Coley's Adventures in Laundry

I thought I'd include this story.

I e-mailed my best friends this story on Friday morning...as in 12:30am. Anywho...here it goes:

This story starts about 2 hours ago and I'm not sure when it is going to end. A smart person would have started laundry earlier. A smarter person would not have watched The Vampire Diaries and Grey's Anatomy, but would have done laundry. Actually...a really smarter person would've taken their laundry somewhere else. Alas...I am not.

I decided at 10:15 to do laundry. When I went in there a weird couple was in there. The man looked high and the woman drunk. This was not going to be a good evening. There were only 2 washers working and my hope was slowly draining. I loaded the washers and decided to wait my 28 minutes in my apartment. I went back in 25 minutes and there was still 14 minutes on the washer...um...what? Then it went on "spin" cycle and it sounded like the lid was going to come off and my clothes were going to fly out.

I THOUGHT I had enough money. I thought...well, after 1.25 for 2 washes...I was down to 3.00. That was enough for 1 dry. Y'all...the last time I did laundry was before Case's wedding...I'm pretty sure they're working on their one month anniversary. So, I put them all in one and decided to go get some money. Well...easier said than freakin' done.

First thought: Go to the Harris Teeter and get money back. Get in my car. Go to the Teeter. The 24 hour Teeter. Get out of my car. They're closed for maintenance. Really. So then I go to the other Teeter. Get out...and haven't even thought about what to freakin' buy. So I get soup. Go check out. Cash back? Yes please. Put in the amnt. Woman says...no cash back after 10. WHAT THE HELL. So then I go to the Cash Points. At this point I've made a HUGE circle. I get out $20. I don't want to put that much in...so I go to Wendy's.

Finally get back to the laundry building. I can't get in. It's locked. I'm just over it. So I see if I can get around the pool to it. I have to walk past crazy lady and man. I still have NO idea what they're doing or why they're there. Get my laundry in the dryer. Separate the 1 big load to two small loads. I haven't gone back to see if I can get in. I'm honestly a little worried. Not sure what will happen from this point on.

I'll keep you posted.

Coley

PS...I'm asking for a washer and dryer for Christmas.

PPS...I think I'm calling in sick tomorrow.

PPPS...I'm sorry if you're still reading this.

College Flashback

It will be 7 years ago this August I entered college. Has it been that long? Really? I honestly try not to think about those first few months of college. I almost hate it when my students ask, "Did you like college?" Of course I eventually LOVED it. I would go back to my junior and senior year in an absolute heartbeat...but...those first couple of years...I wouldn't go back.

Change is a necessary evil or good depending on the circumstance. The change of college was in the evil category. It's strange, my entire senior year I prepared and got ready and was looking forward to that 'great move', but when it happened...it was like someone had punched me in the stomach and said, okay, get up, move on, go to it.

When I'm advising students on room mates and classes and what to do their freshman year, I always try to smile and give them my best advice, but secretly I'm praying that they don't have the year I did.

I can't blame it on UNCG. I can't even blame it all on my room mate (that was never there and eventually moved out). I know there was a lot going on with my family. My cousin was dying, my depression and anxiety were getting worse and worse. I felt like my life was slipping from me...and if you know me, you know I do NOT like feeling out of control. But, the worst thing was that I was simply homesick. I missed my mom with an ache that I can't explain. I'm not a momma's or daddy's girl, per say, but I do love them and I guess that without them there, I didn't know what home was. I didn't know how to create that for myself.

Every night I would call mom and sob, I mean y'all, sobbb. Ugly cry. Oprah is reuniting with a long lost hero cry. I know now that it probably was just as hard on her as it was me. How horrible to feel like you are helpless. She knew she couldn't let me come home, thank goodness she didn't. She did the biggest favor in not.

Eventually, with a lot of prayer, knowing my friends were there, knowing that even though home is and will always be Morganton, I learned that home is where you make it. Home is hearing your best friend's voice on the phone. Hearing a knock on your dorm room door and seeing your friends while they check in on you.

It was hard. Probably the hardest and worst year of my life. I don't like to think of the darkness I was in. I just know I eventually found the light. God has never given me a problem he didn't hold my hand through. The light on the other side is worth the fight. I grew stronger from the experience.

So now, when I advise my seniors, I tell them to have fun, MEET PEOPLE, call home, but don't be afriad to be scared and homesick. Just know it's inevitable, but also don't give up. Getting through college was one of the biggest accomplishments I've ever done. The other side is indeed brighter.

Teaching with Heart

I was able to spend a lot of time in one of my best friends, Casey’s, classroom this past week. It was a really enjoyable experience to spend time in a level of education that prepares my students for what I will eventually teach them. It made me realize what a strong foundation each child receives as they enter the elementary school world. I stayed and watched Case as she met all of her new students. They each shyly walked into their new ‘bigger’ classroom and quietly shook her hand. One could tell that they weren’t quite sure what to make of this new classroom, kind of nervous that they had to leave their kindergarten classrooms. Their moms and dads walked them around, getting to know the classroom, showing their children where everything was. It was really interesting to see. Casey was so wonderful with each of the kids. She extended her hand and shook each child’s tiny hand as they put it into hers. She greeted the parents with ease and no one could tell if she was nervous or not, she held her own! There was one little girl in particular that captivated my attention. She walked around the classroom with comfort, hugged Case as if she already knew she was going to be her favorite teacher, and had a sparkle in her eye that reminded me of my own when I was that age and entering my first grade classroom.

It feels as if I was born into a classroom. My mom has been a teacher for over 30 years, which is a feat that I am unable to comprehend at this point in my career. The halls of Glen Alpine Elementary were my home. I knew every nook and cranny. I was friends with all the secretaries. The principals and guidance counselors always made sure I felt welcome. Education has been a ‘home’ for me. I was that little girl that was in Casey’s classroom. I loved my teachers. I loved school. It was always a place of ease for me.

Teachers, even more than the school, are also some of the most important people that have passed through my life. They have had a crucial role in shaping the person that I am today. I still count several of my past teachers as my confidants, mentors, and role models today. I don’t think a teacher ever realizes the true impact that they have on their student’s life.

Does Mrs. Hairfield know that I still remember her puppy dog curtains and they way that she made me feel better after I got lost on my first day of kindergarten? That she was the one that taught me to love reading and taught me to share with others. Two of the most important things ever.

Does Mrs. Rhodes know that she is one of the reasons I became a teacher? I still remember her signing her letters with x’s and o’s and because of that I have always remembered her kindness? That I still sing “Up on the Housetop” at Christmas time because it reminds me of her?

Does Ms. Boughman know that I still remember writing a creative story and her reading it out loud to the class because she thought it was so good…and I have loved writing ever since?

Does Miss Ennis know that I still consider her one of my life role models? That because she was so kind and let me help her everyday after school, it made me really want to be a teacher myself? That I still remember her reading Dear Mr. Henshaw to us after lunch and helping her decorate for Christmas? That her smile and laugh and sweet nature is why I loved 4th grade?

Does Mrs. Lawson know that she made me realize teachers could teach us new things, but also have a divine sense of humor? That my favorite days in her class were the afternoons we would push all the desks to the side and sit in a big circle and sing silly songs??

Going into high school teachers…these 3 women have shaped me more than I could ever write on pages. And I kid you not…it almost brings tears to my eyes to think of all that they have done to impact my life. They are the reason I teach high school and they are the reason that I know I can care.

Does Mrs. Hasty know that I think of her every time a student comes to me with a problem and I feel I can honestly be there for them? That she taught me teaching is a job that you can really be there for your students and show them that you care. She made me feel so loved and appreciated. I might not remember every Spanish verb, but I remember that she made me laugh and that she made me feel that I was an important person.

Does Mrs. Vaughn realize that I still read the prayer she e-mailed me my first day of teaching? That I still think she is one of the smartest, wisest women I have ever met. That I feel so fortunate my teacher cadet class was taught by one of the best teachers in NC? Her love for her students, her wise words, and her genuine compassion for her career made the biggest impression on me.

And…Mrs. McKinney. My life mentor. The woman that pretty much got me where I am in teaching today. Does she know that I shape my lessons after her? I know I can be funny and serious all in one classroom? That her having us read The Awakening led to my true realization that I was meant to be an English teacher? That she still shapes my life and always will? She will still be the one I call on for advice and help with every possible education crisis in my life.

All these women hold a piece of my heart. All of these teachers shaped me. They helped me to become the teacher that I am when I walk into the classroom. They have helped me to realize that it’s not just about the curriculum. I learned so much from their classes. I learned to read, write, count, add, look, share, be a good person, and appreciate my surroundings. They are some of the best people I know.

Most of these women still teach. I feel a little jealous of their current students. They are some lucky individuals. My hope is that I am an iota of the teacher that they are. I still feel blessed by their role in my life and I hope they know it. Kudos to all of you amazing women…I owe you immensely. And kudos to the other teachers in my life. My best friends that teach. The women I work with at RCHS. I have learned so much from all of you as well. Everyone needs a teacher in their lives. I’m so glad I have so many!

Saying Goodbye to Summertime

Summers seem to go by more quickly each year. Someone once told me that the older you get, the more this happens. Years seem to fly by, days seem to pass quicker and quicker, and before you know it…your life has passed by a little sooner than you anticipated. I believe this more than ever now.

I love summers. I love waking up into my own routine…and that being not having one. For 190 days (workdays included) I am in my professional world. I wake up with the sun, get to school, teach to the best of my ability, grade papers, plan, come home, think about what lessons tomorrow will bring, catch a couple winks, and begin my schedule all over again. Please don’t get me wrong…I enjoy this routine. I am a creature of habit. Not a creature that is consistent…but I like my school schedule. However…I do enjoy a break from the everyday and for 2 months (exactly) I get just that.

This summer has been really nice…really busy…and really fun. I have had my breath taken away in California. Been kissed by the sun at the beach in SC. I have laughed with my best friends. I have taken almost 800 pictures. I have gotten to help one of my best friends with her wedding. I have been able to meet with mentors and talk about life with them. I have gotten to take a break from my regularly scheduled life. And…I have loved it.

Everyone needs this. Everyone needs to be able to take a break from their usual life. I am very blessed that my career allows me to do this. I love my job for what it brings to my life. I love that I get to serve through my career, but I’m not going to lie. The perk of having a summer makes it just a little bit better.

I know that getting back into the routine of waking up is going to be hard. I expect this, but am also ready for it. I’m ready to get back into the grind of the everyday life. I look forward to meeting new students and I hope that the “third year is the charm”! I am anxious to get back into my classroom where learning is (hopefully) exhibited everyday.

This year comes with a lot of goals and hopes. I feel, and have told many people, that this might be a defining year. I will teach the last possible ‘new’ thing in NC. By the end of this school year I will have taught all four high school level courses. English I, II, III, and IV. I welcome the journey I am about to begin. My GOAL is to become a better teacher; my HOPE is that it actually happens.

I will miss the summer though. Who doesn’t? I will miss waking up in Morganton with my parents close by. I will miss the phone call that says, ‘I’m in town, lets meet for lunch!’ There is a bit of dread knowing my alarm clock will be chiming at 6 instead of…not chiming at all! However…it just makes me anticipate the fun that will accompany my next summer.

So…welcome back school life! I’ve missed you…kind of… And summer…thanks for everything :)

July...How I Spent my Summer Vacation Part 3

When I think of July, I of course think of awesome vacations and relaxing and sun, but this July the SUN has been in the forethought of most of my mind. JEEZ, it has been a scorcher! I don't remember it being THIS hot! Maybe it has been and I'm just noticing the burning blaze more this summer...but I digress, onto the last (and only) full month of my summer.

I think a lot of people give teachers grief for complaining about teaching. It always, always comes back to someone in the audience saying, "BUT, youuu have your SUMMER off!!" Oh, I guarantee this person is NOT a teacher because then they would be saying, "Shew, you should get some more days thrown into that vacation!" I'll never forget being at an end of the year meeting and someone saying how teachers need the break because if they didn't, someone (teacher or student) might end up in jail. I say all of this to tell you, dear reader, for you to understand that I fully love, appreciate, and try to not take my precious summer vacay for granted.

July started with me getting back from California. I spent a week back in Greensboro taking care of some appointments and what not. The highlight of that week was finally getting to meet the precious Avery Grace Gladd. My dear friend from work, Heather, had Avery on June 28th while I was in Cali, which is funny because CA is her home state. Needless to say I was very anxious to meet the new precious one. You can see here how absolutely adorable she is :)

Carolyn holding and meeting Avery for the first time :)

Next up in the July chain of events was 4th of July. I've never been a huge LET'S CELEBRATE the FOURTH kind of person, I'm not sure why. I totally love America and am so appreciative to live in such a wonderful country, but I've never had consistent big plans for the fourth. This year I was invited to a cookout at one of my best friend's sister's house. Megan is my friend to, but just for connection sake...there you go. We had a great time! Very 4th. Hot dogs, oreo dessert, Catchphrase, and FIREWORKS! It was a lot of fun!!

Linds celebrating with sparklers

Linds and Megan celebrating and getting

ready for fireworks!

Errands accomplished in Greensboro, it was finally time to head to the mountains! I was able to spend a few days in Morganton, made a visit for some fun wedding stuff in G'ville with Case and enjoyed some time with family and friends.

AND THEN, the highlight of July was the annual beach trip with my sweet best friends. We all traveled down from 4 different directions and met up in the sand! We were fortunate enough to find 5 solid days to spend together, this is a major accomplishment because between the 7 of us it has been a hectic and busy summer! We were all glad to be able to relax and enjoy each other's company. We laid in the sun, cooked, ate a lot, and laughed even more. We were even able to squeeze in a puzzle. We stayed in and cooked mostly, but made it out for our annual dinner to Bonefish. I had the best time, it flew by WAY too quickly. I am already looking forward to it next year :)

Carrie, Case, and Em - the only pic I have from the actual

beach! It was sooo humid my lens fogged up every time
I tried to take a pic!! I like their matching bathing suits!

30943 hours later...the girls accomplished and completed

the annual puzzle. Good job ladies!

Bonefish! Awesome friends, food, drinks, and we

had an amazing waitress to boot!

My sweet girls :)

I absolutely love this pic. Talk about capturing

a moment :D

The rest of July has been a mixture of spending time with family in Morganton, visits to Greenville sprinkled in, and a visit back to Greensboro. I love being able to spend so much time with my friends and family. I love being able to drive to best friend's houses and watching movies and eating dinner. I love being 5 minutes from my Granny's. I'm going to miss these sweet summer days!

California...

Since I couldn't post all the pics I wanted to on the last entry, I decided to put up another entry with some more pics! I hope that everyone has the opportunity to travel and visit California, it is definitely a place worth visiting. I love that everything is chill and relaxed and beautiful.

Above is The Golden Gate Bridge. Majestic

and mighty. It took my breathe away.

This is at the bottom of the "Crooked Street" on

Lombard Street. EVERYWHERE you turn in San Francisco

there is an intense hill. Lombard was no exception! It was

beautiful and quite crooked! There are beautiful houses

and flowers that are gorgeous!

This was the entrance of China Town in San Francisco.

We ate at Kathy's House and had some authentic Chinese food.

It was a really interesting area.

Finally, here are "The Painted Ladies". You might

recognize these from "Full House", they're on the

opening credits. All over San Francisco you will find houses

that look like this. Really unique and interesting houses.

I hope you enjoy the pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them. I can't wait to see what else Cali has to offer :)

California or How I Spent my Summer Part 2

Ah, California. It really deserves its own post because it was that amazing. One of my best friends, Casey, has a fabulous sister that lives in Santa Monica. Donna, Casey's sis, just had a beautiful baby girl! Zoey is one of the sweetest, most precious babies I have ever met. Much of the time spent there was just hanging out, going around Santa Monica, and spending time with Donna and Zoey.

We went to Ikea (and I fell in love), the Santa Monica Fresh Market, which was outside on the Promenade, walked on the Pier, and took lots of pictures. The weekend I was there we all traveled up to San Francisco. Such an awesome, cool, eclectic, interesting city. We took in a lot of the sites. We went to Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, the Painted Ladies, Alamo Square, and walked up and down Lombard's "Crooked Street". We saw so much, but the my favorite thing was the Golden Gate Bridge. I've been fortunate enough to see and visit lots of things in my life, but this was one of the 'take your breath away' moments. It is absolutely spectacular. The height, length, color, view, everything left me in a state of awe. It for sure goes on my 'most amazing things I've ever seen'!! I am so grateful to Matt, Donna, and Zoey for letting me visit. I am also thankful for my travel buddy Case, we've been a little bit of everywhere and I can't wait to see where else the years takes us on the map!

Better than try to explain all its awesomeness, I will instead post some pics...

Casey and me at Fisherman's Wharf

PS - June in San Fran = COLD!

The famous pier in Santa Monica

Ferris Wheels, Dippin' Dots, and LOTS of interesting people!

Sweet sisters...Donna and Case hanging out with Zoey

Sweet, sweet Zoey

Case lovesss Zoey and I think the

feeling is mutual :)

June ended with me flying back into North Carolina and staying in Raleigh before making my way back to Greensboro. It was nice to be in the Tarheel state, but I am so glad I was able to visit California again. I hope to visit again soon!

I will follow up this blog with a few more pics!!