Spring Break 2012

I had a lovely Spring Break...it's hard to be back in the 'real' world.  Thank goodness I was able to 'ease' into the week with a workday.  I am taking a break from research papers to think back to a more relaxing time!

I began my week in Morganton.  Even though I didn't do a lot, I really enjoyed sleeping in, visiting my family, and just relaxing.  Last Monday I went to my grandmother's and got to see and spend time with my cousin. We went for a walk around the neighborhood.  My home church has recently purchased more land and for Easter they placed a HUGE cross on the lot.  You can see it from the road!

Dogwood flower - Granny explained the significance of this beautiful tree

Large cross on the church's lot - if you're in Motown, you should check it out!

Dogwood tree at my grandmother's house

 After a few days in Motown, I headed down to Pickens, SC to visit Casey.  I really tried to grade...I promise!  However, Hank wouldn't have it!

We headed down to Atlanta to visit Emory and check out the city.  We had a really good time!  I hadn't been to Atlanta in 10 years.  We stayed in a little suburb of Atlanta that was very retro and cool.  Cool?  I feel like I'm in middle school...I'm tapped out of other adjectives!!  The next day we checked out the city and campus.  Emory has a very unique (not in a bad way!) campus that was a mix of old school/modern/sleek.  I am really bombing with adjectives today...way to go English teacher!  None the less, just take my word for it, it was great!

Exploring Virginia Highlands and enjoying drinks!

A-town

Emory

Case at her future school?

 When we got back to Pickens, Casey's family was there to spend the weekend with her for Easter.  I got to spend some time with them.  Casey's sister has a precious daughter!  We had a fun time with sidewalk chalk, dying Easter eggs, reading, and even fit some shopping in!

I finished my week in Motown.  I went to church for Easter service and it was fantastic. The sermon was perfect, the flowers were beautiful,  and the music inspiring.  Granny had a rockin' lunch and then I went to see my mom's family.  All in all...a great ending to a perfect week.

I guess it's back to the 'grind' tomorrow!  I (strangely enough) have missed my students!  Not necessarily teaching itself or all the grading, notes, lessons, work...but, I have really enjoyed my students this semester.  As we enter the last 6 weeks, they'll be bittersweet!  I'm anxiously awaiting summer though!!

I Should Be Grading...

Wow, almost 3 blogs in a week...someone is on vacation!  I am enjoying my sweet spring break. I really haven't done too much of anything, but that's what I like best about a break.  It is so tantalizing and just mocks and says, "Summer break is almost here...but you have to still go back to work for 6 more weeks!"

I spent the first half of my SB in Motown and am now down in SC visiting Casey (and Hank).  Hank is currently my grading buddy as he likes to distract me with his cuteness.  If you aren't sure by now, Hank is Casey (and Clay's) German Shorthaired Pointer.  We've been BFF's since he was a wee little thing.

Tomorrow Case and I are heading down to Atlanta to visit Emory.  She was recently accepted to nursing school there and is going to check it out.  I feel like we're seniors in high school again!  Visiting colleges, taking tours, and making big decisions.  It's fun to be able to see where she might be spending the next couple of years.  I don't really like to think about the fact it's 6 hours away from Reidsville, so I focus on the positives.  New adventures in Atlanta!

As the post title mentioned, I should be grading, but it's a bit depressing and daunting when there are way better things I rather be doing with my time...like blogging, facebooking, looking outside, running around the living room with Hank, really anything...

Alas, back I go...

Thoughts on Being Home...

I've only been here for a couple days, but Motown has helped me regain a sense of calm and peacefulness.  There are a few places that do that for me, but there's just something about this small town that captures my heart and gives me calm like no other.  If you've never been to Morganton (gasp, the thought!), I recommend a visit!  However, I imagine that it is special to me for different reasons.

I blogged last about the 'stresses' of work and all that comes with that gig.  I fully expected to find my 'zen' and welcome peace and Morganton didn't disappoint.  It's not that I've done that much...I've only left my parent's house twice in the past 2 days...but, I've loved just being at home and doing nothing!

The moments that have been special are the ordinary ones.  Talking to my mom.  Spending time with my grandmother.  Going to my childhood church.  Hugging the older women that have watched me grow since I was little. Finally getting a chance to read something that doesn't have to do with a lesson for school. Feeling safe under my parent's roof.

I've also enjoyed talking to my mom and grandmother about everything going on.  My favorite piece of advice came from Granny.  We were talking about how it seems like there is no pleasing some people.  She said, "Look at Jesus, He was perfect and people still didn't like him!  So true.

I am anticipating more visits sprinkled throughout the week with more family and friends.  I also have a fun jaunt planned with Case.  We're going to Atlanta to visit a potential college she might be going to.  We love an excuse for a road trip and a chance to catch up on singing duets!

I'm relishing in the mundane.  Loving the small, quiet moments, the..dare I say...delicious ambiguity of life.  I'm also enjoying my parents cooking for me...added bonus.  Happy Spring Break!