I am now officially engaged! Everything happened last night and I was contemplating writing this last night, but I figured sleep was a little more important at that time. Here's the story:
One of my friends comes into town periodically and when she does we go to Alamo Cafe for dinner. Since I am so busy and never know when I am getting off work we went after Institute last night. Really late for me to eat, but I was starving so I didn't care. It's unusual that we let boys in on our girl's dinner, but Leland was allowed to come eat with us. We are eating and Leland says that tonight is a great night for a walk. This sent some flags up because I am the one that usually brings up the idea of going to La Cantera and walking around, so I was a little suspicious at this point. It's also a Wednesday night and we normally don't do anything on that night since it's Insitute and we are hanging out with friends afterwards. Anyway, we go for our walk around La Cantera and we head up the stairs of the new part and sit on a bench in the perfect location with the breeze going and complete peace. The music was on and we were just relaxing. A few kisses later, he reaches into his pocket gets on one knee and pops the question. I said, of course and we went back to the evening. He even had a photog there for the moments after. How neat is that? You usually don't have anyone there right after to get the expressions and stuff, so it was something that was unique and I loved it. So there's the story. Nothing flashy, nothing big, just simple and sweet. Just the way I like it.
Oh, the big day will be December 29, 2009. Yikes! That's only three months away. Whew!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
What a Great Day!
Yesterday was an amazing day! I finally went through the temple to receive my endowments. It's such a cool experience. There is really no way to describe it, besides awesomely amazing. The temple is absolutely beautiful. It's been a while since I have been in the SA Temple (the open house was the last time I was actually in the SA Temple) and I love the beauty of it all. The peace and comfort that surrounds you is truly a blessing and you know that you are in the Lord's house. Mom and Dad were able to be there, which made the day even better. It seems as though Dad has gotten over everything, almost. It was great to be able to sit and talk to him and know that he still loves me and is excited about the things going on in my life right now. Dad is definitely stressed, but I think being in the temple really helped him relax a little bit. Also, knowing that I am okay and happy with my decision helps him understand a little more as well. I was so stressed all week about Dad coming and what it was going to be like talking to him after not talking to him for almost three months. I made it out to be so much worse in my mind. It was great being with my parents in the temple and having them experience everything with me. Leland was also there, which made me feel more relaxed. I always feel so much better when I see him. My troubles, nerves and negativity seems to disappear when I see him. He is really the calm in my stormy life right now. No matter what happens in my day I know that I can turn to him and everything will be okay. Seeing him sitting next to my dad and watching my parents interact with him made me feel 100% comfortable with my decisions. Yesterday was the best day of life, well, so far. There is more joy and happiness to come and I can't wait for it!
Monday, September 21, 2009
I figure
while I have a few minutes break today I ought to write a little something. Things are crazy busy as usual. We had our first Volleyball game last Thursday. It was a great game! The first set the girls were a bit scared. The looks on their faces showed all their emotions. We lost the first set 25-15. The second set was amazing though. We were down by about ten and all of a sudden the comeback was on! There were some amazing plays that kept them in the game and we ended up winning the second set. The third set was a bit shaky. We were down and just as we started the comeback, one of our student fans started chanting S-S-T, S-S-T. . . which, of course, got into our servers head and messed everything up. I am so proud of the girls for giving it their all and doing the best they could with only five practices under their belts before the game. I only see them improving and doing better each game. They have the heart and willingness to do it, I think they will be fabulous!
On Tuesday night Leland and I went to the George Strait "For the love of kids and Harley's" charity auction and a good ole Texas Country concert. It was a blast! George Strait auctioned off his hat and boots to get more money for some items. He also auctioned off 4 front row tickets to any date of his concert series next year and backstage passes. That went for more than a one week stay in an exclusive Costa Rican House on the beach, everything included. I would rather take the house on the beach than a concert. Afterwards there was a little concert of some of the best Texas Country singers I have ever heard. It was a lot fun and the best part, it was all free for both of us. Leland had won tickets from a local radio station for the whole thing. It's nice having a man that wins things like that, because everyone knows I don't have that kind of luck.
The rest of the week is really a blur. I am so tired at the end of the day that I don't know what is going on from day to day unless it's really special and amazing. This week there are three volleyball games since middle school starts this week, a school dance, Mom and Dad coming to town, a parent picnic to set up for, and did I mention I will be going through the temple to receive my endowments on Saturday? Yeah, so it's another busy week ahead. No rest for the weary sounds about right right now. The old saying, "I will rest when I'm dead" seems true at this point in time. I love being busy and getting things done. It's tough and I complain, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I always tell myself that I will work to the day I die, like my Grandpa Smith. I have no regrets and everything I am doing is only to better me and help me improve, and that's the best thing about it.
On Tuesday night Leland and I went to the George Strait "For the love of kids and Harley's" charity auction and a good ole Texas Country concert. It was a blast! George Strait auctioned off his hat and boots to get more money for some items. He also auctioned off 4 front row tickets to any date of his concert series next year and backstage passes. That went for more than a one week stay in an exclusive Costa Rican House on the beach, everything included. I would rather take the house on the beach than a concert. Afterwards there was a little concert of some of the best Texas Country singers I have ever heard. It was a lot fun and the best part, it was all free for both of us. Leland had won tickets from a local radio station for the whole thing. It's nice having a man that wins things like that, because everyone knows I don't have that kind of luck.
The rest of the week is really a blur. I am so tired at the end of the day that I don't know what is going on from day to day unless it's really special and amazing. This week there are three volleyball games since middle school starts this week, a school dance, Mom and Dad coming to town, a parent picnic to set up for, and did I mention I will be going through the temple to receive my endowments on Saturday? Yeah, so it's another busy week ahead. No rest for the weary sounds about right right now. The old saying, "I will rest when I'm dead" seems true at this point in time. I love being busy and getting things done. It's tough and I complain, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I always tell myself that I will work to the day I die, like my Grandpa Smith. I have no regrets and everything I am doing is only to better me and help me improve, and that's the best thing about it.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
So Much to Say
It has been a really long time since I have been on here, but I have good reasons. We'll get to that later though.
Today Barack Obama addressed all kids and teachers in school. It was funny listening to his words. He said EXACTLY what I have been telling my students for the past three years and three weeks. If only the kiddos were really listening. You know Obama feels great about himself and what he said today, but it's nothing new. Every teacher has been saying that throughout the years. I hope some of my kiddos were listening, but with the bored faces and yawns that I saw, not a lot got through.
This school year is only in the third week and it's absolutely bonkers! I am at work 12-13 hours a day and it's draining. Not only am I teaching five to seven class periods a day (out of seven class periods) I am a "junior" administrator, school athletics coordinator/director, assistant volleyball coach, head girl's basketball coach, and head girl's soccer coach. It's been a whirlwind of events. The parts of my administratorship are all the things the other admins don't want to do or think they are too busy to do. Wednesday folder is a nightmare. I like to try to get things done early, but it's so hard when you have to depend upon other people. Grrrrr! Today I left my office at 7:30am to talk to admins and parents and other teachers. I went back to my office at 12:05pm to check e-mails and do a little business (lunch was non-existent and will be the rest of the year), then I was back out of my office until 5:oo pm when I sat down to work on Wed folder stuff. During that time a parent of a new volleyball player came in to talk to me. Once that parent left, another parent came in. Then it was off to the copier to print about 2000 copies and separate them into the classes. I think I left the school at about 7:00pm. That seems to be a normal day for me these days. Three weeks in and things still have not calmed down, nor do I think, they will. That's one reason and the biggest reason I haven't been keeping up with this thing.
A lot has happened in my personal life as well. It has really been a blessing to have started dating this wonderful man that I am now with. I always told myself I would never be that girl that missed a boy, or couldn't wait to see him, or be all cuddly and, well, you get it. I never thought that would be me, and lo and behold, it has happened. I have fallen in love with this man and can't see my life without him. He has become my best friend. I find myself thinking about him and hoping he is doing okay throughout the day. I mean, I am totally in love! His well-being has really become a priority in my life. When I see him or talk to him all my troubles seem to go away. I could probably go on, but I won't. Anyway, last night we were sitting on my couch talking and I took a leap of faith. So he has already told me that he can't see his life without me in it and all that jazz, but he said that three or four weeks ago. As we were sitting there I told him that even though it has taken me a while to get to this point that I can't see my life without him. So now it's not a matter of if, but when. Yes, that one word you are thinking of, marriage, is in the future. How near in the future, not quite sure, but it is in the future. It was funny talking to him and finding out that this past fast Sunday we were both fasting about the same thing and didn't even discuss it. How perfectly timed is that? I feel like I am the luckiest girl in the world right now. Could there be another person out there better suited for me that treats me like a true daughter of a loving Heavenly Father? Not in my book. Heavenly Father knows exactly when we need what we need the most. I am so grateful for this major blessing in my life. It couldn't have come at a better time, yet again proving how well my Heavenly Father knows me.
The surprising thing to me was when I told my mom all this she already knew. I feel like everyone else knew before I did. I called her and told her and she said, "I knew it". I then asked her the how and when questions. Her reply, "I was going to finish paying off my car, but decided to put the money into savings because the thought of a wedding came to mind." Yes, my wedding. When did Mom know? "I have known since January." What, that long?! I wasn't even dating anyone nor was there the thought of dating anyone. At that time I was looking for jobs in other cities and had even thought of other states. I mean, gosh Mom, what are you psychic or something? Mom was even a voice a reason about thinking about possible dates. When Leland and I were talking he pretty much left it up to me to pick a date and to me it's either December or March since that's when my school breaks are. Mom, the voice of reason reminded me about the receptions. Seeing that we both have tons of friends in SA, I have tons of friends and family friends in EP and he in UT we may have three receptions or open houses to do. It's crazy! I never really thought about that seriously. That's something to discuss. If we do have three to do then December is the logical choice, but if there is maybe only two then March is the better choice. My brain hurts from all this thinking! Maybe it's time for bed. That's another reason why it's been so long since I last wrote. Everything happens in the Lord's time, but man, everything seems to be happening at once. BUT, I am really happy and know that life is good.
Today Barack Obama addressed all kids and teachers in school. It was funny listening to his words. He said EXACTLY what I have been telling my students for the past three years and three weeks. If only the kiddos were really listening. You know Obama feels great about himself and what he said today, but it's nothing new. Every teacher has been saying that throughout the years. I hope some of my kiddos were listening, but with the bored faces and yawns that I saw, not a lot got through.
This school year is only in the third week and it's absolutely bonkers! I am at work 12-13 hours a day and it's draining. Not only am I teaching five to seven class periods a day (out of seven class periods) I am a "junior" administrator, school athletics coordinator/director, assistant volleyball coach, head girl's basketball coach, and head girl's soccer coach. It's been a whirlwind of events. The parts of my administratorship are all the things the other admins don't want to do or think they are too busy to do. Wednesday folder is a nightmare. I like to try to get things done early, but it's so hard when you have to depend upon other people. Grrrrr! Today I left my office at 7:30am to talk to admins and parents and other teachers. I went back to my office at 12:05pm to check e-mails and do a little business (lunch was non-existent and will be the rest of the year), then I was back out of my office until 5:oo pm when I sat down to work on Wed folder stuff. During that time a parent of a new volleyball player came in to talk to me. Once that parent left, another parent came in. Then it was off to the copier to print about 2000 copies and separate them into the classes. I think I left the school at about 7:00pm. That seems to be a normal day for me these days. Three weeks in and things still have not calmed down, nor do I think, they will. That's one reason and the biggest reason I haven't been keeping up with this thing.
A lot has happened in my personal life as well. It has really been a blessing to have started dating this wonderful man that I am now with. I always told myself I would never be that girl that missed a boy, or couldn't wait to see him, or be all cuddly and, well, you get it. I never thought that would be me, and lo and behold, it has happened. I have fallen in love with this man and can't see my life without him. He has become my best friend. I find myself thinking about him and hoping he is doing okay throughout the day. I mean, I am totally in love! His well-being has really become a priority in my life. When I see him or talk to him all my troubles seem to go away. I could probably go on, but I won't. Anyway, last night we were sitting on my couch talking and I took a leap of faith. So he has already told me that he can't see his life without me in it and all that jazz, but he said that three or four weeks ago. As we were sitting there I told him that even though it has taken me a while to get to this point that I can't see my life without him. So now it's not a matter of if, but when. Yes, that one word you are thinking of, marriage, is in the future. How near in the future, not quite sure, but it is in the future. It was funny talking to him and finding out that this past fast Sunday we were both fasting about the same thing and didn't even discuss it. How perfectly timed is that? I feel like I am the luckiest girl in the world right now. Could there be another person out there better suited for me that treats me like a true daughter of a loving Heavenly Father? Not in my book. Heavenly Father knows exactly when we need what we need the most. I am so grateful for this major blessing in my life. It couldn't have come at a better time, yet again proving how well my Heavenly Father knows me.
The surprising thing to me was when I told my mom all this she already knew. I feel like everyone else knew before I did. I called her and told her and she said, "I knew it". I then asked her the how and when questions. Her reply, "I was going to finish paying off my car, but decided to put the money into savings because the thought of a wedding came to mind." Yes, my wedding. When did Mom know? "I have known since January." What, that long?! I wasn't even dating anyone nor was there the thought of dating anyone. At that time I was looking for jobs in other cities and had even thought of other states. I mean, gosh Mom, what are you psychic or something? Mom was even a voice a reason about thinking about possible dates. When Leland and I were talking he pretty much left it up to me to pick a date and to me it's either December or March since that's when my school breaks are. Mom, the voice of reason reminded me about the receptions. Seeing that we both have tons of friends in SA, I have tons of friends and family friends in EP and he in UT we may have three receptions or open houses to do. It's crazy! I never really thought about that seriously. That's something to discuss. If we do have three to do then December is the logical choice, but if there is maybe only two then March is the better choice. My brain hurts from all this thinking! Maybe it's time for bed. That's another reason why it's been so long since I last wrote. Everything happens in the Lord's time, but man, everything seems to be happening at once. BUT, I am really happy and know that life is good.
Friday, August 14, 2009
School's in Session
Another school year is upon us! Yes, that is an exclamation mark at the end of the sentence. I am excited for this school year. I will be busier than ever with all the added administrative and athletic duties that I will perform, but I am really looking forward to it. I have this renewed energy after these past couple of days of in-services. Renewed after in-services? Yes! Instead of the normal sit down and listen to stuff that I shouldn't have to listen to for the fourth year in a row, I actually attended good workshops and things that are of use to me. I truly enjoyed an educational in-service. How many teachers do you know that can say that?
So one of the sessions today was titled: The 411 on Drugs, Violence, and Teen Relationships. I learned so much about how and where kids hide drugs, alcohol and weapons from people. I am now suspicious of every can of soda, bottle of water, pringles canister, lipstick tube, pair of fake dirty underwear, skater shoes and other everyday products we think are normal. I am also now highly suspicious of energy drinks (aka Alcopops). Some of the energy drink companies (ie Monster, RockStar, Sparks) have upwards of 10% alcohol in their energy drinks. Some of those drinks will have an alcohol content that equals that of 8-10 shots of whiskey and 18-32 cans of diet Pepsi. Due to the caffeine, a person that drinks one of those drinks will not have the appearance of being drunk. Someone could actually get alcohol poisoning from drinking one of those and not even know it. It's scary. Kids are drinking all kinds of energy drinks and parents have no idea what is in those drinks and let them buy them. Granted, not all energy drinks contain alcohol, but those things are bad for you anyway with the amounts of sugar and caffeine in them. It was quite an enlightening class. I wish we had more time in that workshop to get all the info. That guy really needs to come and talk to parents about this stuff. All this information helps me with my health classes now. I can do a pretty darn good lesson on drugs, alcohol, and teen relationships.
These past two days have really sparked my enthusiasm for this school year. It's going to be a great one!
So one of the sessions today was titled: The 411 on Drugs, Violence, and Teen Relationships. I learned so much about how and where kids hide drugs, alcohol and weapons from people. I am now suspicious of every can of soda, bottle of water, pringles canister, lipstick tube, pair of fake dirty underwear, skater shoes and other everyday products we think are normal. I am also now highly suspicious of energy drinks (aka Alcopops). Some of the energy drink companies (ie Monster, RockStar, Sparks) have upwards of 10% alcohol in their energy drinks. Some of those drinks will have an alcohol content that equals that of 8-10 shots of whiskey and 18-32 cans of diet Pepsi. Due to the caffeine, a person that drinks one of those drinks will not have the appearance of being drunk. Someone could actually get alcohol poisoning from drinking one of those and not even know it. It's scary. Kids are drinking all kinds of energy drinks and parents have no idea what is in those drinks and let them buy them. Granted, not all energy drinks contain alcohol, but those things are bad for you anyway with the amounts of sugar and caffeine in them. It was quite an enlightening class. I wish we had more time in that workshop to get all the info. That guy really needs to come and talk to parents about this stuff. All this information helps me with my health classes now. I can do a pretty darn good lesson on drugs, alcohol, and teen relationships.
These past two days have really sparked my enthusiasm for this school year. It's going to be a great one!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Whoa! Did I Really Say That?
I have debated about whether or not I should share this or not, but I decided, "What the heck, this is part of my life and I probably should share it". I am now in a relationship. That is really weird for me to say since I am not a very public person about all this stuff. I never thought I would say that at this point in my life. I have become so independent that having someone else in my life is a little tough to adjust to, but it's a whole lotta fun too. I have to give a big thank you to all of the people who have helped this come about, you know who you are. Thank you, you rock! It's really nice to be with someone that makes you feel secure and like you are the most important person in the room. I have never felt so comfortable with someone besides my family. Things have been really good recently and I don't want it to end.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Amazing
You are amazing! How often do we tell ourselves that simple little phrase? I feel like Staurt Smalley right now, "I'm good enough. I'm smart enough. And dog gone it. . . people like me!" So when you are feeling a little down and out, remember how amazing you are. It's the little things that make you amazing. You are amazing!
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