Priorities and Passion (another long post)

I've had some quiet time to myself this morning, sipping on a few cups of coffee, researching more potential travel locations for Thanksgiving week. As with any trip I take, I make sure to assess my budget. Money is something I try my best to maintain control of, but also spend regularly. I know this isn't a great response to why I do this, but my true answer is "Why Not?". Of course, that got me thinking about the "why" and I realize, it all comes down to priorities and passions.

I was rarely a straight A student, if I was, it was in Elementary School. Learning never really came easily to me, until the latter part of my time at Texas Tech University. As I've grown older, I have found, that I retain more information or knowledge by witnessing\experiencing lessons. Now, being an educator and having many educator friends, I can already hear that "DUH, that is why hands on lessons are the best for students to learn. I'm not necessarily talking about x= -b\ac -2y  or how to properly indent a cover letter, I'm talking about understanding life, cultures, people, and history. I might not remember the exact year the USS Alabama was active in battles (sometime in the 40s I believe), but I do remember the feeling of the cramped quarters, the heat of the dining area, the size of the weapons on the outer decks. (Does that make sense?)

Seeing as I'm 27, single, employed, and a homeowner, I have a lot of priorities set already. I have to work, to pay for my house, and to fund one of my passions, learning.

Learning is my creme-d-la-creme, my lifeline, reason for existence, essentially. I've found that I love learning, however, as an adult my favorite kind of learning happens when I'm not in a classroom, but experiencing it (see the theme here), To achieve my love, I travel. I'm not saying that Texas, or Houston doesn't offer enough learning experiences for me, but the topics I want to learn about are elsewhere.
I want to learn, what it's like to stay in a place that has hundreds or thousands of years of history, what it is like to not live USA, what it is like to be able to travel through several countries in a week. I want to learn about other Universities, lifestyles of people who are different. I want find the similarities in my culture and theirs. I want to experience the different foods, smells, traditions, and even friendships.

I love music, I love teaching music. When I'm not daydreaming about my dream travels, I'm thinking of music. Witnessing it, embracing it, and sharing it. I've found in every place I've been (in my life), music is a constant, I know I'm probably speaking what millions of others have said, but it is true. If I can inspire my students to seek music in every aspect of their life, whether it be at home, on vacation, in their rooms, or even in their minds. I've done my job as a music educator.

I suppose I'm the luckiest woman in the world. I teach and share music because it is my passion, my reward for sharing that is to travel and LEARN. Which happens to be my second passion.


I don't care who you are, that is freakin' awesome.

-Em

Little Helena while I was writing this post: (foster dog- with Dachshund Rescue of Houston)

Thoughts and Ramblings

This morning, when my alarm went off for me to go to work, something didn't seem right. Maybe it was my dreams last night, maybe it was something I ate yesterday, but whatever it was- put me in a funk.

I spent yesterday down at Freeport, getting my contract signed and visiting with my new Head Director, Linda. I think she and I are going to make a great team. We have our schedules for the year mapped out (as best we can), and I'm looking forward to getting started as a Band Director.

However, I think part of my funk this morning is that I am terrified. I'm not a huge advocate of change, even though I'm the first person to book any vacation to a country or place POLAR opposite as to what I'm used to, however I've disected it today, to realize this:

I love traveling because it removes me from my "routine" and forces me to relinquish control.

Lately, I've been obsessed with trying to book another trip, and this is why:

Change is happening in my life, a BIG change. 1 hour commute, older students, more time outside the school day, and starting from scratch. This is WAYYYYYYY different than what I've been accustomed to the past 4 years, teaching Elementary School. I feel as if I have no mental capacity to comprehend how my life will change. How different will my paychecks be? Will the commute become too much for me? Will I even like it? Will I live up to the expectations of the people who hired me?

So why do I want to book a trip? When I book a trip, I elect to get away from my routine, I enjoy it because I know my routine will be home when I return. Right now, my routine doesn't exist as I'm waiting for the school year to start, so I'm trying to find something I can control- aka. Traveling.

Does that make any sense? It does to me inside my mind, just don't know if I put it into words correctly.

I'm pretty much the Queen of running away, booking a trip right now, puts a bandaid on the fact I'm scared of my new career. I'm excited, don't get me wrong, but the change is intimidating.

So there you have it, more ramblings from me.

-Em

New Job - New Beginnings

I guess a later date has arrived.

This past February (as you have probably read in my posts), I came to terms with the fact that I needed a change in my career. My heart was torn between what I knew, and what I wanted. What I knew wasn't what I needed, but if you know me, you know that change isn't something easy for me.

After several interviews, and possible job opportunities, I was approached by a former Band Director in my High School days, about a new job position open not too far from home (but still a little commute). I offered my resume to be given to that head director, and went through the interview process there, and everything worked from there. I am the new assistant band director at Freeport Intermediate. I will direct the second band at the Intermediate school (grade 7-8) and teach 3 beginning brass classes at the Middle school (5-6).

Tomorrow I head down to Freeport (hour drive) to sign my contract, get my health insurance all set up, and then I will spend the afternoon with Linda, the Head Director I will be working with.

I'm looking forward to this new adventure. I hope the transition from Elementary Music teacher to Secondary Band Director isn't too difficult, and I enjoy it as much as I remember enjoying it in College.

That is all for now.

I will hopefully be taking a big vacation this Thanksgiving break over seas. But I won't know that for sure, until I get my schedule this week...

I love the possibility of booking a trip. Specially a big one!

Em
*pic- walking streets of San Juan Puerto Rico*

Carnival Liberty

Hello dear friends and family. I know I don't post on here near enough, specially compared to last summer.

This summer didn't have a long road trip, but it did include a week long cruise (shocker) aboard the Carnival Liberty.

Now, first and foremost, I like to say my addiction to traveling is imbedded deep within my heart and each time I have an amazing vacation, it gets worse.

This cruise was by far the best cruise of my life. It was number 33 or 34 (yes, I'm a little grey on my numbers) and it blew me away.

1st - "Cheers " drink package--> AMAZING
2nd - crew\staff were --> BEYOND AMAZING
3rd- Ship --> Stunning
4th- Stops\Itinerary --> FANTASTIC (even with a change because of Tropical Storm Chantal)
5th- People --> Met AMAZING people


This cruise had it all, I hope to stay in contact with my new friends and maybe feed my travel addiction some by going to see them in their respective places of the world. I only hope my next cruise is as fantastic as this one. It will be a hard one to beat.

PS. I have a new job. (b

ut that is another post, for a later time)

A special lady

I make this post as I'm riding down highway 45 with Mom, Dad, and Shelley. We're headed home from a weekend at Texas Motor Speedway. As always we had a wonderful time way hung the races, relaxing and enjoying time together.

On Friday, Shelley celebrated her 29th birthday. As we're driving right now and I'm listening to my iPod, I am reflective of who this woman is.

My sister is incredible. A true person of her word, woman of reason, woman of leadership, and of love.
There aren't many people in this world that I respect more than her.
I've cried with her, laughed with her, hated her, loved her, been angry with, missed terribly, and even been mean to her. However, through every single emotional thing we've been through, she is the same Shelley that threw a mud pie in my fave 23 years ago.

I know most of my friends and people have siblings that are incredible, but there is sadness in my heart because I really feel like I got the jack pot.

So, to my incredible woman, Shelley. Happy birthday, love you with all my heart. You're my best friend, my sister, my other half.

Malice, anger, ignorance, sadness

I make this post, as I a.m. heading down Highway 10 west headed for Marblefalls for Easter. With the help of Siri and wonderful voice to text device I can post this safely knowing that I'm clearing my mind. I really really really really really wish that I was posting about something happier, unfortunately with my situation at work I am currently struggling to find any happiness inside of my life. Through many struggles of student behavior, unhappy coworkers, and an unhappy experience for myself I have found that I really do struggle with any bright side of my life. I really wish there were other circumstances to talk about like I said.
Maliciousness is a very very ugly thing. I wish I did not have malice in my heart, I remember there was this wonderful "I saw on TV somewhere however I do not remember it.
Ignorance is another thing that I'm struggling with, most people that I like to affiliate with be around our people who are nice work time and who are knowledgeable however I have found in the most recent of months, that people matter how well educated they are, or Seem have really taken a turn for the worse.
From long talks with my coworkers in enjoying the times in conversations with them unfortunately it has switched into a struggle to even be in the same room at some of them, I hate to say that because it used to be so good but things have just changed. I went from enjoying getting to work every morning, to crying whenever I go home. I've also gone from looking forward to spending time with people to just wanted to be by myself. I look for and try to find solitude in the people I'm closest to however that does nothing but piss other people off.
That wraps up my rent for right now I will go for more details later. I hope I have a safe trip, and I hope you have a lovely Easter I'm happy to be away from Pasadena. I am sure there are many typos on here, like I said I am driving right now so I will not take the time to try to read what I said. I will come back later on this evening and or tomorrow and will decide what typos were made and correct them if need be if not I hope you understand what I said. Laters, E

What to do, What to do.

I haven't jumped off the blog bandwagon, just been busy. Still trying to figure my shit out!

I'm slowly getting to the core of "Me" (long post)

Hello again, everyone. I know my second blog in a week. WATCH OUT!


Once again, I find myself with lots on my mind. BIG things on my mind. Life altering ideas running through my head.
This morning I woke up having had a wonderful dream of PaPa Dale. I miss that man so much. I had walked outside out of a building, and there he was. Standing there just like it was yesterday. He looks up and sees me, and he smiles ear to ear. I run to him, as fast as I can and wrap my arms around his neck. It's my adult mind, but physically I'm 8 year old Emily. He's 80 year old Papa also. I sit here almost sobbing because it felt so real. I miss his wisdom, his conviction to let me know that I'm always doing the right thing, even through my mistakes. I wish he could be sitting here, across the table from me. Listening to all my concerns and ideas, he would give me the right advice I need to hear.

Why do people who have such major influences in our lives have to leave so soon? I could really use that hug again. A part of me wants to go back to sleep so I can try to relive it.

There is much uncertainty in my life right now, and I'm really REALLY struggling with how to cope with it.

I have the desire to move. I've finally mentioned this to my mom this morning as she checks in with me while on her cruise.

In order to move, I need to find out what career path I intend on taking this next year or two and see what I need to do to get where I want to be.

This thought just came to me.... Life by yourself is difficult. Not because of compromise (I get it, I don't have to compromise with anyone, really) but because of options. Too many options to be exact. Couples who are together make decisions based on each other. If Shelley wasn't married to Steve, would she compromise to move to Colorado? Probably not, then again she might not be living here anyways. However, she and Steve are married and have a lovely bundle of joy, would it be easier to stay here? Of course, but they are compromising a move to ensure that Evie grows up with the best life possible.
My life has no compromise. It's scary.

I'm not saying that making a decision based on a child or spouse\partner is an easier one or is more "glamorous by any means. Each has its own demons.

Life is hard when you find yourself so removed from any "rough draft" outline you've ever had about your destiny. I don't mean my life is miserable because I'm single and living with my grandma. (granted I have days like that, but this isn't one of them)
It's: I'm educated, I don't have to compromise, and I'm unhappy, so what do I do to fix it.

1. Job. Teaching has been the most educational experience I've had in my life (aside from driving around the US for a month by myself). Every day I have the opportunity to give a child the best day of their life. To make the coolest memory they'll always remember. (Singing Eidle Weiss in my 3rd grade play) Kids run up to me and hug me on a daily basis, I get old stickers, traced drawings, invites to come to their houses, and I've been called "Mom" more times that I'd like to admit.
I've also been hit, pinched, bit, spit on, kicked, run into, cursed, screamed at, and hated. Lately, I've found myself struggling to remember the good. When I wake up in the morning I think, "another day of trying to get students to just follow directions" "how can I make a difference in these kids lives, if all I do is tell them to sit down, keep their hands to themselves, and walk in a line".
I guess the bigger picture is that I show them, that even when I'm frustrated I keep coming back, even if they get time out - I will be sure to hug them in the hall way, just because they do something wrong, doesn't mean I don't notice when they do something right.
My heart breaks, because slowly but surely, that's not enough for me anymore. Something is missing. I know I'm making an impact on these children's lives. My lessons are probably the most organized and best lessons I've ever taught in the past 4 years, but I'm afraid my impact on them doesn't outweigh their impact on me. I leave work in tears, tired, worn out, and sad. Deep down I have the feeling that I'm not using my own personal skills to the best of their ability. I want a job, that takes my personality traits and uses it for the better good of other people. Does that make any sense blog reader? I hope so. It kind of does to me.  So what do I do about this? I keep teaching for now, even through the tears and sadness, there are glimpses of the "passion" for teaching I had last year. These students are learning each day from me, if they can see me as a "duck on a pond" then I'm doing my job. They don't need to know about my struggles with them, they need to see a consistent face in front of them each day, willing to keep trying to help them succeed. Maybe that's the biggest education I can give them.
As for myself, my research begins... What options do I have for a career? I did some preliminary research this morning on amazon and found a book that has great words of encouragement for people with my degree. I purchased the book.
More updates to come on this.
Please know: the section is all based on my opinion. I, Emily Boedeker, reserve all rights to these statements.

2. Location. I love Houston. It is home to me, and has been for most of my life. However, with the way things are going right now, I'm considering a change of locale. Where? That's a good question. I'm very interested in small town life. I enjoy trucks, deer, hole-in-the-wall places, and antique stores. I've begun looking up real estate in Llano TX. I wouldn't mind living in Fredericksberg either. But Ive just started looking this morning and Llano was the first place I searched. Granted this all rests upon the above "Job" section, so that's just left me to look around.

3. The DOOZY. Friends and family. A wise co-worker once told me "if you don't have family, then what do you have". That has stuck with me these past few months. A lot of my uncertainty as you've figured or read in my last post, is based on the people I love and care about the most. 90% of them are all related or closely in connection with each other. I have amazing people in my life. My sister, my best friend, my rock, my conscience, my mentor, my verbal punching bag, my lifeline. My best friend who puts up with my German stubbornness. My Mom who is as close to me as anyone can get, and will be happy to tell me like it is, even when I don't want to hear it. My Dad, (I tear up) the reason why I literally just up and walked away from Lance. My dad has shown me what I deserve in a man, and even though it hurts, walk away from someone who doesn't give that to me. Steve, my bro-in-law who is probably the most like me than I'd like to admit. My Crystal, I only knew her face to face for 10 months and I can't imagine life without her. My coworkers, my team, my rock, my best friends. Why would I consider moving from them? Right now it sounds crazy, distance is hard on friendships\relationships, across the country, down the hall, or in another city. I don't the answer to that one. Not yet, at least.


So what do I do about all this inner turmoil now that I've undoubtedly shared WAY to much with the cyber world? I don't know. But each time I put it in writing I feel better, like my thoughts are more organized. Guess Dr. Perminiter was ahead of her time. She told me once, "Sometimes we go through life with our pitcher empty, it takes time but we can fill our pitchers back up"

Desperately trying to figure it out,
E.

Where do I begin?

Hello everyone. I'm not sure where to begin.

On this warm January 27, I'm sitting in my PJs watching the pro-bowl at my parent's house. I'm dog sitting Tucker and Perry Mason while they are on the Carnival Magic for Mom's birthday cruise.

I enjoy the pro-bowl because the players just seem to have fun. I like that its not a stressful game, just fun.

There has been a lot on my mind\plate lately. I've become a hermit because of it. Its been weeks since I've "gone out" with friends, just been sitting at home or hanging with my family.
I don't care for airing out my dirty laundry in the cyber world, but I do feel like blogging about the generalities might be therapeutic.


My Burdens:
-Men. I dare post his name on here: Lance ended up not being the man for me. After our talk on the 1st, he and I continued in the middle area and even attempted a small trip together. However plans fell through, last minute. We went out for drinks after that, and I've never heard from him since. A tough pill to swallow, I deleted his number after my last text message went unanswered. A tearful evening that was, but it was for the best. I haven't cried any more, and I'm thinking that could be a contributing factor to my dark days lately.

-Colorado. A state I actually enjoy, think it is beautiful and I like to visit. But right now its the state from hell. A potential move for my sister, brother-in-law, and princess neice. This is still in negotiation with my brother-in-law's company. But my heart is shattered. My brain knows that this is best for them and their little family, but my heart is selfish as you see in these posts. I do know that my lack of social life with friends being taken over by family time is because I want to make sure Evie knows her auntie Em loves her more than anyone else in the world. Even more than myself.

-Work. Parts of work. Thats all I have to say about that.

- Retirement. Mom and Dad have mentioned retirement more and more lately. This is not a burden exactly, because I'm so excited that Dad would finally have the opportunity to move to Marble Falls the way he's dreamt about for the past 10 years. My concerns is with the Colorado move, them moving. I'm left here.

-Friends. I have some incredible people in my life. There are few that I've kept heavy on my heart these past few weeks. Once again, brain knows to be supportive and a set of ears. My heart is selfish and wants everyone home and\or doing the right thing.

-Myself. I wish I had the desire to get back to the gym like I was a couple years ago. I think I'm getting close to getting there because its been on my heart so much. Something I know I can fix instantly. 90% of life is showing up, 10% is what you do once you're there. So I guess walking into the doors would be the best first step to solve this burden.

-House. I love my house, it's perfect for me. I just feel like its not mine. Not sure why, it just doesn't feel like mine. Wonder what I could do to feel that way.

My Blessings:
-Family. Even with the geography of my family possibly changing, I'm super blessed to have a family I'm so close to, to even been upset if they move.

-Friends. Like I said, I have a great support group around me and really wonderful people who listen to me when I complain, laugh with me when I'm not, and come to me for help.

-Home. I love my house, its not perfect but its home.

-Job. Even on my worst days, I try to remember that there is someone out there that would give their right arm to have a school year's worth of "rough days" than not have a job. -I need to repeat this every day-

So blog world, there you have it. A rough outline as to what's been going on in my life. My head hurts after writing this. Feel free to offer input, I will try to update on how I overcome these burdens and add more things to my blessings list.

Off to bed.
Mallet Madness at work this week... breathing.

E.

Break Down over

Hello everyone, I apologize for my break down-blog post new years eve

Was really frustrated.


Well, all in all--- I finally asked the question to said "Boy- thats a friend- but not my boyfriend" last night.

Now I still didnt get a straight answer from him (ugh) but I feel so much better having had the converstation of "what are we? I would rather be with you than with anyone else... I don't need anything to change, but just knowing that this has the potential to become something more" conversation.

So, thats where I'm at. I came clean and told him where I'm at in this "relationship", so we'll see if he amps up his game--> we'll see.


I'm the most patient person I know, but I know he's worth it.

New Year's Eve

I hate New Year's Eve.

It's a dreadful holiday\celebration that does nothing but remind me that each year I'm in the exact same place as I was the year before.

I'm bitter this evening, as I am every New Year's Eve.
Damned if I go out and get to see the lovely reminder of being 26 and single, or I can stay away from that and stay home and once again be reminded that I, Emily Boedeker, still don't have a person to celebrate with at midnight.

Good freakin' riddance I say.

Even then, its better than going out and drinking too much and then trying to drive home when the cops are working over time to make sure everyone stays safe.

I have no words for how I feel this year. You would think after 5 months of dating someone, he would want to spend new year's eve with you... but no.

I'm done. So freaking done.

I'm ready to run away, be gone for a long time again. I'm mad at myself because I've forgotten who I was when I came back from my trip this summer. What happened to me? I came back and BOOM, met a man who I honestly thought was the ONE I was going to marry. I'm a freaking idiot. Good RIDDANCE...
Screw New Year's. I hope yours was better than mine.

In the Swing of Things

Hello everyone,

Sorry for the delay in posts. Things are going well enough in these parts. A LOT of things going on at work, none bad, but just busy busy busy times.

I'm looking forward to this weekend. Shannon and I have a hotel room downtown Houston to celebrate her 28th birthday. I'm looking forward to a few nights on the town!

Anywho, short update I know, But not much else to update now.


Much love,
E

Summer ends....the real world begins.

Greetings all,

As most of you know Summer Vacation is quickly winding down and teachers\students are getting back to the "salt mines" preparing for another school year.

This week\weekend was a lot of fun spending time at the Pt. Comfort United Methodist Church 60th Anniversary celebration. Granny Jackie really seemed to be having a blast and enjoyed reminiscing with her friends.

On a touch of sad news, Schultze (one of my family's dachshunds) had a herniated disc and lost quite a bit of movement in his hind legs. However my parents being wonderful and awesome had his back operated on and made it home yesterday around 3. He is doing pretty well, but has a long road to recovery. The sad part is, poor Schultze is only 3 years old. Will be 4 in November. Please keep him in your prayers for a full recovery!

Monday the 20th, me and the other teachers of my district go back to work with week's worth of Staff Development, and then the students arrive on the 28th.
Luckily, my classroom is pretty much all set up from my work up there this week and I'm anxious for how this year goes will all the changes my campus has made.

Hope all is well everyone,
E

PS. I'm hoping to be going to Las Vegas this Thanksgiving with my best friend Shannon. You know me, always having a trip planned!

PSS. I received an awesome early Christmas present from Santa this week! SB2K13 is going to be awesome!!

Pintrest and ADD

Pintrest will be the end of me.


I sit here staring at my cluttered "study" area of my room and I cringe at all my piles and hodgepodge of crap. I see on pintrest all these neat organization ideas, however all I really think about when I see them is $$$$...
Granted the point of pintrest is to save money. So hopefully with more research I can find solutions to my piles.

However, I just sit here and get frustrated and annoyed. Therefore it will be the end of me.

I have the feeling my big road trip gave me ADD. Or at least made my ADD worse.
I have a million ideas running through my head on what I want to do. Whether it's fix up my house, get ready for school, plan another trip, or even daydream of Mr. Right.

OY.

If you Really knew Me....

My sister made this post, and she got it from our friend Danielle... I liked it, so here I go...

If you knew me, you'd know:

-I love being a goofball

-Thunderstorms make me nervous

-I love ketchup

-When I'm finding myself stressed\frustrated with my life, traveling always seems to fix it

-I'm addicted to traveling

-I love my Evie

-My roommate is my 79 year old grandmother...

-I have the fear that living with her will keep me from meeting Mr. Right

-I'm in the middle of a roadtrip around the US

-I daydream a lot

-I wish my house was newer and nicer

-It took me 26 years to understand my finances

-I miss college terribly, it was so much easier than being a real adult

-I have great family

-The handful of friends I've kept in touch with are amazing

-I have a blog for my travels www.emilyustour.blogspot.com



That is all for now, check back with my other blog for updates on my trip!

E

In the Middle

One of my very best good friends just informed me she is moving states this summer. I feel in the middle. I'm very happy for her because it is a really neat adventure to go on. However, the selfish part of me is crushed. She's been a great confidant, sound board, and friend for me. The thought of her not being near by is hard, even if I haven't known her very long. So once again, I'm in the middle. Happy\Sad, Supportive\Selfish, etc...

End of Year 3

Well, I'm down to the last week of school. 187 days gone and a world's worth of experience under my work belt. Where does that leave me? Summer has so many fun things planned right now. June 10 I leave on the Carnival Magic (again) with my friend from college. and I am currently watching my lovely neice Miss Evie. I love her so much. She's really easy to watch. She's very content. Not my idea for an exciting night as a single 26 year old but I'm okay with it. Hopefully more update later. Happy Anniversary to Shelley and Steve.

Blessed

I am by far the most blessed person I know of. (Well close to it) But life is really good right now. I just need to stop and smell the roses more often! While some say teaching is an "easy" job and how I have no room to complain because I have "3 months" off in the summer. I would like to take a minute to say, no. Yes I chose a profession that does lend itself to wonderful vacation time, but please know that it does not mean my job is easy. I just got home today from a leadership retreat with my campus leaders and it was 2 days full of planning, problem solving, and team building. I don't know if it is really worth my time to defend my career as being difficult or even taxing, but I did want to mention that. How am I blessed? Well, I think anyone who does know teachers will be the first to say that the mood around the school campus is differnt or even the mood of the teachers outside of school is different. We do see an end in sight. I find myself in happier spirits and even excited to finish out the school year strong! My mom posted a fun blog about the "End of School" and she was 100% correct. Its a feeling no one gets to replicate. I wish everyone could. Next school year holds awesome potential again. It's crazy to think of how different things will be. But in a great way. I wish our students knew how lucky they are to have their teachers. They're amazing. What an amazing school year for me. Lots of sad changes, lots of great changes, and a crap-ton of learning. I look forward to the travels this summer because I feel I earned them. If you're reading this blog, thank a Teacher. E

Self Reflection

I have found that there comes a time in every persons life that we must self reflect. The words have been stuck in my head all weekend after we had a student at school make a poor choice in handling his emotions and we used the term self reflection of the situation. So I shall (on this relaxing Sunday) attempt to show my own personal self reflection I have been working on since yesterday. I have an awesome life. But there are things I want to change. Just like me wanting to improve things at my job I need to assess what I can do to fix things when I'm not in front of a classroom... 1. Movement - I will start going back to the gym this week. No training, but moving. I need to get back on track. 2. Traveling- I have some awesome travel plans for this summer, even starting this week with a teacher's leadership retreat... So I need to make sure I keep my head above water financially. 3. Socially- I struggle with a few things socially (I have found) and I really enjoy my solitude. All I need is my room, my phone, tv, and computer. I really want to make sure I keep my options open in the relationship department. But then again, I'm not good at reading men. Well, hopefully I can check things off my list ASAP so I can make sure I can continue a positive growth into adulthood. Best wishes. Crusing soon! E

Hello there blog world, Sorry about the delay. I've been busy with work and trying to make sure I finish out this year with my head above water. I'm looking forward to summer, soooo much!!! I can't wait to take my trips around the US and Caribbean! Hope all is well everyone.