2-27-11

This weekend I worked, ate too much, and attended an Education Conference here in Tuscaloosa. On Saturday, I spent most of the day cleaning up a local school. I dusted, swept, and cleaned anything in sight. It was such a beautiful day & I enjoyed the fellowship with new friends!

This morning I went to campus to hear 2 different seminars. The first one was on Bullying and the second one was on Special Education. Here are some notes I took from the session about "Bullying." It really opened my eyes to the problem schools have with bullying. I've always told myself that if I can achieve anything when I become a teacher that I'm going to try and have a positive attitude when dealing with my students. I want my students to become productive citizens in society, but I believe more teachers need positivity and careful preparation!

-When it comes down to it, the issue is power. Every parent believes their child is an 'angel.' The responsibility falls on the teacher when a parent's "baby" becomes a bully.

-Power gives you the opportunity to distribute the blame.

-Just because you're loud, doesn't mean you're right!

-You have the opportunity to create an environment that's different from the outside.

-Students will adapt to a consistent environment. You have to alter their environment.

-We need to start teaching coping skills again: patience, forgiveness, courtesy, etc.

-"I remember when common sense use to be "fairly common."

-Everybody has a plan until you get hit in the mouth. -Mike Tyson.

~So overall, I really enjoyed the Bullying session. Students are exposed to so much and it's amazing how the environment has a huge impact.

-On the other hand, I'm still enjoying working at Gigi's, and I have some great co-workers! There are 4 of us "THE CORE 4" that work really well together and these girls have made my days soooo much better as we sell cupcakes!! Well, I'm off to write lesson plans! Kelly and I ate seafood, and I'm constantly reminded of our great friendship!

Life Lately

Well I turned 22 on Thursday and considering I was sick, I still had a great birthday! I don't quite feel 22 yet, but I'm sure it will sink in soon. I worked on my birthday, but it was great because I was working with my 2 new friends, Lauren Taylor & Madeline. Kelly brought me a pink crown to wear while I was at work, and afterwards we met her at a Japanese restaurant. A few of our friends came out too and it was great to see them!! Kelly bought me some Junie B. Jones books, magnets, a coffee cup, a candle, and tons of candy! I was soooo excited, I'll be ready when I start teaching!

This week has been so beautiful and I wish I had time to enjoy it. I worked 30 hours this week and that's on top of my internship in 5th grade. I am really tired, but I love to work so it's been a fun experience.

I'm finally not sore anymore! My right knee is a little tight, and hopefully I didn't do anything to it! Well, time to catch up on some homework. Come see me at Gigi's!

Mardi Gras 1/2 Marathon

Let me start off by saying there is "Power in Prayer." For the past month, I have been struggling with a possible stress fracture in my left foot. Two weeks before the race, I didn't run one time. I decided letting my foot heal for at least 14 days would be best for me in the long run. I told several people to keep me in their prayers as the race was approaching. I prayed for my foot every single day, and if you think I'm kidding I'm not. 2 weeks ago I went on a run, and I only made it 0.5 miles. Yes, that's right....1/2 of a mile. Well today...

I ran 13.1 miles.

I was beyond nervous for the race because on Saturday afternoon we walked around New Orleans and my foot was giving me problems simply walking around. I just knew there would be no way I could possibly run 13.1 in less than 24 hours. At 5:45 a.m. this morning we were off to the race site to load the shuttle bus. Shortly afterwards, we made it to the start line with "Eye of the Tiger" playing in the background.

I walked to my race corral number and begin warming up. It was quite chilly this morning but with all of the body heat from the runners, I was fine. I talked to a older lady beside me who was running her 1st half-marathon, and I wished her luck. I plugged in my I-pod, and the race was on. As I began running, I immediately began praying for my journey I was about to try to conquer. As I reached the 3 mile mark, my foot was in good shape as I grabbed some water from a volunteer. Then, at mile 6 (almost the half way mark) I saw a lady on the side of the road holding up a sign that read,

PAIN IS TEMPORARY, BUT SUCCESS IS PERMANENT!

My eyes nearly filled with water as I passed a complete stranger knowing she had no idea how much more she just motivated me. I continued running, when I reached mile 9. I started running behind a group of older men who had a good pace. I kept pushing on. At mile 10, my legs started feeling extremely tight, and my foot was beginning to give me discomfort. However, as I ran past a woman wearing a sign on her back that was in memory of her 1 year old son that had passed away, I trekked on. Mile 11 and 12 were tough. I slowed down a lot, not even meaning to. My body was telling me to STOP but my mind was telling me to FINISH! When I came to the 20K part of the race (12.4 miles), I saw the end in sight. I kept telling myself that in less than a mile, I would be crossing the finishing line and heading to the food table to stuff my face. As I turned the corner, my I-pod started playing "Glorious Day" by Casting Crowns. It is a personal favorite that will make me cry on a drop of a hat. Then it happened. I saw hundreds of complete strangers cheering me on, and that in itself made me smile from ear to ear. I crossed the finish line as a medal was placed around my neck.

I stocked up with a bagel, 2 fruit packs, Cytomax (like gatorade), and headed to find the meeting spot.

It felt so nice laying down on the pavement with the sun shining on me. It was a fantastic feeling knowing that my foot didn't give me much trouble. The race was amazing and I had a wonderful weekend!! I also beat my personal record from my 1st half-marathon by close to 20 minutes. But just remember, when you think you can't do something, keep pushing through. Life is full of battles but it is possible to overcome them. I'll post pictures later......

After I take 2 more Advil and a NAP!

Lots of love,

CAT

Helloooooooo 2011

May I just start off by saying, “GOD IS GOOD.” 2011 is shaping up to be quite the year. So as you all may know, I love cupcakes. Yesterday Kelly and I went to the new cupcake place in town called “Gigi’s.” Well, we left with a cupcake in hand (I got wedding cake) and headed to her apartment. We printed off an application and tonight we both got the call that we are both hired!! Tomorrow is our first day!

Last night I was reading my Bible and many of the stories I was reading involved people having FAITH. How easy is it to say, “Yes, I have faith” but truly mean it? I’ve prayed countless times that the Lord will truly lead me down the path that is meant for me. I’m graduating in May, and starting a new chapter of my life. Just to brag a little…I absolutely have the best family and friends anyone could possibly ask for. They cheer me up and make me smile. What more could I possibly want? I’m writing this post tonight with a smile on my face and a wonderful feeling in my heart. God has provided me with more than I deserve and growing closer to him each day is what I desire.

If I could leave a mark on anyone, say a stranger or a friend, I would say “BE THANKFUL.” You may think there are people out there who have a better life than you or drive a nicer car, but the Lord looks at our heart. My relationship with the Lord is something that no one can ever take away from me, and I think that’s worth celebrating for!!

Have a Happy Wednesday and remember, you’re always more attractive when you Smile!

Lots of LOVE

CAT