Big 'Ole Photo Dump...Catching up (Late Jan and February)

I seriously have no excuses for not blogging since I was out ALL of last week with snow.  Elsa and I are going to have some words.  I'm all for snow and no school, but not when it messes with my spring and summer breaks!  I'm trying to be GRATEFUL and enjoy the rest that all this snow and weird weather is awarding me, so I will not complain.

With all that said, I am going to try to catch everything up in the next few days, and I'm starting with the blog!  I have a couple posts I'm still editing, but until they get wrapped up, here is my past month in pics!

Weekend in Winston

I was able to spend the weekend with my friend, Carrie.  We hung out, snuggled with her pups, and ate some yummy food with Caro!

Superbowl

My friend, Lexie, hosted a Superbowl party.  It was a lot of fun!  I also got to see one of my former students, Emily!  She was in one of the classes I student taught eight years ago!!  She happens to be a good friend of Lexie's, so it was great to be able to see her and catch up!

Cake Decorating Class

I am LOVING my cake decorating class!!  I'm learning lots and having a ton of fun.  I've baked 3 cakes (the one above was the first), and I feel like I'm getting better with each one!

Hair with Hannah

It is a precious thing to see how your students thrive and succeed in their post high school life.  I taught Hannah my second and third year of teaching.  I love this girl!  She's so full of life and is always a joy to visit with!  She also happens to be a skilled hair stylist!  I was feeling bored with my hair, so I set up an appointment with Hannah on a whim.  She fit me in and we were able to chat and catch up!  We treated ourselves to a little mani/pedi when she finished up!

Steven and Katy's Gender Reveal!

I was SOOOO excited to make a quick trip home and find out what my cousin, Katy, was having!  She is pregnant with her third child, and I was SURE it was going to be another girl (she already has two adorably precious daughters).  I was right!  I wish I had gotten a pic with Katy and her cute little bump!  Above is Katy's oldest daughter and Leah, my cousin (and Katy's sister).

Valentine's Day Weekend

I'm not going to lie, I wasn't really looking forward to Valentine's Day.  Rarely do I look forward to this mushy, sentimental, Hallmark holiday.  With all that in mind, I decided to babysit for my friends Kelly and Matt.  However, we ended up having a friend weekend!  Caro and Carrie came for the weekend.  It was so much fun!  We snuggled with Wyatt, I made my second cake, we enjoyed a delicious lunch and dinner, and played Cards Against Humanity.  I am thankful for precious friends who make me feel loved!

Drummer Boy

I love this set of pics!  Thad LOVES playing his dad's drums!  He makes a TON of noise and has the best smile as he does it :)

On the Sunday after Valentine's, I helped my brother-in-law out with babysitting while he took my sister on a surprise date!  I always enjoy my Thad time, so I was more than happy to help.

Cake #3

After a week of almost going stir crazy with cabin fever, I was able to make a cake on Thursday.  A wonderful colleague (who teaches at the high school across town) was leaving to pursue another career, so I baked a cake for the occasion. 

Lent and Gratitude 

I struggle every year with trying to figure out what I want to do for Lent.  It is such a special season and has always been an important time for my spiritual community.  Because of giving up a lot for my diet, I wanted to take on something instead.  I decided to keep a daily "gratitude" journal.  I force myself to really think about the random daily things that happen.  The little things that occur spontaneously that leave my heart happy and thankful.  It's really been a great reflection piece to add to my nightly "quiet time".

Dog Sitting (and visiting the Steven's)

My sis and brother-in-law asked me to watch their dog, Lois Lane, while they visited family.  I was happy to do it.  I got their a little early so I can visit with Meg and Thad.  We enjoyed lunch and ran some errands.  Love this kid!

Evidently, the snow is not over.  We are expecting somewhere around 5 inches tonight here in northern NC.  I am just going with the flow at this point!  Got a big ole check list and plan on marking some things off!  Hope everyone stays warm!!

Letter to Ms. Barrier

A few months ago, I read an interesting blog post encouraging veteran teachers to write a letter to their first day, first year of teaching selves.  I wasn't even sure what I would tell that person years ago, but decided to take the challenge.  It resulted in a deep reflection of who I was as a teacher and who I've become.  I encourage all teachers at some point in their career to give it a try.

-------------------------------------------

Dear Coley,

You're about to become Ms. Barrier.  It will soon be shorten to "Ms. B" and part of you will identify with that more name than your first.  This is mainly because it's all you're going to hear most of your future weeks.  Go ahead and take a deep breath.  It's going to be a bumpy ride.

You are currently a mixed bag of nerves, anxiety, and fear.  Terrified of failure, braced for the unknown.  I'm going to go ahead and tell you...it's going to be like this for awhile.  I'm not trying to scare you or make you worry, but it's inevitable given our personality that you would be anything but those things.  Keep your head up and soldier on...you WILL make it through.

Don't...are you listening to me?...don't constantly compare yourself to others.  Other teachers, other colleagues, other friends...by doing this, you are setting yourself up for failure.  Of course the teacher who has been teaching for 20 years is going to be better than you!!  I think we both know it would be scary if he or she wasn't!  You can't let this fact get to you.  You are a FIRST year teacher.  Even though you should strive for your best, you must also understand that mistakes are part of the learning curve.  You have to make them before you can truly learn.  Learning is the best part of this gig.  You get to do it EVERY SINGLE DAY.

Another "don't" - do not feel like you have to do everything.  You don't have to sponsor a club your first year!  You don't have to be on this or that committee at first!  You don't have to feel like you should go to every sporting event...that's ridiculous.  Yes, you should go to some and show your support, but if you stretch yourself too thin, the results are going to be disastrous.

You have an amazing team of supportive teachers and colleagues working with you.  You shouldn't be afraid to ask for their advice.  They're not going to think you're weak; they're not going to think it makes you a "bad" teacher to ask for help.  That's what they're there for - to make sure you are doing well.  It's not a flaw to need other people, rather look at it as a gift.  These are the people who will shape the future teacher you will soon become.

Your students are going to become so important to you.  You're going to worry about them, be frustrated with them, rely on them to make you smile, and most of all, you're going to learn from them.  They'll teach you so much more than any college class could have.  They're going to NEED you.  That first year you're going to have some "doozies", but those students are few and far between.  Looking back, some of the best students I ever taught, some of the students who taught me the most, were in those 6 classes I taught that first year.

Don't lose your spark or creativity.  Don't procrastinate grading.  Don't give up.

You will feel like throwing in the towel and saying, "SCREW IT!"  You will go home achingly tired.  BUT you will conquer and make it through to the other side.  It's okay to cry and it's okay to call your best friends or family and feel like screaming.  That's what they're there for and what they expect you to do.

This is the best, hardest. most frustratingly rewarding job you will ever know.  It will bring you to your knees in prayer.  It will bring tears to your eyes.  But, most of all, it will make you a better person.  It will help you to grow.  The benefits of this job are innumerable.  Focus on that.

Sitting here in the same classroom, seven and a half years later...it's incredible to think about you.  You being me...that scared teacher.  The kids have changed...the boards have been decorated differently.  The lessons have changed and the responsibilities have grown.  But the love is still there.  The knowledge that this is God's gift for you to use has grown.  Just don't get sucked under the tide...remember this quote:

"Promise me you will not spend so much time treading water and trying to keep your head above the waves that you forget, truly forget, how much you have always loved to swim."
-Tyler Knott Gregson

That sums it up.

Best wishes.  Learn.  Love.  Forgive yourself.

You're still here all these years later...

Hugs,
An older, slightly wiser Ms. Barrier

One Month "Weigh in"

It has been a month since I started my diet health improvement plan.  There have been a couple snags, but overall it's been a great experience.  Here are some thoughts on the past month:

• I absolutely could not do this without the support of my friends and family.  Positive messages, texts, and phone calls help me to make it up this upward hill journey.
• I miss soft drinks the most.  I went 20 days straight without one, but decided to "treat" myself with one last Friday night.  I was worried that it would be like "falling off a wagon", but I was satisfied with one and moved on.
• Breakfast is the hardest meal!  Probably because I never give myself enough time to get ready for the day.  By the time I've showered, dressed, fixed my hair and makeup, packed my lunch (which is a challenge of its own), I'm left with only a few minutes to decide on what to eat.  I've figured out some quick options that I try to rotate.  
• I love Quaker's "Weight Control" instant oatmeal (160 calories).  Variety of flavor and super quick!!  
• I also enjoy Carnation's "Essential Breakfast" chocolate mix (130 calories).  It helps get in a lot of vitamins and that needed calcium.  
• I was on a big Raisin Bran kick, but have rotated from that (mainly because fiber + teaching a 90 minute period afterwards = awkwardness).  
• Protein bars - jeez...I've tried just about every brand and every flavor.  I'm always trying new ones and looking for new flavors/options.  My favorite so far have just been the Food Lion and Target brand protein bars.  They're usually 180 calories.
• Fresh fruit is wonderful...when I have time to get it together.  I cut up apples, grapes, strawberries, and mandarin oranges the other morning and it was scrumptious!  However, it does take some extra time...so it's not always an option for me.
• SMOOTHIES!  My newest test...I have tried about 4 different recipes!  I'm still learning.  Yesterday, I made a banana-chocolate-peanut butter protein smoothie that was pretty good!  
• Lunch and dinner have just been a "try it out" kind of thing.  I have found things that keep me full and satisfied for lunch, and then other meals that are light enough for dinner, but still filling.  Dinner is hard because I am so tired by the end of the day.  Trying to make something healthy and nutritious can be a challenge.  I have been pinning all sorts of things to try on Pinterest! 
• Healthy eating can be CRAZY EXPENSIVE!!  My goodness!  The first week I went shopping (granted I needed to get some extra stuff) was over $100!  I was flabbergasted.  However, the past few weeks have been much better.  I have tried to pre-plan my meals for the upcoming week.  This way I'm not buying food I don't need.
• Cheat meal - this is something that I did too early in the game.  I wasn't ready for a lot of food, but this past weekend was better (I usually save my "cheat meal" for the weekend).  This past Sunday I went to my friend's Super Bowl party and allowed myself to indulge a little bit.  It was amazing how lethargic and "yucky" I felt the next day.  I definitely realized how much better I feel by eating healthier.
• My cousin Leah is the best!  I have an advantage of being related to and close friends with a personal trainer and great nutritionist.  Leah has walked me through every step.  I call her with weekly updates and she gives me tips and advice for what to eat, what not to eat, what to watch out for, and tips for working out.  It's been very motivational because I always want to tell her my accomplishments!!
• Exercise is still hit or miss.  I did join the YMCA.  I have been to 4-5 Zumba classes (and LOVE them), swam in the Y's pool, and did some elliptical/bike exercises, but I would like to do more.  Currently (about 4 weeks into joining the Y), I average going 1-2 times a week...which is not a lot.  I give the excuse of work and it being late and blah blah, but I really just need to bite the bullet and GO!!
• THE STUPID SCALE - ugh.  So evil.  It's like this tempting little minx in the corner just calling me over.  Leah has really urged me to only weigh ONCE a week.  She said that some people don't even weigh, rather they measure (which I haven't done yet).  It's still hard, I really want to know every single day, but if I do that, it'll drive me crazy!!

Overall, it's been okay.  It's hard, but I knew it would be.  I'm learning portion control, resisting temptations, and eating new things!!  It's hard coming up with meals and it's hard sticking with a plan, but I'm focused and determined.  

5 Week Weigh in - down 14 lbs

10 Week Weigh in GOAL - 14 (more) lbs (28 total)

Dec/January Books

I haven't posted a book blog in forever!!  I have been reading (I promise), but never think about writing it down and posting.  I hope to make a "Other Books I've Read Over the Past Year" post at some point.  One of my resolutions for the new year and "30 Before 30" entries was to read more.  For 2015, I want to read at least 40 books (3-4 a month is my goal) and then push it to 50 by my 30th birthday (I began counting this in December and I'm on book 8).  I've had a great start!  I'm combining the books I read in both December and January to make a bigger list.  I'm excited to read some great books this year!  I'll share my "Hope to Read" list at the end of the blog.

1. Yes, Please - Amy Poehler

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Several years ago, I read Bossypants by Tina Fey (if you haven't read it, please go purchase/rent/check it out now).  I love memoirs, and I doubly love funny ones.  When I found out that Amy Poehler had written one, it wasn't even a question of whether I was getting, rather a question of when I could go get it.  I flew through it, laughing, nodding, and noting great quotes from it.  It's honest, hilarious, and just a fun read.  If you're a fan of Amy's or if you love a good, funny book, I highly recommend this one!

Favorite Quotes:
"Great people do things before they're ready.  They do things before they know they can do it.  Doing what you're afraid of, getting out of your comfort zone, taking risks like that - that's what life is.  You might be really good.  You might find out something about yourself that's really special and if you're not good, who cares?  You tried something.  Now you know something about yourself."

"The only way we will survive is by being kind.  The only way we can get by in this world is through the help we receive from others.  No one can do it alone, no matter how great the machines are."

2. The Best of Me - Nicholas Sparks

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So...yes, I am a Sparks girl.  I have grown up reading his books.  I remember reading The Notebook on the school bus in middle school.  There are only a couple of his books I haven't read.  I enjoyed this one.  It wasn't his latest release, but one I had been meaning to read for awhile.  It was pretty typical Sparks, but I am a sucker for him.  Good story line - old loves rekindling their flame.  I will say, I really liked the characters in this story.  And honestly (this probably seems ridiculous), I did not see the ending coming!!  Good beach or lazy day read!

3. Half Broke Horses - Jeannette Walls

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Wow...that's all I can say about this book.  I am a HUGE Jeannette Walls fan, and I was worried that I wouldn't like Half Broke Horses because of how much I adored The Glass Castle.  I was pleasantly surprised right from the start.  It is a perfect companion to The Glass Castle.  It tells the story of Jeannette's grandmother, Lily Casey Smith.  It's billed as a "True-Life Novel".  Many of the events in the story are surrounded by the actual life that Lily led.  It goes throughout her INCREDIBLE life and has the perfect amount of colloquial dialogue and history.  I think I loved it more because I got to see how Jeannette's mother, Rosemary, grew up.  She plays such a vital role in The Glass Castle.  Lily might be one of my favorite heroines I've read about.  She is gutsy, smart, brave, brilliant, and courageous.  She was a teacher, farmer, maid, mother, wife, daughter, horsewoman, rancher, and all around stunning woman.  I HIGHLY recommend this book, especially if you loved The Glass Castle as much as I did!!

Favorite Quotes:
"The women I know with strong personalities, the ones who might have become generals or the heads of companies if they were men, become teachers.  Teaching is a calling, too.  And I've always thought that teachers in their way are holy--angels leading their flocks out of the darkness."

"You can't prepare for everything life's going to throw at you.  And you can't avoid danger.  It's there.  The world is a dangerous place, and if you sit around wringing your hands about it, you'll miss out on all the adventure."

4-7. The Selection Series: The Selection, The Elite, The One (and other novellas)

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I always try to keep up with YA literature.  I like to be able to give recommendations to my students and also know what they're reading.  My county has a fantastic source called "Overdrive" that allows me to check out books from our school online.  I was perusing through books and this series caught my eye.  I LOVED IT.  I devoured all of the books in a week!!  The series is set in the future.  Our country as we know it is not there anymore.  There is a monarchy and castes (based on numbers).  Within each caste, you can only do the jobs given to the particular number.  Enter America Singer (I love the name).  She comes from a low-middle caste.  On the Prince's birthday, he must select a queen.  It's like The Hunger Games meets The Bachelor!  The "Selection" is the prince choosing his wife.  There's a lot of other stuff going on within the new country.  Rebels are upset and trying to take over, people are frustrated with the caste system, so on and so forth.  America is entered into the Selection and the series takes off from there.  It's broken up into three main novels and then there are two novellas (actually, there might be four now).  I recently recommended it to a student who is a fellow book lover and she emailed me a couple days later and was engrossed in the series!!  It's really a fantastic (and super easy) read!!  

8. Wild: from Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail - Cheryl Strayed

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I have wanted to read this book for the longest time.  I finally got motivated to read it when I saw that the movie was coming out.  Again...strict rule...no movie before reading the book.  I will admit that it's taken me a lot longer to get through it than I anticipated.  It's a great book, but parts of the book when she goes into her descriptions of camping and the trail sometimes bored me.  However, the other parts are fantastic.  This is a memoir (which again, I love) written by Cheryl Strayed who decided to hike the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) after a series of devastating blows in her personal life.  I love that it is her journey.  It had a lot of parallels to Into the Wild, which is another one of my favorite books.  Strayed is an incredible writer.  The imagery and descriptions within the book take the reader to the trail with her.  It's easy to identify with her as she discusses her pain and her need to reflect/revive/refresh her life.  I felt like I was right there on the path with her.  All the setbacks, all the triumphs, from the beginning to the ending...she takes the reader right there with her.  I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a fresh start.

Favorite Quotes:

"I knew that if I allowed fear to overtake me, my journey was doomed.  Fear, to a great extent, is born of a story we tell ourselves, and so I chose to tell myself a different story from the one women are told.  I decided I was safe.  I was strong.  I was brave.  Nothing could vanquish me."

"How wild it was, to let it be."

I hope you pick up some of these books!  I really enjoyed all of them.  I'm reading a guilty pleasure series at the moment and then will continue on to the books mentioned below.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on the above or below books!  Happy reading :)

HOPE TO READ IN 2015:

It Was Me All Along - Andie Mitchell

The Girl on the Train - Paula Hawkins

Still Alice - Lisa Genova

The Silver Star - Jeannette Walls

1984 - George Orwell 

Small Victories - Anne Lamott

Missing You - Harlen Coben

This I Know for Sure - Oprah Winfrey (actually about 1/2 way finished with this)

The Shack - William P. Young

Looking for Alaska - John Green

Life of Pi - Yann Martel

Different Seasons (collection of 4 novellas) - Stephen King (also 1/2 way finished with this)

The Catcher in the Rye - J.D. Salinger

The Sugar Queen - Sarah Addison Allen