lovin' life

Right now, life is perfect. I say this because I really do not have much to complain about (except for the fact that I am sitting at home with strep throat while writing this post.) Do not take this the wrong way, I am not trying to brag. I just want to document this time in my life so later down the road when life gets tough, which it undoubtedly will, I can look back and remember the simple things that make me happy.

Why is life so perfect you ask? Honestly, I feel like the last couple of years, I have spread myself too thin. College will do that to you. I have taken 15-18 credits a semester, 20-25 hours at the very hectic Starbucks on campus, tons of observation hours, club volleyball, a social life, and then some wedding planning thrown in there. These were all wonderful things, but I felt like I never really had time to sit back and enjoy all the great things I had going on. I always felt tired and stressed and never had time to do other things that I enjoy.

In the spring, I made a huge decision. It might not seem huge to any one else, but it was huge for me. I quit my job at Starbucks so that I could focus on student teaching this fall. Starbucks was a wonderful, but somewhat stressful college job. During the spring, I was working at night until 1 or 2am and then waking up at 6 am and going to my school and teaching all day. I was so tired at my school during the day I did not feel like I was getting everything out of it that I could. I realized that it was more important to focus on my career rather than a college job. It was hard to say goodbye because some of my best friends worked at Starbucks with me and because I would not have any source of income in the fall. I think this was by far the best decision I could have made. I miss it at times, but I have been able to put everything that I have into my student teaching. I also have time to do other things that I love. Yes, most of the time I really miss getting a pay check every two weeks, but money definitely does not buy happiness. Good thing I have a wonderful husband and family to take care of me.

Even though I have the same amount of time as most normal people, I feel like I have all the time in the world right now. I get up around 6 and go to my school and get home around 4. Then I have time to plan lessons, work out, cook, and relax. I even have time to get 8 hours of sleep a night, which hasn't been the case in about 8 years.

 Lesson planning isn't like normal homework. Lesson planning is fun and something I actually want to do. It doesn't feel like a burden or some busy work that a professor has given me. I guess this is good since lesson planning is something that I will be doing for a long time. I love not having to spend hours on papers and other daunting assignments. I can sit on pinterest and look for fun and creative lesson ideas. It doesn't even really feel like I am still in school right now. It also helps that I absolutely love teaching. It is by far the perfect career choice for me. Some days I feel drained and the kids drive me crazy, but every bad day is followed by at least 3 great ones. I love seeing my students succeed and making a difference in their life. Teaching does not even feel like a job, but like a privilege. I do not even mind getting up at 6 am everyday.

I love having time to do things that I enjoy. I have always liked being active, but I have never had a lot of time to actually be active. Lately I have been walking Lexie every day. She has been spoiled that if I do not get a chance to take her on a walk, she pouts. It has been great having a park right down the road with a walking path. We walk or run a few laps and sometimes I let her loose to chase squirrels. She has gone a bit crazy over the squirrels. People at the park love to watch her and see if she can catch a one. It hasn't happened yet, but Jake is convinced it will be any day now.

I have also had the chance to cook EVERY night. I love, love, love cooking. I have decided to take up healthy cooking. I am a sucker for comfort food, so I have been trying to cook lighter and cleaner. I love trying new things and creating a repertoire of go-to foods. Jakes has certainly been enjoying this current obsession. Not all of my cooking experiences are a success, but I have been learning so much. More posts about cooking to come!!

Other things to be happy about:

I love being married. I get to come home every night and be with my best friend. It's corny, but true. We love spending time together at night eating dinner together and watching TV or walking the dog. We love our cute little apartment  and are trying to enjoy every minute of time left here in Lexington.

Jake's TBS date moved from October 22nd to November 5th. It was a bit disappointing because I know  he is so ready to go, but we are trying to look on the brightside. He now has more time in Lexington and less time for us to be apart. He is so excited to start his career in the Marine Corps and is working hard every day to achieve his goals. I am excited to move to Virginia, even though I have no idea what I am going to do for a job. The next couple of years are going to be an exciting adventure for Jake and I.

At first I was worried about living with Jake and being away from my friends. I thought that it would be hard to go from being around them all the time to not seeing them as much. It has actually turned out to be the best of both worlds. I get to hang out with them whenever I want and still get to be with Jake. It helps that I actually have time to devout to hanging out with friends. It also made me appreciate my friends a lot more. They have all made an effort to include me even though I am not around as much.

During times like these, it is important to reflect and realize how lucky you are. I hope that this happiness and appreciation for life can continue for a long time.

Until next time,

J and M