Day 1

Well, the first day of my 8th grade life was... okay.

I have never said "Stop talking" or "Be quiet" or just plain "SHHHHHH!!!!!" so many times in my life.

Nor have I ever heard the F word more in the hallways.

Nor have I ever seen so many little people with cell phones- NICE cell phones. When I was an 8th grader, I knew maybe 3 people with cell phones and all 3 were the brick-y Nokia's with the black and white screens. The most trouble you could get in for using electronics in class was to have your graphing calculator taken away (remember the games you could download on those things??)

But it wasn't all bad.

The truth is, I was extremely spoiled at my last school because my last school was Fantasyland. This school will be a little different and I don't know anyone there yet. Which is fine. I also am not used to middle school. I forgot how badly I hated middle school. It was a tough time for me (and basically everyone else I knew) socially. I don't think teaching 8th grade will be so bad- it's just going to be an adjustment.

And it's only a month :)

In other news, does anyone relate to how much you HATE first days of anything??? School, jobs, whatever. I'm glad the first day is over. It got a little long because I don't really have anything to grade or update right now, so this is what I kept envisioning to get me through the day...

I think the people at ABC are brilliant for scheduling the Bachelor on Monday nights. They know that generally, Monday's suck and are horrible to get through without having something to look forward to. Enter in the most coveted 7 p.m. show on television. I can't wait for tonight's episode. Even though I swear off this show EVERY SINGLE SEASON because I can't stand the scripted-ness and the cheese factor, I keep coming back time after time. And even though I think Ben is boring and all these girls are psychotic. I still keep watching. The thing is, if I didn't watch, then I couldn't read Reality Steve and understand all that he has to write about. And I can't just stop reading Reality Steve!

My college professors would gag at this kind of a blog post.

Do you ever...

... Just wish that you could wake up and be married tomorrow?

I do, just about, oh, every single day.

I've really enjoyed being engaged, but to be honest, I feel like my life has been so busy lately that I really haven't had the time to really really enjoy it. I feel like there is so much to do and plan, but no time to get it done, and so much to look forward to, yet everything still seems so far off. I'm stick in a "limbo" sort of mindset with this whole engaged thing. 

I guess I've had this restless feeling this weekend because Dusty was pretty sick and so I spent the majority of my time tending to his ailments. This included:

~Heating up salt water for him to gargle and help with a cough

~Renting Scream 4 on Redbox even though I think those movies are stupid...

~Buying frozen yogurt for the both of us on Thursday (Ya know, to ease the sore throat)

~Sharing my new blanket that I just purchased from Bed, Bath and Beyond 

~Watching Back to the Future 1 and 2 per Dustin's request

~Cleaning the kitchen because I knew that that's the last thing Dust should be doing

~Navigating which is better for a cold: Mucinex or "Wal-profen" Cold and Sinus 

It gave me a small taste of what it might be like to be a wife someday soon. And the crazy thing, I enjoyed it! I usually get way annoyed with people who are sick and needy, but something about this weekend was actually kind of fun. 

Me and the sicky.

Now I couldn't rave about how great this weekend was without giving Dust a little credit as well. But that can't go without sharing some big news first. Most people who read the last post know that my recent job wrapped up last Friday and from there it was pretty unclear as to what direction I was headed in for work. I did sign up with a subbing agency on Tuesday and was told that I could start subbing within five days or so. I knew that provide a somewhat steady source of income and job opportunity, but still missed the idea of having a familiar setting every day.

Then on Thursday, my dad and I were driving to a doctor's appointment when the agency called to ask if I would be interested in LONG TERM SUBBING again at a middle school, teaching 8th grade geography. Um.... okay sure why not! I was literally in shock and so thrilled- until the woman on the line said I'd be starting MONDAY. Yes, as in like, tomorrow, Monday. So, my friends, tomorrow I will begin the new task of teaching middle school to 8th graders for one whole month. So that's the thing. I may be walking into this totally completely blind (I AM walking into this totally completely blind) but even if I hate it? It's a month long placement. I honestly couldn't ask for anything better right now, and I feel like this is just such a testament to God's plan and what he has in store for me. I look at this as another step in the journey towards where/what/who I'm called to. Teaching at the high school was step one, and an INCREDIBLE experience at that. Teaching middle school is a totally new experience that will provide me with other opportunities to develop my teaching style and learn new things. And I know that this will lead to other opportunities. I sometimes still can't believe that a year ago today, I was totally unsure of whether or not this was what I wanted to do, and now I'm here at a place where I'm going into my second placement totally on my own in the classroom. It's amazing to me.

But you also know how I handle change. And that's where the wonderful Dusty comes in. I couldn't have asked for more support and advice than what I got from him this weekend. I have been encouraged, lifted up, loved, and helped through him these past four days since I found out about this job. He is the most supportive and optimistic person I know- great comparison to my pessimism and insecurities. And it makes me realize that I am BLESSED. Blessed to have the support of someone I love, blessed to feel encouragement from a guy who I know loves me and wants the best for me, and blessed to be walking into a new opportunity that is rare and unexpected! And I swear if I was married right now, I would feel just slightly less nervous... only because it would be kinda nice to be able to go to bed tonight and talk through my anxiety with somebody rather than just myself....

But then I have to remind myself to pray :) 

So there is a quick life update for you packed into one blog post: I am once again temporarily employed, and I am dying/restless to get married to Dustin. I could maybe put off the teaching thing for a little while longer while immediately moving forward with getting married if it were up to me! But instead, I am diving right into teaching tomorrow and still four and a half months away from love and marriage. It's okay, I think I will be able to handle it.

This little piggy cried all the way home

I had last days at the high school last week. On my second-to-last day, the teacher I replaced came in to grab a few things before starting back up this week. It hit me when she walked in, this is HER job. It's not my job anymore, my room is no longer my room, and my students will no longer be my students.

Then I ran into a teacher who I have just come to adore, and I was carrying all my crap and she told me she was super sad... and I could feel my eyes welling up with tears, so I quickly said "I'LL SEE YA TOMORROW!!!" as fast as I could get it out and booked it to my car.

And THEN I started to cry.

I loved my job. I've never felt more at home or in a better place. I loved the kids, the staff. It was such an amazing, wonderful, challenging, and rewarding experience that the thought of it being over just really made me sad. I got so many well wishes as I left school on Friday. I felt like I did a good job, like I completed something to be proud of.

Even though I hate change and HATE being done, there are things to be happy about too. I recently started a tutoring job at a middle school (VERY different from the school I just came from) but I think I am going to like it and I have felt very welcomed and accepted by the students there, already. I start subbing in just a few days! I got an Iphone recently- kind of a dumb thing to be happy about but it has been, in a word, AMAZING.

There are lots of other things that I feel the need to share which have made me happy...

Finishing the cards- all 150 of them. 

Snapping this adorable shot of my constant companion...

Perhaps my fav- written by a sweet student on my last day. Aw man.

Other things I am happy to report this week:

-Beau attended his first high school dance! He looked great. Handsome, cute, and a tad bit awkward as well mixed in. This coming-of-age moment for my little bro was definitely a sentimental one for me- He's growin' up so fast... 

-My dad had successful hip replacement surgery last Tuesday. He is already up and about and shuffles around using crutches for the time being- but after a while he will finally be able to RUN again! If you know my dad, you know this is epic to be able to even JOG. YAY!

-Wedding plans are coming along- did I fail to mention that I BOUGHT A DRESS?!? I'd post a picture, since I'm fairly certain the last time Dusty read this blog was last year, but... I can't risk it. Let's just say I'm in love, and can't wait to wear it! I just can't wait for that day, period. 

-I get to take Bernice to her hair appointment on Friday :) 

That's all, for now. 

Way to go, Vernon Davis

So I had a stomach bug yesterday morning. It was less than glamorous to spend my Saturday hugging the toilet and just for the sake of readership, I won't share any more details.

But since I was out of commission for most of the day, I got in a LOT of TV time. I probably watched six episodes of Law and Order SVU. It was amazing. I also slept. A lot. Equally amazing. And then Dusty decided to join me at home. And that meant that our Netflix was turned off and Saturday Night Football playoffs were turned on.

Now I wasn't super invested in the teams that were playing (San Fransisco vs. New Orleans) but I knew I wasn't going to win the battle in getting my show back on so I decided to be a good sport and just watch. And what a great decision. Four lead changes in the last four minutes of the game!! I have never been a huge fan of either team but I quickly began rooting for the 49ers because I am not a big Saints fan.

So if you didn't watch, you need to catch this video clip of the final score made by the 49ers with 9 SECONDS LEFT.

If the last minute catch doesn't give you the chills, the look on Vernon Davis's face walking off the field after MAKING that catch will. So overcome with emotion, I actually started to tear up a little bit myself. I was watching the Packers-Giants game today and they interviewed Davis at half-time, asking him how he became so overcome with emotion. And he said something along the lines of how when you work so hard for something and it comes to be, you just can't help how you feel. I was so inspired and so pumped to hear that from an NFL player! And what an amazing end to the game for San Fransisco. Well done, Vernon! I will be rooting for you officially to go all the way!

Minnesota Winters

Today was one of the first snowfalls we have had in the cities that I think will actually stick. It made me kind of like this time of year for once. To continue the promotion of this rare feeling of actually ENJOYING the weather, I give you the following photos- a compiled montage of all things that remind me of winter in Minnesota. Enjoy.

90's nostalgia at its finest

Name that movie.

Classic.

Has anyone truly ever been to Wabasha?

Ah... the Vulcans

Can't wait until the next time I stop by this place. Last time I was there was Black Friday at 330 am.

Today's Inspiration comes from... A former student.

First of all, I never thought that I would reach a time in my life where I could actually type the words... "a FORMER student."

Last year when I was student teaching, I decided to do something for the kids at the end of placement. I had been at the school for three months and two weeks and my time was coming to a close. I truly had some wonderful kids (all mostly 10th graders) and wanted to let them know that they meant a lot to me, so I wrote each one of them a card.

Now, I promise I am not just writing this publicly to get the "awwww!" response out of you because after starting, I immediately regretted this decision. You have no idea how daunting it became to write 100 cards to students highlighting the "You always came to class with a smile" or "You are such a hard worker" or "I appreciated your efforts in class." It took FOREVER. I am sure that those of you that have had to write thank you notes for grad parties, weddings, or showers can relate. Just a long, hard, tiring process.

Well, not only was I lucky enough to land a temporary job at the same school where I student taught, but I have once again been very blessed with five classes of WONDERFUL kids. This time they are 11th and 12th graders. Some of my 11th grade students are students I had last year. I have had an amazing three month experience with these kids, and sadly, next week, it is coming to a close. I toyed with the idea of doing the card thing again and decided to bag it. I actually decided officially this morning on my drive to work- no cards this year. It would take too long and I have way too much to do between now and next Friday. Decision made.

Then I just HAD to fill my water bottle up today after my fifth period, when I ran into a former student from last year, who I don't even HAVE as a student now. I didn't notice him right away until he said... "Ms. Miller?"

He's not the type of kid to just approach a teacher for fun so I said hello and asked him how he was doing. He said fine, and then, he told me this...

"Do you know how much it meant to me to get that card from you last year?"

UGH!! The magic words that tug on my heartstrings! He preceded to say (EXACT WORDS) that he felt it was very sincere and thoughtful of me to write the cards and then told me he still has it at home.

I guess that is motivation enough to reverse my earlier card decision. I had every intention of not doing it. I really did! But his brief words on how much it meant to him- I just can't ignore it now. It made my whole entire day. It's so interesting for me to be in this field of work where one day, a single student can honestly make your entire day so stressful, so hard... and others, all it takes is one kid to say the magic words that make it all worth it. I am so grateful for what he said. I am so grateful for my job. I absolutely LOVE what I do. Being a teacher is hard but it is such a rewarding career.

And for the record, I HATE that I have to be done with it next Friday.

Off to write those cards...

165 days.

Favorite photos. 

Best of times/Worst of times

2012.

The year I get married.

The year I become jobless- 3 weeks to be exact. Hopefully this is temporary.

The year I started my student loan payments (I just made my first payment today, as a matter of fact. My bank account is frowning at me, currently).

2011.

The year I graduated from college.

The year I started my first teaching job.

The year I got engaged!

The year I said goodbye to a couple of very special people.

A YEAR I will never forget.

If you notice a twinge of bleakness in this post, it is because I am cranky about having to go back to school tomorrow. Yes, I am complaining about going back to work after having ten straight days off. I am a big fat wimp. 

Since I have been VERY MIA in blog-posting over my break, I will leave you with my New Years Resolution for 2012. I have three in particular.

1. Spend less, save more.
2. Marry the love of my life on June 22nd (I don't see any problem with follow through on this one).
3. Worry less, enjoy each day. Life is too short to waste it on worrying.

That third one has become very precious for me to stick to as one week ago today, Dusty and I said goodbye to his sweet aunt Corinna, after a horribly awful 7 week battle with leukemia. We had a bizarre, eventful break. A very hard Christmas. But we have learned a lot. Life is hard.

But life is good too. And if I have learned anything in the last 7 days, it is to enjoy each day for all that it has to offer, love your family and friends, and trust in the Lord at all times. Because HE is good.

I have read a lot of blog posts about the new year and all that 2012 has to offer for many- new jobs, new homes, new marriages, new babies, new ideas... it excites me and encourages me! I truly hope that 2012 is as great to all of you as I intend for it to be for me. Thanks for sharing your New Years hopes and dreams through the blog world!

Over and out- someone's gotta work in the morning.