It's Been a Very Good Year

It's two days before my birthday.
But, I won't have time to write this tomorrow night, because I'll celebrating with my cousins in Stevenage.

When I turned twenty, which was a difficult mental and emotional process for me, I decided to call this decade me "Roaring Twenties."  I just went back and read the post I wrote on 8 July 2011.  Reading what I wrote before knowing anything the decade would hold is special.  One of my favorite things to do is to look back on specific times in my life six months or so after they've happened.

As I look back two years later, reading that twenty year old me had no idea what my twenties would hold, I smile thinking, "If only you knew."  However, even now the same thing can be said.  I have no idea what the next eight years will hold.

However, when I turned twenty I never could have dreamed up all that has taken place.  Actually, the first year seemed a little dull--you know, school.  But, really, God was already beginning to change things about me that I thought were unchangeable.

I never thought I would want to work with a youth group.  Yet, at age twenty and a half, that's what I started doing.  God created a love within me for high school students.  Then, I found myself wanting to stay in Columbia, SC (shocker!).  An opportunity arose for me to study journalism in NYC.  Finishing the program, I didn't think journalism was for me.  After making every effort to move back to Columbia, I realized I had to stay in Virginia.  I started substitute teaching and enjoyed it.  But, I was in a rut...a post-graduation depression of sorts.  I missed my friends and my church.  J. Crew was hiring for peak season.  I obtained a job, moved to Lynchburg, and started a job that increased my customer service skills, provided me with fabulous clothes, and taught me that I cannot stand a monotonous job.  In December I evaluated my passions and loves and decided I wanted to pursue a career in even planning.  It seemed like a good time to move to England.  Then, I received a job offer as a part-time newspaper reporter.  I interviewed, was offered the job, and after thinking about it, called and said I would like it if they were still offering.  The message I received was not, "Great, glad to have you."  It was, "There is an event Sunday, can you be there?"

Thus began the last almost six months.  I love writing for the newspaper.  As a result, I've met amazing people in a town that is blossoming more than it has since its railroad days.  I began substitute teaching again.  One fateful job pushed me through the door at the high school to really get to know the students.  I am forever thankful for that.  God has given me a high school full of amazing students to get to know.  Spending time with them, laughing with them, teaching them, even when they make me blush, is a highlight in my life.  Because we live in a small community, I love getting to know them out of school, as well.  Like the pageant.

Now that school is finished, I am working as tennis assistant to the tennis pro at our county's resort.  Actually, I worked two days and then left for England.  But, I'll be back next week.

Looking back on the past year, because most of what I've shared happened in that span of time, I am overwhelmed with God's presence in my life.  The year has had its tough times.  Graduation from college brings a lot of emotions that I didn't expect. But, God is patient, "...for He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust..."

I am blessed with three jobs that I absolutely love, a community in which I love becoming more involved, and  a patient God who teaches me gradually.  Life is a grand adventure full of joy, happiness, sorrow, pain, and love.

Here is to being 22!

Summertime and S'Mores

I've shared a lot about my love of substitute teaching.
One of the best parts of my job is building relationship with the high schoolers.
They are smart, funny, caring, sometimes insecure, confident, changing, and growing individuals.

I spent most of yesterday with a group of them.
Two (actually three) of "my students" are moving at the beginning of July, while I am still in England.
So, five of us hopped in the car and decided to spend the day at the river swimming and roasting hot dogs and making s'mores--you know...goodbye.

Oh, and, while sitting at a roadwork stop sign...they did a Chinese firedrill.
I want to think the VDOT man holding the sign went home and told his family about it.

They were troopers while I did an interview for the newspaper (by troopers I mean, got drinks and food and had fun--rough life, eh!).

I love spending time with these teenagers.
I'm thankful they enjoy spending time with me!

Enjoy a few photos of our day!

All Photos by K.L.R.

Reflections of a Substitute Teacher: The End of the Year

Headed to my first day subbing!

All prepared for my first group of students!

Today I got up, got ready, and went to substitute for the last time this year.


As I reflect on the past months of substitute teaching, I am thankful for all the opportunities I've had to fill in as a teacher in the Bath County schools.

I've met amazing students who I can call friends, I've learned numerous and valuable lessons, and I've realized I want to teach high school English.

Today was the last official day of school.
Next week are exams.
Many times today, I expressed my joy to be at school on their last official day.
I enjoyed listening to students comment about what they were finding in their lockers as they cleaned them out.
There was an excitement in the air that only comes as the school year is closing.

I had a student come to me and give me a goodbye hug.
It made my day--my year.

I am privileged to know the students in our county.
They make life exciting, hilarious, and purposeful.

Happy as I am to see summer come, I'm going to miss them.

I don't know what the fall holds, but I'm glad that a year ago God didn't open the doors for me to move to Columbia...or England...or Germany.

I would have missed so much.

Dear Friday: Life Is Mostly Great

Junior Prom 2013
Photo by K.L.R.

Dear Friday, so glad you arrived and brought a half day of school with you!
Dear Paris, I'm coming to visit!  I am going to love you, I just know it!
Dear England, Can't wait to see you, either.  It's been too long!
Dear Life, I need a little break.  This afternoon, I will rest.
Dear French Open, please come back into my life!
Dear Spring, I think you don't like us this year.
Dear Sunshine, thank you for shining!
Dear Creation, you take my breath away.
Dear Brother, you are so grown up!  I'm glad you had fun at prom : )
Dear Students, I still think you all are great.
Dear Graduates, I'm excited for you as you step from one adventure into another!

The Beauty Overwhelms Me

You know the weeks that seem a month long because they are so jam-packed?
Welcome to my week.
I can barely remember Monday.

Virginia's standardized tests were this week.
I was SOL coverage for different people throughout the day (mostly the same schedule everyday, though).
I enjoyed spending time with the students in each class.
Watching teenagers having a good time is so fun (I was in three P.E. classes--funny things happen).

But, other than school, I was playing tennis, helping with tennis practice, getting rained out of tennis (resulting in a grumpy me), planning our 5 year high school reunion (when did that happen?!), and I explored new parts of Bath County (have I mentioned I live in an extraordinarily beautiful place?).

Yesterday I went out for coffee with a couple of the girls---without homework!  We had fun laughing, sharing, and drinking our yummy frappuccinos (made by Amanda!).  Girl time (and, I'm sure guy time) is critical to our well-being.

Angel and I checked out a couple locations for our high school reunion.  Hopefully by the end of today we will have decided on a place.  Our little jaunt ended up lasting over two hours...and we explored new parts of Bath County (well, she'd been there...but I hadn't--at least not to some of them).

Also, a note of importance, I may have found the perfect place to get married!  It is a little piece of England in Bath County, VA.  More on that later...when I either find out information....or waaaay later...if I get to plan my wedding :)

*Side note: that makes me want to watch Candleshoe.*

Today my little brother goes to his Junior Prom.  Yes, there will be lots of pictures!
I'm so proud of him.

And, in just a few hours, I'll know when I'm going to England!  WooHoo!

Here are a few photos from yesterday.

Enjoy and have a marvelous Saturday!

Hidden Valley
Photo by K.L.R

Hidden Valley
Photo by K.L.R.

Dunn's Gap
Photo by K.L.R.

Dunn's Gap
Photo by K.L.R

Life At This Moment

Photo by K.L.R.

I love this life God has given me.
I'm grateful for the moments I realize there is a lesson I need to learn.
I'm thankful for the lessons I've learned and continue to learn.

Tennis in warm weather is marvelous.
Visiting the high school when I'm not substituting is great.
High school students make life grand.
Walking in the cool of the spring evening is bliss.
Hearing Trey say, "Oh my gosh," while walking down the hall eating brownies I just made makes me happy.
Feeling content is amazing.

Tomorrow I will teach in the morning, go to court in the afternoon (and try to get out of a ticket), and then drive to North Carolina to prepare for the wedding festivities of one of my best friends from my freshman year of college.

It's going to be a fabulous long weekend.

Friends, laughter, champagne, and the beginning of a new life for two individuals.

Dear Friday: Teacher Appreciation, Chocolate, and Girl's Night in a Boutique

Yay for subbing on Friday of Teacher Appreciation Week!

Dear Friday, it's 11:11 and today is great.
Dear School, I don't want you to end...what will I do without my students for the summer?
Dear Sunshine, thank you for two days of you!  The rain was nice, but I'm glad you're back.
Dear Teacher Appreciation Week Inventor, you are awesome.  Chocolate fondue, strawberries, pineapple, cookies, brownies, chocolate covered pretzels, and so much more...yuuum!
Dear Jamison, we need to have girl's night more often!  Talking, chick flicks, chocolate, tea...and all in a fabulous boutique.  Yes.  The best.
Dear Life, you are still complicated, beautiful, sad, happy, and all around...wonderful and busy.
Dear England, I'm coming.
Dear Wimbledon, best birthday ever....I'm anticipating you excitedly!
Dear Weekend, I'm ready for you.

When Love Supercedes Frustration

Hot Tazo Chai and Avril Lavigne Pandora station.
I don't think her music is normally associated with relaxing...but today it is.

I subbed for one of my former history teachers at the high school today.
Due to a field trip, two of my classes were gone.
I filled in for Industrial Maintenance for two periods.
I had never been down there before.
Definitely a new world.

Through two ongoing examples, I've been learning what it is like to be upset with a person/persons and to still care about them.  It was put into practice today.

I have the privilege of substitute teaching amazing students.  It is truly an honor and a joy.  Maybe some of you reading understand the joy teenagers bring to life!

Tonight was pageant practice.  It was long and productive.  I am now exhausted and have a croaky voice.

To bed?
I think maybe.

Guten nacht.

A Letter to Musicians: Do You Know Your Influence?

Dear Musicians,

Are you aware of the audience you are reaching with your music?

I was on a school field trip Friday.  While waiting to board the bus for the ride home, three of the 3rd grade girls started singing part of "Thrift Shop".  Word.  For.  Word.

Dumbfounded, I made a comment to another teacher standing with me.  The lyrics lack mental stimulation and deeper meaning.  Have you read the words they "sing"?  As I've yet to actually listen to the entire song on the radio, I'm not sure how much they edit.  However, if you take a moment to read even the first ten lines of the song, you will realize how appalling it is that 3rd graders know the words.

Musicians, when you write your songs, think about the message you want to convey.  Take pride in your work, and don't look at it as just another way to make an income.  Words are powerful.  People can be built up by encouragement and just as quickly torn down by negativity.  Think about the impact you can have when a person is struck by the words in a song.  In that moment, they've been personally affected.  How have the words you wrote and sing changed them?

Sincerely,

A lover of music, intellect, and deeper meanings

My Unplanned Sabbatical is Over

It seems I took an unplanned, two-week sabbatical from blogging.
As a means to slide back into a writing groove, I'll share bits and pieces of my busy life.

Since my last appearance, I took a mini-vaca to SC and NC.  It was blissful, rejuvenating, and a joy-filled long weekend.  Instead of squeezing in every possible person, I spent quality time with a few very special people.

Love this girl.

Matt and Baron...just packed up the tent.

Andrew...love Deborah's face in the background!

These two are amazing.  Fav prof and his wife.  Now, more like family.

Sweet girlies : )

They're getting MARRIED!

I know, finger should not be on trigger.  Love B's face.

When I returned, my mini-me (aka, my 12-year old cousin Nikki) was visiting.  We had a lot of fun laughing and singing in bed, watching White Collar, introducing her to Duck Dynasty, and going with her mom to look at cats at the animal shelter.

This was April 4.

Cousins : )

The past two weeks, but especially last week, have been crazy.  I love when life is busy and I'm constantly going from one thing to the next.  I subbed four days, spent Tuesday covering two stories for the paper, went to Michael's baseball game, spent time with friends, coached a pageant girl,  made scones, and helped with a pageant tea.

Watching baseball!

Pageant time...we looked uber similar that night.

A beautiful early morning shot.  Amazing.

Now, as a new week begins, I am enjoying a quiet morning before subbing a half day.

It's funny, after Spring Break my Freshman year of college, I became more introverted.  I was peopled out.  Since graduating from college, my extrovertism has sky-rocketed and my need for people, laughter, and socialization increased.  I'm grateful to have family and friends with whom to laugh and spend time.  I'm also incredibly thankful for substitute teaching.  I'm paid to spend time with an amazing group of kids.

Dear Friday: Snow, Spring, Softball

The sun showed it's face!

Dear Friday, today I will take a picture for the newspaper of an event in which I grew up participating.  Very cool.

Dear Snow, I like you, but I'm hoping when I return from my mini-vaca that you will have melted.

Dear Springtime, please hurry up and arrive!  I want to wear sandals.

Dear Thursday, you were awesome.  I got to go to the Holy Week service, reminisce a little, go to Michael's game, and (the biggest surprise) watch Bath Co. play softball!  I loved getting to see all the students.

Dear Subbing, you are such an awesome job.  I am paid to do something I love--hang out with students and try to share some of my excitement of life and learning!

Dear Council Meetings, you gave me a doozy of a week.

Dear NC and SC, prepare for me to visit!  WooHoo!

Dear Duck Dynasty, you are so awesomely hilarious!  So quoteable, so funny, and so clean.

Dear Homes, I love having multiple of you.  I have many places to rest my head and many places where I am loved.

Dear Trey, I had fun with you the other night.  I like sharing "sibling moments" with you.

Thoughts and Moments From My Mind

Thoughts...

-Has Disney Channel always been this immature, or have they reached a new low?

-I heard this quote during first period on Susan Boyle (and their thoughts on her lack of attractiveness): “Every woman needs loving.” ---well, maybe you had to have been there.

-Are teachers allowed to have a no gossip rule?  I would love it.  Except, I know I would break it.

-Some things are so hard to make myself do.  Seriously.  What is my problem?

-I want to leave a lipstick print on a glass window sometime.  You know, a red, perfect print.

-Other than family, it is rare to find people you can tolerate and enjoy for long periods of time.  I'm thankful to have found that with the Shaver's.

 

How Do You Respond To That?

Today was pretty spectacular with only a few down moments.

Yesterday I didn't have a subbing job.
This morning, they called the house.
When Pastor Steve told me I was subbing for Ms. Hodge (he took the call and accepted for me), he said, "Since you're subbing for Ms. Hodge, you can learn to cook like Miss Kay."  Haha.  Hilarious.  Love Duck Dynasty references.

In no particular order, my highlights:
-Coining a new fashion phrase.  Jungle-chic.  Hold the phone while I call Vogue.  They will be all over this.  And, I have the founding model for them.
-Sitting with a group of my awesome students at lunch.  We laughed so much!
-Chase getting me lotion.  (He got me chocolate yesterday).
-Walking through the hallway and hearing "Miss Richardson" from behind me.  Tanner wanted to show me something.
-A student forgot my name.  What do they come up with?  "Miss Hot Teacher Lady."  I tried to not laugh...but how do you respond to that?
-Picking up Rebecca for school!  I love having company in the car.

And, just because, my attempt at brownies from a Pinterest recipe.
They didn't turn out so hot...

Dear Friday: It's Been a Good Week

Dear Friday, you've arrived and I get to be at the high school!  This makes me very happy.
Dear Week, you've been a roller coaster: a snow day, working on stuff for the paper, substitute teaching, and growing relationships.
Dear Jamison, I love our friendship, although, we should work on taking our own advice ;)
Dear Duck Dynasty, I love watching you.  Can't you come on more often?  I mean, who wants to watch Storage Wars, anyway?
Dear Students, you all are my favorites!  I am happiest subbing when I am at BCHS.
Dear Car, I'm taking you for an alignment...I must be growing up if I'm taking the car to the mechanic.
Dear Spring, Please arrive!  I don't want another snow storm.
Dear Weekend, here is to all the fun things I've yet to plan but hope to do!

He Really Looked Like Prince Charles

You have several awkward moments in a week?
I had several awkward moments in...two hours!

-Yesterday Jamison and I were supposed to meet for lunch after I finished subbing.  While waiting for her to arrive, it dawned on me, what if she was at the other Cucci's?  I realized we hadn't specified which one, I'd just assumed since I told her I was subbing.  Panic hit, and I frantically began to call her.  She didn't answer.  Finally, she picked up...well, her purse answered--and she walked in.  It turns out, she had wondered the same thing.

-Sitting, eating, talking.  Three State Troopers walked in.  I looked past Jamison, noticed them, and made a face--the kind of face that could be misinterpreted as "ooo, they are hot."  Jamison noticed and started laughing at me.  I had to explain my State Trooper encounter a few weeks ago.  No, I was not into the officers, just struck by the personal irony...like the day before, when I started to speed and decided that with 50+ officers around me, I should avoid speeding.

-Still facing everyone walking into the room, I looked past Jamison's shoulder as an older couple walked by.  I stopped listening to her talk as my brain started to spin.  The man behind her looked so familiar, but I couldn't place him.  Then I remembered.  Prince Charles!  No, wait, that can't be right.  Prince Charles would not be eating here...nor is he in the USA.  This guy sitting next to us looked like him!  I quickly texted her--across the table--to let her know why I had slightly freaked, and promptly started laughing.

A picture for your amusement:
I shared it with a friend who taught me to play chess--and knows about my State Trooper encounters

Synonyms: Saturday, Pageants

As I prepare to cover my fourth pageant (yes, you heard correctly), I've been more excited.
There are things I would rather be doing than watching 20 girls walk across a stage, smile and look too hard at the judges, and not understand what too short means.

But, I'm thankful for a job, and I'm glad I am a pageant girl, so I can at least entertain myself critiquing outfits and trying to pick the winners.

Next week should come with normalcy.  I have several events to cover and at least one day subbing (hopefully more!).

This morning I awoke at 6:45, crawled out of the basement, and enjoyed a morning of movies with Lala.  We needed a day to lounge (not like we haven't had snow days all week).  But, today was Saturday.  It was nice to pop in a movie and not be at the mercy of a terrible television selection.  We enjoyed A Beautiful Mind...and I enjoyed most of The Dead Poets Society.  I need to finish it later (I have seen it before).

And, yes, I am keeping up my cute outfits for the pageants (sorry I am so terrible about posting them).

P.S. I was bummed when I realized I wouldn't be home tonight...just in case Duck Dynasty is on.  Oh, you didn't know I was a fan?  Mmm, more on that later.

Dear Friday: Snowwwww

Dear Friday, No school.  Lots of snow on the ground.  My week did not go according to my plan (big surprise, right?).

Dear BCHS, I'm so sad I don't get to come back on Monday.

Dear House, You are nice, but I need to get out (cabin fever...makes me sympathize with those girls on Seven Brides for Seven Brothers).

Dear Back, I'm sorry.  I know you want a massage...or an adjustment.

Dear Morning, It's only 8:52...but it feels way later.  Result of getting up too early.

Dear What Not to Wear, Loved watching you this morning with Lala.  Just like old times!

Dear Weekend, Just waiting to see what you hold.  And, yes, a pageant is tomorrow night.

Dear Self, it's time to get dressed!

Cookies for Class

When I first received the call to sub for two weeks, I decided I wanted to bake my classes cookies.

During test reviews, I told my classes I would bring them a surprise.
So, while we (Shavers) sat around watching The Biggest Loser last night, I baked cookies (and may or may not have eaten some cookie dough).

My classes were satisfied with the cookies.
It was so much fun to give them a little treat just because.
When they asked me why, I said, because I like you all.

And, since some were left over, the weight lifting team got the extra : )
Oh, and then I gave the guys at the paper the remnants of the extra.

All in all, a great use of cookies!

Just a Snippet

I know it's fuzzy, but it was so pretty the other morning.

Tomorrow my students are in for a surprise : )

I'm pretty excited.

Snow is supposed to grace our lovely mountains this week.
My feelings are mixed.  I don't want to miss my students, but snow is so pretty.

Growth hurts.
But, I'm thankful (sometimes) for the process.

I've realized, I am content.
I love being in BC.  I love subbing.  I love writing for the paper.  I love the friendships I'm cultivating.

I love spending so much time with the Shaver's.
It's been a long time since I've spent extended lengths of time at their house, but I'm family.  It's another place I call home.

I got to take Lindsay to school this morning.
I used to babysit her...and now I am driving her to HIGH SCHOOL!

I"m so glad I don't know the plans God has for my life.
Frustrating as it may be sometimes, I enjoy the adventure and surprise.

Have I mentioned I love my students?  They are funny, smart, encouraging...and gems.

Tales of a Substitute Teacher

Throwback to my Sr. Prom: Let me explain.  I'm in orange.  I've subbed for the dad of the girl in the black, strapless dress, I'm still great friends with the girl pulling a statue pose, and I have the brother of the girl in the short, blue dress in class this week and next.

In case you missed me raving about my students, I decided to dedicate an entire post to my first week of a two week subbing job (for the same teacher).

Last Friday I received a call for a subbing position.  I asked what day they needed me.  The response was, "Actually, it is a long-term position for Ms. S----."  I was excited and overwhelmed all at the same time.

Let me explain each emotion.  I was excited because I wasn't expecting a long-term position, and that meant TWO WEEKS at the high school (and, two weeks of consistent work and pay!).  But, more than anything, it meant I would be at my favorite school for TWO WEEKS!  The overwhelmed feeling came because it meant I would be teaching science (if you haven't been able to tell by now, I'm more of an English and History person...yet I'm often called for math and science) for TWO WEEKS.  Oh, and, I was going to be subbing for my 9th grade science teacher.

Of course I accepted.  I immediately began planning ways to make it special.

Each day has presented challenges.  The first afternoon, I stayed after school for three and a half hours to plan and organize for the upcoming week.  Tuesday we had a snow day, which pushed plans back a day.  Thursday was delayed two hours.  And, Friday was a special schedule.  But, with each day that passed, I got to know my students better.  Laughter was common.

Above all, I try to convey that I care about them.  They are not a problem.  Yes, I expect obedience, but I enjoy them.

Whenever a student told me they were learning, it made me feel all warm and fuzzy.  It's hard to tell, sometimes, how much gets through to students.  Those moments make it all worth it.

I think I care so much because I've been in their seats, I know their siblings, I know them, and there is a connection.  I don't know if teaching full-time is in my future.  Before these two weeks, I would have said with 98% certainty, absolutely not.  The only POSSIBLE chance would be high school English.  But, now I wonder...do I care because they are moldable beings?  Or, do I care because this is home and I have a connection?  I don't know if I will teach after I leave here, but I am more thankful for this opportunity than I have words to express.

I hate to think I may never see some of these kids again, or that they may forget me, but I am here for a time.  I want to be used to make a difference, no matter how tiny.  I want each student to know they matter, are intelligent, and can chase after and achieve dreams, even the ones that seem unattainable.  I don't mean, "you can do whatever you set your mind to."  If you want to move to England, do it.  If you want to become President one day, study hard, apply to the schools others might say you can't get into, choose the route you want to take, and pursue it.  Will you become President?  Maybe.  But, if you never try, it is certain you won't.

I love my kids.  I don't want to give them back next Friday.

Highlights of the week:
-Each time a student told me they were learning
-Test reviews...we laugh a lot!
-"You all can't count.  That's not right.  Oh, wait, it is..."
-9 guys move a table in front of the closets.  I wonder what they are doing, but hey, I can see all of them--and they aren't in trouble.  I go to talk to them and then a box on the closet starts to move.  First instinct, is there something in the box?  No, of course not.  They told me there had been rats one time.  I wonder, is someone on top behind the boxes?  No, I would have seen them climb up.  Then it dawned on me...T is not here.  Guys, move.  Yep, T was in the closet making the box move.
-Getting to know the students and reaching the point of being able to relax and laugh with them!