Happy "F"ing Birthday

As hard as it is for me to believe, on Sunday I turned 31. Which also means that my lil' blog turned 1! I mean seriously, where did those 365 days go?

I have thoroughly enjoyed my tiny writing hobby this past year, and I want to thank all of my followers for taking the time to read my words! Whether you've been around since the first post, or this is your first visit, I hope that my blog has been helpful, maybe even inspirational, and above all, entertaining.

In the past year, I've crossed 2 items off my "Thirty Things in Thirty Years" bucket list (see numbers 19 and 20 here). So it looks like I've got 29 years to accomplish the remaining 28 things - no sweat.

Now, it hasn't been a perfect year by any means. I didn't get a job I interviewed for, I didn't get in shape, and I didn't meet Justin Timberlake. But I'd rather focus on the GOOD stuff that happened this year...

Suffice it to say, it may not have been a perfect year, but it sure was wonderful. If I get to experience half the things I did this year by the time I'm 32, I will be happy. The "F" in 'Happy "F"ing Birthday' isn't meant to be negative; it stands for Family, Friends, and Fun - all the things this birthday, blog, and past year have been about. 

So. Blessed.

Here's to the next year, y'all!

Summer Part 3: The Final Installment

Ain't that the truth? Even though we had the longest summer due to no snow days for the first time in my 9 years of teaching, I still feel like it flew by! It was a productive, busy, and fun summer for sure. But in these last few weeks, I tried to slow down and savor my days ...doing absolutely nothing.

Okay well, not nothing. I would add one thing to that list: visit with my niece!

I swear if Micah and Kate would let me, I would move in! I am so so grateful to have had these past three weeks off work to spend with her.

I did manage to squeeze in some pool time as well as some dinners with  friends.

Angie & Eli keepin' it cool

Joey having some fun at Lynn's Paradise Cafe

Showing off the romance novels that held our checks at The Village Anchor

And in the spirit of the Olympics, my main man Anderson came over and showed off his couch-climbing skills.

I've spent the last two weeks back in my classroom. While I'd be lying if I said that I haven't felt the rush from newly laminated name tags and rainbow-licious packs of pens, as well as the excitement from being with my work peeps again, I am sad to see Summer go.

I'm already looking forward to next Summer when we can take Emerson to the zoo, the pool, baseball games, and the lake! In the meantime, I have 23 students to meet, a birthday party to plan, UofL football games to soon watch, and many McNugget firsts to witness.

Thank you, Summer. You were blazin' hot, but you were good to me!