Life of the Party

      Such a small word to have such a huge connotation. The word, "loss" can have so many meanings, and its meaning can change due to circumstance. After many years of thinking about this word, I have come to the conclusion that no two people will have the same understanding of loss. So what is loss to me?        Loss isn't getting rained on and having my day go to hell. Loss is an experience of having something or someone taken away abruptly. Spasmodically wishing that that entity could be brought back into existence is a form of loss. Loss is the girl who slowly realizes all her childhood friends have become adults, and she has stayed the same. Loss is seeing everyone around you moving on, and at the same time you are stuck.         Loss isn't about being right all the time. Sometimes your monotonous life continues without your knowledge. You are not always the victor in every argument. Being wrong, however bad it...

         The school year has begun and it is going to be a promising year. I have many potential students bursting with knowledge. The first day jitters have left me and I'm getting back into the pattern of teaching. Reluctantly, I'm still cramming the night before class to finish last minute presentations, notes, annotations, and grades. The enjoyment of teaching is still something I hold dear.           I will miss the long lazy days of fishing with my dad, and endless leisure time to spend with a good book.  Living the ascetic life was amazing. My days were spent gardening, reading, mowing, fishing, and swimming. I will miss the late night chats with my mom about her job and the drama that comes with it. I have used this summer time as a parapet of sorts. It has shielded me from the reality of work.  

 A day well spent with the father figure in my spasmodically life. Today was awesome to say the least. We were up before dawn and loading the boat with supplies.      This was my meager catch of the day. Although I spent most of my day sun tanning, I was also actively fishing. There beauties were baited with worms and artificial bait. The water was calm and transparent. Fishing is such a relaxing sport, and I fully appreciate the time spent with my dad. School starts back soon, and I'll miss these precious moments. 

       True friendship is hard to come by, and when you discover you have it, cherish it!  I'm one of the lucky people who has two best friends. They were not always in my life, but perfect timing and good memories have brought them closer.         I took out time today to truly appreciate what I have. Hopefully, one day when we are old, we will see that all this wasted time of hanging out and cooking will be worth the laughs and jokes. It's not the time that matters, but the people we choose to spend it with. Thank the people who are in your life and make sure they know that they matter. I would rather have two best friends than eight "so called friends." 

Oh how I miss the beach!  I want to go back and stay. I'm fully aware that it isn't in my finical budget, but it would be really nice. With all the recent shark attacks being displayed on our local news channel, I was almost deterred from the ocean. Shark week has really helped fuel the negativity too! With SPF 50, I think I was more than prepared.  Maybe some time soon I will return to the sand and waves? Yes, I included a question mark!   I want to go back NOW!!!

     As summer comes to a close, a feeling of anticipation begins to unfold. I love the first few days back as a teacher, when the kids are there. The first days back is a sacred time for me. I map out my "teaching year" and reorganize.        I cannot wait until the first day of school, and I'm dreading open house. I never know what to say to my new students and their parents. Meeting new people is always a plus, but often I become dumbfounded. Hopefully this year will start out great and end well. 

       Vacation is such a simplistic word that defines itself wholly.  I have had to most wonderful carefree week ever. First off my incredibly adopted sister had the perfect “get away” at Myrtle Beach. This was my first adventure to the ocean without being on a field trip. I relished in the grainy sand beneath my feet.         Being away from home was a delight and a burden at the same time. I felt sensations of guilt for not taking my parents for me, but at the same time I felt like I deserved it. The sound of crashing waves surrounded me and swept me away in vast sleep. The calming sensation was and is so alluring.     I would really like to return and spend the whole summer in that hot steamy sand.   The sky was breathtaking and so was the scent of salt. The week was quickly spent collecting seashells, laughing, sun bathing, and site seeing. I really didn’t want to ...

      First of all, I would like to thank the community in which I work. I'm thankful that they provide for their children a summer school of crafts and learning experiences. Our staff strives to make our children aware of their rich background.  I was blessed again this year to be  participating in cultural summer school. I was placed in the gourds class. Below is a mask that I made during our training session with the lead teacher. I'm not very artistic, so hopefully you can identify it as a bear.      After two weeks of extreme fun, I'm very tired and ready for regular school to start. My summer will consist of gardening and lesson planning. Maybe I'll be extra active and have my first weeks of school planned out. I want this coming school year to run smoothly. 

        My poor orca plants have lagged behind, but all hope isn't lost. I will be dumping the Miracle Grow in this tire. Research is in my near future. If any of you have ideas of how to effectively grow this plant, please feel free to email me.   The squash is blooming and I'm super exited.       The green beans have been picked, peaked, and boiled.   The steam coming from the stove fogged up my camera. My mom decided to help. She said you needed to add onions, bacon, and salt to make them eatable.           Gardening is such a rewarding hobby to have. I'm pretty much excited anytime I get to take in the food. I know this winter I will appreciate all this work. I will be bagging them up in freezer bags. Hopefully, I will have around fifteen bags. 

                            I know this seems juvenile, but I was completely ecstatic about reaping my harvest. My green beans will soon be mature enough to take also. The only complaint that I have to make is the fact that I didn't have the opportunity to expand my small garden. The insects are still being pests, but the SEVEN Dust has really accomplished its task. Now, if only I can keep the plants watered and my dogs out of the tire S.   :)  The smile across my face is currently priceless. I was decked out in my camo gardening clothing.    My first tomato is super small, and will continue to ripen in my window sill. I was poised and ready first thing this morning to water, weed, and take inventory of my garden. In all honesty, I was avoiding the squelching humid heat that seems to bear down constantly during the summer. I understand that it is a small tomato, but the joy of this new hobby ...