What I'm Loving Wednesday

I'm Loving...

...My sixth graders...more and more each day. I knew I would love student teaching but I didn't expect to actually feel excitement every morning my alarm goes off at 5:51 a.m.

... that Football season is just around the corner! C's first game is Saturday so I'll be driving back to NJ to watch, of course. Can't wait to cheer on my #49 :) And the Terps play Miami on Labor Day and I can.not.wait.  What better way to spend Labor Day Weekend than cheering on your favorite Football teams?!

... My first day back to Group Fitness; I taught Triple C and GTL (Glutes, Thighs, Lower Body) and I know I'm going to be  s o r e  tomorrow! 

... My new big-girl planner. Since high school I've always had a Vera Bradley Agenda to keep me organized and stylish. My friends at home make fun of me, but I don't care.

HOWEVER... This year now that I'm a big-girl Senior and Student Teacher, I felt it was time for me to make a responsible choice and buy a practical planner. My new Five-Star agenda is boring black, but quite functional. I miss my Vera, but today I'm loving my Five-Star. I think that means I'm a grown up. 

That my girl Ashie is tearin' up the blogosphere and gave me this uber adorable Blog Award! Thanks Ash - you're the cutest xxxooo

So now I guess it's my turn to follow the rules?

1. Thank the person who gave you this award:

Thanks Ashie Gurl! Love ya long time. 

2. Reveal 3 random facts about yourself:

I was born with out 5 of my adult teeth. Two babies fell out on their own and now I'm just chillin with 3 baby teeth still in this adult mouth of mine. Weird, right? 

My least favorite utensil is a spoon. 

I wish I was fluent in another language. When I was in elementary school I lied to my teachers and told them I did. 

3. Pass the award on:

I guess I can't give it to Lauren or Ashley since they're already covered? Oy, I'm new to this.

1. Amber @ Brunch with Amber

2. Mrs. M @ Mrs. Monologues

3. Courtney @ Dear Darling

4. Jessica @ Live Laugh Love

5. Elizabeth @ Life with Elizabeth 

Ten On Tuesday

1. What is your favorite brand of shoes?

On my College Girl Budget? Jessica Simpson or Steve Madden. Affordable and always oh-so-adorable. 

My favorite favorite favorite pair of SM boots. I've nearly worn them into the ground, anyone wanna buy me a new pair??

This girl knows shoes.

2. How old were you when you learned to tie your shoes?
You're gonna have to ask my mama that one. If I had to guess I'd say 5. Or maybe 4 and a half. I think most kids start to tie their shoes around kindergarten, but you know I've always been sort of advanced ;)  I do remember having a wooden block in the shape of a shoe with laces attached, so I could practice tying. I think it worked? 

3. How do you feel about freckles?
Love love love them, of course. I think they look healthy and fun when they come out in the summer. My lovah boy gets them ever so faintly on his nose in the summer and I think they're gorgeous. I tell him, and he says he doesn't see them. 


4. I can count to ten in ___ languages.
Two. English, and Spanish. If you asked me how many languages I could count to 7 in, it would be three because I can only remember up to "sept" in French.

5. What is your favorite store-bought ice cream flavor?
I don't usually buy ice cream from a grocery store, I prefer Ritas to anything. But if I had to choose it would probably be Coffee. Although I'll never order that flavor out at an ice cream parlor. It's just what I think I would want out of my freezer. Is that weird? 

6. Were you in ballet or gymnastics as a little girl?
Ballet for a good eight years of my life. Gymnastics for a few, too - but I don't think I was very good at tumbling. 

7. Who is your favorite Sesame Street character?
Elmo ("MoMo") of course.

8. What’s your bedtime?
Tonight? 9:30. Seriously. I'm 21 and my roommates are going out tonight before classes start but I have to be a responsible intern and be at my classroom by 7am. Plus, I'm a big baby and need a solid eight hours of sleep nightly. I don't care if you judge me I'll continue my sleeping habits thank you very much.

9. Do you have any jewelry that you wear every single day?
Not every single day because I'm a jewelry snob and I must must must match all pieces of jewelry. Therefore, most days are silver days, some are gold, fewer are brown and some are rose or colored.  The jewelry that get the most wear are my Michael Kors watch and my Tiffany "M" necklace. Both from C, because he knows me so well. 

Gotta love a boy with a good eye for jewelry! ;-) 

10. Who is the bug killer in your household?
My momma is bug-killer, shrub-cutter, meal-cooker, house-cleaner, problem-solver extraordinaire. There is nothin' that lady won't do! 

Monday, Not Sunday Delirium.

Today is Monday but it feels like Sunday. I want to believe tomorrow is Tuesday but I'm picking out my outfit as if it were a Monday and now I don't know what to wear. I don't think it matters if I wear a Monday shirt on a Tuesday morning but maybe it does? Does anyone else have these thoughts? 

 I enjoyed my day off because of all the days of the week to have two of, I would want it to be Sunday. But now I'm confused and I think a little bit delirious and I can't stop laughing at this: 

Nerd Alert? Maybe but I don't care. I'm going to stop blogging now and try to read myself to sleep because it is almost 10:00 and time for this college kid to go to bed. And that's that. 

Naturally Disastrous

If you're reading this, congratulations.

You have survived the Hurri-quake-anado of 2011. 

It's Monday morning and I am not at Student Teaching as my agenda book tells me I should be. 

Instead, I am sitting in the cloud of down that is my bed and shaking my head in dismay, and delight, in the events of the past week.  

On Wednesday Maryland shook pretty hard as a result of the 'quake in VA, leaving some of PGCPS to be closed for the rest of the week. My school was only closed for one day, which was disappointing at first, but soon I figured it to be a blessing. We're already far behind in lesson planning for 40 students thanks to monotony of first-week dullsville preparatory measures. Two extra days off would have sent me into a further spiraling digression into Summer Mode and left our plans in a black sixth grade hole of no return with no possibility of recovery. 

So we returned to school on Thursday and my students were already overly concerned about the forthcoming Hurricane Irene. 

8:15 Thursday Morning: 

"So about this Hurricane.... when will you tell us to Evacuate?"

We won't be telling you to evacuate. The Hurricane won't really be here until the weekend so we won't be in school. No need to worry.

8:45 This Same Morning:

"What EXACTLY will happen with this hurricane?"

Probably some really really strong winds and a lot of heavy rain. A hurricane is a a really big rainstorm that starts in the ocean.

Her eyes widen before she pivots her body and scurries to report to the gaggle of peers waiting behind her. 

1:00 Thursday Afternoon:

"So about this Hurricane again..."

(I can't help but laugh.) Yes, M? 

"Will it like, blow over an apartment building?"

No! No no, it won't be that bad I promise.

"Ok because like, I live in **** *** Apartments and I'm just thinking that would be bad. Maybe we should all evacuate now."

That won't be necessary.

And I walk away and rethink ever being honest with 6th graders about weather ever again. 

Then the weekend came and Jill and I ventured to Safeway, the Dollar Store, and the Liquor Store for disaster necessities. Our purchases?

Rum

Bud Light

All the juices needed to make "Hurricanes"
Candles

Plastic Cups

Inflatable Flamingo

Tropical Flower Head Pieces

Plastic Beach Scene Wall Mural 

We were prepared for a Tropical Storm Party, and Party we did. Along with the rest of College Park. 

Saturday night brought the worst of Irene and I watched the trees blow from the safety of my living room watching Erin Brokovich and eating junk food. I wasn't so much concerned for College Park; I had high hopes we wouldn't get hit too hard. I was overwhelmingly worried about my family back home in NJ, closer to water and the impending Tornado. 

Luckily everyone is safe and little to no serious damage was actually seen here nor at home. We were without power for over twelve hours, but Jill and I just sought refuge in her parent's home with a pool at which to bronze and a fully stocked bar with which to provide us cocktails. 

I got a phone call informing me school was closed yet again, due to power outages across the county, so we returned to our Apartyment and decided, as all mature college students did, to begin one more time the Hurricane procedures of blending, drinking, and dancing. In final review of the night at 2AM, I concluded the night to be naturally disastrous, in a good way.


Now it's a beautiful day and I have off from school. I will spend this time of calm after the storm working out, cleaning my room, and organizing myself for classes that are finally starting this week.


It's the last Monday of August and with all that has happened this last week I think I should start to prepare for September.


Enjoy the calm today, kiddies. I know I will. 

Nostalgia - Jersey Shore Style

Last weekend was spent at the Jersey shore, soaking up the sun, getting my fist pump on, and watching the first of C's preseason games. It was a fantastic weekend. Two of my three roomies came to experience life that is the real Jersey Shore, where I set up a PTA (Proper Tanning Angle, for you beach amateurs) for both of them via oversized beach towels, let them discover the deliciousness that is Surf Taco and later introduced them to the infamous D'Jais.

Ah, Belmar. How I miss you.  

Jill and Sarah had an awesome time at D'Jais, needless to say. They were in slight culture shock, I think. Jill mentioned a couple times that "people are just...bigger here." and Sarah was determined to find at least one surfer boy -- difficult mission indeed. If you know my roommates, you know they were more than pleased with the immediate rage-factor that smacks you in the face as soon as you walk through the door. I think they have a new love for RBVs and air horns. And I think Sarah is still wearing her D'Jais hat. We may have walked out of the bar that night with significantly less money, without Jill's car keys and slightly less dignity, but it was so worth it. 

A text message from Jill this afternoon prompted me to write this post. Although I got the same message already sent twice directly to my phone, she forwarded me a mass text from D'Jais: "2Day We're Open! Pre Hurricane Party! Happy hour 5 to 9 tonight after 8P GSP Alt Route to DJais is Exit 100 to 33 east to 35 South..."

Yearning for some J-Shore, Jillie? 

A little background - all exits south of 98 on the Garden State Parkway are closed today in evacuation mode for the hurricane. AKA, D'Jais is that hardcore.  And I kind of want to go... tonight. 

... If Irene gets in our way there's always next weekend. And I just know College Park will be rage-tastic tonight. I have my house music blaring from my laptop already either way ... soooo ready for the weekend!

Happy Friday Everyone!!!!!!!!!! 

It's OK...

It's OK ... 

... To think everyone is completely overreacting over the Earthquake, yet still be ridiculously outraged your school isn't one of the 32 in the county that has a day off.

... To want to put Chocolate and Peanut Butter in your Oatmeal. It's a real thing.

... To be slightly excited for a natural disaster. But only when you're in college because College is the only place that being locked in your home (apartment/dorm/frat house/dive-bar) for hours on end is fun. 

... To be excited it's Thursday because that means it's also Jersday.

... And that Jersey Shore is your not so-guilty pleasure. 

... To work out hardcore Jillian Michaels Style and reward yourself with a Chipwich. 

... To be a vegetarian... just for a week... just to see if you can do it. 

(I can!)


... That you cringe and want to scream and maybe even sweat a little bit every time someone writes "a lot" as one word. 

....I think

Did I ever mention...

...I have the best boyfriend in the world? 

Because indeed, I do. 

I mentioned earlier that due to yesterday's natural disaster, the public schools in the county were closed. Ergo, Ms. Y had a day off.  Of course I spent the day sunning with the girls at the Pool, and of course it was perfect. 

Later, as I was in line at the check out counter of our local Target, right before my credit card was declined and I walked out merchandise-less and ashamed, I got a phone call from the front desk of my apartment building.  

"Hi Maggie, this is Alice from the desk, you have a perishable package waiting for you that you should probably pick up as soon as possible."

No problem, Alice, as I can't bring home the cart-full of items I spent an hour and a half in Target shopping for, so I need not waste any time unloading a car or putting things away.  I'll be there in 10 minutes. 

I was somewhat curious what could be waiting for me that was perishable. All I hoped was that it wasn't something awful like an uncalled for prank in which someone sent me stinky cheese or bottles of ranch dressing. Because that is my worst nightmare. Because those things are dreadful, and who wants them being delivered to their apartment? I only hope that I don't have any enemies that would think to send me rank food products.*

Luckily, when I returned from Target with nothing, I was greeted by Alice and a pink vase of short stemmed roses. From Loverboy, of course :) 

Let me just take this time to remind myself how much I love this boy. Long distance relationships can be difficult for most people, but for three years now I've lived two states away from my boyfriend and have never been more sure of anything in my life. I'm not saying it's always easy; I find myself getting foolishly selfish when I don't get to spend as much time as I want with him. But times like this remind me that even through football camp, classes, school work, lifting, meetings, work, and personal chores, my C is always thinking of me.  

He spoils me to death and I hope he knows how thankful I am. I don't only** receive flowers on traditional flower-giving days (i.e. birthday, Valentines Day, etc.) ... can any other girls say they received a "Happy Move-In-Day-of-Second-Semester-Sophomore-Year" bouquet? Or how about a "Good-Luck-In-Student-Teaching" heart shaped display of roses? 

I think I've done enough gloating for one post, but let me just say that after a surprise day off from School, a fabulous pool day with the girls, and a Target Shopping mishap, flowers from my boy made this day an A+ in my book.

Thanks bebe! 

*By the way, JK about the cheese delivery. Of course I knew it wasn't white food (I detest) waiting for me. That would be unfathomable.
**I appreciate my flowers any day of the year!!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

I'm Loving...

...That PGC Public Schools are closed today. Apparently our Rock 'n Rollin Earthquake did enough damage to the internal structure of the buildings to give us a day off. While it was a scary 20 seconds of my life, and while I hope I never have to experience an earthquake again, I am thankful for the day of reprieve! I plan on running this morning, laying out at the pool, and catching up on some reading. Love love love. 

... that post-workout sore my quads are feeling today. Jillie and I did Day 1 of Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred yesterday (followed by a hilly campus jog) and it felt great! Call me crazy but I just love the feeling of soreness - it's a reminder of the hard work you did the day before. 

... the delicious smoothie I had this morning. 

-blueberries

-1/2 a frozen banana

-6 oz plain non-fat greek yogurt

- 1/4 cup skim milk

-1 tsp honey

yumm.o. 

... Ray LaMontagne Radio on Pandora. 

... my sixth graders and my new role at the fabulous Hollywood Elementary School! I'm feeling incredibly mature with my new responsibilities, and although I'm apprehensive about the work load for the remainder of the year, I think I'm more thankful to have been placed in such a great classroom/school. 

Rock N Roll @ Hollywood

Of all the unexpected things that could happen within the limits of a PG County School Day with 40 hormonal sixth graders, a 5.9 level earthquake was probably one of the least expected.  

Among some of the other unexpected events at Hollywood Elementary today:

- I discovered the inner-Jersey Boy in one of my little guys. He admitted his favorite song was "Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi. When asked why, he stated "Because when I'm down it cheers me up." =] 

I also caught him fist pumping during an ice breaker yesterday:

 "You know who I am Ms Y? ....The Solution."

I think you mean The Situation, bud. 

"Yeah. Whatever, you know. But this is how he dances."

As unexpected as it was to find a Jersey Boy in PG County, I do not hate it. 

- A student confessed her favorite color to be purple because it is "mysterious and vicious."

(Remind me to stay away from you, girlfriend.)

- Desk throwing a la Jersey Housewives over an allegedly stolen sticker. 

- A wall in the main hallway is now cracked as a result of the afternoon's earthquake.  And we were in "evacuation mode." Oh, lawdy.

Hollywood's school-wide theme this year is "Rock 'n Roll." I'm beginning to think this school takes their themes a little bit too seriously. And that was Day 2. Can't wait to see what Day 3 of Student Teaching has to offer. 

Ten on Tuesday

1. Do you listen to the radio in your car?  If so, what type of station do you like?
All the time. Almost my entire drive from MD to NJ is country radio. 

2. What is the best concert you have ever attended?
Ah that's a tough one. Honestly? Probably Aerosmith with Kiss at MSG. A close runner-up would be Bruce at the closing of the Meadowlands. 

3. What is the most embarrassing concert you have ever attended?
I don't think I'm embarrassed about any of the concerts I have attended.  Although it was slightly embarrassing sitting third row at a Tim McGraw concert...crying....by myself.  But only slightly. The concert was way too good to feel anything other than joy and excitement. 

4. If you could have the singing voice of anyone in the world, who would it be?
Hmm... Probably Martina McBride. 

5. You’re auditioning for American Idol.  What song do you sing?
I have no idea, but I do know it would a song originally sung by a male. Because my singing voice most closely resembles that of a male singer than a female singer. Just ask my sister, she never forgets to remind me of this lovely quality of mine.  

6. If your previous weekend had its own soundtrack, what would be a few of the songs?
Seek Bromance - Avicci (sung live at D'Jais Friday night!!)
Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO
Give Me Everything - Pitbul
Barefoot Blue Jean Night - Jake Owens
I'm On One -  Lil'Wayne (bc the boys at the shore house wouldn't stop playing it)
You and Tequila - Kenny Chesney ft. Grace Potters 

7. Most annoying television show theme song ever:
Backyardigans. UGHHHH. The worst part about babysitting my girls (Thank goodness they're getting too old to enjoy this show)

8. Are you and your significant other music-compatible?
Very much so. He's my concert companion. Although I will say he can listen to the screaming rock a little more than I can. And I probably enjoy a good R&B song more than him, but most of the time we compromise. 

9. A song that brings me back to middle school:
Holiday Inn - Chingy

10. A song that brings me back to high school:
Forever - Chris Brown

11. A guilty pleasure song (or three):
So Into You - Tamia ft. Fabolous!!!!!!!!!! I can't get enough of this song. Oh well. 
Still Fly - Big Tymers
Show Stopper - Dannity Kane 
#SorryImNotSorry 

Hollywood Glitz n Grammar

Today marked my first day of a year-long internship, Student Teaching in a 6th grade classroom at Hollywood Elementary School.  

Right now it is close to 6:00 PM and I am ready for bed.

I was up before the Sun this morning, and remembered during my half-asleep shower (I nearly drowned) that I didn't iron the dress I wanted to wear for my first day of school.  I had two options: take the time to iron the dress or choose another outfit. I loathe ironing. If I could eliminate one chore from the rest of my life, ironing would be it. The dress I planned to wear was purchased in Barcelona with this precise day in mind; it was a short sleeved, two toned dress - white from the waist up, khaki from the waist down - with a pencil skirt form that hit at just the right spot above my knees. Decently conservative, yet highly fashionable. The perfect dress for a Student Teacher.  


Obviously, I couldn't choose another outfit. I bit the bullet and plugged in our cheap no-name iron and unfolded the miniature ironing board kept in the depths of our laundry cove. 15 minutes and a mildly sweaty brow later, I came close to a victory and ironed out most of the wrinkles. 

Completely dressed, although only partially blow-dried (unforeseen ironing took precious time away from hair-doing), I got in my car to drive the 7 minutes to school. And then I spilled my coffee onto my freshly pressed skirt. 

I remained surprisingly calm and walked into the school with poise and coffee-stained confidence.

Soon enough I was making introductions to 40, that's right, FORTY, sixth graders, half of whom were taller than me. Quite a shift from my small summer class of 18 six-year-olds. 

I'm going to need a Mega-Phone for the other side of the room to hear me. 

Despite my stressful morning, and despite the initial terror that ran through my veins at first sight of the 5'10" eleven-year-old approaching me at 7:35 AM, I was very impressed and pleased with my first day. 

My Desk! Along with the cute teachery gifts my mentor gave me! 

The students were surprisingly well-behaved for sitting in the same seat for 5 out of the 6 and a half hours of the school day while their teacher preached to them rules and expectations and they organized their desks. 

I think my favorite part about 6th grade is going to be the English curriculum (duh). I am so excited for the novels we get to read, and a grammar lesson is required by the county each and every day. Woooo! 

Ms. D (my mentor): "These are your grammar journals. Who can remind me what grammar is?"

Lil' Diva: "It's when you make corrections because you make lotsa mistakes."

Big Guy: "You know like periods and commas and question marks and stuff."

Boyyyy I can't wait to get my hands on these grammar books.  

All in all, it was a great first day. My head may still be aching a little too loudly, my feet may be blistered, and my eyes may be ready to shut, but I am still excited to see what Day 2 of Student Teaching has to bring. I know I'm going to fall in love with these kids.

Bring on the Glitz & Grammar, Hollywood ES! 

Mixed Feelings

This summer is going by altogether quite too fast and I don't know how I feel about it. 

I woke up with conflicting feelings of excitement and depression this Friday of my last weekend at home of the summer. 

Excited because it's Friday and that means a trip down the shore and HH at D'Jais. Not to mention two out of three roomies are visiting me all way from Baltimore to experience the Jersey Shore. Can't wait to see them, pray the weather holds out! 

Depressed because quite frankly I'm not ready to have a schedule again. Not ready to part with the lifestyle I will leave behind in NJ - where my biggest uncertainty is whether I will go to the beach that morning or what Hot Yoga class I'll take that day. Not quite ready for the uncertainty of completing homework assignments and the fickle autumn weather I'll have to trek through to get around campus. 

Today I plan on temporarily pretending like I have nothing to do and having fun with my girlfriends. Tomorrow I will watch C's first intra-squad scrimmage and hopefully grab a bite to eat with him afterwards. Sunday I'll celebrate my Momma's bday and act like I won't be just a three and a half hour drive away from Fall Semester Reality. Who's with me?