Moments of the Week: Goodbyes and the Self Fulfilling Prophecy

Ah, the week is over. I am actually pretty darn excited about it because I only have two classes next week before Thanksgiving! I cannot wait to stop trying to hide my Christmas music. Finally! Finally, I can be out in the open with it :)

Here's what my week was like. 

As I'm sure you know, my 20th birthday was last sunday. 

It was a great, low key day. It was perfect.

We began the day with cleaning out our garage to prepare for Christmas decorations! (I already have my tree up in my room :) ) Anyway, this is what my brothers did to get rid of the trash. Our car wasn't big enough, so they just sat it on the back. Luckily it was only about 500ft to the garbage, but still, I couldn't resist getting a picture of our Griswold-ness. 

Then later that evening, we went to The Melting Pot for fondue! 

 Fondue is my jam. For reals. 

Well, actually I just like the cheese and the chocolate. Who needs meat anyway?

This past week was full of sad goodbyes. I officially finished my observation hours at the elementary school and I was so sad.

I developed connections with all the kids and it was hard saying goodbye. They all gave me big hugs and told me that they don't want me to leave. (which made it so much worse!) Luckily, my teacher invited me to visit anytime, so I might just have to take her up on that offer!

This was also my last week of work for this year! 

My job only goes from August-November then January-May so by the time I get back, most of 'my' kids will have graduated to the next class. 

It was especially hard saying goodbye to this dude!

(face blocked for privacy reasons)

 I most certainly don't play favorites, but this guy had been in my class ever since I started. He always gives me the biggest hugs and calls me "miss amber" instead of the usual "teacher." I'm gonna miss him! Good thing he's just moving down the hall.

I'm also finishing up my last semester at school until I move on to university. 

I've been sorta struggling with my algebra course. I've been making an average of 60 on all of our previous tests, so in order to pass the course, I had to make a higher grade on the upcoming test.  

I was panicking and thinking worst case scenario about everything. I didn't feel prepared for the test and I pretty much decided that I would have to drop the course before I failed.

All this to say, I was talking with another professor later and I found myself saying to her  "I'm terrible at math." She immediately cut me off and told me the best advice I arguably ever received. 

She asked, (I paraphrase) "How long have you been saying that you're bad at math?"

 I replied, "I think as long as I remember." 

She then said "You know, you're subjecting yourself to this thing called Self Fulfilling Prophecy and you're basically setting yourself up for failure. You truly are what you think you are. You see, you keep telling yourself  "I'm terrible at math" but what if you truly aren't? What if you just had a bad day and ever since then you've told yourself that you can't succeed at math. In fact, most people who claim they're bad at math actually aren't, it just takes them longer than 'normal' to understand and grasp the material. 

So from now on,  I don't want you to tell yourself that you're bad at math anymore. From now on you ARE good at math. You ARE smart and you WILL succeed."

I made the highest grade I've ever made on that test, and now am passing the course (with an 80!!). 

Then, I read this question on my quiz yesterday and cried just a bit. 

This one will take me waaaaaaaay longer than 'usual'.

The answer is 17 by the way. 

Have a great weekend, y'all! 

Moments of the Week: Dutch Oven Cooking and Birthday Week!

Well friends, we've completed another week. Virtual High-five **

Here's a recap of my week:

1. 

Last Saturday, I hit the jackpot! (happens a lot around here)

I hit up a few yard sales with my younger brother. This one we went to, the lady was an ex-wholesaler and had tons and tons of sports paraphernalia. My cousins all love a different team (Rays, Gators and USF Bulls Go Bulls! Shh Don't tell). Have you guys ever been into a team/sports store? All of that stuff is so over priced I've found. So when I saw all of the teams they loved (minus the Bulls, but that's ok), I had to snag it for christmas/birthdays. 

All of this stuff was brand new with tags and cost me a total of $12 

(I also got a few hot/cold reusable bags which you can kinda see at the bottom of the pic and a few other misc stuff)

I'm kinda sad that the yard saleing season is almost over, but even when it is, we still go because they're always seems to be a few. 

2. 

It's finally cooled off (a bit) here in Dallas. Right now, it's about 60*. I've officially broken out my scarves and boots. Yeah, I know some of you northerners are rolling your eyes at that but, I'd take 60* over 90+ any day. 

3. 

Obviously, this guy didn't like the change. I can't blame him though, that's exactly what I want to be doing right now!

4.

 

Yesterday, at work, I got put in the elementary room. Now, my normal room is 3-4 year olds. I kinda struggle with elementary because I feel like because I am so short and young, the kids don't listen to me. Plus, my personal philosophy on kids is that the younger the better. Hence the reason why I want to teach 1st grade. 

All this to say, I was kinda out of my element at work. In walks this boy, 2nd grade I believe, and I kinda notice that he's sitting in the corner not really talking to anybody. I walk over to him as he pulls out this book: Dutch Oven Cooking. I kinda look at it puzzled and flip through the pages. It was a cookbook. I asked him "Whatcha reading there?" To which he replies 

"Oh just Dutch Oven Cooking. It's all about cooking over a campfire. Isn't that cool? Hey will you read it to me?" I stifle my smirk and say of course! 

So I open the book and he pointed to the table of contents, and says "Start here. Table of Contents. Do you know that that means everything that is in my book? Cool huh!"

So I begin reading the cookbook to him

"1 cup flour

1/2 sugar

3 tablespoons vanilla."

It was pretty much the most adorable thing ever. 

After all of that, I began thinking. 

This is where my heart is.

My heart is with children. 

I know it. This is what I am meant to do for the rest of my life. 

I've never felt so sure of something in my entire existence. 

 5. Since I will be officially not be a teenager after next week, I thought It would be fun to share over the next seven days, the highlights of each year of my teens. I'll start with 13 and end with 19 (obviously).

I'll begin this saturday!

Happy Friday, Y'all!

Moments of the Week: Color Run and Rainy Days

Can you believe it's officially november? 

I know I can't. 

For my household, november is sort of the 'kick-off' to the holiday season.

Oh and 16 days till my birthday. But who's counting?

Here's a wrap-up of my week!

1. 

Last Saturday, my family went out to go do our first 5k! It was so much fun, but exhausting. I promise to do a full post on it soon.

2.

Subsequently, this is how I spent my saturday night. It was a cold rainy night and as I tried to lay down in bed, I had the worst inner thigh pain. Luckily my sister-in-law is a trainer so she told me how to make it better. Two aleeve, puppy kisses and lots of ice later, it felt much better. Plus, it was a great excuse to watch Hocus Pocus, ie the one movie I can distinctly remember watching every year of my childhood.

3. 

I caught up with a good friend this week! It was so nice to hear from her and she had me cracking up and crying all at the same time. Above is a short excerpt of our conversation. We somehow got on the topic of pregnancy. In case you didn't know, pregnant people kinda give me the heeby-jeebies. And the thought that I, myself, would have to stare at my pregnant belly for 40 weeks just made my toes curl. Sorry, but true. Oh, and just to be clear, I KNOW it will be longer than 4-5 years before I can even begin to think about children (if I want to have any at all!). Trust me. ;)

Also, I think I've finally hit that point in my life where things start making me feel old! Like when my old friends start having kids on purpose. 

4. 

It's been such a rainy week! I am most certainly not complaining, I love the rain. Something about it is so relaxing. Except when you have 23 preschoolers who can't go outside to play. Then its nuts. 

5. 

I'll spare you the picture of this, but yesterday in my biology class, we dissected fetal pigs. It was horrifying. Now, I don't claim to be a squeamish person at all, but I just couldn't.

I've said it plenty of times before, Pigs are my thang. And seeing a very cute, but dead, baby pig that has a tongue and hair and cute little eyes lying in a ziplock bag of formaldehyde was not pleasant. I kept apologizing to my lab partners because I was pretty much useless and gagging while holding my nose in the corner. (I wasn't the only one, by the way) Good thing I get to look forward to next week; Brain dissection! Woo hoo!

Moments of the Week, 31 days of LOVE

Yes, I do realize it is now 10pm and I am just now posting for the day. Sorry! In fact, I apologize for this entire week. It's been nuts for me at school this week (1 midterm, 2 exams and 1 major project due) and I haven't really had time to breathe until 7pm. 

Anyway, here it is, my weekly wrap up:

1. 

Saturday as I've mentioned, a few friends got together and had a pinterest party! We all made crafts and exchanged them.{click here to see what I made!} The coolest part was that the friend who hosted literally has her own farm. 

She has 1 horse, 1 pony, 1 mini horse, 1 goat, 1 sheep, 1 angora sheep, 6 ducks 3 hens, 3 dogs, and 3 cats. Whew. I think I got them all. See, I don't lie! A farm!

The best part was she told me that she is looking to adopt a pig for me! If you know me personally, you should know I love pigs. They're my fav. 

(behind butterflies, of course)

(not the actual pig, I just googled cute pigs)

I mean, come on. A pig. In rainboots. How could you not?

adorbs. 

2. 

Sunday, my mom treated me to some much needed mexican food. 

I hadn't had any since I left for Florida in May! *gasp*

I loooooove mexican and it was a nice treat because we've been cutting way back on eating out. 

I wish I had remembered to photograph this momentous occasion but I was just too darn happy I forgot. 

There is nuthin' betta than some chicken enchiladas and chips & queso. 

mmmmm.

3. 

Whilst we were at dinner on sunday, I got a very strange phone call, from Alberta (where I used to live, in fact).

I think I am going to write a whole post about it, because it's kinda an awesome story. 

So I'll just tease you with that small amount of info. 

;P

4. 

I saw this in the target parking lot and just had to snap a pic. 7, count 'em, 7(!!!) dogs! 

Now, don't get me wrong, I love dogs. like a lot. But not enough to have 7 incredibly cliche disney stickers on the back of my mini-van. 

Oh, side note: Why do you have a mini-van if you have one child?

Do you make all 7 of your dogs sit in a car seat? 

Just curious.

Moments of the Week: Baby Showers and Virtual Children 31 Days of LOVE

Well, we've made it again. It's friday!

Here's what I was up to this week:

1.

Last saturday I went to the most awesome baby shower ever. It was perfect! Every little detail was just gorgeous. Their theme was pink and blue chevron (if you can't already tell) because they aren't finding out the sex. It was fabulous!

The cake was delicious by the way. Oh and they had a s'mores bar. Pretty legit. 

Can't wait to meet you Baby Kabani!

2. 

I feel like these posts just become a photo dump of all my dog pictures. But hey, it's my life and I just wubb her. 

She's kinda cute. 

3. 

You guys. My virtual child has boobs! I swear one day she was a little bitty computer baby, then BOOM, boobs. 

Just thinking about it I can't help but wonder...where did time go? 

I feel so old. 

Good thing I love her, too. 

4. 

My aunt sent me this picture the other day. It couldn't be more relevant to my life right now. I think they need to add 'friends AND family' though, Don't ya think? 

Life's too short to waste time on people who don't give you any. 

That's my new motto. 

5. 

This picture just makes me laugh. 

That is all. 

Moments of the Week: Alligators and New Babies! 31 days of LOVE

Better late than never, right?

1.

Welp, that's embarassing. But, I had to share for the sake of having something to blog about.

Last weekend I babysat for a new family and it was actually so much fun!

They live in a huge house(mansion) and the little boy was a blast to play with.

We created our own zoo, filled with every stuffed animal he had, then the alligators (me) got loose and he had to rescue all the animals.

I have to say, I love my job! 

2.

Speaking of babysitting, we are dog sitting this cute little guy this weekend because his mom and dad (close family friends) are at the hospital.

They had a new sweet little baby yesterday!

I couldn't be more excited for them. They have two boys (who I babysit, I've posted about them several times, you can read one here)

and just welcomed a new little girl named Willow. Isn't that such a cute name?

I can't wait to love on her!

3.

BOOM!

This girl, yep me, got an 80 on my algebra test!

That's huge for me, because I normally am just happy if I pass. 

This one hung on the fridge. 

 4.

Here's where I admit that I need to get a life.

Last night, I put my poor dog in my shirt.

For fun.

Because I was bored.

Yeah.

Moments of the Week: Short and Sweet, 31 Days of LOVE

I don't have much for you guys today, it was a pretty stale week.

BUT, I am so excited for the weekend,

especially saturday! This is the first saturday with cooler weather so the garage sales will be awesome.

Anyways, here's a wrap up of my week:

1.

Last saturday I babysat for my boss at work and it was so much fun.

She has a boy (9) and a girl (5), plus two pomeranian and they were dog sitting another little guy.

Oh my word. She was so cute. 

Corgi + Australian Shepherd.

I died. 

Good thing I LOVE dogs :)

2.

Lots of dogs this week, I guess.

But how could I not? I mean, do you see that face?

She makes my life happier, I swear. 

3.

 Yesterday was October 3rd. If you get that reference, you are my best friend.

On Wednesdays we wear pink.

4.

It's Friday. 

Enough said.

PS. Happy Birthday to my wonderful aunt! Love you!

Moments of the Week:Parenthood and I'm Pregnant again?!?!

Well, we made it. 

I'm sure you're aware the date, but I couldn't be happier. 

So, today I'm wrapping up my week!

1.

 1. Target dates all by myself are the best ever.

There's something about taking as long as you want to stroll down any/all of the isles you want. It's so relaxing. For reals. 

Anyways, I really really wanted to buy NS's newest book. But I have a problem. I literally have 40000 books at home that are waiting to be read. I made a vow to read them before buying any new ones. 

So this guy went back on the shelf.

{ I'll wait till it's cheaper on amazon ;) }

2.

 Virtual Child rearing ain't easy folks!

Although, I do realize that I get to choose when I don't want to deal with her and just exit the screen. I don't think you can actually do that with a 'real' child. 

But she's doing really well!

She's advanced in all her gross motor skills, language skills (complete sentences, yo!) and even on cognitive skills. I must be doing something right. ha!

Oh, and in a strange turn of events, when my child was 3 years old I found out that I was pregnant again!

WOAH NELLY.

So now I have 2 virtual children. (!!!!!!)

3. 

Brothers. Well, actually boys. Wednesday I get a text from my younger brother saying it was his 'girlfriend's' birthday and (I quote) "Can ya help me out?"

*Palm hits forehead*

So, I ran up to the store found some flowers and cupcakes and had her name written on them. 

Oh and a pretty sweet balloon.

Hey, It was the best I could do given that I only had one hour to prepare.

Boys.

4. 

I really wanted to caption this photo

"iPhone, STOP TELLING ME HOW TO LIVE MY LIFE"

No, I do not want to update to iOS 7. 

Don't you realize that this girl hates change!?!?! 

 5. 

 You guys, I have been waiting for so. long. 

Last night was so exciting. I was rushing home from work to make it in time to see the series premiere.

and It was nothing short of amazing.

I can't wait till next thursday.
Best quote
"I'm sure you're going to be the best thing that ever happened to me, but right now I really hate you."

Happy Friday, y'all! 

Moments of the Week+ Car troubles again?!?! and Graduation!

Y'all. I have been a terrible blogger. Pleeeeeease forgive me :)

My life has been a teensy bit crazy the last 4 days. This whole '16 hour class schedule' thing is kicking my butt. I seriously don't know how people with full time jobs do it! {My mom told me that she took 18 hours a week, plus a full time job, plus three kids!}

I am worn out. Between three tests, a lab assessment and a paper due, plus work starting this week, I haven't exhaled in the last 5 days. 

So that's my excuse for being MIA, like I said, forgive me! I plan on writing several posts this weekend to spread out through the week. 

Anyways,  ( I feel like that was a long tangent to go off on...)

Moments of the week:

1. 

This past weekend my family and I got out all our fall decorations {we like to celebrate early ;) } and we made a new wreath (we never got around to it last year. I think it looks fabulous, especially seeing that the majority of what we used to decorate it came from the Dollar Tree. I think it cost less than $10 to make!

2. 

Like I said, I had a math test this week. I really really suck at math, and it's been over 4 years since I've had a proper 'math' class. I was so lost and I was extremely nervous that I'd fail the test. But I studied my little arse off and finally felt prepared for it!

Oh, I feel the need to post this picture since we were doing quadratic equations:

3. 

Picture this: I wake up extra early for my 8am Algebra test, quickly get ready and study for the rest of the time before I had to leave to get to class. I live about 5 minutes from my school, so I leave at 7:45 to get there a bit before to cram a bit before the test. So here I am, running out the door at exactly 7:45 with my calculator and two perfectly sharpened #2 pencils in my hand. I hop in my car and turn the ignition over....and nothing. No bueno. So I try again and the same: nothing. Despite having a mini anxiety attack I try and troubleshoot the problem,

 keys in ignition-check

car in park-check

lights off------oh. 

I left the dang parking lights on from the stupid night before. 

So I completely break into a full-on panic attack. I can't breathe and I burst into tears. I'm freaking out thinking I am going to completely fail math because I missed the FIRST test, which means I won't graduate in December which basically means I will be a failure for the rest of my life (or so I thought in the moment)

I called my mom, no answer. By then, my heart is throbbing out of my chest and I completely lose it.

Finally after 20 missed calls, she finally answers and she turns around from her way to work to come drop me off.

It was now 7:51. 

I was screwed. There was no way I was going to make it by 8 and my professor locks the door right at 8 so no late people can get in. 

So I move on to my next solution. Riding my bike... but I had no bike lock and couldn't get there in less than 8 minutes (it was now 7:53)

So I went inside and emailed my professor explaining everything and called AAA to come rescue me. But then I realized that 'car troubles' is the new 'dog ate my homework' excuse. (I have to admit that I've overslept a few times and used that very excuse in high school). But this time it was for real!! I was the girl who cried car troubles.

Anyways, he emailed back and I took the test this morning. (the test was supposed to be yesterday)

But then he wanted proof that AAA really did come out to jump my car. 

 I grabbed the receipt from the battery test (The only sort of proof the AAA guy could give me) and highlighted the date and time so I could scan it to him.

Well, when I highlighted it, it smeared the date off!!! 

At this point I'm like "SERIOUSLY ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?!?!?!?@$#U%!@#$%^&*" Story of my life. 

So pray that he will except it, ok? Thanks in advance ;)

and I swear I'm not making this up. I

Whew, that was a long story. 

Where were we?

Oh yes.

4. 

Today was a big day. BIG.

Today I officially applied for graduation! (with a 4.0 GPA nonetheless and despite the drama from the day before)

I am so proud of myself. I've worked hard and fought through blood sweat and tears to be where I am today.  I really feel like I've earned this. 

I am so excited for the next chapter in my life. I'm nervous about the change, but I know it will be worth it.

Next stop Bachelor's and then Master's!

Happy Friday y'all!

Weekly Wrap Up: Waffle House and Psychopaths

I'm starting a new thing here on the ol' blog where I recap the highs and lows of the week every friday.

I love being able to look back at particular moments in my life because life happens so fast. I also wanted to post about more than just my weekend, (like I've done before) so I decided I will recap the entire week!

I know it sounds like it's more for me than you

but I mean.... It is my blog after all! ;)

(in case you're wondering, I got the idea to do this here, )

(my eldest brother and I)

1. This past monday was my sweet sister-in-laws birthday! We celebrated by eating one of her favorite meals, fresh caught salmon and halibut. It was divine. We finished the evening off with Sprinkles cupcakes (yum) and a major discussion about the VMAs. It was nice. 

Happy 22nd Birthday Holly!

2.

Ummmm... Yeah.

You know that time in everyone's life where you run out of gas on the highway and pull over asap and end up at Waffle House?

Oh you don't? 

Well that happened. 

Yeah. My wonderful, beautiful mother had a rental car (long story) didn't realize that not every car reminds you with a loud noise when you're running low on fuel.

*palm hits forehead*

3. 

Like I've said, I started school this week. 

I'm taking 16 hours (5 classes) plus a lab for my biology course and observation hours for student teaching.

I have to admit, I'm a little overwhelmed. 

but I know I am a good student and I will make it through successfully! 

So far I'm loving my creative writing class and my growth and development class. 

In writing, we get to actually send our final 'papers' in to a publisher! How cool is that?!?!

Right now I'm thinking I will finish up my story and submit that.

I'll keep you posted. 

and as far as the G&D class, I get to have my own virtual child. Yep. I get to raise my very own child from conception to 20+ yrs and get graded on it.

and if I screw up royally and totally ruin this poor computer child's virtual life, I fail.

I'm pretty scared about that. 

(I should mention I kill every plant I try to keep)

4.

Oh. My. Goodness. 

This book. You guys, for real.

It is so good! Just when you think you have it figured out, you're wrong. waayyyyy wrong. and just when you think you start tp figure it out again, you're wrong once again!

It is brilliant and I couldn't put it down. 

I'd recommend it to someone who doesn't mind cursing, blood & guts and looking into the brain of a psychopath. 

Have a good weekend guys !

(minus the psychopaths)