A Little Set Back...

Just when things seemed to being going really great, like, becoming a 4th grade teacher, the best part about my life right now ;) I got into a car accident. Thankfully, I walked away from it, understanding now how bad it actually could have been.... I was headed to school about 7:30ish. That week had been the week where our temperatures dropped in the double negatives, and the roads were as icy as I have seen them in years. As I was approaching an intersection on Bendix, the traffic light turned yellow. I was unable to stop, under the crazy road conditions, so I literally slid through the intersection, unaware that Transpo bus across from me was going to make a left hand turn in front of me. I swerved as hard as I could to avoid any contact with the bus, but being the size of a Transpo, and a Pontiac, we eventually collided. I was literally tossed across 3 lanes of traffic, and then shoved into a snow bank. I just sat there with my eyes closed, thinking "Did this just happen?" I have never felt myself shake so horribly as I did at that moment. My mind went blank and I was not sure what to do first. I looked around realizing that it wasn't a nightmare and that I was sitting in a pile of snow, unable to get out from my drivers side. Thankfully, a man stopped and asked if I was okay, and that he was calling 911. I am really grateful that he did. I tried calling anyone, Phil, my mom, and even 911, but I couldn't. My hands were shaking and I couldn't dial any number. After a couple of minutes, I saw police lights coming my way. It was at that moment that i realized I was okay. I think I just started crying even harder. The bus hit my passenger side causing the door to be somewhat jammed. I started to panic thinking "What if I can't get out?" After pulling my door open I got out, not wanting to see how bad my car really was. As I sat in the back of the police car, (never thought I would have to do that one) I called my mom and Phil. I remember it being so cold, that my tears started to freeze. I did not look at my car, I just didn't want to know at that point. As of today, my insurance company is still dealing with Transpo, and I am still with out a car. I went and saw my car for the first time a few days ago. I guess in the back of my mind, if I didn't go see the car, it was like "Oh, maybe it didn't happen." But, it did, and I am alive and healthy. My realization is that my car can be replaced. So much worse could have happened, and I am grateful that it didn't. Even though I was traveling solo, someone had to have been in my passenger seat.

I took a few pics on my phone, so I tried my best to upload them. The pictures are not very clear, but you can get the gist of the damage :(

Earning a Paycheck

Well, as of January 12, 2009, I am earning a solid paycheck doing what I love. I was hired into the SBCSC as a 4th grade teacher at Harrison Primary. I am very excited, nervous, over-whelmed, fortunate, privileged, anxious, and blessed. I am very proud of of the career I have chosen, and am proud of myself for graduating college! :) I have been trying to organize things around the room, get to know the students individual personalities, and get back into the routine of school. So far, so good! I will be a busy girl thats for sure, but loving every minute of it! Keep everyone posted on how things are going as a teacher!!! :D

Another Year...

Anther Christmas went by, and so did another year. Some days, weeks or even months go by so fast, I feel like I completely missed them. This Christmas was quiet, and different than any other one. Not being home, was one of the biggest changes I felt during the holidays. Even though Christmas was at Mom's, it just wasn't the same not living there. I made the best of it, and celebrated with the familiy, and the boys. They were really lucky this year. Nick and Nolan each got their own Wii system. Grandma spoils them, thats for sure! We spent the day relaxing, drinking wine, and watching Christmas Vacation. Which I still burst out laughing at each scene, as if it were the first time I had seen the movie. On Dad's side, I spent the day at Grandma's and Grandpa's. It was quiet there as well. Aunt Mar was in New York this year. But we caught up a little while later to celebrate. This year I got a few really cool "teacher" gifts. I got a paper cutter, you know for all the crafty projects, and even a small laminater. I absolutely love making projects. Now I can spend time doing them at home! I rang in my new year, at the Emporium. I worked both Christmas and New Year's Eve. Phil came to my work towards the end of my shift, so we could be together for when the ball dropped. By the time my day was over, and we had started a new year, I was exhausted. We spent an hour or so drinking wine and champagne at work then headed for home. Phil and I started our new year by relaxing on the floor eating a piece of chocolate cake I brought home from work, and chatting about 2008. Of course, Chloe and Buddy were right by our side giving us love, or probably just wanting a nibble of cake. Either way, it was a good way to bring in 2009. Life is good, and I have proof.

Maybe a Future

During this past weekend, I kept myself busy with working at the restaurant, cleaning, hanging out with Rachel, and of course, playing Wii. I feel so out of place with the new routines and tasks of being a college graduate. On Friday night, while working, I ran into someone I knew from the school I just student taught at. I briefly chatted with her, and told her that I was finally finished with college. It just so happens, that her husband is also the principal at the school. They are an awesome pair and are such an asset to the school. After talking for only a minute or two, I had to get back to my tables. I was extremely excited when they were sat at a table near my section. I took this as a chance to really step up my "A Game" and talk with him. So I went to their table and asked how things were going, and let him know that I was now finished with college and excited to get into a classroom of my own. Let me tell you how God works in many ways. He offered me a job. I will be taking the permanent sub position in a few weeks, and then beginning the first week of April, will be taking over a fourth grade classroom. I just can not believe that I have my foot in the door at an awesome school, and feel extremely blessed to have a job that will be paying me well. Dont get me wrong, I absolutely love serving, and work with a wonderful staff, but teaching is my real passion. I think teaching is a job that really challenges you to understand the diversity that surrounds us in this world. It is a job that is rewarding and motivating. I love how each day is different, and has a new routine. There is no way I could work in a factory or a cubicle. I love the feeling of coming home and relaxing and being able to talk to Phil about the day, knowing that I accomplished a small goal of making a difference. I am so glad that Phil is able to understand and relate to teaching. Of course he is ahead of me with having his own 6th grade classroom, but I am so glad I can go to him with questions he can actually answer. Talk about having an understanding and supportive husband!So many times, we have been asked when we will be having children. My mom is always dropping hints of how she would love another grandchild and knows that the next grandchild will be a girl. Phil and I are excited to have children, and in the future we will make that decision. However, having a classroom of 25 students, is enough birth control for now. Phil and I have so much to look forward to, simple things, like having our first Christmas together, buying our first home, being prepared for life and become more financially stable. I promise! that they day will come, and it will, so hang in there for when we decide to have a baby. But for now, Chloe and Buddy are our little ones. And we can leave them with out having to pay a baby sitter :)





Buddy Chloe Phil and Chloe

Christmas Time is Here...

Not long after Thankgiving, did I realize that in a few weeks Christmas was going to be here. (Dont even bother asking me if I am ready.) However, I have already been listening to Christmas music for a few weeks now, which drives Phil absolutely crazy. I grew up always having music on in the house, and especially around the holidays. I really enjoy listening to the Rat Pack, singing infamous Christmas songs, lounging and organizing things around the apartment, along with being able to relax with friends and family. This past weekend Phil and I went out and about to search for not only the perfect Christmas tree, but our very first Christmas tree together as a married pair! We looked over a few trees, but found the one that was honestly the most perfect tree. No bare spots, no random tree branches sticking way out, and no squirrels. Phil and I placed our tree in its stand, and just gazed at it. At this point, we had not even put the lights or ornaments on it yet. We were a bit apprehensive about how the cats were going to handle eveything the holidays were about to bring in. So far......so good. Chloe seems to enjoy the dirty water from the tree stand, and I have only found 2 ornaments on the floor. For kittens, they are doing an awesome job of staying out of Christmas tree trouble. After getting our tree, we went over to my moms to have a small family dinner. Its always nice to go home. I just always get that warm fuzzy feeling, that is sometimes hard to leave. (I often have to snap myself back to reality and realize I have a home of my own now.) When we got home, the tree was still standing to our relief. So as Phil turned on ESPN to watch the Bowl Picks, I started stringing on Christmas lights. Phil and I placed the ornaments on our tree, and laughed about how bare our tree still looked. However, we talked about exciting it will be to watch our tree ornament collection grow over the years to come. After all this is our first Christmas together :)

After decorating the tree and the apartment, such as placing lights around the windows and putting out decorations, I can now really and fully appreciate all of my moms effort and hard work that she did when it came to decorating for any holiday. I have come to realize how important it is to value and be thankful for all of the little and big things moms do to help make a house a home, especially for the holidays.