Where have I been??

I am not sure if anyone reads my blog besides myself, but just in case anyone has been meandering around here for the past few months, wondering where the heck have I been, here is an update!

I started my student teaching mid-July. I am in a 1st/2nd grade cluster classroom at a charter school. I am teaching Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. I have a full day of classes at ASU on Thursday. And then I am still working at the theatre Friday, Saturday, and Sunday! Whew! Even saying my schedule makes me feel exhausted! My life has been filled with children, lesson plans, homework, and movies! I have had little time to myself, let alone see any friends or do anything fun. It has been extremely stressful, but there is finally a light at the end of my tunnel, so I am ready to reach it! I know that once I graduate, everything will be worth it!

Life in the classroom has been such a blast! I have been learning so much about being a teacher. It really has shown me that I have chosen the right career path. I am finally feeling like my life is heading in the right direction. I feel good about that. I wish that I could carry around a little recorder, so I could remember all of the hilarious things that my students say to me! Some of the stuff that comes out of their mouths is just too funny! I think I am going to start some sort of journal for the classroom so that I can reflect. All of my classes at ASU have told me that I should keep one anyone with teaching. I really understand the relevance of that now. There is so much that happens in one day in the classroom, that I would never be able to remember it all. That will be something that I start after this break.

Ah, this break. I am officially on fall break. This could not have come at a better time! I have been on the brink of slightly losing it with being overwhelmed. Going so long without a break is really hard for me. Anyone actually. I have a whole week off school and teaching! Unfortunately, it is not a week off of work. I am actually going to be working a ton to make some extra money. Let me tell you, I need it! I am essentially working two jobs with full time school. Only getting paid for one of them, paying for the others! It is catching up with me. I can't wait for a time when I am getting paid to teach!

Well, guess that is all for my life as of now. So much going on, with so little to talk about. I will end this post with a couple of quote from my students.

"Miss Miller, guess what? I am pinching my penis and it doesn't even hurt!"

"You better get married soon, or you will end up old and alone."

"I can't help it, I'm attracted to you!"

"My dog had to have his balls chopped off because he was humping me too much."

"I don't know why, but I think my cousin is so pretty. I like her."

Catching up with a decade old trend- The Boy Who Lived

I am about to make a confession. It might show a little hypocrisy in my post about reading, but I am going to tell you anyway: I have never read a Harry Potter book. Before yesterday that is.

I know, I know! I love to read. Go read my post about reading if you don't want to believe me after the confession I just made. Let me tell you a little back story:

The first time I heard of the Harry Potter books I was in 8th grade. Some girls were talking about how amazing the books were in my honors english class. I remember thinking that it was an odd topic for a book, kid wizards. I laughed a little and blew it off. Later that month I saw my mom reading said book! She was obsessed from the moment she opened the first book. She was mesmerized by land of Hogwarts and all of the characters that the book portrayed. She read the books every night before she went to bed. She told me that it was "one of the best books she ever read".  I was told that it was a must read. I, of course, was at that stage of school now where I was only reading for educational purposes, (I blamed it on having no time, which was partly true).  I had not read the books yet.

Then the movies started coming out. Being an avid movie goer and having a mom who was beyond excited to watch her favorite book come to life, I went and saw it. Loved the first movie and understood why everyone was so into the series. But for some reason, I still did not start reading! I kept telling myself that I would, but just did not make time for it.

The last book had come out. By this time, I was in college and had other things to worry about. I told myself that I would start from the beginning one summer and read through all of them. I started finding other books, that did not have 7 in the series, and got caught up with those. I put the thought of reading Harry Potter in the back of my mind.

Working at a movie theatre has allowed me to be there for all of the Harry Potter movies since the 3rd one in 2004. Crazy, I know. I have watched all of the movies and continued to love Harry. Whenever anyone talked about reading the books and comparing the movies to them, I would just get quiet or walk away. I even would pretend that I had read them! How can I say I am going to be an elementary teacher and never have read the biggest book of the decade? I am ashamed!

The last movie came out this last weekend. I was dreading it mainly because I was going to have to deal with the busiest crowds the theatre has seen in quite a long time. I was also a little sad for a couple of reasons. Obviously I was sad because this was the very last movie of the series, and even though I had not read the books, I thoroughly enjoyed the movies. Secondly, I was sad because my mom was not here to be able to see it. I know that she would have loved watching this movie, and for the series to be wrapped up the way that it did, on such a high note. Luckily, she was able to read the last book before she passed away, and that makes me happy.

After feeling a lot of emotions about the end, I have finally started something I have been putting off the last decade. I started reading the books. I am about to start the 3rd one. I have got to say, I am in love! It makes the movies make so much more sense. Books are always better than the movies, I know. But I cannot believe I have waited this long to read them. The bad thing about starting this, is that I cannot put the books down! They are so addicting. After I finish each book, I am watching the movie. It has a complete different meaning.

I cannot wait to finish the series, and finally join the rest of my generation and say that I participated in this decade long phenomenon. I gotta say, my mom would be so proud I am finally listening to her recommendation. Better late than never :)

Looking for something new to do on a Friday night?

I am going to share a secret with you. There is actually something really fun that you can do on a Friday night that does not involve a ton of money, is healthy, good for the soul, makes you feel good, meet new people, and for all ages! Ballroom dancing at Paragon (click name to access link).

Here is how Friday nights work:

$5.00 with a student ID. $7.00 without. You come at 7:30pm for a dance lesson. The type of dance changes week to week. Example: one week a waltz, next week a cha cha. At 8:30pm, open dancing begins. They turn down the lights and it becomes a dance club, disco ball and everything! They play all types of ballroom dance music: cha cha, rumba, jive, samba, salsa, west coast swing, waltz, tango, fox trot, quick step, etc. They play new and old music, so everyone can find something that they enjoy. The room is huge so there is a lot of room to dance. There are leveled dancers there from professionals to it being their first time ever dancing! Age ranges from about 18-90. It is fun to meet new people, bring significant others, or just a group of friends!

I wish that I knew about this place when I was in high school. My friends and I were always looking for something fun to do that we actually could get into at any age! I have been going for years, and absolutely love it.

I have been unable to go for a while because of school and work. I used to be so involved in the ballroom dance world, taking lessons, social dancing, doing competitions. For those of you who don't know me, I even danced on the Dancing with the Stars Tour! It is my dream to actually do that again- best experience of my life.

I finally went back tonight and it was like riding a bike. I was able to go out there and dance like I hadn't skipped a day (except for it was probably a bad idea considering the diet I am on does not contain enough calories to do that extensive exercise!). I am home now and am feeling great about myself!

So if you are looking for something fun and new to try, check out Paragon! Don't be shy if you can't dance either- there are plenty of people there willing to help and no judgement!

Dancing waltz at a competition in Chicago

My latin costume

Dancing at Paragon

Dancing with the Stars Tour

Reading

When I was a little girl, I loved to read. I was able to read at a very young age. My parents read to me every night before I went to bed. They usually read to me Disney books (books that I still love). Over some time, I was able to memorize these words verbatim, and tried to pass it off as "reading". I was a clever one, I tell you. I was able to extend this knowledge of recognizing words and phrases into actual reading eventually, and was always far ahead of my class. This may be why it was so hard for me to complete the phonics class I took last semester- it has always come so easily to me, I never had to do that!

Throughout elementary school, I always wanted to read the "hardest" book that I could, and read more than anyone else. My favorite was the Babysitters Club. Gosh, I wanted to put together my own club and be old enough to babysit SO BAD! There was obviously the Ramona and Beezus books, and Judy Bloom, who taught me everything I ever needed to know about being a teenage girl. I could not wait to get my first kiss after that, and spent many nights practicing with my arm or pillow! Cause you know, Judy Bloom says that is the way to get the best at it. I loved reading, and would spend every night before I went to bed reading as much as I could.

Then high school happened. Those books that I had been reading before were so "juvenile", and as a teenage girl, I was much more sophisticated than that. I remember the first real adult book that I read. It was called Swan Song. I read it freshman year because my good friends Patrick and Eric had both read it and loved it. It was almost 1000 pages long, and I felt cool even saying I was reading it! It was about how after the Earth ended, people were surviving. It was way over my head with some sexual comments and political issues, but I pretended like I could understand all of it. I finished the whole book! I re-read it later and realized that it was much better than I remembered it being, probably because I could understand what actually happened. That was the last "for fun" book that I read in high school. I was an AP English student, so that meant my curriculum consisted of books such as Hamlet, Grapes of Wrath, A Tale of Two Cities, The Great Gatsby, Lord of the Flies, The Odyssey, To Kill a Mockingbird, Animal Farm, to just name a few. Some were decent, some were dreadful. What made them bad was the fact that we were beating a dead horse with it. I felt like we talked about those books in such depth, that it really lost its meaning. I was no longer excited to read for fun. I really did not have a lot of time either. If I had time to read, it was the reading for the class.

I thought high school was bad... oh college. I started out my career at ASU as a pre-law major. Since that is not an actual "major", I quickly became a philosophy and political science major. I have never had to do so many pointless readings in my life. I can honestly tell you that I have absolutely no idea what I read. Homework would be read pages 1-700 before next week. For one class. Multiply that by 5. Oh lanta! I could not even think about reading for pleasure! After 4 years of trudging through awful classes, I changed my major and opened the doors to the colorful world of elementary education.

Being an elementary major opened my eyes to a world that I had forgotten existed. A world before homework and papers and hard life. A world where reading is fun! Where books contain pictures. Where some books have no words at all. Since starting the program to be a teacher, I have read more books than I did throughout the last eight years total. Not only have I been reading kid books over, but I have re-developed my passion for reading everything. My goal this summer is to read all of the kid books I have collected over the past year that I will be implementing in my future classroom. I want to make sure that I know what my students are reading! Along with that, I want to be reading for my own as well.

Over the last month, I have read Something Borrowed, Something Blue, and The Help for myself. I want to make a recommendation for you: read The Help. It is hands down the best book that I have ever read in my life. They are actually making a movie out of it too that hits theatres in August. Hoping that it does the book justice! I want to read it over and over and over again. Everything about it was fantastic.

I want to give you a challenge, whoever you are reading this: read a book this summer for yourself. It can be about anything you want or like. Just do not have it be something for school or work. Immerse yourself into a world that is not your own, allow yourself to enjoy it, channel your inner child that at one time loved to read. It is such a rewarding thing to read. It gives you a moment away from any life troubles or problems. In a world where everything is shown to you, you get to use your imagination. Not only this, but it helps make you more educated. I love reading and will make it my own personal goal to try to always be reading something for myself. I will find the time, no matter how busy life will be.

There is no greater gift than an imagination and the joy of a good book.

Me time

I am fully aware of the fact that I am that person who has complained about the fact that I want "someone", to be in a relationship, to have a partner. I had a come to moment the other day and looked at the whole picture.

I relish my "me time". I enjoy sitting around in my apartment, relaxing, watching whatever show I want, sleeping in as late as I want, dancing around to music. Anything! I have been an independent person for such a long time, I may take for granted how great it really is! I like making my own rules, not answering to anyone.

I know that once my life continues forward, and I do find someone, start a family, all of those fun things in life, I am going to miss this time in my life so much! So I have decided to just make the best of it. Enjoy my life, enjoy my freedom, enjoy my youth! There is no need to grow up so quickly. Age is just a number. You are as young as you want to be. I am in the prime of my life and am going to make the most out of it.

Vacation

What a glorious thing a vacation is. A time away from reality, relaxing, being away from home, experiencing different things, no worries. It has been years since I have had a "real" vacation. Yes, I have left for a few days at a time, but nothing note worthy. I actually just got NINE days. Nine stress free days. Nine days with no thought of work. Nine days with no school. Nine days being with people that I love.

Started out flying into Chicago. Mark and I stayed with my mom's old best friend, Debbie, and her daughter, Anna. We spent the first night going to see Bridesmaids in Chicago Heights. Talk about a ghetto theatre! I embarrassed Mark and Anna by asking the employees what type of projector that they have- no one knew! Seriously now... coming from someone who works in a theatre, you just KNOW these things. So we get into the movie, surprisingly full, and the group of teens behind us start talking extremely loud and making crude remarks. Then a baby is crying (reminder that this is a night time rated R movie). Everyone is on their phone. And absolutely no one comes in to check on the presentation. This drove me nutty. I finally turned around and said something to the obnoxious hoodlums. I have to admit, I was slightly nervous I was going to get shanked or something, but luckily, they just quieted down somewhat.

The next day started out going to Millennium Park. It was really chilly, but the sun was out! A rare occurrence in the windy city. We took our picture with The Bean. Love. I know that it is completely dorky, but I love it. We walked a little bit more through the park and then got on a bus and went to Navy Pier. Mark was with us, so we had to start out by getting lunch as he was getting cranky. We ate at Harey Carey's. The food was actually kind of gross and a lot of money. Oh well. After that, we walked around the pier. I got vetoed out of doing a boat ride, dang. It was nice to see everything though. We even rode the ferris wheel! It was a little scary when he got stuck at the very top and the wind was fierce. But we survived! That night, we went back to the house and just played some board games. I can honestly tell you that I cannot remember a time where I had more fun! We played Apples to Apples and then Catch Phrase. The games got very intense and super funny! Debbie almost wet her pants! Haha!

Day three consisted of going to the Field Museum. Mark and I took the train by ourselves! I was a little nervous, because let's admit it, Mark has no sense of direction so it was up to me to pay attention. The museum was so much fun! We went to the Ancient Americas, Ancient Egypt, and the dinosaurs exhibits. I wish they had museums like that here in Arizona. I love history and seeing these things in person was amazing. Ancient Egypt was my favorite. I loved seeing the real mummy and other things with that. I find that all fascinating. After the museum, we walked over to Soldier Field and took some dorky pictures. Just sad that we did not get to be there for a game! We went back to the house after and decided that we wanted to go to the Bulls game that night! Playoffs versus the Heat! Got down to the city and walked to the United Center. There were actually tickets for the game! We ended up opting for some really great seats ;) Sadly, we lost. It was a lot of fun though! Lots of drinks and I was feeling pretty silly on the way home that night!

Sadly, the next day, our time in Chicago came to and end. Debbie drove us down to Watseka. Michael had his senior awards ceremony that night and we had to attend. I am so glad that I got to spend some time with Debbie and Anna! They are both amazing and have been amazing to my family. We got to the ceremony that night, and without going into too much detail, it was pretty disappointing. It is a private catholic school with a ton of very smart kids with full ride to any college of their choice. Michael was the only one who was "undecided" about his future and did not get any awards. We sat through 3 hours of watching other kids get awards. But let's be real here, I am just thrilled to death that he graduated!

I saw my Papa and Mary Lou the next day. We barged into their place and forced them to spend time with us haha. They are such hermits sometimes and hard to get ahold of! We visited with them for a little bit and then I took off for Champaign to see my lifelong friend, Kristin. I have not seen her for years, so it was so great to be able to catch up with her! I have known her since she was born, I was 6 months old! She is the only one that I have known my entire life. We went to a little restaurant called Radio Maria. It was really good! We then went to a cute little cupcake shop and then I got to see her place and meet her boyfriend. I am so glad I got to see her! That night meant driving almost 2 hours back to Watseka, alone. Let me tell you, driving in central Illinois is in no way similar to anything we have here in Arizona. I was on a two lane interstate with no lights or land marks. Just corn fields and forests. I probably almost died from a few semis more than once. Passing cars on two lane roads is scarier than it sounds! Especially when you are not used to it!

The next day consisted of me and my brothers going over to my Papa's house. Wen went and decorated my mom's grave with red roses. It was the first time that I have actually seen the stone for it. It was really nice. My name was on it. It gave me an eerie feeling to be honest. I am not sure how I feel about everything with it. It was a feeling that I cannot explain to be there and to know that my mom's body was under us. How can one actually grasp that concept? It was a nice moment with me and my brothers though. I am glad that we got to decorate it. After that, we went back to my Papa's and made him play catch phrase with us. Poor thing, he was so bad at it! He could not get the idea of the game at all! It was actually really funny to play with him and laugh though. I got to see a side of him that I usually do not get to see.

Michael's graduation. The big event. Since he goes to a private Catholic school, it was held at a church with a full mass. That was the most interesting graduation I have ever been to! There were only 44 in his graduating class, so thankfully that did not take too long. I liked that we got to see a different type of ceremony. It was nice to go to church too, something I have been slacking at for a while! They even played my mom's favorite church song, How Great Thou Art. Brought a tear to my eye, knowing that she was there for that. Our whole family came out to support Michael. I felt like I was at a family reunion! We went to Monicals pizza afterwards. Best pizza ever! Ate a ton of pizza (I ate way too much on this trip, glad I started a diet as soon as I got back!), and cake! Took a bunch of pictures and then left. That night, we caught up on some TV and then went to bed.

I swear I aged 30 years on this trip. I stayed with my aunt and uncle in a small town, where there is virtually nothing exciting to do. We went and watched Pirates at the local theatre. It was cool that there was a balcony! Very different in every single stand point from where I work. I know, I am a complete loser for seeing so many movies on my vacation. I always find it fun though to compare. I spent a lot of the next couple of days just spending time with my family, relaxing, and reading. I read all of Something Borrowed and Something Blue. Both were fantastic!

Last full day. Went shopping with Cindy, favorite thing to do! Then we came back to the house and had a bbq with my cousins and their kids. It was so much fun! Not sure how it happened, but I got stuck watching all of the kids in the basement while everyone else was upstairs! Good thing I love them! haha. We played playground, princess, and clean up haha! Love them all to death!

Coming home. A tornado touched down where we were! Scary! The power went out as well. We were so blessed to have great weather the whole trip, and the day we leave, this happens! Luckily, we made it to the airport. After a 3 hour delay, 3 changes of the gate, and a nap, we made it home.

There is something about being back there that just brings a smile to my face. I wish I could bring a smell back with me. Smells always remind me of my childhood. The grass, fresh air, my papa's house. I miss that smell already.

I feel better after my vacation. It was so relaxing, brought about a calmness to my life. I hope that I can hold onto that feeling when reality sets back in and the stress of everyday life comes. I love my family and am so blessed and thankful I was able to see them. I am also so beyond proud of my baby brother for graduating high school. I know that my mom would be proud that we were all able to succeed, even with all of the hardships of life thrown at us.

Summer

I have been really bad at updating my blog recently, I apologize. This semester has been very time consuming! I have had little to no time for myself or to do anything besides school and work! It has finally come to an end and I could not be happier! Still waiting for my final grades to be posted, but as of now it looks as if I will be getting all A's and one B! Not bad considering you have to get a 93% to get an A in the professional program and my B was a 90%! There is officially less than a year til I graduate! May 5, 2012. Happy Cinco De Mayo to me! haha

I am leaving for Chicago on Monday. Little more than 24 hours! I just finished cleaning my apartment, like deep cleaning everything. I do not want to come back to a dirty apartment. I am so glad that I did! Makes me feel good when everything looks nice. I just wish I had the time to keep it this way all the time! I am pretty much done packing as well. Weird to be so on top of everything! Just need to get through one more shift at work and I will be on a 9 day vacation. It is going to be so fantastic to just relax and get to see my family. It has been years since I have been out of town longer than 2 days straight. I will post all about it on here!

We are doing the Biggest Loser challenge at my work. I am officially starting the day after I get back from vacation. I am pumped I have a motivation to get back into shape. This semester has really been bad for me. I have had absolutely no time to do anything. The fact that next semester I will basically have no extra money will also help me not eat out ever! Lots of sandwiches and chicken for me! The contest ends at the end of the year so I have some time to lose as much as possible.

I am a pretty boring person and can't really think of much else to write about at this current point in time. There are a few topics on my mind, but I think I want to wait a little bit til I post those. I want to have some time to think it through!

Pictures and details of Chicago coming during the next post! :)