Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Day 50 - yay for flowers!


I love flowers, or more specifically, I adore roses. I love the way they look and the way they smell. They're not really a representation of emotions, but they are something beautiful to be appreciated.

I went to the store today and was approached by a sales associate. He asked if I wanted to take home some roses home. I guess they were rotating stock and needed to make room for the new flowers. Any way around it, I now have a gorgeous dozen red roses sitting on my table.

Day 49 - doors and windows


It seems that these past few weeks have been a period of saying goodbye. It has become evident that there are plans and dreams I've held on to for too long that needed to have the door closed on them. I sometimes get ideas in my head of the way things should be and how life should go and I wouldn't let them go voluntarily, so God had to shut the door. But I trust there is a window or another door waiting to open.

Day 48 - yay for no seat buddies


Both planes back from MI, I had an unexpected treat. I was able to sit without having anyone next to me. But this also meant I sat at the very back of the plane. I felt the need to take the obligatory picture out the plan window. It wasn't a very clear day, but it was still interesting to be able to see patterns and ridges as we flew past.

Day 47 - Home sweet home


It may not seem like much special, but it's home. No matter where I move, this house will always seem like home.

Day 46 - Fall colors


I loved being able to be home in the fall. All the leaves had turned colors and I spent the day raking at my sister and brother-in-law's house.

Day 45 - mom


While I was in no way happy for the reason I was home, it was so good to be there. I got to see all my family and spend some time with them.

Day 44 - Wednesday night routine


Every Wednesday night for almost 2 years, I would attend 20/30 group at Grace Church. For the last few months, I have definitely fallen out of the habit. Every time I go back though, I'm reminded how good it is to be around people who believe as I do and love worshiping God together.

Day 43 - Sadness


I wasn't sure what picture to use to remember today. This seemed pretty fitting. This is the day my sister found out she lost her baby. I can't even begin to describe the pain and heartache that I felt for my sister and brother-in-law. All I wanted to do was to be home with my family. These are the days that I wonder why I'm in NC rather than with my family. But, God has a plan and a reason, and someday I'll know.

Day 42 - A gorgeous fall day


It was unseasonably warm, so I decided to head out to the reservoir. The sun was shining and the water was glass smooth. Unfortunately, done here many of the trees are pine and so I don't get to see the fall colors.

Day 41 - Pink-tastic


I've been looking for a small speaker for my little ipod. Just my lucky day, Ross had them on sale, but the only downside is that the only color I could choose from was pink or pink. I guess for the price I can't complain.

Day 40 - Book Character Day


We don't celebrate Halloween at school, but we do have "Dress like a book charachter day" I had a few students that decided to go all out. They are an absolutely adorable bunch.

Day 39 - "I'm so money..."


We were sitting down to dinner tonight and I was still debating what picture I should use for today. Amanda had out her calendar and in the back was this dollar bill. When asked why, she said "I'm so money, I sometimes have to remind myself"

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Day 38 - the terror


I spend a lot of time working on my computer. If it's not working on school stuff, then it's usually wasting time on facebook (see background). Of course, when I'm home, Lucy stays right near by. I can't decide if it's becuase she wants attention or that she just knows she can be the biggest pain laying right in front of the keyboard. Any way around it, I love having her here though.

Day 37 - drugs make you lazy


It's PJ Day at the Rock. These are just a few of my lovely students that keep me on my toes all day long. I must admit though, it was awful nice to wake up, put on clean pj's and go work. The tall girl's shirt cracks me up. Apparently Twilight mania strikes even third graders.

Day 36 - Voila


I looked out the window this morning and it seemed as if a bucket of color has been splashed over all the trees. I'm sure the last time I saw that tree in daylight (2 days ago) that the leaves were still green. I was amazed to wake up Sat. morning and see this. I love the fall and all the colors it brings.

Day 35 - Fall Festival


Every fall and spring our PTO puts on a festival. It's a great time for parents to come out and enjoy an evening with their kids and see the teachers in an informal light. Every year there is a dunk tank and this year, these were three of the volunteers who were willing to get wet. I especially like Derek's shirt "you can't scare me, I'm a teacher"

Day 34 - Blocked


So tonight, I was stuck. It was 10:00 and I had no clue what to take a picture of. So I decided to take a bunch of random pictures and see what came out. I liked this one simply because this is me, hair in a pony tail, glasses, wearing a school shirt and laying on the floor. To my family, I miss you and when we talk, just picture me chilling at home doing nada.

Day 33 - "It's Alive!"


I do not have a green thumb. Matter of fact, I tend to kill most any and all plants placed in my care. I'm not sure why. I give them water, I give them sun, and they still die. BUT....... this Africian Violet has beaten the odds. I was given it last year (08) in Jan. Since then it has looked to be almost on its death bed, but it has made a come back and now even has some beautiful purple flowers. Maybe if I can keep this plant alive there's some hope for Lucy after all.

Day 32 - Choosy ..... people?


So I can't say I'm a choosy mom, but I definitely prefer JIF. I even have to admit to being a peanut butter snob. If it's not JIF, I don't want it. I've been trying to cut down on eating carbs in the evening, so when I've had a really good workout and I'm really hungry near bed time, it's JIF to the rescue. Nothing like a spoon and a jar of peanut butter. Forget the ice cream, bring on the JIF.

Day 31 - Lucy strikes


So, in an effort to make my days easier, I bring work home at night. My mistake was leaving this paper sitting on the floor overnight. My cat apparently enjoys shredding paper. I woke up in the morning and just cracked up. I had to confess to the kids, that yes, my cat had destroyed someone's homework. They found this hilarious and so now we are writing stories about pet stories. Ah well, lesson learned. Forget buying fancy toys, just give her a piece of paper.

Day 30 - Mysterious Noises


Today I went to leave for church and heard the strangest of noises. I couldn't figure out what it was until I looked up and saw two squirrels having a fight that would have been worthy of one between my sisters and I growing up. I have never heard a squirrel make so much noise.

Whatever it was that made him mad, he certainly wasn't hiding his anger. I just had to laugh.

Day 29 - Raeford Rockband


After 9 weeks of school, the teachers needed some time to chill and relax. Nothing better than sitting around, playing rockband, and hanging with people who understand what being a teacher involves. I don't how I'd survive without these friends.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Day 28 - It's that time again


It seems that in the last few days, fall has hit North Carolina, and in a big way. We saw the temperature drop from 75 to 55 in a day. I have had to, regretably, pull out the sweaters, sweatshirts, and scarves. I love the fall though. I went to a local produce stand and it was wonderful feeling the crisp air and seeing all the fall colors around. Now just to get out and take some pictures.

Day 27 - Simplicity


As the temperature in my school can sometimes be more unpredictable than a Michigan winter, I decided to pull out the sweaters. Something about this vibrant color against the backdrop of a warm, soft black sweater is appealing. The dark makes the turquoise stand out. I like things that are simple and uncluttered. Could explain why I like my pizza with cheese.

Day 26 - candle comforts


Today I left school early sick. It's the first day in 3 years that I've taken a sick day. But today I needed it. I came home, laid in bed for 5 hours then read by candle light. I think all I needed to complete the picture was a nice glass of wine. I had to settle for grapefruit juice, but what the hay.

Day 25 - falling apart


There are times when I feel like everything around me is completely falling apart. It seems as if it's one thing after another. Those are the times when I'm most likely to complain or become depressed. These are also the times when verses like the ones on the left come to mind and remind that I have a stronghold and a rock when life is more than I can handle.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Day 24 - stone ages


Well, maybe not the stone ages, but certainly a giant step down in technology for me! I've had the privilege of using a SMARTBoard for an entire year. A few weeks ago, my bulb blew, and alas, no SMARTBoard until the new bulbs arrive. So this means I'm stuck using transparencies. UGH! I now

come home with hands that are covered in green or red pen and I'm stuck sitting in one place teaching. I miss my technology!

Day 23 - mush-ca-rooms


I'm not quite sure why I want to call them that, but I do. And I'm not quite sure why they fascinate me, but they do. I spotted these growing outside of my apartment building when I got home this afternoon and couldn't resist snapping a shot. I guess I always imagine some cute little mouse taking refuge from the storm under its umbrella-like top.

Day 22(ish) - early morning


Techinically this picture is from day 23, but owing to the fact that at one point or another I have forgotten everything, I left my camera at school and didn't think to use my phone till sat. morning.
So at 5 am my alarm went off, tell me time to get up. I went and worked at the Pinhurst triathalon marking people's arms and legs with their numbers. While it was extremely early, I did meet some fun people and I did have a good time. What I walked away with though was the fact that the majority of the people I had the chance to mark were 40+. It was the coolest thing to see people who are still active and very healthy that were 20 yrs. my senior. Almost gives one hope :-)

Day 21 - birthday celebration #2


We went out for a great dinner at Bonefish and the proceded to return for celebratory brownies. This was the face Savannah made just before she realized the brownie was not on the birthday plates. We were absolutely rolling with laughter. Happy birthday!

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Day 20 - Bye Bye Shoes


I came home for working out, looked down, and saw what is here now. Time for new shoes.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Day 19 - the inspiration.


I figured if I was trying to take pictures of things that represented who I am, I might as well take one of my camera.

Day 18 - nostalgia


So apparently, when I don't post my pics every day, I can begin to see a trend and I guess it's memories this time. This was given to me by an Aunt and Uncle before he died. It occupies a special place on my shelf and reminds me of family.

Day 17 - fond memories


Every day I see these hanging in my room. They are memories of my friends in Michigan. We sat down one day and made the curtains. At the time, they were for a kitchen window, but now, as I don't have a kitchen window, they work in my bedroom.

Day 16 - melodious days


While definately not a baby grand, or even a full keyboard, this piano works quite well to help keep my fingers in practice. I don't sit down to play nearly as often as I'm sure my piano teacher would want me to, but I still enjoy it every once in a while.

Day 15 - Yum


This is what happens when you put 6 teachers in a room with amazing white cheese chicken lasagna. Yum! It was a Friday night and we were ready to relax and eat good food.

Day 14 - Comfy shoes


One thing I have learned, it's never easy to find comfortable shoes that don't look like they belong to a grandma. During a day, I only sit for about an hour a day, so comfortable shoes are so important. Glad I found these, especially since they were a bargain.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Day 13 - Time


I'm sure I'm not alone in feeling like this thing runs more of my life than it should. Everyday I have to be constantly vigilant about the time. Time for kids to come in, time to end math, time to go to lunch, time for recess, time to have meetings... it never seems to end. I love the weekends when my time is my own.

Day 12 - one big headache


So, why a car battery? What's so special that is would warrant a mention in my year long "journal"? It's more the frustration that came with it. There was quite the fiasco trying to get a new battery put in, a terrible fear that my starter had mysteriously gone bad as well, and then a whole lotta butt chewing when S showed up and saved the day (or at least finally got something going). As of now, everything is running fine, but I can tell you what, never again will I darken the doors of Auto Zone if I can help it.

Day 11 - ouchy wow wa


Tonight was the first night of our weight training class. Last time around I attempted too much weight for the reps we were doing and could barely sit down for three days. This time I got a little smarter, but am still hurting! Everyone keeps saying "but it's a good hurt" and to that I say ha! not even. The benefits will pay off, but day 1 back left me sore and tired

Day 10 - Double Digits!


Ahhh... southern food, and airplanes, and a hitting range. All can be found at our local Pik'n'Pig. They have such good BBQ! If anyone visits again, we'll be sure to head out this direction. There was an incredibly blue sky and a great breeze which made for sitting on the porch perfect. B and I were able to catch up and see some pictures from his latest trip to Peru. I've decided that I will just pool all input on world travels from my friends, find out their favorite, and that's where I will eventually go. So far, looks like Peru is it.

Day 9 - Retro


I was house sitting for a friend and found this lamp. At one point in my life, I thought they were the coolest things ever! I could just sit and watching the bubbles go up and down again.

Not sure why this was so fascinating, but it was. I used to have a blue one and I think a purple one, but in the midst of moving 3 or 4 times in the last few years, I seem to have misplaced them. I was way more excited than I probably should be to see one again.

Day 8 - Jean Day!


Friday's are probably my favorite day to teach because I get to be in jeans all day. Not that dress clothes can't be comfortable, but there's nothing better than working in jeans. I'm much more at home in a pair of jeans and tennis shoes than slacks and heels. It just seems to feel like I'm not working at all. Of course, we have to wear a lovely school shirt to go with it, but I don't mind so much.

Day 7 - good eats


Oh Panera, probably one of my favorite places to eat.

I brought some in for our 3rd grade team and became instantly everyone's favorite co-teacher. I would like to think it was my winning personality and wonderful smile, but I'm pretty sure it was the fresh bagels and cream cheese I showed up with.

Day 6


I don't buy many books, but the ones that I do, I read over and over again. Some even on a yearly basis. When I came home one night this last week, the power was out and I was left with nothing to do but read a book by candle light. Even though the power came back on, I am beginning to prefer reading to watching tv. Unless it's Glee of course. This picture features probably three of my favorite authors; Jane Austin, John Grisham, and J.R.R. Tolkein

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Day 5 - Which one of these is not like the other.


So turns out, quite suddenly, I'm the owner of a small cat currently named Lucy.

A friend needed a good home for this cat and I had been considering getting one for a while. So as not to appear as the crazy cat lady, I will limit myself to only 1 cat picture for every 2 months. Already she's found the perfect spot to hide in my apartment.

Day 4 - My favorite Little Man


Since moving to NC, I've been able to get to know my cuz and her family better. Most Monday nights I can be found over at their place eating dinner and just having fun. W took quite a bit of time warming up to me, but now, when I come over I get a big smile. And I swear, last night he said "Dawn".

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Day 3


Seeing as today really wasn't all that exciting (just church and school work), I decided to look around and see what struck me as worthy of remembering. If my sisters see this picture, I'm sure they'd roll their eyes, but I'm using it anyway.
For me, seeing my finger nails looking nice and long is not a vanity issue so much as it is a reminder of the strength and will power God gives. All through elementry, jr. high, high school and college I bit my nails as a nervous habit. I tried everything to break it from chewing gum, to acryllics, to nasty tasting stuff, but nothing worked. I can't pin point a day when I quit biting my nails, I just know, little by little, it happened. Seeing them long reminds me that I do have the strength to break life long bad habits and change is possible. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

September 19, 09


My dear friend J decided to surprise me with a birthday function tonight. So this now makes for three days of celebration. Day 4 is tomorrow, then I think it's time to officially be done. :-)

When I think of the blessing in my life, it's hard to get down about the little stuff. 2 years ago I left some of the best friends a person could have. While my southern friends could never replace all those still in Mich, they are just as amazing. God has provided me with my family away from family and I am thankful!

Friday, September 18, 2009

Dawn - A new beginning!


I've long considered tackling a 365 photo project, but I seem to be the person who can always start something, but never quite get it finished. I finally came to the point of being ready to tackle it, but lacked a catalyst. New Year's is still too far off, and by then who knows if I'd have the motivation to do this. So, I decided that as I officially enter a new decade (the 30's), I would document this first year. Thank God I'm longer in my teens, and the 20's were not bad at all, but I'm looking forward to the excitement the 30's will bring.

A good friend asked what I had learned from 29, and what I hoped to learn from year 30. I guess 29 taught me how to listen for God's voice, that it's ok if not everyone is happy with me, and that doing the same thing all the time and expecting something different truly is insanity.

Here's to seeing every day events in a new and creative light.