planning for something that’s weeks away.  I literally had a sad face walking into Walmart today. There it was a huge sign “back to school, are you ready kids?”   Are you kidding me!  Why didn’t it say are you ready teachers?            I literally took the sign down. I know this was vastly radical of me, but enough is enough! I get roughly two more weeks of freedom, don’t put a damper on my good mood.  There was a parent standing with a list pressed tightly in a fist. She was super mad that her fifth grade son had a list that totaled to $50. That’s not that much considering I personally spend well over $200 to start the school year off not including what I buy throughout the year.             

      It seems as if North Carolina is on Mother Nature's bad side this summer. We seem to be experiencing a cooler climate and more ran than normal. Before this front moved in, I thought we were going to have a huge melt down. I drove up the road today and saw a kid outside playing in the mud. She was enjoying her yellow rain boots and coat.      I'm an outside person and days like this are very bleak for me. I spent the day reading on our covered porch with a candle burning to ward off pesky bugs. 

      Mom and I spent the week in Kill Devil Hills. The coast of North Carolina is one of the best places to relax. The eight-hour drive seemed a little bit extreme, but the relaxation of the crashing waves was calling our names. Normally, we spend months planning our getaways, but this was a last minute decision. We even found an awesome hotel that allowed us to take Buck and Harley with us. This was mom's first trip to the beach, so she was overly excited. We counted down the miles as the GPS helped us reach our destination.       I wasn't so sure about going on a vacation with the dogs. I didn't know how things would work out or if they could be quiet in the room. We found these calming treats that really did the trick! It mellowed both dogs out. I would wake up really early in the morning and walk them for an hour. The beach didn't allow dogs out there before 9am. I made sure they still got their exercise in each day. It was a vacation for them t...

2020 Kia Soul      Well, I took the nose dive and purchased a new car. I'm not disappointed in any way, because this is my second new car from Kia. My first car was purchased in 2013 and it has over 150,000 miles on it. As my old car is slowly racking up the miles, I decided to start paying on a new one. Paramount Kia of Asheville was more than accommodating.        The new edgier look of the 2020 model is really appealing. I like the lane assist that comes standard on this model as well. This is my first car that doesn't have a CD player, which is odd. We are moving so fast as a society that this is considered old technology. Red is my all time favorite color for a vehicle and it's way brighter than my 2013 model. I must be completely crazy to have purchased the newer version of my current daily driver. I'm terrified to drive the new car due to the idiots that I live around. It's a daily battle to dodge them.         ...

Empty Classroom                 This is our last teacher workday, and it's bittersweet as I pack up this year's paperwork and prepare to lock up for the summer. The school years seem to be getting shorter and the students seem to be growing up way too fast. I spent the majority of my day going through my lesson plan books to see what worked best with this group.                  Hopefully I'll get to move up with this group of students. It's always nice to have them for multiple school years, because you don't have to "figure them out" again. Maybe I'll get to teach a new subject too!                  The point in the day where everything gets real is when I turn in my keys for the last time and turn in my sign out sheet. This is my sixth year here and there is never a dull moment. Each year we get to try new things and our students get new c...

    I think my goto drink has got to be vitamin water. The best flavor hands down is acai-blueberry-pomegranate. Not being a fan of plain water is very frustrating due to the fact that I always have to look for something else. With WLS, I still avoid all sodas and carbonated drinks.  If you guys have any suggestions please feel free to leave me some feedback.  This morning's menu:  1 Zone perfect cookie dough bar (180 cal) 1 vitamin water zero 

     The reality of weight loss surgery is that there will be days when being around food is terrible. The amazing staff here at my school cooks us breakfast at the end of the year, and in Southern tradition you have to eat if it's offered. Fried food is one thing that I said goodbye to six months ago. I do not want to start that habit back, because it isn't good for my body.       Gravy is something else that is no longer a food that I will eat. The reality is that sometimes you will have to hurt someone's feelings about their cooking. The chosen method for me is, "I'm just not hungry right now, maybe later." When and if they press the issue I'll be honest, "If I eat that it will make me feel sluggish and bad." So, this morning I had to have this same conversation with the ladies at work. Their food smelled amazing and I really wanted some, but the fact that I don't want to give in is really what stops me.       People are s...

Summer       The books are packed up, the students have left, and the hallways are silent. This time of year is filled with teacher training sessions, luncheons, and phone calls. It's been an amazingly tough school year, but it's all over and I'm glad it happened. Teachers transform into new creatures during summer break. We don't have no where to be and no scheduled classes to teacher, so goodbye early 5:00am mornings. We are creatures of habit and lost when those warm rays hit our faces.        This time three weeks from now I'll be on the beach watching to waves crash. There will be no lesson plans or papers to grade. I'll miss it all, but the summer months are mine and I'm not willing to share that time with any extra responsibilities. Summer Vacation The halls are silent as can be The ocean is all teachers can see Posters and anchor charts are thrown away Teachers still don't know the way Laughter is going out of the class...

        The weight loss is still slow, but I'm finally down to 225lbs. It feels absolutely amazing to know that I'm so close to meeting some of my goals. I think it's a great thing that the weight isn't coming off too quickly. I still encounter people who say I should be so much smaller, but my doctor said that I'm still on track. If other people would mind their own business maybe I wouldn't struggle as much.       I decided to share a picture with you all to show my progress. Pictures say a thousand words, right? I hope you see the progress and determination I have. I still remember when those shorts were too tight to wear. I now have to wear a belt. Being happier is still worth all the process that I went through. This has been a very eventful school year and I have been through so many trials. I think everything happens for a reason. When bad things happen they are usually followed by something positive. This is my time to truly shine and ...

    I usually dread Mondays, but today was different.  I didn't have work today, so I spent the day in solitude in my garden. It's that time of year again when planting begins. This summer will bring new strategies of gardening as I plant my first flower garden.      I spent the better part of the morning landscaping our front yard. This is going to take a while to finish and I'm up for the challenge of trying something new. Anything is better than our current status of disorganization. Mom had dumb solar lights stuck up every where. 

      It has been a few months since I have posted anything, so during this hot second I'm going to catch you up.  I didn't mean to leave any of you out in the dark, but life has been very hectic. This school year has passed by so quickly that I cannot believe we have close to a month left. Summer excitement here we come! I'm planning on going to the beach, gardening, and chilling out.       I'm currently floating around 226lbs and cannot seem to get past this number. I think the stress from work and lack of sleep has something to do with it. When first getting this surgery, I was completely nervous, but I can see the difference that it has made in my life. I'm now able to go ride my bike without the heavy laboring that was there before. I'm no where close to my ideal weight, but every pound lost is a gain for me. As long as I'm not gaining, I'm okay.      I had an appointment with my surgeon and she said that I'm on sc...

    I'm thankful for many things, but today I'm especially thankful for life. I'm getting this second chance of becoming a confident lady, and I'm going to take full advantage of it. Today presented itself with several challenges, all of which, I conquered with ease. Hopefully tomorrow I can get some much needed "me time." 

Progress      I'm still weighing in around 239ish, but I can see differences in my body. At my last doctor's appointment, I had gained a pound in lean muscle tissue, which is amazing. I still want to see more weight loss, but I'm still determined as ever. I think this is more of a journey than I had expected. My every day choices really add up.   I need to be more forgiving to myself, but I'm my toughest enemy. I still feel like I haven't made any visible progress, but I can now fit in some XL clothes. This makes me extremely happy.   

    I have finally gotten back down in the 230s and I'm ecstatic! There is no better feeling than accomplishing your goals even if they are small ones. Today I weighed in at 239.1. The small victories are worth the effort. I feel like the weight is coming off slowly, but maybe that is a good thing?    Our first full week of school will start Monday, and I'm really glad that I will be getting back into a routine soon. Being home all the time is treacherous for someone like me. The TV is too addicting and I love sleeping. New Goals: 1. I'm going to set three to four days aside for exercising each week. 2. Protein Shakes for breakfast 3. Skip the elevator when possible  4. Stop weighing in every day  5. Take my dogs on more walks     I still feel uneasy about my body and food choices. I will have to meet with the dietitian and make a new meal plan that fits my schedule. If you have any advice please feel free to comment on this post. ...