Technology is an amazing thing

In this world we live in, technology can be a bad thing. So many people have their faces glued to their phones while they are at dinner. Other people can't go two seconds without some sort of "major" life update on Facebook. (In quotations, because many FB life updates are not major!) Even blogs which connect people can cause drama.

But in many ways, technology is an AMAZING thing. I experienced one of those ways last night.

My high school English teacher has been teaching for 50 years! Can we just take a second to applaud that? 50 YEARS. Say what??? She's an incredible human being and to recognize that my old school is naming the English building after her.

Back story: I was in the International Baccaluareate program, basically a really international intense version of AP classes. Since it was just starting, my group was small. I had all the same classes with the same 23 people from sophomore year on. We spent every waking moment together, and needless to say by graduation we were done! We've kept in touch on Facebook, but with the exception of a few I hadn't spoken to many of them since then.

Mrs. Olin was our teacher junior and senior year. She taught us to really think in our philosophy class. Introduced to me some of my favorite books senior year. I definitely consider her to be one of my teacher inspirations. So when a friend of mine had the idea to set up a Google Hangout so that we could record messages to her, I was down.

And here's where technology is amazing... the hangout let us connect people from literally all over the world. One of my friends ended up in Japan. He was able to join us on his way to work! Another friend was in Denver, one was in Baltimore, and one was in NYC. In our typical IB way, it took us a minute to figure out what we could tell our teacher, but it was wonderful being able to catch up with all these people that were such a huge part of my life for such a short while.

I am sure Mrs. Olin will laugh her head off when she sees our video, but I hope she loves it to. I certainly loved making it!

Ever caught up with old friends? How was it?

Little bit of sunshine...

Let's face it... the school year comes and my blogging goes out the window. I don't like it, but that's how it happens. Which stinks, because I really do have some fun things to blog about.... like the time J and I couldn't decide what to do for dinner so we decided to each get our own take-out meal! (Everyone wins, right??!) Or how awesomely hilarious (yes I know that's not right but I do not care) my class is this year.

So when I saw I got nominated for the Sunshine Award by Lourdes over at Love is Life, I knew I had to do it. So even though I am a bit late, and even though I'm not going to nominate other people (at least not at the moment) here are my answers to her questions!

1. Growing up, which parent were you the closest to? Did this change at any time?
My mom. And no that hasn't changed. My dad and I are the EXACT same person so we tended to butt heads a lot growing up. Took me a while to learn how to accept and interact with him. But my mom and I have always been close. Which is why I don't always get it when people are not close to their moms. 

2. Do you believe in "Love at first sight?" Do you think it happens?
No. I believe in attraction at first sight. I used to believe in love at first sight but J changed all that. Love and affection is something that definitely has to grow and be tended to. And it's amazing what happens when that moment finally hits and love starts to bloom. That reasoning is one of the reasons that J and I chose "I See the Light" for our first dance. 

Seriously, tears everytime!

3. What period of history is your favorite? Why?
WWII. It just encompasses so many different aspects of history and it was SUCH a pivotal moment in history. Doesn't really matter which part of it, I love reading about all of it. So many of my papers in high school revolved around World War 2. I just loved learning about it. 

4. If you could change one thing about your appearance what would it be? 
I'm kinda over my acne and acne scars. I just finished reading a book that has an intriguing plan so I'm gonna give that a shot. It's just annoying to still be dealing with it!

5. What is your favorite fast food place?
Chick Fil A. I barely eat it anymore but it's still my favorite! Mmmm chicken nuggets, waffle fries and a fruit punch! YUM!

6. If you could live in any country, where would you live? If it isn't the country you currently live in, why did you choose another country?
England. Or anywhere in Europe really. Just to have a different experience. 

7. How many kids do you want to have? Boys? Girls? 
No more than 2. A boy and a girl preferably. 

8. Can you do a push up?***
 Yes I can. I worked out with a trainer off and on for about a year and he really helped my upper body strength. I used to be able to do a few in a row...now I'd probably die. 

9. Who is the most influential person in your life? How have they influenced you?
My mom. She's just the most amazing person, and I've never met anyone who didn't like her. She always has a positive caring spirit no matter who she is around or what she has gone through. I try as much as possible to be like her. 

10. I nominated you because I love your blog. Why did you start blogging? Has your motivation for blogging changed as time goes on?
Last summer I was bored and decided I used to have a Livejournal so why not try another blog. Never knew I'd find this world! My motivation has died since then, but I still like to maintain it. I need to stop reading blogs on my iPhone so that way I can actually comment!

What would your answers to these questions be? Anything like mine???

Geek Out

I'll be the first to admit it, I'm a huge nerd. Especially a huge TEACHER nerd. I had fun this past spring writing tests for district curriculum guides. (Didn't hurt that I met a rad group of fellow teachers. Sad I can't meet up with them tomorrow!) I can spend hours perusing the education section of Pinterest. I love being in my classroom by myself. In fact, I'm going to go in tomorrow, not because I need to but because of the reason I just stated. It's calming. Expect when you spot a snake outside your classroom window:

The black racer that chose to make my bushes his new home...

So while some might think that spending 2 hours creating a student data notebook sounds COMPLETELY lame... well to me it was fun. And I'm proud of the final product. Not proud of enough to sell it on TeachersPayTeachers (seriously, when do those people have the time?!) but still pretty darn proud to brag about it.

On that note, off I go to watch something and just lay out on the couch.

What makes you nerdy? Do you embrace your inner nerd? :)

Lightning and Loss

Yea, so I completely stink at this whole blogging every day thing. But hey this challenge has made me post twice now in one week, so that's a successful point right??

Today's topic is Things you're most afraid of. My immediate answer? Lightning.

When I was 10 and on the Safety Patrol trip to Washington D.C., we were caught in a MASSIVE electrical storm. Bolts of lightning EVERYWHERE. Right after watching a documentary at the Smithsonian about the effects of lightning. Ironic, right? I was deathly afraid of this and it's really an unfortunate fear to have being a citizen of the so-called Sunshine State. Storms can get CRAAZY up in here. Luckily, I'm not as scared as I once was, but I will flinch when I see a bolt.

My parents are a lot older than most of my friend's parents and I get this sick pit in my stomach when I think of either one of them not being here anymore. I hear my dad's cough get worse and worse and honestly it makes me want to cry. Whenever I get those feelings, I try and just appreciate the now. The fact they are both still here is something I want to cherish.

So those are my two major fears. One that's kinda silly and one that's kinda not. What are your fears?

Public speaking is SO my thing...

Not really. I know, I know. I'm a teacher. I get up every morning and spend 8 hours speaking in front of 23 people. Here's the catch: those 23 people? They range in age from 6-8. They're sweet. Oh and they adore me. Cocky? Possibly, but it's true. Even when I goof up and stutter, they just smile and laugh in a not mean way. One of the many reasons I love working with firsties.

But tomorrow, I have to get up in front of the college class that comes to my school every week and talk. I have to be knowledgeable. I have to NOT speak a mile a minute (which is exactly how I talk. I'd do a video blog so you can witness it yourself, but no thanks.) I'm flattered that my standards coach thinks I'm good enough to present to them, but still I'm REALLY not looking forward to it.

Yep. That describes my feelings exactly. Anybody out there understand where I'm coming from?

Me, Myself and I

You know you want to know more about me! At least that's what I tell myself. :) Here goes:

1) When you're feeling down, what do you do to pick yourself up?

I read a book (usually Harry Potter). I bake. There's something so calming about baking. Plus indulging in sweets is another way I pick myself up! I want to make these next:

Source: marthastewart.com via Nilda on Pinterest

2)  If you had to live in a different time period which would you prefer?
Hmmm. Tough question. I would say the 40s and 50s. Something about the style and history of the era draws me to it. 

3)  What is the most creative Halloween costume you've ever worn?
I've never made my own costume, always store bought. My best costume has been my Belle costume from a few years ago:

4)  Five weird things about you we wouldn't know without being told?
I think out loud a lot! Gets me weird looks sometimes.
The High School Musical 3 soundtrack is one that I always play to pump me up.
I never wear my hair down if I am wearing a black shirt or sweater.
I like going to the beach but not going in the water.
I hated cats before getting my own fur baby Athena.

5)  What would you tell your 16-year-old self?
I was in a college prep program called International Baccalaureate. I felt very average all through out high school, even though compared to the rest of the population, I am not (sorry if that sounds cocky, I don't mean it that way!). I would tell my 16 year old self to not feel inferior to those in her class. I would tell her she is smart and that the rest of her life will be so much better than it is at that moment. Oh and I would tell her not to take Human Geography for her 6th subject!

Those were some tough questions! Link up so I can know more about you. :)

So here's more about me...

I hope you get a good idea of who I am by reading this lovely little blog of mine. I try my best to be as real as possible.

So when I saw the Sunday Social this week was all about me an my blog questions, I knew I had to go with it!

1. What is the name of your blog and how did you come up with it??

Laughter, Love, and Necklaces. I played around with names for a bit and this one stuck. It's completely cheestastic to say, but laughter and love are important things to me. I threw in necklaces, because it's something I'm known for. My little girls in my class always love to see what necklace I am wearing next. I realize now it makes it seem like I'm a fashion blog, but I like the name so I think I'll keep it awhile. 

2. What do you love the most about blogging??

I love the connections that you make with people. I have found so many people who share my interests and who I now consider friends. I worry about them when they post something sad and I celebrate when they post something great. My blog friends are definitely my favorite part of this!

3. What are your 2 favorite posts you've written?

Definitely my types of teachers at trainings (which could be applied to any class) and  this random one about my day. My random posts really show my personality I think!

4. What is something you'd want to tell someone just starting out in blog world?

Don't be afraid to reach out. Comment on the blogs you like, retweet the bloggers you read, and share about yourself. The blog world is a pretty welcoming place!

5. Biggest blogging learning experience you've had?

No reply commenter! I didn't realize I was a no reply commenter. I wondered why no one would reply to me and then one day I checked it and changed it.  

6. Give us three blogs we NEED to be following that you love.

Gosh, SUCH a tough question. There are so many blogs I love.

Caitlin over at A Day in the Life She's definitely a kindred spirit and so funny! Absolutely love her. 

Jessica over at Lovely Little Things She just writes from the heart and she has a great attitude towards life. 

Paige over at The Eloping Stethoscope She's so smart and one of the nicest people you'll ever meet! She also designs beautiful jewelry. 

Hope this let you know more about me! Now can't wait to chow down on some dip, wings and potato salad while I cheer on my JAGS!

Thunderstorms... eek!

Thanks Isaac. Even though I am miles away from your center, you are still terrorizing my world. Not only do your rains mean NO RECESS (ugh, first graders with no recess are torture!!) but you mean thunderstorms too!

Have I mentioned I HATE LIGHTNING?!?! In 5th grade, on my safety patrol trip to D.C., my tour group got stuck on our tour bus in the middle of the craziest lightning storm ever. 10 minutes after seeing a documentary on the dangers of lightning. Perfect timing right? Since then I've been freaked out by it.

So I find it ironic that I live in Florida, which during the summer and hurricane season, seems to be the lightning capital of the world. I barely made it home from work without completely freaking. Lightning everywhere!

So to take my mind off things, I made some macaroni and cheese. I threw in some chicken sausage and broccoli. Childhood memories anyone? Yum. Yum.

So if you are facing the wrath of Isaac, stay dry and stay safe. Know that a girl in Jacksonville is fully commiserating with you.

PS. Bloggy friends, do me a favor and check out my friend Lauren's blog, Dandelion Days. She's starting this whole blog adventure so show her some love. Plus, she has awesome ideas AND she posted one of our favorite recipes from when we lived together, Salsa Verde Enchiladas. Or as she put it, Party in Your Mouth Enchiladas! :)

Smell the roses...

I normally don't post twice or let alone do two link up posts, but I really love Jessica's Smell the Roses task for this week. Thought about waiting until tomorrow to publish it, but I loved the challenge too much! Her challenge was to create a list of ten things you are thankful for. In the last week, I've really tried to focus on those good things. Here goes!

1.

My family. This is one of my favorite pictures of my entire extended family. Even though my mom, my dad, my brother and I have lived away from them almost my entire life, I'm still really thankful for them. All of them are always there when you need them.

2.

My pretty girl. She makes me laugh. Athena drives me crazy, but I know my life is much better having her as my pet.

3.

This guy. He has his moments and I have mine, but I adore him. He's always surprising me, like on our Atlanta trip.

4. I'm thankful that I have a job doing what I love. If I wasn't teaching, I'm not sure what else I would be doing. I'm very excited for this new school year at a school that seems fantastic.

5.

I never thought I'd say this, but I'm thankful for the city that I live in. I'm close to the beach, we have an NFL team, it's huge but still feels like a small town, and it's close to a lot of other fun places. I'm glad that I grew up here. (16 year old me is rolling her eyes!)

6.  I'm thankful for my friends. Two of my closest friends live far away, but if I need them, I know they'll answer my call. I'm lucky enough that my best friend is someone who has known me for ages but still wants to hang out! Oh and I'm thankful for my CRES friends, the ones who didn't want me to leave, but supported my decision to do so.

7. The internet. It can be a curse at times, but it is something to be thankful. It makes staying in contact with said friends and family a lot easier. It's helped me better my teaching. Plus, without it I wouldn't have met all you amazing people who read my blog!

8. My parents (guess they're techinically under number one, but this is my list right?) now that I deal with kids on a daily basis, I can tell how hard it was for them to raise us right. My brother and I would not be the people we are without their sacrifices, love and support. I'm glad I got punished when I acted up. They taught me well. Oh and my brother. He's my best friend. For reals.

This picture is SUPER OLD and SUPER CHEESY but still one of my faves!

9.

This one is no where as deep as the others, but I'm so thankful that the Olympics are taking place the last two weeks of my summer vacation! This way, I can stay up late watching all the action and not have to wake up early the next day!

10. I'm thankful for books. I'm glad I have something that can take me completely out of this world when I need it. :) (I need to pick the new Emily Giffin book ASAP)

What are you thankful for? Go link up with Jessica!

Me, Myself and I

Today I'm doing this fabulous link up.

It's a way for people in this awesome bloggy world to get to know you. I've only been blogging for a weeks, but I have met some really phenomenal people. Some are just like me and others are not, but I love reading their blogs and getting to know them.

The ladies came up with some interesting questions, so here goes!

1. What is your biggest phobia? 

Source: 126.com.au via Laura on Pinterest

 So that picture might seem amazing to some, but to me it's terrifying. I have this phobia of lightening. It use to be A LOT worse, but I've got it mostly under control. (Seeing as how I live in a state that has daily thunderstorms from May to September!)   2. If you could relive any day of your life, what would it be and why? 

 My college graduation; if and only if my biological father doesn't choose that moment to surprise me and show up after not seeing me for ten years. He ruined that day for me and I would do anything to do it over and enjoy it. Instead of wanting to ball up and cry. (Whoaaaa, didn't think I'd get that personal that quickly!) 

3. If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be? 

Now. I know who I am, my brother is not an annoying little snot, my parents respect me and who I've become and I'm enjoying life. :)

4. Which celebrity do you get mistaken for? 

Unfortunately, no one. It'd be kind of cool if I did though!

5. What songs are included on the soundtrack to your life?

(all of these videos were found on YouTube and do not belong to me)

  All At Once by The Fray

"Sometimes the hardest thing and the right thing are the same"

Extraordinary by Mandy Moore

"And now I'm ready to be extraordinary!"

Defying Gravity

"I'm through accepting limits, cause someone says there so, some things I cannot change, but till I try I'll never know" 

Those are my answers.

Hope they gave you some insight into little fascinating old me! 

Link up so I can get to know you! 

An Award!

Yesterday, Caitlin from A Day in The Life nominated me for the Liebster Award! The award is given to upcoming bloggers with less than 200 followers. Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome! Thanks Caitlin!!

Here's How It Works:

Each person must post 11 things about themselves.
Answer the questions that the tagger set for you and create 11 questions for bloggers you've tagged.
Choose up to 11 bloggers and link them in your post.
Go to their page and tell them.
No tag backs

Caitlin's questions are so fun. Here goes:



1. What do you do to relax?

I go to the library or a Barnes and Noble. Simply browsing through all the books definitely takes my stress away.


2. What are some of your hobbies?

My hobbies are reading and cooking. See the answer above. I love taking cooking classes and finding new recipes to make. Oh! I suppose blogging's a hobby too!


3. If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take 3 things with you, what would you take?
I'd take Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, a journal and a pen. :) (And pray that there is a river with fresh water on the island!)


4. What is your greatest accomplishment thus far?

Teaching for five years. Research has shown that most new teachers "drop out" before their fifth year. Last year was ROUGH, but I survived it and cannot wait to see what my sixth year has in store.


5. What was your favorite subject in school and why?

History. I particularly loved learning about World War II.


6. How would you describe your style?

Classic with a bit of whimsy. I took a quiz once and that's what it came up. I wear classic pieces but in bright colors. I also love fun jewelery.


7. If you could have any special talent (that you don't already have), what would it be?

I would love to be able to sing well. Something about having a good singing voice is special to me.


8. If you won the lottery, what would you spend the money on?

I'd pay off all my credit card debt (not that it's major but it would help!), my student loans and car. I'd then buy a house for myself and pay off my parents' house.


9. Name three people who have influenced you the most and why.

My mother: She's one of the strongest people I know. She raised me on her own the first four years of my life. After she got married, she moved to Florida, which was far away from all of her family. She's just an absolutely amazing person.

My dad: The man I call "Dad" is technically my stepdad. But he's just Dad to me. He married my mom and has taken care of us both since that moment. He's gruff and loud and doesn't always show how he cares. But he's loyal and protective and would do anything for my family.

JP: My younger brother has taught me a lot. He's taught me that there are plenty of times in your life where you just need to go with the flow. I've always felt a need to set a good example for him. He's also taught me a lot about loyalty.


10. What got you started in blogging?

I kept a Livejournal all through out college. Now it's neat to go back and read those entries. So I figured, why not do that now? Record things that are important in my life at this moment.


11. What is your favorite holiday & why?

That's easy: CHRISTMAS! I love the feeling I get when I hear a Christmas song for the first time during the season. I love seeing the decorations go up and spending time with family. It's just the best!

Here are my nominees:

Britt @ Yellow Umbrella

Holly @ Sunshine State of Mind

Rikki @ A Woman, Her Cat(s) and Some Books

Teresa @ Blonde Curlss

Ari @ Apples and Glue

Each blog is completely different from the others. I love to read them all! Here are my questions:

1.What is the best dessert you've ever had?

2. If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where it would be and why?

3. Who was your favorite teacher? Why was she/he your favorite?

4. What is your favorite color?

5. What is the one thing you couldn't live without?

6. What's the longest road trip you've ever been on?

7. How would you describe your style?

8. Who are you closest to in your family?

9.  Do you have any weird talents?

10. Do you prefer, flip-flops, flats, or heels?

11. Do you prefer cats or dogs? Why?

Can't wait to read your answers!

High 5 for Friday!

I love looking for the positives in my life. Which is why I like Laura's at From My Grey Desk Blog High 5 For Friday link up. Always nice to look back at the week.

1. I had a fabulous Fourth of July!

Theme parks, J and ice cream. No better way to spend the day.

2. My cat's doing better. She just has a little ear infection.

I was freaking out that she might be sick, so this is wonderful news!

3. I didn't spend any money on frivolous things this week. I'm really trying to budget my summer paychecks as well as I can.

4. I hit 20 followers! I didn't start this blog to have followers, but I really am loving meeting new people.

5. My contact page in the global address book for Duval County Public Schools officially says that I'm at Windy Hill Elementary. It's bittersweet, because I will miss my old school, but it's exciting because my transfer is official!

What made your week awesome? Don't forget to link up!

Man oh man it's early...

During the school year, I get up at 5:45 a.m. Even if I went to bed at 11 the night before, I still get up at 5:45 a.m. But now? I don't go to sleep until super late (I'm a night owl) and normally don't wake up until at least 10 (the perks of being single and a teacher). But I'm on a mission today: to find out what the heck is going on at my gym!

You see L.A. Fitness bought out my gym. The first official word we got about it was yesterday,  through a simple email. That annoys me. Obviously, the LA people knew about this for a bit, but waited until the last minute to say anything. Oh and my other annoyance? They've changed the class schedule and dropped all my favorites. The most confusing part, is  that my gym is still handing the old schedule! Boo.

But before I go, I thought I'd steal this idea I found at Paige's blog Eloping Stethoscope. It's 10 things you should be embarrassed about but are not.

1.  I will still watch the Disney Channel. Yes, I'm 27. But I don't care. Besides, all my little babies in my classroom think it's cool when I know who Bridget Mendler is. Though World War 3 almost went down in my classroom a few years ago when my girls found out I liked Selena better than Miley!

2. I snort when I laugh really hard. Like a gut busting laugh. I think it's cute.

3. I'm not a drinker. I used to care about this and mindlessly throw some back, but now I stand my ground. I like pineapple juice with Malibu rum, Newcastle beer, or a glass of white wine. Anything else is just not my jam.

4. I'll wake up super early to drive to St. Cloud just to see this little girl:

She's the daughter of my roommate from college. People think I'm nutty to waste the gas, but seeing her and her mommy are not a waste to me. 

5. I live with my parents. I didn't for the previous three years. Last year, I was paying rent to them and living on my own in the house I grew up in. But my mom got an opportunity to move back and it was what my dad needed. I was going to try to find somewhere reasonable to live, but in Jacksonville all the places I can afford by myself are kind of sketchy (unless I wanted to live paycheck to paycheck and eat ramen). I pay some of the house bills and it gives me a chance to pay off my debt. I very rarely even see my parents, because I'm always at work or the boyfriend's. Don't judge!

6. I will sometimes buy children's clothing, especially shoes. I can fit into a child's size four and children's shoes are always cheaper. My Sperry's look like a grown ups, but were half the price. :)

7. I still cry like a baby if I have to get a shot. I heard this will change when I get pregnant, but for right now, I'm still crazy scared of needles!

8. I could eat sushi everyday. 

9. I'm deathly afraid of lightning. I will freak out during any major thunderstorm. Obviously, this is an issue when said thunderstorm occurs while you are taking your kids to the bus loading zone. 

10. I still haven't read Fifty Shades of Grey. I have it, but I've heard so many conflicting reviews (it's great, it's awful, it's great, it's awful!) that I don't know if I want to read it. We shall see.

What's something that you should be embarrassed about but you're not?

Media Monday

I found this while browsing some blogs the other day. I'm linking up with Rachel from Lists from the Heart and Brittany from Yellow Umbrella Design. It's Media Monday!

Being summer, I have plenty of time to find some new favorites in music, movies, tv and books. Currently:

TV

I found this while browsing Netflix one day. It's a teen drama from Australia. It has the usual teenage relationship drama but what makes it slightly different is the amazing dancing and the characters. Besides, the awesome Australian accents don't hurt!

Music

I promise, I'm a late 20 something girl not some teenybopper, but The Wanted's single "Glad You Came" plays all the time at my gym. Whenever I hear it on the radio, I immediately start singing along and get reminded that I haven't gone to the gym yet. They are from England and have adorable accents as well!

Movie

This one isn't a new movie, but I rented it the other day because it's one of my favorites. It features Justin Long (who I think is absolutely funny) and Drew Barrymore as the main characters. They have to deal with their long distance relationship issues. It's a great watch, especially for dreary rainy days (like today!)

I haven't read anything new lately, but I might try and venture out in the downpour to pick up some of the books I have on hold at the library. 

What are your current favorites?

The first one...

I had a Livejournal in college. I wrote in it every day. It was a neat way to get caught up on the comings and goings of my friends' lives. Now it's a fun time capsule of that time period. I read an entry and it takes me right back to that moment.
That's one of the reasons that I started this blog. As a way to capture the comings and goings of my life right now. I hope I'll get readers, but even if I don't it will be my little record of my life. I'm going to post the interesting ideas I find and actually complete from Pinterest. The special little moments of life, like my cruise to the Bahamas this past spring. I know people say to find your niche for your blog. But I'm the type of person who isn't an expert in anything, but knows a lot about A LOT of different things. That's the direction I'll go, until I find inspiration that diverts me in another direction.