..: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.