Soul Saver:

the best things in the world:

1. Cereal for dinner

2. Kisses on my forehead from M

3. Driving with the windows down, radio up, in 75 degree weather

4. Girls days where you laugh so hard your stomach hurts

5. Napping under an umbrella on the beach

6. Coming home to a happy dog

7. Watching my little brother turn into a big kid

8. Giving my family gifts

9. Hugs from my mom & dad

10. Remember when's and smiling about them

11. The smell of cookies in the oven

12. Butterflies

13. Sunday football with a nap in between :)

14. Being surprised

15. Finding an old CD in your car and after listening it, you can remember exactly where you were the first time you heard it.

What do you think some of the best things in the world are?! Tell me :)

Not sure I remember how to do this...

Well the last time I blogged, I talked about starting school. It's now July and school has been over for almost 2 months. I had such a wonderful semester! I met awesome new people and made Dean's list again (hey, it feels good when you do well!) It was a tough semester but I'm sure it'll seem like a piece of cake once this next semester starts (senior year). I'll be doing 2 full days of student teaching. I'm so used to co-teaching that I'm a nervous wreck to do it on my own! haha. No choice but to push through and do well!

So what have I been up to over the last 5 months?

In February, it was cold and winter was hanging around for a while. M and I celebrated Valentine's day with dinner.

March, crazy month with school so I don't think much fun was had, haha.

April, school was in full force (thank goodness for friends who are going through the same exact thing and keep you sane during it all!) We even got to take a trip to the aquarium (the joys of being an elem. ed major haha)

in the Australia house, so neat!

so many stingrays and sharks to see;

the coolest was the sawfish..

if you look close enough (on the left and going up),

you can see the nose of the fish that looks like a saw blade.

May - this month couldn't come soon enough. It was the end of the semester! Finals were intense but once they were over, I could breathe a sigh of relief!

Not sure why I don't have ANY pictures from May until now, but I'm sad about it! I didn't take pictures of my mom's or Matt's bday, the pictures that I took from when I went to the beach are on my broken phone (dropped it down the steps, but hey, now I have the white iPhone so it was worth it! haha), and no pics from the 4th of July. Waaa.

Fast forward to now - summer has been good so far.. I work everyday but I babysit and take the kiddos to the pool so it's fun :) I better enjoy it now while I can haha. Lately we've been under a MASSIVE heat wave though! I'm sure you girls down south can relate. I checked the weather on my phone today and saw this.. unbelievable: Look at the "FEELS LIKE" temp.. how is that possible in Maryland?! So gross.

School starts for me in a little more than 3 weeks (I start when the teachers do) so I'm trying to relax as much as I can.. I'm placed at a school that is 5 min from the bf's house so it's pretty convenient.

On another note, went to the doctor today for a check up and noticed that I have gained 5 lbs in a year! Wth?! This past year was stressful though. I need to get motivated and get back to where I was. Does anyone know of great workout dvd's? It's more convenient to work out at my house than drive 20 some min. to the gym (i do have a membership though, just completely out of the way)

Leaving tomorrow for the beach! I'll be back Monday though. Have a fun weekend :)

I hope ALL of you are doing well, enjoying summer (hopefully taking a vacay) and staying happy!

Really?!

Hi! Has it really been 5 months since I've blogged last?! How pathetic on my part. To my followers/readers out there, if I still have any.. sorry I've been MIA for so long! I sure have missed blogging but it was a nice break and sometimes, life just happens and you get so side tracked by everything else. I will be doing an update soon enough but I just wanted to stop in, say hi and hope your lives are going great! Leave a comment if you'd like to update me on your life, haha :)

School has started.

So I'm sure you know what that means.. less time for blogging :(

So this past weekend, M and I went to a gala for his work. We had such a great time. Free food and open bar with lots of friends there as well. I actually ran into someone I went to elementary school with - small world!

me and M

does this dress look familiar?

I wore it 3 yrs ago, haha.

This is only the 2nd time I've worn it so I figured it was okay :)

Then Monday came and it was time to go to school. I went to the gym in the morning like I said I would and actually felt great doing it! But at 3 o'clock, I was exhausted. I actually went to bed that night at 8:30, haha.

As for my classes, I'm taking Physical Science, a comp. class, Bio, concepts of math class (which I think I'll love because my teacher is amazing), Math internship and science internship. I start my math internship on Tuesday and I'm excited for that. I'll be in 2nd grade this semester!

My days are long and my professors have already loaded up the work for us but I know I'll make it through. It's all about balance. However, blogging does fall to the back burner. As much as I love it, school is my #1 priority right now. I'd like to make Dean's list again this semester :)

This weekend is the Super Bowl. Not to sure what we're doing yet though, or who I'm rooting for. Do I want the Steelers to win because they beat the Raven's? Or the Packers because the Steeler's have won too many times? Who are you rooting for if you're going to watch it?

I finally got my 3 free nail polishs in the mail (less s&h) thanks to Katie! I love the colors and can't wait to paint my nails :)

 

Thanks girls who have e-mailed me wishing me well in school :)
I'm glad you took the time to think about it!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week!

What I'm Loving Today . . .

1. I'm loving that Jamie does this every week. It really lets me reflect on the good, instead of the bad or things I could complain about :) So thanks, Jamie!

2. I'm loving that today is a snow day! We (Maryland) have really missed A LOT of snow storms this winter! (probably because we got enough last winter to last us for 5 future winters, haha) After this storm is over, we should have about 6-9 inches. I've been lounging all day and I'm taking FULL advantage of it because school starts this coming Monday! Yikes. Free time = GONE!

3. I'm loving how long my hair is getting. However, I'm not loving how thin it has been feeling lately. I've been thinking of getting thickening shampoo and conditioner, but I'm not sure what kind to get. Any recommendations? Help a girl out! Yes, my hair is important to me, haha :)

4. I'm not loving that school starts Monday BUT I am loving that I'll be back on a consistent schedule and will be able to get to the gym the same time most days as well as eat meals at consistent times. Life just flows better when you're on a schedule.. or maybe that's just my OCD saying so, haha.

5. I'm loving that I just found out that the lady I used to nanny for (about 3 years ago), is M's Mom's cousin. Talk about a small, small world! (they just reunited which is why I just found out)

6. I'm loving that Liz gave me a little acknowledgement :) She is too sweet. Thank you again! It made my day!

I'd like to pass this on to Caroline @ A Life of Color because she deserves it. She always leaves me the most thoughtful and sweet comments and has become a good blog friend :) I could surely name other bloggers who deserve this as well so don't think that I don't appreciate each of you! xox

7. And of course, I'm loving my boy :) 

And yes, I'm being super lazy and not putting pictures with this post. Forgive me.

Top 2 Tuesday - Healthy Snacks

Today's Top 2 Tuesday is all about healthy snacks. This is pretty easy for me since I live in a household where healthy eating is a priority. Of course, we still have snacks and things such as pizza, but we have healthier options. I could write a whole list of healthy snacks, but I'll only post my favorite 2.

1. Fat Free Yogart (Light & Fit) and Kashi Cereal.

I eat this yogart with a half cup of this cereal (serving size). I put a little bit of the cereal into each bite. It is SO delicious. In a half cup of this cereal is 60 calories and 14 grams of fiber. The cereal doesn't look yummy, but I promise it is! Plus, it's so healthy and full of great things! (Protein & Fiber)

total carlories of this snack = 140 and SO filling.

You will be filled for at least 2 hours.

2. Kashi GoLean Crunchy Bars

When school starts again (next week, ahh!) I'm on the go; a lot. I don't always have time to eat a warm, healthy lunch or snack so I carry these with me. This and a bottle of water definitely holds me over. Chocolate peanut butter is my favorite. It has 9 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber and only 180 calories. These bars make you thirsty so a bottle of water is a must!

Hope you try both of these snacks :)

If you do, let me know if you like them!

It's Monday. And bitterly cold. So here's to me rambling.

1. It was FREEZING this weekend. I mean a high of 15 degrees. (sorry to those who are suffering with FAR worse temps.) Totally not normal for MD though. I could hibernate and honestly be happy. Me and cold weather do not like each other. I did go out for dinner and drinks on Saturday night though with M. However, I felt like Randy from the movie A Christmas Story because I was SO bundled up.

2. We watched the playoffs yesterday. Glad to see the Packers win; Steelers, egh not so much. I was rooting for the Jets since the Steelers have 2 Superbowl rings in the past 6 years. I mean, isn't it time for someone else to win? M was happy though because his dad is a BIG Steelers fan.

3. As of next Monday, I will be one busy bee. Here's how the schedule is looking:

Mon:  Gym: 7:30 AM - 9AM

         Class: 10AM - 4:20PM

Tues: Class: 8:30AM - 3:40 PM

         Gym: 4 PM

Wed: Same as Monday

Thurs: Gym: 9AM - 10:30AM

          Class: 12:30PM - 4:20PM

Fri: Work and gym (until my boss doesn't work anymore. then this will become a homework day)

(Parking is TERRIBLE at school so I have to get there with enough time to get lucky and get a spot or stalk someone to take their spot. It's so annoying) 

Not too too bad. I have two internships and the rest are classes (all math & science, yuck.)

4. M and I have a gala to go to this weekend. I'm quite excited for it :) We get to dress up!

5. I just started reading the book Perfect Match by Jodi Picoult. I've never read any of her books before but my boss gave me about 5. So far, I'm really into it. I'm hoping I finish it before school starts. I know she wrote My Sister's Keeper. I didn't read that but I saw the movie and cried like a baby, haha. Have any of you read this book by her or others?

6. That's all I have for today.. Hope everyone enjoyed the weekend.

Things to think about.

This sucks.

Really. There is no other way to put it. My boss told me the other day that she will be quitting her job to stay home with the kids. While I think this is awesome for her, it's not so much for me. To be a stay-at-home mom would bring her so much joy. She is an amazing mother and her kids deserve that. Her last day will be some time in March. This semester I would only be working for her one day anyway because I am taking 18 credits but she would be using me 2 or 3 days this summer.

But to be honest, I could CARE LESS about the money or the job. I've come to love these children like their my own. I absolutely adore them, as well as my boss and her husband. I've had plenty of jobs in the past and have nannied for families before, but this is just different. This is like my second family.

2 1/2 years ago when I was job searching, it never crossed my mind that I would find a family like them. They welcomed me with open arms from day one and bend over backwards to make sure I am happy. From the times of paying me extra "just because" or picking me up something because they know I would like it. To say that they make me feel appreciated would be an understatement. It makes me sad to think that I won't see them every week like I do now. Yes, I know I can go visit because they live close, but it's just not the same. My boss has told me that I will be the first they call to watch the kids if they need a sitter and I am welcome over anytime I want. It's just that I am so used to seeing them every week and taking care of the girls that I am going to miss them.

This will be a sad time for everyone involved, but I will make sure I visit them, even if it's just twice a month, because it's not fair to M and A that I stop coming around just because they're mom isn't working anymore. To disappear from a child's life like that isn't good for them. These little girls are my heart.

But this isn't goodbye.. change is never easy though.

Top 2 Tuesday

I LOVE Spring time. Seriously.

It's probably my favorite season.

Clothes are so verstile and always cute.
I've been browsing so many sites &cannot wait to go shopping!

I intentionally don't buy many winter clothes just so I can

splurge on spring/summer clothes :) Anyone with me?!

Today, Taylor wants to know our top 2 favorite outfits/pieces for spring.

I won't go crazy with this post, however I am loving:

1. Wedges & Sandals.

Love them all (ae.com)

2. Dresses

So simple, yet classy and chic!

(ae.com)

I also love tanks, shorts, skirts, all of the accessories...

What clothes do you love about spring??

I ...

want a towel on a chair

in the sand by the sea

want to look through my shades

and see you there with me

want to soak up life for a while

in laid back mode

The sun and the sand and a

drink in my hand.. with no bottom

no shoes, no shirt, no problems

(these are my toes, haha)

(i've had this song in my head all day.

so over this cold weather. calling for ice & snow tonight.

bring on the warmer temps, please! spring & summer, i miss u)

 

What I'm Loving...

I'm joining in with Jamie for WILW!

1. Safe Haven

BY FAR, the BEST Nicholas Sparks' book I have ever read. I read this book in 3 days. If you love Lifetime Movies, you will LOVE this book. It's unlike anything he has ever written. I stayed up wayyy past my bedtime to finish it :)

The book gives this description:

When a mysterious young woman named Katie appears in the small North Carolina town of Southport, her sudden arrival raises questions about her past. Beautiful yet self-effacing, Katie seems determined to avoid forming personal ties until a series of events draws her into two reluctant relationships: one with Alex, a widowed store owner with a kind heart and two young children; and another with her plainspoken single neighbor, Jo. Despite her reservations, Katie slowly begins to let down her guard, putting down roots in the close-knit community and becoming increasingly attached to Alex and his family. But even as Katie begins to fall in love, she struggles with the dark secret that still haunts and terrifies her . . . a past that set her on a fearful, shattering journey across the country, to the sheltered oasis of Southport. With Jo's empathic and stubborn support, Katie eventually realizes that she must choose between a life of transient safety and one of riskier rewards . . . and that in the darkest hour, love is the only true safe haven.

Go read it. I swear you will not be disappointed.

2. Over due Massage

This Friday, I'm going to get a one-hour massage that my boss bought me for Christmas :) I am so excited and cannot wait. It's been a year since I've had one! I wish I could afford to have a custom massage every month.

3. Baseball

I just found out that M & I will be going to the opening day game of the Orioles! He bought us tickets in a great section. I am so excited for this because I've never been. It's a huge outing for the entire city :) I just hope the weather behaves because some years it has snowed while others it's been sunny and warm. It's in the 1st week of April so I'm hoping it's warm out!

Hope your week is going well! What are you loving this Wednesday?