Week of rest...

This time last week Joshua and Van (my father-on-law) departed on their 9 day trek to Vegas and back! It has been interesting...and a little lonely...living on my own. I've gotten to catch up on all of my girly tv shows, which include...but are not limited to...Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill, and the new episode of the Bachelorette! Last Monday I totally vegged in front of the tv for all 3 of these shows, it was awesome! I've also spent some time reading, cleaning, resting, and exercising. Last week I walked to the grocery store to grab dinner, something that was actually really rewarding. The weather here has been so gorgeous..so I've tried to spend as much time outside as possible. After teaching on Thursday I spent some time relaxing pool side, getting a start on my summer tan.

I was also able to catch up with some dear friends! This week I had some lengthy phone calls with Sarah, Emily, and Hawley!! I definitely don't get to talk with these girls enough, so it was nice to be able to sit on the couch and chat with no time limitations. Haha, that makes it sound like Joshua sits there and times my phone calls..totally not the case. But, when we are home together I usually don't answer my phone and just enjoy my time with him.

My weekend was spent being a total bum. I rented "The Reader" and the old "Marie Antoinette" film with Kirsten Dunst and also watched a few movies that came on TBS. "The Reader" was very interesting, though I have to admit I fell asleep towards the end..it got a little slow. "Marie Antoinette" was SUPER slow..and though the costumes and music were awesome...it was kind of a waist of a rent. I did get some exercise in this weekend, which is always good. I also spent some time by the pool, and then Sunday I went in to work.

Though I've enjoyed the time alone...I defintely prefer living life with Joshua and having someone to spend my time with every evening. 9 days has definitely been a little too long to be seperated, but I'm glad Joshua and his dad were able to take this trip together. I know it'll be a great memory to look back on.

Well..that's it for now! Next week I head to Atlanta for Beth's wedding!! I can't wait to be there for her and share in such a special event. I'm also really excited to see all of my dear friends from UGA! I'll also be celebrating my BIRTHDAY next Wednesday! Woo hoo for 24!

Optimisim

There was an AWESOME special tonight on ABC called Michael J. Fox: Adventures of an Incurable Optimist. As everyone knows, Michael J. Fox has Parkinson's disease...but rather than keeping him down, Fox's optimism and positive outlook on life has kept him going. Yes, he does have great resources for the best doctors, the best medicines, etc...but without that positive attitude, who knows how well he would be doing now. This special explored optimism, not only in the United States, but also world wide. And you know, it was just a great reminder...a REFRESHING reminder to live every day with a big smile on your face, loving life, giving thanks for all that you have, thanking our Lord for all the gifts he has provided, and just generally enjoying life.

I've have be stressing a lot recently...mainly focused around finances...and this little special reminded me to relax, take a deep breath, and focus on the positive. Though Joshua and I don't always have the funds to do everything we desire...we DO have each other and that is the biggest thing to celebrate every day! So rather than continuing my stress on finances, I am going to focus on the good stuff...friends, family, free fun, and the Lord.

Ok...so that is all for the moment. Hehe, just wanted to share a breath of fresh air. It's always nice to see someone so happy, that has reason to be so angry. Thank you Michael J. Fox for your inspiration!
Oh...and as a last note, Michael J. Fox has a book out: Always Looking Up. I am definitely putting that on my list to read!

Spring!

It has been quite a while since I've updated the site...so sorry about that! Joshua and I have been busy with lots of different activities. Work has been pretty demanding recently..and it feels like I can never quite catch up. I don't mind though, because then I'm always busy! Joshua is starting finals this week...which is keeping him busy. I have gotten back on the workout wagon and I'm trying to workout every week day. It seems like it would be really easy, since I WORK at a gym...but it's really hard to get away from the desk sometimes.

Other than work and school, Joshua and I have just been trying to spend time together doing things we love...like going on walks, watching movies, and going on occassional long drives. This spring has been wonderful so far and we both feel like we've grown closer with all the time we've spent together. This past weekend we went to one of my co-workers for her birthday and we had a lot of fun! Stacie lives out in Rowlett, which is about 1/2 hour from Dallas and she lives really close to the lake. Josh and Stacie's husband got along really well. He is a Dallas Police Officer and I think they have a lot of the same interests and life values. I think we'll definitely have to hang out again.

Other than that, we're just doing our normal routine and looking forward to a few trips this summer. Joshua is going on a 9-10 days motorcycle trip to Las Vegas and back with his dad right after school ends, which leaves me in Dallas all alone..but I know they'll have a good time and their time together is always important...father-son bonding time! We'll be heading to Atlanta for Beth and Ramsey's wedding, which is June 6th! I can't wait to go and witness their marriage and as a bonus see all my wonderful friends again!! Then we're going to go to Branson, MO to see my family and stay at Big Cedar Lodge after Olivia gets out of camp at Kamp Kanakuk! I'm pretty excited about this because I haven't seen my dad or sister since October! Plus, I went to Kanakuk when I was younger, so it'll be like returning to childhood for me. We're still trying to figure out what to do for our anniversary, but it'll be special no matter what we do.

Ok...I better get back to work. Just wanted to do a little update!

Wrapping Up the Week

So this week has been nothing out of the ordinary.  I taught on Monday morning...which was like pulling teeth.  We missed two weeks of class, first because I was out of town, and then they had spring break.  After two weeks of not discussing art, I think they got a little clammed up.  Hopefully tomorrow will be better.  There is a group coming to "observe" my classroom to approve a grant for the Art Think program.  I am a little nervous about that...but I think it will be completely ok.  I am starting at a new school this week as well.  I'll be teaching on Thursdays from 8:45-2.  That means I'll have to work Saturdays at the Y, but I think it'll be worth it.  It's only a 6 week program, so after that 6 weeks, it it was too hard, I'll know not to take on so much in the future.  This program is really giving me a better feeling about teaching.  I think I would be a great teacher and I would love teaching children.  I know I'm not called for high school, but it really gives me a better understanding of what it takes.

One of the front desk supervisors at the Y is leaving to go work at the association office.  Sooo, we had a going away party on Saturday.  We went and played the gam called "Whirleyball" and had SO much fun!  Joshua went with me and we summed the game up as "basketball, polo, and bumper cars" all rolled into one.  So, there are two teams in bumper cars (each with 5...I guess we were players??) and we each had a stick, similar to that used in lacrosse.  Ok, so there was a wiffle ball that we had to throw into a hole, about the height of a basketball bet, but parallel to the wall instead of parallel to the floor.  Oi..that sounds so confusing.  Anyways, you drive your bumper car around trying to score...AND trying to block the other team.  Needless to say, I am ridiculously sore today.  It feels like I've been in a car wreck, which I guess is partially true because each time you were bumped it felt like a massive collision.  We all laughed the entire time!  What a fun game.

Ok, so my last note of the night:  I just watched "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2" and it really made me miss all of my girls.  It made me miss those great nights of friendship from when we were young (yes, i know we are still young..be we are grown-ups and have responsibility now..boo!), staying up late, talking about total non-sense.  I miss having those friendships near and close at hand.  I love and cherish them all so dearly and I don't think I tell them all enough.  The end.

Weekend at the library

Josh has been working REALLY hard on his brief for his Legal Writing class.  He turns it in tomorrow and that will count as his one and only grade in that class.  Oh the stress and pressure! He hasn't been able to get work done at home, and therefore, as been spending lots of time at the library.  Well, being at home night after night can get pretty lonely, so I've chosen to come spend some time with him at the library.  I know...sounds like no fun at all, but it really has been nice.  I picked up a new book today titled A Faith and Culture Devotional: Daily Readings in Art, Science and Life.  The layout is pretty cool, offering readings in Bible and Theology, History, Philosophy, Science, Literature, Arts, and Contemporary Culture.  The book breaks down the reading into 15 weeks. Each week there is one article from each category, which really provides for a balanced read and you don't get overwhelmed with one topic.  At the end of each category there are questions for reflection or discussion.  I love books that include questions because it really gets you thinking about the topic.  I'm really looking to the coming weeks as I explore and learn through this devotional.  Here is what the back of the book says, just to provide a better note as to what the book is about:

Kelly Monroe Kullberg and Lael Arrington offer a daily guided tour through many of the paintings, laboratories, rock arenas, great books, mass movements, and private lives that have shaped the ways in which we think and live.  mass movements, and private lives that have shaped the ways in which we think and live.  This educational devotional will inspire us to go beyond critique to creativity as we discover the wonder of God in seven subjects--theology, history, philosophy, science, literature, art, and contemporary culture.

Explore significant ideas, people, and events from a Christian worldview in a format that fits your busy life.  A Faith and Culture Devotional will help bridge the artificial gap between learning truth and loving God--inspiring you with the wonder at the genius, power, and beauty of Jesus Christ.

I think it will be interesting!