Oh where to start?! There are lots of things that make me happy! Like…..Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens. Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens. Brown paper packages tied up with strings. Cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels. Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles. Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings. Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes. Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eye lashes. Silver white winters that melt into spring.
But of course there are these things that make me happy too….
1. Sunshine and spring weather! I don’t suffer from allergies so it is even better! As awesome as snow and cold is nothing beats the arrival of spring like the blooming of flowers, the song of new birds in the trees and the overall fresh smell of spring! Being outside makes me feel so alive!
2. Technology! Even though I am not as tech savvy as some I have come to appreciate technology so much this year because of its ability to help me stay in touch. I am thankful for the opportunities to email, skype, IM, facebook, and text and talk on the phone to friends and family scattered all over the country and for the most part far away from me. Even though nothing is better than face to face interaction, being able to stay connected has helped me get through this “drought of ‘E’ interaction” being in the Northeast!
3. Knowing that God loves me! This is something that always makes me happy! Sometimes I am silly enough to forget, when things aren’t going my way or when I don’t spend enough time with him to keep that connection alive. God’s love is the best thing ever!
4. Discovering new running and hiking spots! I love to explore and Vermont has been a prime territory for that! There are still lots of mountains and trails I want to hike but it’s been so awesome being able to have a wide variety of options this year, even if I have to drive to some places, it’s totally worth it!
5. My Students! Although it’s had its rough patches along the way I can honestly say I love being around my students whether that be at school, gymnastics, or in swimming lessons. It is really neat to be around these kids, they are a lot more interesting then I was at that age, for sure! Being able to bridge the generation gap by finding things that we can relate to has been fun! I have loved being a teacher thus far and will never forget my first group of students, lab rats that have had to put up with my newbie teacher mistakes. Mistakes I've learned from that I hope will help me to become a better teacher in the future!
6.**Living a Simple Life! Won’t limit myself to just 5 things so here is just one more. I think that for the most part I'm easy to please and love being lower maintenance then most! I have loved finding out what it truly means to live a simple life both with materiel things and financially. All though to some not having the bells and whistles in life may be uncomfortable and hard, I enjoy it. Not having TV, or a big place to live, or a bustling social life has allowed me to go at a slower pace and just enjoy living life! Although it sounds crazy, living below the poverty line has been a blessing. It has helped me to really stick to a budget and really prioritize things that are needs instead of wants. Being able to have other jobs on the side has been awesome because I have been able to meet people and have had experiences I wouldn’t of had otherwise. Far more valuable then extra money. This year has been a major faith walk with God. On paper it seems impossible that everything will work out each month but without fail they always do! I have loved seeing God work in mysterious ways and can't wait to see how he continues to lead!
Monday, April 9, 2012
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Day 4: 10 Things to tell your 16-year-old self if you could
It is hard to remember now what I was like at 16 since that was 10 years ago! Now that I am a teacher to 16 year olds, being around them sometimes reminds me of what it was like being a teenager. I think I was a pretty stable 16 year old and didn’t have nearly as much spunk as some. One thing I remember was being very shy and self conscious at times. I always wanted to fit in but didn’t always know how. There are things I wish I understood better. If I could look back and give some advice to myself then and my wonderful students now I would say….
1.Don’t be afraid to stand up for and share what you truly believe in! People your age may think it is strange that you have your own opinion but maybe deep down it will leave a lasting impression. Romans 12:2. Do not be swept in the notion that you must do this, that, and the other to be “cool” to be “liked” to “fit in.” Choose your friends wisely. Place yourself around people that will build you up and bring out the best in you. Do not fall into the trap of peer pressure.
2. Read your bible. Every day. The more knowledge you have in your mind early in life the better your chances will be that you will stick by your guns when you are criticized about being a Christian and your beliefs and relationship with Jesus. You will be criticized so be ready and stay strong! Never lose your connection with God, do everything you can to keep the bond cement tight!
3. Work on your relationships that are important to you. Especially your relationship with God. By keeping God at the center of your life it will be easier to draw close to your family and friends in a positive way. You never know the day that the dynamics of relationships will change or be altered. There is no need to obsess over having a boyfriend because God knows the exact person he wants you to be with and chances are you aren’t going to be ready to meet the man of your dreams until you are older, wiser, and more mature.
4. Make the most of your high school experience. Don’t obsess over getting perfect grades if it takes away from other important things that should be learned at the age. Go on mission trips, volunteer, play on a sports team, try new things, ask questions, don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty!
5. Keep a journal or write a blog. You will cherish being able to look back on your life being 16 when you get “old” and see how much you have changed. Keeping memories of the dorky things you did, the boys who made you cry, the adventures you went on, the friends you had make it more meaningful to see how God has lead you to where you are now through experiences both good and bad.
6. Don’t try to perfect how to cake on every type of makeup on your face. There is no need try and keep up with the latest fashions. Natural beauty is in! God made you perfect just the way you are and you should take pride in that! True friends and the right guys will accept you just the way you are. You are beautiful. You are valuable. You are enough.
7. Enjoy the financial simplicity of being 16. Before long you will have to pay for EVERYTHING from your own pocket! Your clothes, food, rent, student loans, car payments….you get the picture. If you can, start saving NOW for the future and keep that piggy bank on the top shelf! It will make more sense when you need that money in the future.
8. Go outside more. Enjoy fresh air and sunshine. Climb trees. Make mud cakes. Play with kids, because in reality you still are one. Little ones look up to you more then you know. Learn to appreciate the wonders that nature has to offer!
9. Expect to make mistakes but please do your best and learn from them so they don’t become habits. 1Timothy 4:12. You may already know this but Adults aren’t prefect either. 99% of the time you can trust your parents. They have been in your shoes and even if they seem totally ridiculous at times they just have your best interest in mind. Same for your teachers and mentors.
10. Play or learn to play a musical instrument and if you already play one, DON’T QUIT! You will appreciate being able to play when you get older, plus it is fun!
**I would also share with my students things from this list!**
1.Don’t be afraid to stand up for and share what you truly believe in! People your age may think it is strange that you have your own opinion but maybe deep down it will leave a lasting impression. Romans 12:2. Do not be swept in the notion that you must do this, that, and the other to be “cool” to be “liked” to “fit in.” Choose your friends wisely. Place yourself around people that will build you up and bring out the best in you. Do not fall into the trap of peer pressure.
2. Read your bible. Every day. The more knowledge you have in your mind early in life the better your chances will be that you will stick by your guns when you are criticized about being a Christian and your beliefs and relationship with Jesus. You will be criticized so be ready and stay strong! Never lose your connection with God, do everything you can to keep the bond cement tight!
3. Work on your relationships that are important to you. Especially your relationship with God. By keeping God at the center of your life it will be easier to draw close to your family and friends in a positive way. You never know the day that the dynamics of relationships will change or be altered. There is no need to obsess over having a boyfriend because God knows the exact person he wants you to be with and chances are you aren’t going to be ready to meet the man of your dreams until you are older, wiser, and more mature.
4. Make the most of your high school experience. Don’t obsess over getting perfect grades if it takes away from other important things that should be learned at the age. Go on mission trips, volunteer, play on a sports team, try new things, ask questions, don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty!
5. Keep a journal or write a blog. You will cherish being able to look back on your life being 16 when you get “old” and see how much you have changed. Keeping memories of the dorky things you did, the boys who made you cry, the adventures you went on, the friends you had make it more meaningful to see how God has lead you to where you are now through experiences both good and bad.
6. Don’t try to perfect how to cake on every type of makeup on your face. There is no need try and keep up with the latest fashions. Natural beauty is in! God made you perfect just the way you are and you should take pride in that! True friends and the right guys will accept you just the way you are. You are beautiful. You are valuable. You are enough.
7. Enjoy the financial simplicity of being 16. Before long you will have to pay for EVERYTHING from your own pocket! Your clothes, food, rent, student loans, car payments….you get the picture. If you can, start saving NOW for the future and keep that piggy bank on the top shelf! It will make more sense when you need that money in the future.
8. Go outside more. Enjoy fresh air and sunshine. Climb trees. Make mud cakes. Play with kids, because in reality you still are one. Little ones look up to you more then you know. Learn to appreciate the wonders that nature has to offer!
9. Expect to make mistakes but please do your best and learn from them so they don’t become habits. 1Timothy 4:12. You may already know this but Adults aren’t prefect either. 99% of the time you can trust your parents. They have been in your shoes and even if they seem totally ridiculous at times they just have your best interest in mind. Same for your teachers and mentors.
10. Play or learn to play a musical instrument and if you already play one, DON’T QUIT! You will appreciate being able to play when you get older, plus it is fun!
**I would also share with my students things from this list!**
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Day 3: My views on religion and my personal beliefs
Wow this is a broad subject and in my opinion not really possible to write in a single blog post (without writing a short novel). So I am mixing it up a little here...
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I am a "lifer" a Seventh Day Adventist since birth. I had just turned 15 and was attending bible conference at Indian Creek Camp when I decided to take my parents religion and make it my own by making the life changing decision to be baptized. I had been thinking about it for sometime prior to that weekend but I will always remember that Friday night alter call being the most meaningful one of my life and remains to this day. The road to how I established my own personal beliefs about God, religion, and how I choose to live my life to this day began in the 7th grade when I joined the Cross Country team. I had joined mostly to get in good shape for the basketball team. Little did I know at the time that running would become a gift from God to use in his glory and honor even now.
I am not going to lie, I nearly quit after the first race because those where the most painful, hot, nauseating 3 miles I had ever run (it was August in Central Florida after all)! I managed to finish 3rd overall in that first race with a time of like 23:00 minutes and praise the Lord after that day I had enough inner competitiveness and encouragement from my coaches to keep at it. I steadily improved throughout that season and before long I started winning races! It was always a confidence booster during my first year to line up against high school seniors and be able to compete well against them, often beating them.
Before long people in the running community started asking why I was never at Saturday races. It was during those opportunities that I was able to witness and tell them about what being a Seventh Day Adventist was all about. By telling what I believed so often, it helped me to stick by what I believed, even though to the running world "I was missing out." The opportunities to witness continued on into track season when the team would leave at sunset from Friday meets and not attend Saturday meets. I remember there being some frustrated coaches around the state when they found out I would not run races during that state meet that I had qualified for because they started after sunset on Friday night.
To this day I believe that if I didn't have those opportunities to stand up for my beliefs there would of been a much larger temptation to stray from my religion. It was because of that early influence in my christian journey that helped the talk become a habitual walk and to this day has kept me accountable for my actions.
On another note......
I believe that having a religion to follow is important. It is good for people to follow a certain set of rules and guidelines to give their lives order and reason. I believe strongly in Christianity and I hope that people can SEE that I am a christian not by just by my words but by my actions.
One thing that gets me sometimes is how the politics of religion gets placed higher on a pedestal in peoples minds then God. One thing I have also noticed since living away from the bible belt is that religious literature (Example: Ellen White writings) has the tendency to be used as a resource over the teachings in the BIBLE. I believe that Ellen White writings are an AMAZING resource that have been inspired by God to help bring people to a better understanding of who God is. BUT that's what they should be, a RESOURCE, a supplement to the straight teachings of the bible and not the sole source to bring others to Christ. By keeping my belief in God and the bible 1st followed by religion I find it positively influences the choices I make, the lifestyle I lead, how I treat others, and the things in the world I allow myself to be surrounded by, Living out an active faith in God makes a difference.
With all that said I will be the first to admit I an as far from perfect as you can get! I am a sinner! I don't always think nice thoughts and I may not always make the right choices. I am a human being. I am so thankful for the never ending supply of second chances that we as humans get. If it weren't for God sending his Son to die for the human race we would of all been long gone since we all know what the ultimate consequence for sin is...
I look forward to the day in heaven when I will be able to start with a clean slate that will never be blemished again and being able to worship together as one body in Christ. What an amazing time that will be!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am a "lifer" a Seventh Day Adventist since birth. I had just turned 15 and was attending bible conference at Indian Creek Camp when I decided to take my parents religion and make it my own by making the life changing decision to be baptized. I had been thinking about it for sometime prior to that weekend but I will always remember that Friday night alter call being the most meaningful one of my life and remains to this day. The road to how I established my own personal beliefs about God, religion, and how I choose to live my life to this day began in the 7th grade when I joined the Cross Country team. I had joined mostly to get in good shape for the basketball team. Little did I know at the time that running would become a gift from God to use in his glory and honor even now.
I am not going to lie, I nearly quit after the first race because those where the most painful, hot, nauseating 3 miles I had ever run (it was August in Central Florida after all)! I managed to finish 3rd overall in that first race with a time of like 23:00 minutes and praise the Lord after that day I had enough inner competitiveness and encouragement from my coaches to keep at it. I steadily improved throughout that season and before long I started winning races! It was always a confidence booster during my first year to line up against high school seniors and be able to compete well against them, often beating them.
Before long people in the running community started asking why I was never at Saturday races. It was during those opportunities that I was able to witness and tell them about what being a Seventh Day Adventist was all about. By telling what I believed so often, it helped me to stick by what I believed, even though to the running world "I was missing out." The opportunities to witness continued on into track season when the team would leave at sunset from Friday meets and not attend Saturday meets. I remember there being some frustrated coaches around the state when they found out I would not run races during that state meet that I had qualified for because they started after sunset on Friday night.
To this day I believe that if I didn't have those opportunities to stand up for my beliefs there would of been a much larger temptation to stray from my religion. It was because of that early influence in my christian journey that helped the talk become a habitual walk and to this day has kept me accountable for my actions.
On another note......
I believe that having a religion to follow is important. It is good for people to follow a certain set of rules and guidelines to give their lives order and reason. I believe strongly in Christianity and I hope that people can SEE that I am a christian not by just by my words but by my actions.
One thing that gets me sometimes is how the politics of religion gets placed higher on a pedestal in peoples minds then God. One thing I have also noticed since living away from the bible belt is that religious literature (Example: Ellen White writings) has the tendency to be used as a resource over the teachings in the BIBLE. I believe that Ellen White writings are an AMAZING resource that have been inspired by God to help bring people to a better understanding of who God is. BUT that's what they should be, a RESOURCE, a supplement to the straight teachings of the bible and not the sole source to bring others to Christ. By keeping my belief in God and the bible 1st followed by religion I find it positively influences the choices I make, the lifestyle I lead, how I treat others, and the things in the world I allow myself to be surrounded by, Living out an active faith in God makes a difference.
With all that said I will be the first to admit I an as far from perfect as you can get! I am a sinner! I don't always think nice thoughts and I may not always make the right choices. I am a human being. I am so thankful for the never ending supply of second chances that we as humans get. If it weren't for God sending his Son to die for the human race we would of all been long gone since we all know what the ultimate consequence for sin is...
I look forward to the day in heaven when I will be able to start with a clean slate that will never be blemished again and being able to worship together as one body in Christ. What an amazing time that will be!
Friday, April 6, 2012
Day 2: Three Fears....
Day 2: Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.
Before I start I wish could make this blog short by simply writing that I always remember passage from Isaiah 41:9-11 and that my life was peachy keen because of it but I am human and sometimes forget.
This is a tough one for me. Not to think of what things I am afraid of but to actually admit that I am frightful of things in this world. I know I am not really afraid of typical things such as snakes, spiders, creepers, heights, loud noises, etc. I suppose a few things I fear are....
1. Disappointing/Letting People Down:
This is something I have had to work on since I know no matter how hard I try I can't please everyone. I have found this to be especially true being a teacher and basketball referee. I am not sure when this became a fear, I just know I have always aimed to make people happy and when I can't always do something up to their standards it frustrates me. When, even after doing my very best, I can't succeed.
2. The Unknown:
This is a pretty cliche thing to fear but it is something that indeeds frightens me! I recently read Scaredy Squirrel, a very animated children's book that pertains to this similar topic. Not knowing what the future holds down to the minute or not having a "plan", totally goes against my love for writing out to-do lists and living by a structured routine. I am experiencing this currently, as I have no clue where God wants me to go next year. Do I stay in New England? Do I start teaching in a public school? Do I go back to school to start on a masters degree? Do I go back into the mission field overseas somewhere? What I have learned along the way in overcoming this fear is to keep walking forward in prayer and if God is standing behind those doors they will open in his perfect timing. In the meantime being able to trust God 100% not just 95% with my life crucially important.
3. Not Fearing the Lord:
Yes a fear about not fearing. If there is one thing in this world I wish I was more afraid of it would be fearing God. Not in the "ahh scary monster" type of way but in the way that is described in Proverbs 8:13 "To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech." Here is an interesting article I came across that offers more substance about this fear.
If only I could continuously fear God enough to have a clear vision about the world and the purpose for my life in it. If I could just put all the petty things aside that hinder my walk with God, things that make me less fearful of him then how much easier and more content my life would be? I don't want comfort and easiness to settle in that causes me to abandon this crucial fear.
There you go, a VERY in-a-nutshell-version of my fears!
Before I start I wish could make this blog short by simply writing that I always remember passage from Isaiah 41:9-11 and that my life was peachy keen because of it but I am human and sometimes forget.
This is a tough one for me. Not to think of what things I am afraid of but to actually admit that I am frightful of things in this world. I know I am not really afraid of typical things such as snakes, spiders, creepers, heights, loud noises, etc. I suppose a few things I fear are....
1. Disappointing/Letting People Down:
This is something I have had to work on since I know no matter how hard I try I can't please everyone. I have found this to be especially true being a teacher and basketball referee. I am not sure when this became a fear, I just know I have always aimed to make people happy and when I can't always do something up to their standards it frustrates me. When, even after doing my very best, I can't succeed.
2. The Unknown:
This is a pretty cliche thing to fear but it is something that indeeds frightens me! I recently read Scaredy Squirrel, a very animated children's book that pertains to this similar topic. Not knowing what the future holds down to the minute or not having a "plan", totally goes against my love for writing out to-do lists and living by a structured routine. I am experiencing this currently, as I have no clue where God wants me to go next year. Do I stay in New England? Do I start teaching in a public school? Do I go back to school to start on a masters degree? Do I go back into the mission field overseas somewhere? What I have learned along the way in overcoming this fear is to keep walking forward in prayer and if God is standing behind those doors they will open in his perfect timing. In the meantime being able to trust God 100% not just 95% with my life crucially important.
3. Not Fearing the Lord:
Yes a fear about not fearing. If there is one thing in this world I wish I was more afraid of it would be fearing God. Not in the "ahh scary monster" type of way but in the way that is described in Proverbs 8:13 "To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech." Here is an interesting article I came across that offers more substance about this fear.
If only I could continuously fear God enough to have a clear vision about the world and the purpose for my life in it. If I could just put all the petty things aside that hinder my walk with God, things that make me less fearful of him then how much easier and more content my life would be? I don't want comfort and easiness to settle in that causes me to abandon this crucial fear.
There you go, a VERY in-a-nutshell-version of my fears!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Day 1: 20 Random Facts!
In no particular order of randomness….
*1. I recently picked up playing the violin again after a longgggg hiatus from the lovely instrument. Its been fun to see how much I remember from memory and learning new things to play as well!
1. I am a twin to a sister whom I beat out of the womb by 30 seconds! I guess I started my racing career early in life.
2. I am ambidextrous…except for writing.
3. I have a beta fish named Napoleon who has defied death several times in the 9 months that I have owned him. Living at camp all summer, living at school with curious teenagers, and flying out of his bowl during a car ride. Was out of his water for at least 10 minutes!
4. I was the fastest female runner from Tennessee at the 2007 Boston Marathon.
5. When I was a kid I had a hamster named Sonic. Named after my favorite cartoon character when I was younger!
6. I qualified for my schools Geography bee in the 6th grade after winning my classroom bee by correctly knowing the question with the answer being “plateau”. I got creamed early on in the Bee by College Jeopardy runner up, Hans Von Walter. No surprise there!
7. I have fainted about 3 three times in my life that I can recall. The 1st time being when I got a bike for Christmas (was really excited I guess), 2nd time being when a bunk bed pin got smashed on my hand while working in the boys dorm, 3rd being after I donated blood at Gimbie Hospital in Ethiopia after being on a hot bus all day. They sat me up WAY too fast and I was not hydrated at all so it took forever…drinking apple soda made it worse!
8. I participated in the Great Ethiopian run in 2008 while I was a SM. Was the most amazing running event I have ever been a part of! A cultural experience never to be forgotten!
9. I have worked at various summer camps going on 9 summers now and was a camper for many summers as a kid. I never got home sick I got camp sick. Camp ministry is something I cherish dearly!
10. I get dizzy when doing forward rolls or any kind of fast spinning action. I am not a fan of roller coasters anymore either :-/ It has gotten worse the last few years. I blame it on my chronic ear infections I had growing up. My middle ear has gone soft!
11. I never received a speeding ticket while living in Collegedale, TN. Only three very gracious warnings!
12. I currently drive a luxury motor vehicle in the form of a 1994 Buick La sabre named Forrest. The story of how I got this car is pretty amazing. Forrest just rolled over the 212,000 mile mark and is still going strong!
13. I placed 4th place in the Florida state track meet for the mile run my 8th and 9th grade year. Looking back I wish I would of known about my ability for longer distance running..running the mile was painful!
14. I am currently in my first year of teaching at Central Vermont Academy. My time in Vermont has been an amazing journey and will be written about in more detail in the next 30 days.
15. I “moon light” after school teaching gymnastics, swimming lessons, reffing basketball, and umpiring softball. I don’t consider these side jobs work though because I have so much fun doing it!
16. My favorite color is green. Any shade of green. It is such a peaceful color that reminds me of my favorite environment to be in and that is outside in nature, preferably the woods. I love green!
17. I am currently working on hiking all 46 ADK high peaks, a wonderful mountain chain in upstate NY. I have bagged 19 peaks so far and hope to get more soon!
18. I have a deep desire to be a long term missionary overseas at some point in my life. My SM experience in Ethiopia helped mold and impress my mission mindedness and left me with the desire to “go back” which I did last March. I know that I am in the mission field now but I look forward to the day when God calls me out again in his name! The mission field is such a life changing place to be!
19. I want to run a marathon on all 7 continents someday! I also want to run a 100 mile ultra or 24 hour run and perhaps even do an Ironman if time and money are available someday.
20. I was a race director for a few 5ks and a kids triathlon during my years at Southern. I hope I can use those skills I learned for the rest of my career. It made me really appreciate the work RD's go through to put on a good race!
Bonus**
Beautiful sunsets/sunrises are one of my most favorite things! I saw countless gorgeous sunsets while in Ethiopia but one that will always stick out in my mind is when we went camping out on a ridge in a village. We were able to see sunset on one side and sunrise on the other. It was stunning and pictures don’t do it justice!
*1. I recently picked up playing the violin again after a longgggg hiatus from the lovely instrument. Its been fun to see how much I remember from memory and learning new things to play as well!
1. I am a twin to a sister whom I beat out of the womb by 30 seconds! I guess I started my racing career early in life.
2. I am ambidextrous…except for writing.
3. I have a beta fish named Napoleon who has defied death several times in the 9 months that I have owned him. Living at camp all summer, living at school with curious teenagers, and flying out of his bowl during a car ride. Was out of his water for at least 10 minutes!
4. I was the fastest female runner from Tennessee at the 2007 Boston Marathon.
5. When I was a kid I had a hamster named Sonic. Named after my favorite cartoon character when I was younger!
6. I qualified for my schools Geography bee in the 6th grade after winning my classroom bee by correctly knowing the question with the answer being “plateau”. I got creamed early on in the Bee by College Jeopardy runner up, Hans Von Walter. No surprise there!
7. I have fainted about 3 three times in my life that I can recall. The 1st time being when I got a bike for Christmas (was really excited I guess), 2nd time being when a bunk bed pin got smashed on my hand while working in the boys dorm, 3rd being after I donated blood at Gimbie Hospital in Ethiopia after being on a hot bus all day. They sat me up WAY too fast and I was not hydrated at all so it took forever…drinking apple soda made it worse!
8. I participated in the Great Ethiopian run in 2008 while I was a SM. Was the most amazing running event I have ever been a part of! A cultural experience never to be forgotten!
9. I have worked at various summer camps going on 9 summers now and was a camper for many summers as a kid. I never got home sick I got camp sick. Camp ministry is something I cherish dearly!
10. I get dizzy when doing forward rolls or any kind of fast spinning action. I am not a fan of roller coasters anymore either :-/ It has gotten worse the last few years. I blame it on my chronic ear infections I had growing up. My middle ear has gone soft!
11. I never received a speeding ticket while living in Collegedale, TN. Only three very gracious warnings!
12. I currently drive a luxury motor vehicle in the form of a 1994 Buick La sabre named Forrest. The story of how I got this car is pretty amazing. Forrest just rolled over the 212,000 mile mark and is still going strong!
13. I placed 4th place in the Florida state track meet for the mile run my 8th and 9th grade year. Looking back I wish I would of known about my ability for longer distance running..running the mile was painful!
14. I am currently in my first year of teaching at Central Vermont Academy. My time in Vermont has been an amazing journey and will be written about in more detail in the next 30 days.
15. I “moon light” after school teaching gymnastics, swimming lessons, reffing basketball, and umpiring softball. I don’t consider these side jobs work though because I have so much fun doing it!
16. My favorite color is green. Any shade of green. It is such a peaceful color that reminds me of my favorite environment to be in and that is outside in nature, preferably the woods. I love green!
17. I am currently working on hiking all 46 ADK high peaks, a wonderful mountain chain in upstate NY. I have bagged 19 peaks so far and hope to get more soon!
18. I have a deep desire to be a long term missionary overseas at some point in my life. My SM experience in Ethiopia helped mold and impress my mission mindedness and left me with the desire to “go back” which I did last March. I know that I am in the mission field now but I look forward to the day when God calls me out again in his name! The mission field is such a life changing place to be!
19. I want to run a marathon on all 7 continents someday! I also want to run a 100 mile ultra or 24 hour run and perhaps even do an Ironman if time and money are available someday.
20. I was a race director for a few 5ks and a kids triathlon during my years at Southern. I hope I can use those skills I learned for the rest of my career. It made me really appreciate the work RD's go through to put on a good race!
Bonus**
Beautiful sunsets/sunrises are one of my most favorite things! I saw countless gorgeous sunsets while in Ethiopia but one that will always stick out in my mind is when we went camping out on a ridge in a village. We were able to see sunset on one side and sunrise on the other. It was stunning and pictures don’t do it justice!
30 Day Challenge!
I saw this idea yesterday on a couple of friends' blogs and was inspired to try it! I custom built my own challenge by combining topics from 3 different lists of writing topics that I will write about over the next 30 or so days. I think it will be a challenge to write about certain topics that I may of not necessarily put much thought into until now.I have a feeling I will know myself a little better by the end of it all. Maybe you will know me better too.I may not personally know all my readers out there but I will do my best to be as honest as possible with the topics I choose to write about and pretend I am writing for myself or just with a close friend! Here I go!
*This master list of topics will most likely change if I feel inspired.*
The lists:
1. List 20 random facts about yourself.
2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.
3. Your views on religion.
4. List 10 things you would tell your 16-year-old self, if you could.
5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?
6. What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?
7. What is your dream job, and why?
8. What are 5 passions you have?
9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.
10. Describe your most embarrassing moment.
11. Your favorite movie and why?
12. Your earliest memory.
13. Describe 5 weaknesses you have.
14. Describe 5 strengths you have.
15. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?
17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?
18. How important you think education is.
19. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
20. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.
21. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first?
22. How have you changed in the last 2 years?
23. Your views on mainstream music.
24. Something that you miss.
25. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?
26. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?
27. What is your favorite part of your body and why?
28. What is your love language?
29. What do you think people misunderstand most about you?
30. List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.
*This master list of topics will most likely change if I feel inspired.*
The lists:
1. List 20 random facts about yourself.
2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.
3. Your views on religion.
4. List 10 things you would tell your 16-year-old self, if you could.
5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?
6. What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?
7. What is your dream job, and why?
8. What are 5 passions you have?
9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.
10. Describe your most embarrassing moment.
11. Your favorite movie and why?
12. Your earliest memory.
13. Describe 5 weaknesses you have.
14. Describe 5 strengths you have.
15. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?
17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?
18. How important you think education is.
19. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
20. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.
21. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first?
22. How have you changed in the last 2 years?
23. Your views on mainstream music.
24. Something that you miss.
25. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?
26. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?
27. What is your favorite part of your body and why?
28. What is your love language?
29. What do you think people misunderstand most about you?
30. List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
What I really do....
Adventures in Gymnastics Class Part 158:
Today during warm up AKA tell each other about our life stories time I was sharing with my girls how I "teach" art & that we colored easter eggs today.
"You teach art class Miss Jessica?!?!"
"Yes and PE and science too! I am a teacher!"
"No Way!"
"Ok so if I don't teach what do I do all day?"
.............
"I think you watch football all day!"
If they only knew :-)
BTW here are the easter eggs my class made. I think they turned out pretty awesome! Thank You Pinterest and Martha Stewart for the ideas!
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