Good Things// volume 1

 During middle school (and even some high school) my parents got separated, divorced, and then my dad passed away shortly there after. So suffice to say, my parents thought it would be best for me to see a therapist. For the most part I hated it and I hated talking to a stranger about my problems. I did gain a helpful piece of advice (if that's what you want to call it...). He told me to keep a journal and whatever I write down, to follow it up with a list of good things that happened that day (and to write them in a different, bold color ink- so it would stand out). What I realized, was that the more I focused on the positive, the more positive I became. 

I'm not very good at keeping a written journal anymore (no matter how many times I make it a goal), but I do have this blog. And while I've tried to write mostly positive here, I'm not always good about sharing my everyday good. So why not start a new series?? 

So here it is.... (for however long it lasts).

Good Things.

volume 1:

- This morning, after hearing one of my students almost in tears because her backpack broke and her mom couldn't buy her a new one, a mom (who has never met the child or myself before) pulled me to the side and told me she was going to buy my student a new backpack and she'd be right back. The smile on my student's face was absolutely priceless as she showed off her new backpack to me was priceless.

-One my of my student's celebrated her birthday today and saved me a cupcake (which was totally amazing, by the way)!

-Girls night dinner tonight! I love those ladies so very much!

-A new show premieres tonight, which I've been looking forward to for awhile...Sleepy Hollow.

-Chloe cuddles. (Minus the biting of course).

-kel

30 days of june...half way there.

A couple of weeks ago I made my own 30 days of June list. Since the end is slowly (or not so slowly) creeping up, I figured I might as well start tracking how I've done so far with my goals.

So things I've done so far.....
1. clean my classroom
2. have a girls weekend vacation
5. do something special to celebrate mine and Steven's anniversary
7. organize my classroom (however, looks like it will be moving anyway....)
8.  finish at least 1 book (2 actually!!)
9. sleep in some
10. stay up late
11. help plan a birthday party
16. clean up our home more (still working on this, but at least I started!!)
17. go to the pool and get some sun!
18. find my zip drive
21.keep up with my 5 year Q&A book (so far, so good)
22. start getting in shape
24. go a day without soda
25. start a new book
26. take pictures (Keag's birthday!!)
27. relax
28. enjoy the beginning of my summer


Not too bad. Especially for me!

Have you made a summer goal list? What's on yours?

-kel

30 days of June

So one of my favorite bloggers wrote a post recently that really inspired me. Of course, it's not exactly the same as hers, because while she is planning on doing one thing each day, I can't commit to that. So what I will say is that my list of 30 things to do in June may happen sporadically, but I am a-okay with that.

So here are the 30 things I want to do in June:
1. clean my classroom
2. have a girls weekend vacation
3. finish Chloe's training (and feel like it was money well spent)
4. celebrate some friends birthdays (i think there's 4 in all)
5. do something special to celebrate mine and Steven's anniversary
6. so something a little special to say goodbye to my kidos
7. organize my classroom
8.  finish at least 1 book
9. sleep in some
10. stay up late
11. help plan a birthday party
12. write a kickass maid of honor speech
13. be a better friend
14. be a better daughter
15. take Chloe to the dog park (at least once)
16. clean up our home more
17. go to the pool and get some sun!
18. find my zip drive (ekkk)
19. get a message
20. wash my car
21.keep up with my 5 year Q&A book
22. start getting in shape
23. try a new food
24. go a day without soda
25. start a new book
26. take pictures
27. relax
28. enjoy the beginning of my summer
29. help my friend out with her wedding
30. get a pedicure

What would your list look like?
-kel

books books books

Update on 2012 goal #1.....read at least 15 books.
 (I read 40).

I figured I'd make a list of all the books I read and maybe even get some suggestions from yall for this year's books!??!!

 Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

The Plantation: A Twisted Tale From A Demented Mind by Frank T. Stoppa

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

Love Wins by Rob Bell

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Mocking Jay by Suzanne Collins

Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart by Beth Pattilo

Fit To Be Tied by Bill and Lynne Hybels

Behaving Like Adults by Anna Maxted

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

Step on A Crack by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge

Cross by James Patterson

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Swimsuit by James Patterson

The Other Boleyn Girl by Phillipa Gregory

Let's Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson

The Boleyn Inheritance by Phillipa Gregory

Is Everyone Hanging out without me? by Mindy Raling

The Constant Princess by Phillipa Gregory

The Queen's Rival by Diane Haeger

Mademoiselle Boleyn by Robin Maxwell

My Year With Eleanor by Noelle Hancock

Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man by Steve Harvey

The Queen's Mistake by Diane Haeger

Your First Year Teaching and Beyond by Ellen Kronovitz

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

LA Candy by Lauren Conrad

Sweet Little Lies by Lauren Conrad

Sugar and Spice by Lauren Conrad

50 Shades of Grey by EL James

50 Shades Darker by EL James

50 Shades Freed by EL James

Single in the City by Michele Gorman

Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut

Cracked by Tara Logan

Spying in High Hells by Gemma Halliday

Bridesmaid Lotto by Rachel Astor

Gamble on Engagement by Rachel Astor

The Wedding Wager by Rachel Astor

Kisses From Katie by Katie Davis

thankful list

photo found on pinterest

I am thankful for.....

my Savior, who died for me

my amazing mom, who would do anything for me

my dad, who taught me so much in our short time together

my boyfriend who is always trying to take care of me

my stepdad who always give his all

my soulmate Leigh, who loves me and gets me through all my craziness

for my amazing friend Jen, who is always there for me when I need it

for my sweet friend Erica, who reminds me how to be a good friend 

for my sister, who shares more with me than just blood

for my nieces and nephew, who always make me smile

my aunts, uncles, and cousins whom I'm so glad I've gotten close to again

for my friend Sarah, who is probably one of the sweetest women I've ever known

my friend Ashely, who gives me new addictions (Vampire Diaries) and is always there for me 

for my oldest friend, Kim, who has been my friend through the crappiest and best of times

my Riverside family, who not only gave me a job last year, but made me feel like i was home

the girlfriends at Riverside who I still consider to be some of my dearest friends and are there for me

my previous attorney bosses, who have always believed in me and gave me an undeserving job

 a roof over my head

my former church family that supported me

 my former youth kids, whom I love more than they know and who taught me so much

Steven's friends who have always welcomed me into their group

 my sweet car that may be getting older, but at least still takes me from point a to b

 my blogger friends, whom I'm so grateful to know

 my teaching job

having today off

my college education

all of my roommates, past and present that I've been fortune to find

the new friends I've made from school, who have made me feel so much more at ease

coffee

girls nights, that keep me sane

my guy friends who have taught me oh so much

 all of my new and old friends, that always remind me of who I am

my Pensacola family, who is the most loving group of people I've known

my Ft. Lauderdale family who stuck by my side through the worst of times

my Alabama family, who love me and my mom no matter what

my 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade teachers that made me want to choose this path

the study abroad trip that gave me wonderful experiences and amazing friendships

 the country I live in, despite all it's faults

the women and men who have died to make this country what it is

living in Florida- a gorgeous state

my first class, who still love me and write me notes

my current students who can be so sweet and caring

parents that care about their kids, my students and work with me to help them

coworkers that go out of their way for me

blogging, which always keeps me inspired

my pup, Aubre who always is so excited to see me

my past pups, Buttons and Coco who made me fall in love with dogs

that there are people out there that try to help each other, just because they want to

for my oh-so wonderful soft bed

my dad's love of history that somehow got passed onto me

the Bible, that continuously reminds me of God's love for me

the sunshine, that brightens up my day

a working ac

and a working heater

money in my account (even if it's not much)

helpful staff at the hospital that have been trying to help

doctors that are helpful and try to solve medical mysteries

comedies that make me laugh and cheer me up

pictures that help keep memories alive

my own classroom

my friend Joe, who has helped me tremendously in teaching

the upcoming Thanksgiving break that I have off from school and can visit family

books

technology

Starbucks, even if it is overpriced

shopping trips with girl friends

dresses

contacts

glasses

food

wine

gps that helps me always know where I'm going

cupcakes

the opportunities to travel

air fresheners that help my classroom not smell like complete crap

target and it's dollar section

fro yo samples

hair straighteners

makeup

forgiveness

love

the past 

the present

and the future

-kellie

52 lists in 52 weeks// round-up

I can't believe that my 52 lists are finally over.

 This project stretched me more than I thought it would to be creative in constantly coming up with lists. But it was fun. And I loved it.

I know that I haven't always been timely in posting the lists, but I am so thankful to those of you that followed (even if you came in late).

And who knows, maybe I will do this again one day.

In case you missed one, or just want a complete list...here you go.

Intro to the 52 lists in 52 weeks project

week 1

week 2

week 3 (and father's day)

week 4

week 5

week 6

week 7

week 8 (and guest post)

week 9

week 10 (and guest post)

week 11

week 12

week 13

week 14

week 15

week 16

week 17

week 18

week 19

week 20

week 21

week 22

week 23

week 24

week 25

week 26

week 27

week 28

week 29

week 30 (Christmas)

week 31

week 32

week 33

week 34

week 35

week 36

week 37

week 38

wweek 39

week 40

week 41

week 42

week 43

week 44

week 45

week 46

week 47

week 48

week 49 (and my birthday!)

week 50 (and mother's day)

week 51

week 52

52 lists in 52 weeks// list 51

Taken from one of my favorite blogs, oh-shoot.

 List 51: Wouldn't it be cool if.....

We all put away our phones when we go out with friends, so we concentrate on them along?

I had an acutal teaching job and a classroom!

Facebook and Blogspot stopped changing formats and stayed with one we liked?

I could eat cupcakes anytime I wanted and not gain any weight!

It wasn't so hard to get a job you wanted??

Your home could clean itself?

You never had to grow up if you didn't want to?

You could meet your favorite musical artist and they could perform at your birthday party? (please nicki minaj?!?!?)

Your drink would automatically refill itself?

You never had to fight the feeling of being awkward or uncomfortable? You just just always felt confidant.

You could wake up at whatever time you wanted?


What would make your list?
-kel

52 lists in 52 weeks// list 50 (mother's day list)

A list in honor of mother's day:

List 50:  10 Things I learned from my mom (or a mother figure).

- If you keep telling yourself negative things (i.e. "I'm ugly, etc) then you will start to believe it. So stop saying/thinking those things and focus on the positive.

- You can't force people to like you. And it's okay that they don't all like you...after all, you don't like everyone you encounter.

- Don't let anyone take advantage of you, because there are people that will try.

- If you're unsure of what decision to make, pray about it. God knows best.

- Whatever it is you are working at, always give it your best.

- Surround yourself with great friends, because they help make life meaningful (and wonderful)

- How to make beef stroganoff (sp?)

- How to love others

- How to be a wonderful mother (which I hope to one day use)

- To put others first

Thanks mom, for all the wonderful things you've taught me and for always being my best friend. You mean the world to me and I'd be lost without you!

xoxo
kel
(And the father's day list can be seen here).

52 lists in 52 weeks// 49 (birthday edition)

List 49: 5 things i know at 25.
I got the idea from this awesome blog, and I knew as soon as I read it that I had to partake. 

1. Not everyone is going to like you....and that's okay.
This is actually something I still try to tell myself and still try to get into my thick head. But it's true. Even in the Bible, God warns us that not everyone will like us. You can't make everyone happy and you can't force people to like you. But as long as you like you and you can make yourself happy, that's all that matters. That's the big picture. (And that's what I keep reminding myself!)


2. Letting go is extremely difficult, but well worth it.
Again, another issue I still deal with, but it's one of the most important. It's also one that I keep coming back to. So often I feel like I think I know best or that if I am not in control of the situation it will fall apart. (Talk about an ego, right?) The truth is, letting go and giving it all to God not only takes so much weight off your shoulders, but it also leads you in the right direction. It's incredibly hard to let go though, especially if you are a control freak like me. But hey, maybe that's what makes it so wonderful when you finally can.


3. Figure out what makes you happy and do it as often as you can.
A while back I read the Happiness Project and I learned something valuable (well a lot of things, but one pertaining to this subject). The author talks about how she remembers what made her happy when she was younger and she did it again as an adult. To test this out, I fingerpainted. It sounds silly, but it totally worked. The things that we had fun doing as kids, we can still enjoy as adults. And it can even help us feel like kids again, which is a fun and incredible feeling (especially when you feel weighed down by the adult responsibilities of life).
I feel like this also pertains to other aspects of life, like what career to pick. If you don't like what you do, it will kill you. If you love what you do, if it makes you happy a majority of the time, then you will feel happy and successful at the end of the day instead of bogged down and miserable. I'm trying really hard to make that goal a complete success. I just have to find a full time teaching job and I think I'll be set!


4.Fake it till you make it.
So many times I just haven't felt like doing something (like work, or going out, etc.) but I knew that I had to (either because I want a job or because I know whatever it was would mean the world to someone I love).  So this adopted phrase has come into play. Faking being happy or faking being energized not only makes everyone around you feel glad to have you, but a majority of the time you become what it is you are "faking".


5. Communication is everything.
Maybe this is overused and totally a duh kind of moment. But I feel like so many times when people talk about having open communication with each other they are solely referring to romantic or friend relationships. While that is a huge factor in those specific bonds, I believe that every relationship in our lives should have open lines of communication.  Whether its with your boss, co-workers, parents, kids, students, students' parents, students' teachers, friends, romantic partners, etc. And its amazing to see how great a relationship and situation can be when the lines of communication are safe and open.






What would be on your list??
-kellie

25 before 26

Last year I made my "24 before 25" list.

 Looking back on what I accomplished from this list, I only got about half of them done. Which kind of  disappointing because the year before I didn't accompish all my goals either. So this year, I put some of them back on in hopes of this year getting them marked off.
The ones I did do: travel to a new place (Tampa, FL), finish the Kellie and Steven year 1 minibook, go on at least 1 photoshoot (i did 2), go on a bike ride in riverside, make a minibook out of paintchips, have a picnic in the park, let go of grudges (still working on this, but I've come a long way), declutter home, save monet, finish Lost seasons, bike more, and fingerpaint.

Now for this year's list...... my 25 before 26 list:

As you can tell, most of my goals are oriented around the numbers 5 and 25. I thought it would make it funny and more fun this year.
And I already started....last night I went to a new exercise class with a work friend. I loved it too, can't wait to go back tomorrow!!

xoxo
kel

52 lists in 52 weeks// list 48

List 48: 52 things I love about you.

The point of this list is to pick someone close to you to write a sweet things about. My list is for my momma, who's birthday is on Mother's Day this year. Although, I ended up changing the 52 to the age she'll be this year instead. And this list will be turned into a mini book that I'll give to her for her upcoming birthday.

I really loved making this list, mostly because I feel like I sometimes get too absorbed in myself in lists, but this one was completely about someone else. Plus, I'm thinking it'll make a great birthday gift. (And the mini book is on my list of 24 before 25!)

xo
kel

52 lists in 52 weeks//list 47

34 weeks ago I made a list about work.
And today I'm making another one. Only instead of making it a completely positive list, this one is more of a realistic sort.

List 47: Things I've learned from my job. (And if you don't have one, you can be creative and make it "things I've learned from being a student" or stay at home mom (which is a hard-core job if you ask me), etc.).
The point though is to think of all the things you've learned from this area in your life. Whether they are good lessons, or non-examples (which my college classes would call them) that helped teach you what not to do. Everything is a learning experience after all.

My 2 lists (for my 2 jobs):

List 47a: (the law firm):
- When calling a business, one should really use proper phone etiquette.
- When in the lobby of a business, stay off your phone!!!
- Just because you think it's a rush, doesn't mean it is to everyone.
- Don't kill the messenger (in fact, be super sweet to them, because they may be trying to help you more than you think).
- Take your time. Get things done correctly.
- Being nice goes a long way. So go out of your way to be friendly.
- Life is more about who you know than what you know.
- When it's someone's livelyhood, be very careful how you treat it.
- Money tears family apart. Even in death.
- No one is perfect.
- Not all lawyers are bad.
- Always bring a sweater.


List 47b: (school):
- Most of the time kids just want to please you, so don't be so hard on them.
- Communication is everything.
- Go beyond what is asked of you. Everyone has to do it in order to be an effective team, so do it.
- Kids need love and attention. Like a lot.
- Any and every time they do something good, praise them!! It works a whole lot better than punishing them when they are bad.
- Don't yell or raise your voice (or try extremely hard not to). To get their attention instead create games, etc.
- Kid hugs are the best.
- They are still kids. They still need to act like kids.
- Give them as much outside time as possible.
- My singing voice should not be allowed! (or at least with older kidos)
- Younger kids seem to follow directions better when things are in a sing-song.
- Snacking is the only way you'll eat.
-Use the restroom as much as you can when you have a spare second (cause they are rare).
- Respect (for kids and adults) goes a long way.


So your turn...what's on your list??

xoxoxo
kel

52 lists in 52 weeks// week 46

This week's list was from Listography.
I am seriously more and more in love with this book and I am sooo glad my bestie bought it for me for Christmas!

So this week......If you had an enormous amount of money all of a sudden...what would you do with it?
My list is above!

-kel

52 lists in 52 weeks// week 45

Let's face it, we never love our work 100% of the time. It's still a 4 letter word....
But when I start to have a bad day, or am feeling overwhelmed at work, I always seem to go back to a certain list of mine.
A list of kid sayings. You know, cause kids say the darnedest things. *True story*

So I've collected a bunch of sayings my students have said this year.

Here they are:

4 year old: Pluto died.
another 4 year old: pluto is a dwarf planet
3rd 4 year old: is pluto for real life?


teacher: what happens next in your story (to 4 year old).
4 year old: the prince marries the princess
4 year old boys: ewwwww
4 year old girl: it's not gross, its beautiful!


me: why would you kid about that?
4 year old: cause thats what 4 year olds do

4 year old boy: i didn't want to laugh, Ms. Stapleton, my body made me do it. it wasn't my thinkin'
other 4 year old boy: how did your body make you do it?
1st 4 year old boy" its magical


teacher: (to 4 year old) its time to go home
the 4 year old: myself is on the way


4 year old: all the other kids left with their grown ups


2nd grader: see whats in the middle?
me: a heart!
2nd grader: that's how i feel about you


3 year old: stop being silly and hold my hand!!


4th grader: don't be surprised if i show my moves....


4 year old: i've had popcorn chicken before. it's chicken with popcorn in it.


4 year old: when i grow up i want to be a rocket man.




I love my students.
Enough said!!!

52 lists in 52 weeks// week 44

Last month I made some goals. I reached some, but not all of them. But I'm kind of use to that. I don't always expect to make each one, but I want to strive for it at least.

So since today is the start of a new month, I decided it would be a perfect list for this week.

Last month's goals:

In March I will.......
continue to catch up with friends and pen pals (yes with friends, and somewhat with pen pals)
work on being on time (yes, some...)
read at least 2 books (yes, 3)
continue saving money (yes)
take lots of awesome prego pictures for my good friend Jen (yes, 2 shoots and then some at the baby shower)
lose some weight (nope)


In April I want to.....
read at least 2 books
go camping
get tickets for Chicago in June
plan a blogger get together
have an awesome easter (and remember the real reason for the season)
continue using my rebel camera to capture memories
get a bathing suit body back


What's on your to-do list for April?
xoxo
kellie

52 lists in 52 weeks// week 43

Last year for my birthday I made my annual goal list (24 before 25). I made some loftly goals, but one of them included decluttering my home.

This week I started reading The Happiness Project. I'm only a few chapters in (and am already in love with it), but one of her chapters talks about decluttering her home. In fact, it helped improve her happiness.

So I got to thinking.....even though I've started decluttering, I honestly have barely touched the surface. Now is the perfect time to start. And trust me, Steven agrees. One problem with our living situation is that this has been my home for over 5 years and his for only 1. I've had it decorated the way I've wanted and let's face it, since I'm a control freak, I've kept the apartment pretty much the same. Granted, I did try to get rid of girly stuff (like flowers and posters), but it still looks my place, not ours.

So I went on pinterest. I searched for organizing and decluttering tips. I checked out tons of photos. And books. And websites. And lists.

What I came up with was that this is do-able. I just need to do it. I need to organize my organizing plan and slowly get to it. One task at a time.

The result of all this research are all of these links below (and my own personal organization goal list).

Psst..... have you figured out what the weekly list is??


list 43: What's on your declutter list?


This modern lady blogs all about being a "woman with a plan and routine". She gives tips to her system and how she made it work. It's not just on organizing your home either, but rather organizing your entire life. It gave me a lot of good ideas!

Want a declutter calendar that sends you tips everyday on things you can do to help your system work better? She has a blog too.

There are also some awesome looking books on decluttering that I found on amazon. You can see them here and here.

Then there's "project simplify". Her blog feature lasted for 5 weeks and gives photos and tips. She breaks it down into rooms and "hot spots". It's seriously inspiring.

And lastly, the 21 day challenge. This blogger divides each day into specific spots to clean out and organize, which makes it all a little easier and do-able.


So here's my decluttering list:
1. finish cleaning out the garage.

2. clean out my closet (again).
Like Gretchen mentions, sometimes you need to go back to a place you already cleared and decluttered and see what you might have either overlooked or changed your mind about.

3. work on the bedroom.

4. work on the living room and dining room.
I'm combining these spaces only because they flow into each other and are small since we live in a condo

5. work on the kitchen.

6. combine some things from the house in storage containers in the garage.

7. work on the storage unit outside our condo.
This area is really small, so it ended up being the home of unwanted things that ought to just be thrown away. So no time like the present.

8. take unwanted things to be donated.
Sounds like a duh thing, but honestly there's a point to it, 2 actually. One is that so often I put things in a pile to be donated, but it takes forever to get there, so hopefully this will speed up the process. Two, it's nice to add easy to do and check off items to my to-do lists. That way I don't have a ton of items that take lots of time and energy. I feel more accomplished if there are some I can check off quite easily (especially at the end).

9. something to remember during the whole project: it's okay for the place to look bare.
Maybe this sounds silly, but to me it's something I battle with.
Steven prefers clean, spacious and almost bare looking.
I've always lived in a home where the walls were covered with paintings, and there wasn't a lot of bare space. It also didn't help that when my mom's parents and brother died, we inherited all of their things (including antiques that we didn't have the heart to discard). Because of that, I've always decorated my place likewise. Cluttered. If a wall didn't have a poster or painting, it looked weird and naked. If a drawer or shelf didn't have anything on it, it was awkward looking and needed to be changed.
So I'm trying to change that idea. I'm trying to be okay with bare and uncluttered, because I think it will make me feel less stressed and happier. And I know that's how it will make Steven feel.

10. try new organization idea and techniques. (because i can't leave my list at just 9.....)
something that works better than what I have now.


What does your list look like???

xoxo
kel
And for more organization tips and ideas, you can check out my pinterest.

52 lists in 52 weeks// week 42

One of my daily blog reads posted an awesome post a couple of weeks ago that got me thinking..... It was 12 things I've learned in 2012. And I knew right away I wanted to do my own version.
True, 2012 is barely really beginning, but I feel like I've already learned so much this year. So I made my list.

My list of 12 things I've learned so far in 2012:

1. Keebler cookies, Coconut Dreams, are almost identical to Girl Scout Somoas. Less money, more cookies. Why did I not know this before?!?!

2. When I cut my hair, I have to do something dramatic. Most of the time I'm not very fond of change, but sometimes I just need something different in my life. Hair is the perfect thing to change. It grows back (and lightens) but in the meantime I have something that makes me feel new-ish.

3. Pizza-ing is not a good way to stop while skiing. The few times before this year's trip that I had gone I always ended up hurting my knees. This year (thanks to Steven) I learned that pizza-ing may be a good way to slow down for some (but not so much for me), it is not how you come to a complete stop. My knees are ever so thankful.

4. I spend too much money on useless things.

5. I have some pretty awesome friends. Granted I knew this before, but this year has yet again reminded me in numerous ways of this truth. I am truly blessed.


6. Big Bang Theory is an awesome, awesome show!


7. Fight fair. This is something I actually am still working on....all the time. And I still have a hard time at it, but I have tried really hard to work on how I fight. For starters, I try to choose my battles. Not everything is worth fighting for, some things you just have to let go. Of course, knowing what to let go of and what is worth saying something is a tricky thing. I also am trying to weed out being passive aggressive. The last part of trying to fight fair is that I try to stay clam. This is really hard for someone with a temper (like me). But I try to watch what I say when I'm angry- so that I don't regret what I say later. I also try not to yell. Even if the other person is talking over me, I try to stay at my normal voice. This is definitely a work in progress, but I've learned that all of it is worth it.


8. To be more selfish. I know this sounds weird...the truth is I've tried to always put others first. Granted I am not that awesome at it, but I really do try. Lately though, I've realized that sometimes because of that I suffer. So I am trying really hard to make sure my best interest comes first (which is what I call being more selfish). Don't get me wrong, I still want to put others first, but for a little while I think I need to make me the #1 priority.

9. Kids are awesome. Seriously- I love being around my students. They brighten my day.


10. When I have a team to route for, I love watching any sport. (It's what's gotten me through March Madnesses.)


11. Drinking and I don't really get along. Most of the time (ok, majority) it makes me sick now. Not fun.


12. New photo shoot ideas. I knew that when I saw this photography blog post I wanted to try it out. And luckily, when I took maternity shots for my good friend Jen I got to try it out. I tried a couple of new photography and editing techniques that day and I honestly loved each one. Whether or not they turned out, it was fun to experiment.


What's on your list?

xoxo
kellie

52 lists in 52 weeks// week 41 (his + hers)

List 41: Fours.

1. four places you've visited.

2. four things you wish you could get paid to do for a living.

3. four things you are looking forward to.

4. four people who inspire you the most.

My list:
1. Paris, Berlin, London, & Budapest

2. crafting, riding my bike, reading, & teaching

3. getting my hair done this week, one day getting married, one day having kids, & traveling to Chicago in June

4. mom, other bloggers, invisible children group, my co-workers




And I also go Steven to share his list as well.....

Steven's list:
1. Grand Canyon, San Diego, Bahamas, & Fenway Park

2. play sports, drinking, traveling, & gaming

3. a promotion, having kids, getting married, & teaching my kids sports

4. mom, dad, God, & self



Your turn.
xoxoxo
kel

52 lists in 52 weeks// week 40

Just in case you didn't see last week's list (which introduced this week's list/post), you can check it out here.

The point of list 40 was to be more positive and to seek out the good in everyday life. This list was kind of a challenge for me for a couple of reasons.

1- I'm pretty bad about writing things down right away and then I typically forget the even all together.

2-I have a hard time always seeing the good in things. I let the bad overrun the good sometimes, and I hate that, which is why this list was created in the first place. To push me, challenge me, and then uplift my spirits. So hopefully we can do that together.

Anyway, down to the main reason you're reading this post:

List 40: The small, medium, and amazing things that happened throughout your week.

Here's mine:

- when my car died last monday, the guy that came to fix it was super nice and helpful

-a neighbor of mine offered to let me borrow his umbrella as I was standing out in the pouring rain during said car problems

- my coworkers were extremely supportive of my being late (because of car) and then later in the week because I got really sick

-Steven was a good boyfriend while I was sick and feeling miserable and stayed home with me and tried to take care of me

-2 days of fro yo

-FREE fro yo

-FREE starbucks venti (thanks gold card!)

- finished a new book

- new awesome tv shows last monday (Castle and Gossip Girl)

-dinner with my pal, ashley (for GG night) last monday

-new scarf and hat from my momma

-dinner at my favorite sushi place with my pal jen thursday night

-venting time with my good pals

-an amazing date night friday with Steven (and yummy seafood)

-a great monster jam saturday with friends

-lots of sleep (which helped me feel so much better)

-caring co-workers and bosses that always ask how i am (and care)

-my students that give the sweetest hugs and comments

-feeling great in my new clothes (and purse!)

-getting my tax return back (and being able to pay off bills with it!!)

-hugs from Steven

-hugs from my momma

-got my girl scout cookies!!


So what was on your list?
lovelove,
kel

Last month, I made 7 goals.

February goals:
go to the gym more often (not done)
save money (done)
read 2 books (done...i actually read closer to 5)
find a roommate for march (if our current situation holds, then this is also done)
line up job(s) for the summer (currently one is in the works and the other is a go)
catch up with friends and pen pals (friends-yes, pen pals-no...i need to still work on this)
create/make cd swap lists/cds (done and done!!)

5 out of 7 isn't too terrible.


This month I am making 6 goals:

In March I will.......
continue to catch up with friends and pen pals
work on being on time
read at least 2 books
continue saving money
take lots of awesome prego pictures for my good friend Jen
lose some weight


What are your March goals?

xoxo
kellie