Things I have discovered this week...

Or maybe I have always known but it was more prominent this week.

1. My time management skills suck (but slowly getting better)
2. I will probably need a new journal by Christmas (hint hint)
3. I miss having a male friend to talk to frequently
4. Flying into Vegas the week between Christmas and New Years Eve is crazy expensive!
5. Kids get very disappointed when you do not have a Halloween party in your classroom.
6. Teachers are poor.
7. A house in Lake Las Vegas is something that two teachers could possibly afford.
8. Remember to write things down in the planner.. that is what they were made for.
9. Too many people have their birthday at the same time!
10. A denim jacket suits my personality now more than it did 3 years ago.

Yes these are random thoughts, but they are thoughts that have scoured my mind for the last week or so.

Growth

First of all, school photos came in. I will post a photo as soon as I can. I am so excited!!! I can not wait to see them.

The point of this post is to talk about my unforeseen growth. Others may have seen it, but I have been oblivious. Up until October 2008, I was one of the most optimistic, bubbly, carefree people you would have probably ever met except I also had a very serious side to me. I took many things literally.

The last three years I would have to say were the toughest of my life. If you followed the blog previous to this one or knew me personally, then you already knew that. I was a mess and a wreck despite the few good things in my life.

This morning, I was having a conversation with a friend about my beliefs and a little bit of the journey that I have been on. Before October 2008, I told several people all the time that things happen for a reason. God has a plan and things happen for a reason. I would debate with friends about this and my opinion is that something good always comes from the not so good things. God would not let terrible things happen just to be mean. There is a reason and usually it is for growth.

After October 2008, I couldn't say I believed that anymore. If I did say it, I fully didn't mean it. I could no longer defend my belief shortly after my dad passed away. So the last year and a half has been a journey of getting back to the girl that I use to be before my life hit what felt like rock bottom. This summer was much improved. I found a huge part of my old self but, I knew there was still more work to do.

So here comes August and I landed a teaching job. How I did is beyond me still to this day, but there is no doubt in my mind why. I use to be very dedicated and a hard worker. I moved and my life fell apart. I didn't give 100% and the hard work kept declining until I just didn't really care anymore. I still worked, but I did the bare minimum. With teaching, a person can not do that. I have 34 children relying on me as well as their parents and the school district. Heavenly Father knew what he was doing when he placed a teaching job in my path. I didn't think I was fully ready. Heavenly Father knew otherwise and this job is constantly challenging me and making me become a better person.

This morning I realized that because of Heavenly Father and His plan, I am BACK! I still may have struggles from day to day with missing my dad or what have you, but I am back to the girl that I use to be where I can stand by my beliefs, and I am back to working hard and being that cheerful girl that drove people insane with how cheerful she is. Now I will have challenging days, but it is looking at what is really important in this life and what I am meant to accomplish in this life to get through those days.

Hmmm...

I am exhausted. I want to eat a delicious home-cooked meal. I want to sleep. End of story.

I hope as the days and weeks go by, this new life gets easier. It will, it is just pushing through it.

So on a creative note, I started crocheting a scarf. I have not gotten very far, but it looks cute. Hopefully I will be finished by December.