..:Week28:.. love ..:Project52:..

Oh how I looooove love love everything about this! Fireworks, summer, friends, family, food, swimming, drinking, 4th of July. This holiday is truly my favorite day of the year! Having love in your life is what makes it worth living. Some people give that love to their careers, making money, material things, and countless other things. While us lucky ones are surrounded by true love from friends, family, and even someone special. 

“If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” 

― Mother Teresa

..:Week27:.. burst ..:Project52:..

..:Week 26:.. rest ..:Project52:..

Once you finally make it through and get what needs to be done take time to relax! Enjoy nature and spoil yourself... you earned it. I absolutely love everything about going to the spa; the smell, the massages, the pools, the spas, the view, and the fact that you have absolutely NO responsibilities. Find time to put your phone away and just clear your mind because it is absolutely necessary and you will feel sooooo much better for it!

..:Week 25:.. balance ..:Project52:..

..:Week 24:.. journal ..:Project52:..

I might not be that great at it but writing things out has always been one of my favorite things to do. The importance to me is pouring my heart out and being able to reflect and look back on it late. The focus is never on neatness, style, and thank goodness not spelling... just simply getting my thoughts out.  I keep a journal for when I read my bible, my dreams, I will write when I am frustrated, I have journaled frequently about my first year of teaching, and just started a weight loss and other goals journal. I love that a journal can be as creative or simple as you would like and they can be private or shared. Blogging to me is just another form of journaling, and while I love typing my heart out on here, nothing compares to the feeling of getting your thoughts out paper to pen and reading it back over. I would encourage anyone and everyone to journal in one way or anther. Take the time to acknowledge and record you thoughts and feelings because whether or not they make sense, they are yours at that time and in that place in your life.

..:Week23:.. escape ..:Project52:..

Working right down the street from the airport and seeing planes take off has made me want to jump on one and escape reality more than a couple times... No I never did, but I definitely plan to! I want to travel the world and escape the day to day normalcy that I am so used to. Los Angeles is amazing and I don't think I could ever live outside of California for a long period of time, however; I have a deep longing to explore this vast world. I want to see different places, meet new people, hear new ideas, and have great adventures. Sure, I am grateful for the life I live but I truly need to get out and see all that there is to see...

..:Week22:.. move ..:Project52:..

Moving on is never an easy thing to do and I hope for most first year teachers that this is not required at the end of the year. Unfortunately, for me it sure is. Packing is a pain, uncertainty is scary, and leaving people you have grown to love is tough. But God has to close doors so that you will go in other ones... or however that saying goes! Bye bye.... it was fun! Wish me luck!

..:Week 21:.. juggle ..:Project52:..

Yikes! my uncoordinated self has been doing far more juggling than I would like! But hey... I guess that is what makes us better and what it takes to make it. Seriously though, school, teaching, student council, field trips, CSTs, books, papers, lesson plans, family, friends, and heaven forbid a little bit of sleep... Where is the time? Juggle it all for now and don't forget that it will all be over soon and will also be well worth the stress! Keep the end result in mind and remember that once you are able to set it all down you are going to feel great about the accomplishments that you've made!

..:Week20:.. emerge ..:Project52:..

In a world filled with weeds and dead grass... out comes a pretty little ray of sunshine. That is what I want to be in this world. I am no where near the perfect always cheerful person that lights this world up but if we could all just make an effort to be that sometimes I think it could really turn this world around. In a world where we constantly compare ourselves and compete with one another it is easy to get focused on bringing each other down. But how great would it be if you could lend a positive outlook when another is in need.  I am entirely grateful for my teaching cohort of quirky crazy people that understand my position completely. No matter what is going on I can always count on at least one of us bringing a positive outlook to the table. Yes things get crazy and life can be stressful, but a positive outlook can do far greater than a negative one.

..:Week19:.. decorate ..:Project52:..

Little touches of personality and creativity are the essence of what makes your space yours. Decorating for a party, a classroom, an office, and your home is the way that you create a space that speaks to your soul and invites people in. I really think that the personal trinkets and items that are handmade can give any space personality. Pops of color, clean lines, and decorative touches are what make a space your home no matter where it is and can truly bring enthusiasm and encourage happiness in any environment.

..:Week18:.. admire ..:Project52:..

There are some people that come into this world with a very special purpose... Today marks the day that a great friend not only to me but many people passed away. He might have been younger but his heart, experiences, knowledge  and love inspired me greatly.  I miss having him to talk to and laugh with, but more than that I admire him. Little reminders will always bring that spark of sadness; however, that will never out shadow the incredible feeling of motivation that he brings me. Motivation not only to be a better person but to accomplish great things... In the short 21 years that everyone was blessed to be around him he did great things and never without a smile on his face. When people like that get taken from us it is incredibly difficult yet I find comfort in the fact that he lived such a great life and lives on in our hearts. Because he wasn't able to accomplish the many goals that he could have without a doubt, I can look up to him for encouragement to push through when things get tough and always try to keep a smile on my face.

..:Week17:.. enjoy ..:Project52:..

Even when it is tough keep that smile on your face! Enjoy the little things, stop and smell the flowers, soak in the sun. This is your life and you are not just getting through but making a difference and accomplishing goals. It probably won't ever be easy but be optimistic and love the life you live or change it. If life is not filled with some type of joy it is no longer worth living. So find joy in your work, your health, your loved ones, in nature, in God, or any other positive and uplifting place. Never let the negative keep you down too long because there is an entire world filled with beauty and positivity if you would just push yourself to find it and let it flood in. 

..:Week16:.. worry ..:Project52:..

That icky feeling in your stomach... the feeling that everything is creeping up on you... the kick in the pants that you needed to get you to push through. I honestly feel like worry is a gift at times, well not in the moment, but looking back anyways. It gives me the umph that I need to get it all done. I really feel that worry gets me through and sometimes the more pressure and responsibility that I have, the better that I do. With no time to procrastinate and waste time I am able to dig my heels in and get the job done.  With so much accomplished already and so much on the line, giving up just simply is not an option. Don't let your worry break you down, let it be the driving force that gets you through the finish line. 

..:Week15:.. dream ..:Project52:..

Dreaming... I love these beautiful pieces of art. An indian art piece meant to keep the bad dreams away. They are oh so pretty and bring a great comfort. I have had some of the weirdest and craziest dreams and maybe most of them mean nothing, but there are a few that truly inspire me. If you are dreaming great things that is the start to making great things happen. Yes, it takes a lot of hard work, determination, and a little bit of luck. Without that original vision that pops into your head all of the work would be pointless. Never sell yourself short and reach for those dreams because they haven't been placed in your head and on your heart without reason.

..:Week14:.. beleive ..:Project52:..

Happy Easter everyone! I haven't made as much time for my faith as I should have this year... However I know that I wouldn't have made it this far and I definitely wouldn't be able to have become the person I am, without something much bigger, much more powerful, and much more loving than I am deep down in my heart. I know that my faith has been the main reason that I have become who I am today and had the success that I have had. I am so incredibly blessed with my wonderful family, my health, a job, and a peace of mind that no matter what, God has a plan for me. Even though I should be reflecting on this daily, I am so thankful for days like Easter where I can take the time to go to church, spend time with the ones I love most, and appreciate the amazing gift that God has given me! Never forget that every breath is a blessing and God's plan is unfolding every day... Enjoy it and don't stress... Just believe that God is in control and has your best interest at heart.

..:Week13:.. wish ..:Project52:..

To get anything in life... It all starts with a wish. So think big... Realize that this world is a wonderful place where you can enjoy the beauty, soak up the sunshine, and make it through the not so great! If you are in a tough spot, just keep going... Keep the things that you hold dearest safe in your heart... WISH and then make it come true! Believe that sometimes you will get lucky beyond anything you could imagine... Just don't count on it.

..:Week12:.. transform ..:Project52:..

Life is all about growing, changing, and becoming what you were meant to be. It was truly amazing to get tiny little caterpillars for my science classroom and watch them go through the process of metamorphosis to become completely different beautiful butterflies. I feel as if that is truly the point of life... 

At the beginning of our lesson on butterflies, I read my students a short story by Paulo Coelho, which you can find here The Lesson of the Butterfly. It is a meaningful story, which I not only gained something from myself, but also hope that my students were able to take something from. 

As I start this 24th year of life, I am hoping to make my very own transformation and become the person that I really want to be. The story speaks about the idea that working through difficulties is what gives us strength. So stop holding back, become who you truly want to be!

..:Week11:.. refresh ..:Project52:..

It is unbelievable how much energy you can get just by changing it up and eating REAL fresh food! All of the processed garbage that we shove down our throats in sickening amounts can drag us down and before we know it that just becomes life. I truly want to start cleaning out my diet and refreshing my body! Just by juicing and eating food from the ground for a couple of days I felt way more energized and just healthier. It is difficult to explain because I think we just get stuck in the crappy feeling that fast food and preservatives gives us and we forget that we DON'T have to live that way...
Yes, it does take a bit more time and effort but putting fresh foods into your body is well worth it!

..:Week10:.. celebrate ..:Project52:..

Yay! Happy Birthday to me! Birthdays are my favorite... It is that one time of year when all of the people who love you let you know... I feel like these 24 years have flown by but I am so blessed to celebrate them with the people who have made them so special. I love gifts, I love cake, and most of all having an excuse to make everyone I love hang out with me! I feel that once a year it should be okay to be completely spoiled and have no shame in it whatsoever!

..:Week9:.. reminisce ..:Project52:..

Go back to the places that you could just be happy... There is absolutely no shame in remembering the good times and the memories of times when the worries were less and the fun seemed never ending. Go with the people you love and just be a kid again. Take the moments that you have to just be happy and soak them up so that they can last you until the next time. Be worry free and just have a little FUN!

..:Week8:.. relax ..:Project52:..

Sometimes it is absolutely necessary to spoil yourself. Put on your favorite music, escape the world, don't think about anything at all. Bubble baths have always been one of my favorite things. It is a place where no one can bother you and you don't need an excuse to ignore everything for a good hour.

..:Week7:.. cherish ..:Project52:..

Never take the moments and the ones that you love for granted... This week is in memory of my grandpa who would have been celebrating his Birthday today. It is absolutely crazy how you can have someone in your life one moment and gone the next. This picture is of a music box that he gave me when I graduated from college and a picture of us that is on my nightstand. It is not the major things that I miss the most but the little ones. Some people find comfort in the possessions that a person once had, however, I think the real comfort comes in the memories. I can honestly say that hearing his voice on the other side of the phone, getting a hug when he came over, and more than anything the times when I could tell that he was proud of the person I was becoming are the worst to no longer have. I find comfort in the fact that I was able to have such a great role model and someone who loved me so much for the time that I did. So love the ones that you have and try to cherish even the simplest of moments because they really will be the ones that you will miss the most.

..:Week6:.. bloom ..:Project52:..

Flowers make it seem so easy, just popping up out of the ground and becoming these beautiful, colorful, delightful parts of the world. Granted that things will not be so easy for you to do it, you too slowly are becoming a wonderful blossom of all of the hard work and struggles. Learn the lessons along the way and allow the beautiful individual within yourself come to be. 

..:Week5:.. create ..:Project52:..

Letting your creative juices flow can be such a great relief from stress. Painting, sewing, baking, pottery, or whatever it might be just create something. Pour yourself into a project and let everything else fade into the background for a while. The best part is once it is complete you can look back on it and see all of the work that you have put into it and the product that has come from the time that you have put into it. Something pretty and colorful and beautiful to enjoy or give to someone else. 

..:Week4:.. focus ..:Project52:..

Ahhhh... yes the time has come again. Back in the classroom. Not teaching but learning. Homework assignments, notes, and since it is along with a full time teaching job and my life; a never ending to-do list. But what I have realized from all of this continuous stress is that I need to focus. Wherever I am and whatever the task may be, I need to be present in the moment and put my energy into the place that I am at. It is so easy to become distracted in the world that we live in today... Technology surrounding us, information at our fingertips, and of course much more entertaining things than class. Focus on my students while at work, my studies while at school, being there for the people that matter most for the moments that matter to them, and even finding time to focus on myself. That is what is important and focusing on the present is absolutely necessary in times of stress.

..:Week3:.. reflect ..:Project52:..

Even though I am a summer girl... I can appreciate the rain every now and then. This rainy week has brought lots of time for reflections; shiny rocks, puddles, water everywhere, and most of all me wanting to stay inside and really being able to think. Reflections are a vital part to living a fulfilled life... Look back on all you have done, learn from the mistakes, and take pride in the great accomplishments you have made. Rain is not a common occurrence here in sunny California but when it does come around I try to enjoy the fact that it causes me to slow down and think a bit.

..:Week2:.. plan ..:Project52:..

With the vast amount of things I need to get done, both in the classroom and my real life, this is a must. Lesson planning, homework schedule, birthdays, family events, workout plan, and my never-ending to-do list are just a few of the ways that I make an effort to keep on track. With all of the craziness in this worl it is imoortsnt not only to set goals; but, also to set out a path to reach them.
It may seem tedious and boring but once you are all mixed up in the busy world it is such a relief to be able to just go with the plan rather than scrambling. I am incredibly forgetful so if I don't do this I seriously feel like I forget sooooo many important things! The truth is... when I don't plan I usually get all of my responsibilities comoleted but don't have any time left for the fun meaningful parts of life.
Although you will without a doubt toss the plan out the window sometimes, usually it is really helpful. Just remember that the plan is yours and it is completely up to you to decide what is most important... Be sure to involve loved ones, creativity, and a few free days in the plan too!

..:Week1:.. rejuvenate ..:Project52:..

Wow... 2013 already. Last year zoomed right past me and even though my year was filled with some important accomplishments, lots of laughter, and immeasurable amounts of love there were drfinitely some struggles along the way.
In an effort to soak up all of the incredible things surrounding me, which often go unnoticed I am embarking on a project 52! In hopes of collaborating my love of picture taking, blogging, and the simple things that make life beautiful, each week I will take a step back to soak it all in and reflect. Each week will be summed up in one positive word and of course a photo, that really resignates with me and the place that I am at in this adventure called my life... Another specification of this littk e project is that all of the words will be verbs. Either something I am doing, or at least tryingvto do. I hope to make this s year of action and at the end hope thst I will be glad looking back on akl that I have done!  
So let's get it started! First piece of the puzzle... Rejuvenated! As many people hopefully feel this time of year... a new start! Being that this is my first year of teaching saying that I have been overwhelmed this past year is an understatement... but this wonderful the week vacation has been a blessing! After being able to rest, destress, and really get focused I feel ready to get back in my classroom and finish off the year! I also feel ready to take my whole life on... it is time to breathe life into all that makes me who I am; creativity, loved ones, photography, teaching, and spirituality...
This picture to me represents that feeling when you push through all of the ups and downs... make it to the top... look back on your journey... abd reflect upon how far you've come! Looking forward to aun incredible 2013!