The Big Announcement!

Tomorrow!

My students are freaking out wanting to know what musical we're doing this year! They all know that they'll find out at our first drama club meeting... tomorrow! So, when they begged me (for the millionth time) today to just tell them because they promised they could "keep a secret" (yeah, right!), I just couldn't resist...

Getting Up to Date!

I haven't posted in two months... oops!

Here are the general updates:

• April absolutely FLEW by!!
• School ended on May 23rd... best day ever!!
• I'm NOT working another job this summer.
• Instead, I am spending my time at the pool, the gym, and the snow cone shack!
• I have been really good about making and keeping fitness goals so far!
• I will be 24 in two days... and to celebrate, I'm seeing a Cirque de Soleil show in Vegas!
• I fly home on Friday for two weeks, including a Houghtaling reunion at the beach!

And now a few recent pics and event details...

New Headshots!

Cousin time at the State Track Meet!

My cousin, Michael, took 1st in 3 events!

 More cousin time for Michael's graduation!

My favorite 4 year-old!

The Abbott Family + ME

I am excited for the rest of summer, even though it is HOT, HOT, HOT down here!!  Anyone brave enough to withstand the heat is welcome to come visit me any time!  Maybe call first, but seriously... COME!!!

11 Year-Olds Will Believe Anything!

I just have two questions...

What day is today??

And what subject do I teach???

That's what I thought.

No, sweet students.

I am not engaged.

But thanks for thinking this ring is pretty!

HAPPY APRIL FOOL'S DAY!!

Good news!

As frustrating as dating can be sometimes, we can all take hope in the fact that there is someone out there for all of us...

Well... maybe MOST of us, anyway!!

A Letter

Dear Upper Respiratory System,

We've been together a long time, and I have always tried to treat you with love and respect.  I've never smoked.  I drink water like it's going out of style.  I take vitamins.  I use a humidifier.  I don't yell.  I sleep a lot.  And I wash my hands like a neat freak.

The past 6 months, however, I have not been feeling your love.  It used to be the two of us against the world, holding strong, and helping the Immune System fight off germs...  but it seems like you've given up.  I've lost track of the number of colds I've had... not to mention a sinus infection, bronchitis, and pnuemonia... all since October.

And now you're doing it again.  I mean... really?!?  You couldn't have picked a better time than when I was on Spring Break?  And I'm flying home tomorrow?  And I am in a wedding this weekend?

Please consider this an official notice to cease and desist.

I'm tired of your attitude, I'm tired of your wimpiness, and I'm tired of your refusal to cooperate.  Why can't you be a team player, even when I'm paying for medicines to help you pull your weight?  You're causing too much pressure, and it hurts... and not just my sinuses... my throat, ears, head, and stomach are sick of you being such a snot.  You need to know that it's not just affecting you.

It has to stop.

Now knock it off and get back to work.  I can't do this without you!

"Keep Moving Forward"

In class this week, we've been watching Disney's "Meet the Robinsons."  It is an ADORABLE movie that just warms your heart and makes you feel good about life right while you're living it...

At the end of the movie, the main character (Louis) is in the future talking to his grown-up self (Cornelius).  They have this little conversation:

Louis: "So, if I go back now, this will be my future?"
Cornelius: "Well, that depends on you.  Nothing is set in stone.  You've got to make the right choices... and keep moving forward."

I love the moments when we remember that there is a bright future in store!  It may take its time getting here, but it is coming one way or another!  All we have to do is make good choices and move on the best way we know how.

Walt Disney is quoted at the very end of the movie:

"Around here, we don't look backwards for very long.  We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we're curious... and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths."

Thank you, Disney, for reminding me of what is on its way!!  I can't wait!

Sisterly Love!

Claire came out 2 weekends ago to visit and we had such a good time!

My friend, Brett, and I picked her up from the Las Vegas Airport!

We thought it would be fun to sneak up on her...

... and it was!

While Claire was here, we relaxed and had some chill time!  She also came to school with me one day.

I taught her how to drive a stick.  It was... fun.

And we met up with our awesome Aunt Liz & Uncle Greg for dinner!

I'm so glad she came!  There's nothing like some sisterly love!

Wonderful Night!!

Tonight was a wonderful performance!  SO PROUD RIGHT NOW!

Have I mentioned I love my job??

(And those kids?!?)

IT'S TODAY!!!

I hope we break a whole bunch of legs!

Tomorrow, tomorrow..

... Seussical's tomorrow!

It's only A DAY AWAY!!!!

2 DAYS!!

And things are crazy around here!!!