Lots of changes

Yes, it has been awhile since my last post. I'm completely aware of that, but I've been busy, very busy. I went on another vacation, went back to work and at a new location. New environments can be quite a big adjustment. I am doing very well though.

The vacation was absolutely wonderful. I got the chance to see family members I had not seen in awhile. My mother and I took a roadtrip to Indiana to see and visit with her side of the family. Yes, they are crazy, but they are my family and I am very thankful I got the opportunity to visit with them. I love them very much. I took so many pictures. Yes, I'm a photography nut so of course I had to take a bunch of pictures. It was a quick trip, but I am so glad I did. Just wish it didn't take so long to drive to Indiana. I wanted to fly but its all good. Made the road trip part of it as fun as possible so as not to get bored. But I will have to admit, that there were a few times, especially on the way back, I did get bored.

So starting a new job at a new location can be crazy. I'm still a teacher, but now I'm an 8th grade teacher, still in Science and at a new school. I am in the adjustment phase of this process. Adjusting to a new school schedule, a new sleep schedule and a new routine schedule. For the past few years I've had the same routine, same hours and got used to it. Well now it's completely different. I have to get up earlier in the morning, go to bed earlier at night, daily routine is different everyday and busier. Some days I have a break and some days I don't. But surprisingly, it's not that bad. I know it will get easier as time goes by so I am not worrying about it too much. I love the fact that my day ends by 3pm. Wahoo! I still have time to do errands and whatever else because, hello, things are still open. Right now, that's my favorite. Not too excited about having to do lesson plans again, but once I get going and get myself completely organized I will be okay. It's all apart of the adjustment period, right? The new environment is quite different. I'm at a middle/senior high school which is on a block schedule. I don't see my kids everyday and the class periods are longer. Something else I am adjusting too. It's cool because I teach the same stuff for two days, woohoo! That means 3 lesson plans during the week so now the "writing lesson plans" part is not so bad as I thought. But of course I gotta get myself organized on that part and get them written. Haha! That takes determination, which I have, but not quite yet. I am believing I will get it and hopefully this weekend or I am screwed come Monday. LOL! No worries though...they will get done.

So to end this long post....teaching is going well, I am enjoying it, my personal life is good and my mind is in a good state. Wahoo!

Beach Vacation...Part 2

Me, Nate and Jenn

I know Part 2 was delayed. I've been somewhat busy and a tad bit lazy. Haha! So the beach vacation to Clearwater and Anna Maria Island was absolutely wonderful. Jennifer and Nate got married on a boat in Clearwater Beach. A wonderful time for everyone in attendence including myself. I did help out with prewedding prep, a little crazy and really hot. It turned out beautiful, the 3 hour cruise was awesome, lunch was yummy, the ceremony was beautiful and I had a lot of fun. I've got many, many pictures too many to put on here obviously. I will put one though.

Zach, Allie and myself
That's me on the rocks on the intecoastal

Anna Maria Island was absolutely wonderful. The Sunday after Jenn&Nate's wedding I got in the car and drove 2 hours south. I arrived at a beach house to spend a few days in the sand, the sun, and the water with 2 great friends, Allie and Zach. We didn't do much and that was fine with me. Spent the days at the beach, spent the evenings at the beach and hung out at the house. I worked on my tan of course, of which I will say...I look good being brown. Haha! I do have a nice tan going on now. Actually happy about that because before I left my tan I got at Workcamp had starting fading. A few days in the sun was definitely needed and worth it. Organic pedicures are so much fun! I got 3 of em! Haha! We also spent the evenings watching the sunset and Zach fish on the beach. I took so many pictures in Anna Maria...oh my goodness! I hate shopping, but the little boutiques and shops on the island were very cool so I couldn't resist. Bought a few things, but was definitely not extravagent in my purchases. A t-shirt and 2 starfish...Woohoo! Didn't eat out, bought groceries to have at the house, which save a lot of money. Found starfish in the canal behind the house. That was really cool. This was my first time seeing starfish still alive in their habitat. Very cool! It was awesome to just sit on the beach, relax and do nothing. Allie and I chatted about everything. Cadence, her niece spent a few of the beach days with us also. She is just too cute and hilarious. The first night I was there, I got the chance to see dolphins frolicking in the bay. I've seen dolphins swimming around before but this was different. There were about 8 of them swimming, jumping and just having a good ole' time. I was excited and did I take pictures? NOOOOO!!!!! This was just to fun and exciting to bother with a camera. I wanted to watch without having to worry about the camera. I'm glad I did. The last day I was there, I decided to get up early and watch the sunrise. It was wonderful. I haven't done that in a long time and the beach is definitely a good place to watch the sunrise. Of course, once the sun was up I went back to the beach house and went to bed...Haha! Anna Maria is definitely my new favorite beach.