The Waiting Game

I know it's just cruel for me not to be screaming from the rooftops of exactly where I'll be next year, but truth be told I have no clue myself. 

 

Not a clue. I do not know where I'm living, who my roommates will be or what day I truly leave to begin my new adventure. I do know the first day I teach is October 1st. If you think the anticipation is killing you, it's down right debilitating to me. And a bit nerve wrecking. Let me start from the beginning, so when we finally do know where I'm living we can all breath a sigh of relief together.

 

 

Back in January I started looking for jobs, to say I was unhappy in my current situation is an understatement. I reminded myself daily that I was blessed to have a job and that there were lessons to be learned so I better start paying attention and stop whining. I found a few jobs in the area close to my family and in a city that I love everything about except their sports teams ( Cowboys, even during the rough times), BUT that travel burn just kept itching. So I did some research and started working on my application to teach in America Somoa through World Teach. Then I received the e-mail, all positions filled, would I be willing to work in China. No, no I would not. Fast forward a pity party to a co-worker and boom I'm introduced to CIEE. Every friend I have that has studied or worked abroad coordinated through CIEE and they enjoyed their experiences. So I sent in my application, fast forward again ( I promise it's just the commercial breaks) and the day after I turned in my application I was approved. As of next week I will have been waiting for a month to hear the good news.

 

Part of me is bubbling over with the desire to know and the other part knows I need to be patient and save  (there's a well worth it fee attached to their services, but I wouldn't have it any other way) as much as possible. Here's a peep in to my mind when it actually has a chance to wonder . . .

 

 YAY! . . . oh my goodness . . . so much to do . . . this is not cheap . . . I need to know now, have they posted today . . .  Gosh I hope they tell me in the ten day time frame to my pay day . . . please have  a position for me Espana . . . My boss just requested my papers of resignation . . . I cannot wait to learn Spanish . . . I cannot wait to meet my new students . . . lesson plans for a different language . . . AND THE CYCLE GOES ON! It's ridiculous!

 

 

On the other hand it's great though, I'm such a control freak, but about 10 times a day I tell my self, "faith of a mustard seed" and keep it moving. Even when my mother tells me a horror story about a guy going through another program to a different country arriving for six weeks and being sent back- I keep my faith and pray. Or when I read how some of the people who don't go through programs don't get paid, I pray and move on. Or when that voice in the back of my head reminds me of the fail that was Somoa, I keep steadfast in my faith. I cannot imagine a better time or situation to just stand on faith and the knowledge that God has a plan.

 

 

Hopefully, the next time I post I'm telling you all the fun facts about my new home AND that thought doesn't make me nervous because at the rate I post it really is possible it'll be a month from now and I'll know all I need to know to move forward. Until then keep on keepin' on.

 

The Clock is Ticking Down

I may have mentioned I am moving towards, a new teaching position, just maybe. Well I am! Any I could not be more excited!! Honestly, I didn't realize just how unhappy I have been since graduating college until this new prospect became available. Where, your ask? No worries in due time.

 

 Until then, I'm going to keep teaching my little ducks, keep working towards my healthy goals and pack. Seriously, I always wait until the last minute to start packing because deep down I'm happy with the current situation and hesitant about the new, BUT I'm not moving for over a month and last week I already moved half my closet back into my parents place ( Clue #1).

 So again my goals, which I'll keep you posted on until the final reveal:
1.) Keep teaching and learning!
Since testing is over, I can teach what I want and love (shhh, but I already did anyways) without getting in trouble. This means bringing in all the historical background, focusing on characters with in depth lessons and assigning projects that result in massive presentations.

 

2.)Knock off some pounds!
 I was able to keep off 2lbs. for over 2 months with just a bit of focus then in one family weekend I managed to gain 3lbs. That is a pound for every day I was visiting! So I'm back to my 1200 calories a day- no worries, I drink an energy, protein smoothie in the morning that has tons of nutrients and kick. And even though I canceled my gym membership I've starting using my school's weight room to get back at my fighting weight. I used this past week to jump start and plan to buckle down this week. So excited to reach my goals.

 

3.)Start moving!
 Yes, I have to move back in with my parents. No, not one person is excited about this adventure. But man am I thankful. I need to save money in the thousands category  (Clue#2) while at the same time spending money for my TEFL Course (Clue#3) and my Spanish lessons (Clue#4). Plus it'll be nice to spend copious amounts of time together before I move on to my next teaching adventure!

 

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Forever, Ever . . . Forever, Ever . . .

Is what it seems when I'm gone, BUT I'm back! Back on a brand new computer, doing brand new things and still some old.

 

Officially I am finish coaching, no more seasons, no more early morning practices, no more late night games and no weekends dedicated to tournaments. Oh the freedom. Let it ring!

 

Track only ended last week and we immediately jumped into testing season. One of the many reasons I love being English is because we complete all of our test before everyone else and then we can finally get down and have some learning fun. So excited. Can not put into words my excitement.

As far as goals I have not met any yet, but I'm starting to really focus on them now.

 

 When a person gets to work at 6:15a and doesn't leave until around 7p a person tends to become tired and overworked. That person is probably not in the mood to clean or complete chores or workout or eat anything not prepared by someone else and served in a to go box. Now that I'm free though, oh man. The deep cleaning has begun and I'm so excited to mark out time to start working out. I believe I'm going to try mornings, because it seems that once I'm at school there is no such thing as leaving in a timely manner. How do the others do it?

 

 

 

 

This week is cleaning, next week is eating and exercise. By the time school ends I should be rightly prepared for summer. Speaking of school ending, I'm applying for jobs ( with my Principal's grace- always have grace) and am excited to announce just where I'm headed. Give me a few weeks and get ready to scream with glee. Hope all is well for y'all, don't let testing get you down AND if it does eat some gelato, drink some wine, and spend a few hours on Pinterest.

You're just saying that . . .

Look at the time. I jumped out of bed at 5:15a this morning like the bed was on fire and pounced on my couch at 5:15p this afternoon. Then I woke up at exactly the time I'm suppose to start preparing for bed. Just sad.

Not like this is the first thing I've failed at, but man it just seems like I can't win. Tomorrow I'm just not sitting down. I just keep telling myself, I'm in my 20's, this is the time period for goals crashing and burning. Speaking of my 20's I've noticed here lately comments people make towards me that fit no other previous time period in my life and hopefully none to come after.

 Just to provide a little laugh I thought I'd immortalize a few here for all to read. Enjoy!

" You only have cheese, wine and that nasty tea in your fridge. I'm not even counting these veggie patties."

- My father every time he visits. 

" Isn't that the guy you dated for a second? What did you do to mess that up."

- Friend on a recent trip

" Leave it up to you to know all the places to eat, but only one grocery store location in town."

- My mother.

" You just learn some table manners and fix your sinus issue. No one wants to listen to all that sniffling on a date."

- My mother. 

" Are you girls married?"

- A friends grandmother at our first meeting.

" I have someone who is perfect for you. I'll introduce you guys."

- Everyone I work with, at every job I have had in my 20's. 

And then just to end on a very good note, one of the best conversations I have ever had in my 20's:

Me: " I bought a bookcase to keep all my shoes on. Does that seem ridiculous?"

Friend: " Oh no, I do the same. I just don't like the idea of my shoes collecting dust on the closet floor."

Energizing: 1st Try, Bust

Like all things meant well   , I tried. Day 4 of trying was my downfall though.

I planned to start simple: Make sure I go to sleep in my bed AND no matter what workout for 30 minutes.

Then I crashed watching New Girl on the couch at 9:30p with no workout accomplished or cleaning for that matter.

So now I have a stronger plan. Not just some miniature goals, but a set in stone plan.

Starting at 8p ( probably more like 10p on game nights) I will begin my before bed routine. No matter what I have planned, my goal is to be home at a time that allows me to be in bed by 10:30p.

1.) 30 bod sculpting workout (even if I went to the gym earlier).
2.) Pack Clothes and lunch for the next day.
3.) Complete skin care regime
4.) Shower
5.) In bed reading.

Lights out  at 10p.

I realize this is pretty strict and it may be hard to stick, but I have to do this at least two weeks. My body needs the routine in order to wake up early, have energy and stick to the 30 Day Workout Plan.

Happiness Project: Energize My January

      One of the most exciting parts of participating in The Happiness Project is the fact that I will complete something. Except for my job, I rarely complete anything outside of conversations with others. I love to start a project, but always start another before I complete the first. Since this project builds every month, I'm excited that at the beginning of January 2014, I will be able to confidently state, "Welp that's done" and be the better for the whole experience.

Now for my January Goal and the steps I plan to take to reach that goal:

Get Energized!

Go to sleep earlier.

    I usually go to bed around, 1a and I wake up no later than 5:45a depending on what I have to do for the day. During my planning period I fight not to lay my head down on my desk for a quick, but highly inappropriate power nap.
    Not to mention if I make it to my bed to follow asleep like a normal person instead of crashing on my couch, it's a miracle. I'd like to spend more nights and longer time in my comfortable bed. I love that bed and I'm it's only real friend, hopefully by the end of the month we're reacquainted with each other on much better level.

Exercise more and better when I do.

    I just started the 30 days of working out for 30 minutes. I figure nothing like the joy of no longer having to go everyday to jump start me into going at least 4 times a week. Honestly, with the exception of game nights and Sunday with all it's action, I have no excuses why I do not go to the gym every other day of the week.
I know how to workout, so for now I'm sticking to my bicycle and elliptical machines that worked for me, alternating arms and legs, and then on Thursdays I will attend an excellent Pilate's class offered at my school. The key for the 30 days will be to mix it up, then after that I can get into the routine of classes.

Eat healthier.

    The only thing in my fridge is cheese. The only thing in my pantry is black beans, cereal and soup. I'm missing out on the majority of the food groups and you can tell in my energy level. Also, my complexion.
To jump start I'm beginning with the GM's Cleanse, which focus's on fruits, veggies and water. Everyone I've talked to who's completed the cleanse swears by how much energy you gain.
    When I complete the cleanse, I plan on going with Weight Watchers (or one of those eating groups) lifestyle plan, just tweaked to fit myself. Four days of eating on a calorie counter, with one day being dedicated to  fruits and another being dedicated to veggies. Three days of eating smart, but fun, no Waffles House yet definitely some Chik-fil-a! I'm excited to see how much, energy I gain overall since my water will definitely be mixed with some of my favorite teas.

Tackle a nagging task.

    Decorating! As a child who moved often with a mother who did not believe in decorating because we'd just be moving again in a few years, I have a valid excuse. I just need to stop using this excuse and put some effort into my place.
    I've started a few projects here and there, but as I've stated nothing is finished. Since I'm broke at this time, my goal is to complete the task that I can with the things that I can. Complete my desk area organization and note board. Find a place for everything that deserves a place and trash the rest. Move my furniture in my bedroom so that I can finally set-up the new television I received for Christmas. Get the bathroom uncluttered and with a system- even if it is one I have to explain to guest. Finally, put some items on the walls,  that's the hardest thing for me since I hate hammering and measuring nails. Everything will have a slight tilt.

Use my time wisely. 

    I like to talk, their are very few people I can't hold a conversation with and unfortunately this does not work well for me during planning period. There's also the fact that I can easily veg-out on the couch and convince myself that I'll just plan before school or during planning. The previously mentioned time-management issues combined make for plenty of rushing and late nights.
    Just like I take the time out to pick out all my outfits for the week on Sunday, I can do the same for my classroom. I've found a Lesson Plan Agenda that fits my style better and can easily move from week to week. Also, I'm arranging things on my desk so multi-tasking can take place. Finally, I'm just going to learn how to discipline myself to do better. This may be the hardest one since I rarely limit myself on anything, but I just have to remind myself that reaching this goal will help me reach many of the others I have set and will set in the future.

     I realize I stole some of these straight from the author Gretchen Rubin, but I think we can all agree that everyone could use a little more energy. As Americans especially, we have a habit of working from the time we wake up until the time we go to sleep, and some of us often find ourselves dreaming about work. So Energy it is and Energy it will be!

Feel free to join in an set your own goals, just stop by The Happiness Project website for tips and my Getting Started Post for an example of where to begin.

The Happiness Project: Getting Started

Yep, I'm joining a fan club not related to the Spurs or Cowboys. I cannot help myself, this was suggested in my all educators book club where not a single person even read the first book suggested. Being as I'm not a resolutions person (seriously I know what needs to be fixed no need to wait until January 1st) and I consider myself pretty happy overall, I was a bit skeptical. Then I started scanning the book and the phrase about changing for the better jumped out and persuaded me to "just do it". 

One of the best things I like about the book is the fact that she approaches from an experimental and well thought out process. There is no vagueness or spontaneity involved. Goals, direct goals, are set and ways to reach those goals are determined  The author read, discussed, read some more and researched science in order to develop a 12-step program that would work for her AND others. 

So without further ado, my Getting Started in the Happiness Project. Which will quickly be followed by my January Goal . . . 

Getting started involves deciding my 12 commandments or the principles on which my goals are decided. 

1.) Be Me.
2.) Be Honest.
3.) Be a risk taker.
4.) Be the one asking questions.
5.) Be loving towards others.
6.) Be grateful.
7.) Be a traveler.
8.) Be helpful.
9.) Be a person who laughs often.
10.) Be able to allow weakness in yourself and others.
11.) Be a leader.
12.) Be faithful.

The second part of Getting Started involves a list of Secrets of Adulthood. Being as I've already gone into great detail about the Five Things I've learned in the past 25 years of Life AND the fact that I'm only 24 with no relationship longer than 3 months and definitely no children, my list will be shorter. 

1.) If you cannot afford it, then don't buy it.
2.) Sleep well before getting in the car to drive anywhere further than 45 minutes away.
3.) Alkzelers Plus will put you to sleep quicker than Nyquil.
4.) Don't lie, it's too hard to keep your story straight.
5.) Don't text call.
6.) Your parents do not spend the majority of their extra time talking about you.
7.) In your 20s if you leave your parents house at the end of a visit with items you didn't arrive with it is not stealing.
8.) Learn to shop with people who shop like you.
9.) Sit down dinners with old friends are the bees knees.
10.) No diet last.
11.) Make friends with the person behind the counter.
12.) Just pray.
13.) Call home as often as possible, they need the reassurance that you're still alive as much as you need the reassurance that someone does care.

Now on to my January Goals, feel free to check out the website, The Happiness Project and get started yourself!