Waiting...

Waiting... whether waiting for a package to be delivered or test results... the process of waiting is very hard.  Perhaps it is hardest because of the unknown.

Not knowing... 

Not being able to make plans... 

The possibilities that can run through your mind, whether positive or negative, can be overwhelming.  So then my focus must be deliberate and positive.  I have faith that all things work together for my good.  

I am reminded of my favorite quote...

"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming: ‘Wow! What a ride!’” 
My plans are to live life to its fullest... everyday... no regrets...
Love, Laugh, and Play Hard...
There is so much more I want to do... One Day...

My Today,
Christy

And then it was over...

One year ago I set out on a new journey for my masters in Educational Leadership at Stetson University.  Mission accomplished!!  I must say Stetson was the right choice.  But what a bitter sweet finish.  I am so thankful to have my Saturday's back, however I miss spending my time with some amazing people.  Over the course of the year I have spent about 400 hours with the same group of people.  We have shared many laughs together.  As I move forward with my career I know I will have amazing colleagues to help guide me along the way.

Things I will always remember...
   It's about systems...
   If you could effectively explain to Dr. Eply why his daughter was searched then your safe...
   Make sure your School Improvement Plan is culturally responsive...
   Be mindful of your weaknesses and work on them...
   Collaborate with others... the results are amazing...
   Never stop dreaming...
   Take a break, have lunch with friends, and smile...

My Today... My Year...
Christy

"It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for."  Ephesians 1:11

"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love.  Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow - not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love."  Romans 8:38

Things don't always go as planned...
We don't always know the future...
But it sure is nice to know that all of it can't take away His love.

My Today,
Christy

Risk Takers

Reflecting on a good word this week...

There are five kinds of people...
Those that hear, those that oppose things, those that don't know, those that help those who make things happen, and those that make things happen.
Those who make things happen are risk takers.  To be a risk taker you have to have faith.  Faith that you will reach something better.

I loved this... it is so true...
You can't discover new oceans if you are not willing to loose sight of the shore.

A move like that creates big change and change is hard.
We have to be risk takers and leave our comfort zones and do something new.

I commit to Motion... taking risks to do something new...
Making changes to change others lives...
I'm committed to discovering new oceans!

My Today,
Christy

Started a new class today...
Curriculum...
Long day... but good...
Relaxing evening at home...
Pizza night...
Refreshing swim in the pool...
(Even though I was pulled in... lol)

My Today,
Christy

Perspective

Keeping our world in perspective is hard to do sometimes.  The truth is I see the 20% of my life and habits I am working on and forget the 80% I'm successful with.  I don't know about everyone else but life can be tough when you see with tunnel vision.  I know I get that way... I will be focusing on a task and loose sight of my surroundings.  (I'm super bad about not speaking to people when on a mission.  I'm working on that.)  I never want to get to where I forget to tell my family and friends how much they mean to me.  I was reminded tonight that we don't know how long we have with them, so cherish each day as if it were the last.

Lord, help me to see the big picture.  Thank you for my family and friends.  I am thankful for their support.  Be with those who have lost their loved ones.  Give them the peace they need to navigate through this life.

My Today,
Christy

A Great Day

There is nothing like reaching one of your goals.

Today was a nerve racking day.  The emotions of the day were quite draining.  I passed the FELE!!

But the best part of the day has been sharing my success with my friends.  I have such a great support system with my friend and family who have always had faith in me, even when I don't always have faith in myself.

Thanks to my husband who has put up with all my studying and encouraged me like to follow my dreams.  Babe you are truely the best!  You have totally supported me during this process.  Thanks, love you!

It has been a good day!
My Today,
Christy

Stories

Everyone has a story.  Why we are the way we are.
Been thinking about why people choose to be who they are.
How they respond to what they have lived through.
I think we have a greater choice in our future than many people realize.
I choose to be strong.
I choose to be happy.
I choose to encourage.
I choose to love.
I choose to forgive.
I choose to live.

I like who I am... (most of the time - lol)

My Today,
Christy

Tomorrow

I'm glad tomorrow is Friday.

My Today,
Christy

A weekend filled with laughing and fun times...
Started looking at cars for myself... getting rid of the ole Mustang...
This process might take a while... I'm picky...
Tomorrow is my handsome Daddy's birthday... I love you Daddy!
My little sister might have her baby tomorrow... would be so cool!!
Rode the Harley tonight... it's been too long... I needed that!
Super proud of my cousin... 32 days sober... One day at a time!
Was introduced to a new app... Snapchat... so much fun!

My Today,
Christy

Things To Remember

If you park under a tree make sure it isn't on top of an ant bed, they can figure out how to get into your car...
Snickers Ice Cream Bars are amazing...
Everyone wants to feel appreciated and loved...
Make sure you slow down and gaze at a beautiful full moon...
Life is a journey...
Enjoy it!

My Today,
Christy   :-)

A Good Day

What a day...

Many things made me smile and laugh...

At lunch duty one of the kindergarters made me laugh...
The principal asked her to turn around in her seat and she said, "OK lady!"

I finally got to stand in the shade of that little tree!

A bird hitting a wall made me laugh (It didn't get hurt!)

I got a huge complement!  It made me a very happy girl!

I finished my Ed Finance quiz - and feel really good about it - that is after I was totally freaked out for a while!

It was a good day!

My Today,
Christy

Wednesday Randomness

So a parent told me today she looks forward to seeing what I'm wearing each day as she goes through the car rider line.  She thinks I wear really cute outfits.

Hmmmm...

Does that mean I am Mrs. Hand from back in the day?

Eeeek!  LOL!

Today I have felt my brain is getting so full of "information" that it might explode...

I don't have time for an exploding brain!  lol

My Today,

Christy

What I Learned Today...

I thought Starbucks had Coke... nope... but the strawberry lemonade was great.
The Program Cost Factors and District Cost Differential change everything for your school district.
Only 13 more Saturdays till I'm done with my masters.
Some people pay alot of money for their clothes and others don't bother.
People get excited about the strangest things.

My Today,
Christy

Randomness

Where is Isaac headed?
I don't think that shade will be in my future.
Friends make me smile.
I enjoy the gym.
I could go for some boiled peanuts.

My Today,
Christy

Casting Vision

What is life without a vision? A dream? Something to hope for?

Today was a great day!  I got to share a portion of my vision to help struggling students with some amazing teams of teachers.  As I reflect on how the meeting went, I am so encouraged by their desire to make a difference in their students academic careers.

This year we will work together to make life changing differences in our students... encouraging students to have dreams for their future, have faith in themselves, and be the very best they can be!

So often teachers forget the everlasting difference they can make in a child... one of the teachers who did that for me was my 5th grade teacher Ms. Whitaker.  I couldn't tell you any life changing strategy she used or even if I made learning gains that year, but she made school a place I wanted to be and learning something I wanted to do.

My challenge for each of us today is to speak life into someone else we come in contact with... student, friend, spouse, stranger...
Know YOU CAN make a difference in someone else!
YOU MATTER!
Someone needs an encouraging word from YOU!

My Today,
Christy

More Random Thoughts

Little tree that gives shade from the sun... you were no help in the rain.
Submitting homework with 5 minutes to spare is like shopping on Christmas Eve... I love it.
Change can be very scary without faith.
The Action Movie app is fun.
Twistie Treat has a traveling ice cream truck... Who Knew?!!!

My Today,
Christy

Random Tired Thoughts

I wonder what Ms. Whitaker is doing these days... I need to tell her thank you.
Did I encourage anyone today?
I miss my seeing my dad... he texted me today and made me smile.
How can I call student names at car rider circle and stay in the shade of that little tree?
The rain sounds nice.

My Today,
Christy

Dreaming Big

What was it about being a child that allowed us to have such a freedom to dream?  We had great imaginations.  We were super heros, spys, singers, and athletes.  We traveled the world, hung out with our friends, and dreamed.  Now we have bills and responsibilities and there isn't time left for dreaming big fun dreams.

I was reminded the other day that in 15 weeks that I will have done most of the... one day... things I wanted to do.  I will be finishing my masters.  So, I took some time to just sit and think of some things I want to do... one day.  It was kind of hard to do.  I tried to do it like I was a kid again, without thinking about the "why" it wouldn't be such a good idea.  I just want to think of some... "yeah, that would be so cool" ideas.

So, my list is kind of short right now, but I'm working on it.

Do you have a "One Day" list?

My Today,
Christy

These days life is VERY busy! I have successfully completed 3 classes towards my Masters! I have 6 more to go. It has been a great experience - I am learning a lot! Only 21 more days of school left in this school year... Time is flying! My Today, Christy

Journey To My Masters

Today was my first class in my Educational Leadership program.  Had a great day and I know I will enjoy this journey.  You might have to remind me of that one day.

My Today,
Christy