Well, it's Thursday, so it is time to share all the random thoughts! Hope you friends are having a great week!
I'm thinking.... * sharing your heart on your blog can be a little intimidating, but good for the soul. * the last month at the schoolhouse is CRAZY...that is really the only word to describe it. But I am trying to hold on, because summer is coming! * knowing that this weekend I get to meet up with one of my besties for breakfast and some shopping makes this long week worth it... * making goals for April was good in theory, but I failed miserably. The temptation is to not set any for May, but I am going to accept my failure and try again. That's the adult thing to do right? * that I want to take a fun adventure for my birthday this year...NYC? Beach? Something.... * the last of my Easter candy is almost gone, does anyone else love those Sweettart Chicks, Ducks and Bunnies? I am addicted! * being loved and cared for is a good feeling. * you are braver than you think you are, so take a risk! Happy Thursday friends! Hope your week has been treating you well! Linking up with Meagan and Kristin.
One of my go to sayings as a teacher is , "You are in charge of yourself." My students can often finish this statement when the first words are uttered from my mouth. And really if we are honest, when dealing with elementary aged kiddos, you can guess that I say this a lot!
This morning, I had to take my own words to heart. After sharing with a dear friend that I am feeling out of control in some areas of my life, specifically my health and wellness , she reminded me of the word I choose for this year. PRESENT. I find it so easy to be present with others, to be there for them, to be present in the fun and excitement of everyday life. But where I think I struggle the most is being present with myself. I have a hard time accepting my present. Living in the present with the current Brooke. Don't you think this is a struggle for many women? Our hands are in so many pots, our time is not often our own and we find ourselves feeling out of control in lots of areas in our lives. Healthy eating, cleaning the house, reading for pleasure, spending time in prayer. While my priorities have shifted in the last several months for some very good reasons, I still have to take time to make myself a priority. I know that when I make the sacrifice to take care of myself I am able to care and love for those people in my life so much better. It's time to stop spending so much time think about what I want to be, what I ought to be doing and make some changes. Even just thinking about this for the last few hours, it has been so easy to let fear creep in, to hear the voice that says I won't be able to do this. But for today I am going to choose to listen to the small voice that says I can, I am worth it and capable.
Thanks for letting me share a little randomness today! Happy Tuesday friends!
Isn't this so appropriate after the craziness that was the Lilly for Target sale on Sunday? I did brave the rain, early morning hours, and many monogrammed baseball caps to make it to Target on Sunday! Thankful for my friend Windy who got us a prime spot in line. I honestly wasn't looking for much, I had ordered online, but scored a scarf I had my eye on and a few little girl things for a cutie I know! It was crazy though friends, I think the Pink Sunday label is completely accurate, it was so much like Black Friday. But honestly, this quote is so true. And if I am being honest with you, I struggle at being happy. It's not that I don't want to be happy, it's just that I find myself falling into the habit of looking for the dark clouds instead of the silver linings. But over the past few weeks, I have been making a conscious effort to look for the positive, to point out the good, and to share the happy! And you know what, it's working! I am confident that this will be something I have to make an effort at each and everyday but at the end of the day, the truth of the matter is, I have lots to be happy about. There are little moments of everyday that bring a smile to my face and those are the things that I really want to focus on. So cheers to being happy! Here are just a few of my "happys" today... * warm coffee with chocolate chip cookie creamer...yummo! * Having a student get so excited that I opened their car door for them this morning, "Ms. Simpson, I was hoping you would open my door today!" * Taking my sweet goddaughters to get pedicures yesterday...sparkles for everyone * Catching up on sending note cards for my April goals, yep, I am behind but I can catch up! * smiles and laughter * new music from some of my favorite bands * newly announced NFL schedules and already talk about tailgating and fun
I feel like I always start my Friday posts with a statement kinda like this, Does anyone else think this was the longest week ever? Well, this week did feel super long, I guess the week after Spring Break is supposed to feel that way. But only 7 more Mondays of school left before a super fun summer. Can't wait!
Linking up to share some Friday Favorites with lots of fun gals this week! Happy Friday friends!
{one}
Mumford and Sons are coming to NC this summer! And I am so so so excited! Fingers are crossed that I can swing tickets today, I am pretty confident that tickets won't be around for long! I had pretty much talked myself out of trying to go because the concert is on the last week of school, however, after a smart friend shared with me that the concert is actually on the last day of school and the following day is an optional workday...yep, I decided it would have to happen! Here is a video of their new song, Wolf...
{two}
I am always on the lookout for a new show to binge watch on Netflix and when a few of my sweet friends came to visit over Spring Break, they introduced me to a new favorite! Have you guys watched Damages? It stars Glenn Close, who is amazing and Rose Byrne who played Helen in Bridesmaids. I am pretty much hooked! What shows are you binge watching on Netflix these days?
{three}
Lilly for Target....this weekend...that's all!
{four}
Lately the desire to be involved in a bible study, small group, community group, whatever you want to call it has been great! I miss that close connection with people who are studying, worshipping, praying and living life together. While I don't know what that is going to look like in this season, I am praying that God would open up the opportunity for me to be able to connect with some folks in this way. One bible study I am really looking forward to doing is this new study by Angie Smith. Seamless is a study of the overarching story of the Bible, helping you see how the pieces are connected into the greater story of Scripture. Seems like the perfect fit for where I am right now!
{five}
It goes without saying that I have some of the best friends ever, like really ever. Today I am especially thankful for one of my friends, who now is more like family. My friend Kristi and I met about 13 years ago when we were both starting as brand new baby teachers. At an orientation meeting, Kristi approached me and asked if I had any friends here and I said no. Her response is one I will never forget... "Well, Let's be friends." And from that moment on, she has been a best friend and sister.
She motivates me to try things I never thought I could do and supports me in those ventures. Her thoughtful insight and advice are priceless to me and I love the way that she encourages in love and still speaks the truth.
Her determination to be the best at whatever she does pushes me to want to be a better person. Our mutual love for the Melting Pot, NKOTB, Scandal and wine have led to so many memories.
We share BFB, Best Friend Brain and can often complete each others thoughts. Her family loves me like their own and her precious daughters are two of my greatest blessings! Yep, friend, you are such a treasure in my life and today I am especially grateful for you!
Linking up today with Megan and Kristin for some Thursday thoughts!
I'm thinking...
* I have neglected the blog a bit over the last week or so but Spring Break will do that to you! * having friends travel all across the country to visit you is on of the best gifts ever. Loved having my CA gals with me for some spring break fun! * Oatmeal Creme Pies are ridiculous...in a good way! * Groupon is my favorite. I was wanting to go see Counting Crows in August but the lawn tickets were going to be $40 with fees and all. Today they were on groupon for 19.50! Groupon for the win!! Can't wait for a summer concert! * I'm super lucky to have a pretty amazing guy in my life! * my coworkers make me laugh...so glad I work with fun people! * there is one more reason to absolutely love Justin Timberlake, his new little guy has the cutest name...Silas. Love, love, love! * there are never enough hours in the day but today I am going to make the most of the ones I've got! Happy Thursday friends!
* Spring Break could not come at a more perfect time. You know when you were in college and you lived with those people day in and day out, you needed a break from them. Well, teaching school is kinda the same. We (meaning kids and teacher) need a break from each other!
* I am excited to have some friends come visit over spring break and am excited to show them a little bit of NC!
* making Easter Baskets is fun! Filling eggs with candy, finding special treats, it is a good time!
* today is World Autism Awareness Day and I am wearing blue in support! 1 in 8 children will be diagnosed with Autism. Check out this link if you would like more info....
* Chobani salted caramel crunch yogurt with hazelnuts, pretzels and chocolate chips is amazing! It's been my lunch a couple times this week! yummo!
* the story of the resurrection and the sacrifice made during this holy week will always overwhelm me. I am so thankful for a Savior who took on my punishment to pardon me and make me free. It really is too miraculous for words.
