Soul Searching

[this was written as a New Years post but it got lost. So here it is half way through the year to remind us all about those things we promised ourselves to change during this year.]

I have done a lot of thinking the last few days. I took some time to really reflect on my life in 2012 and come up with ways to make it better in 2013. I want to change some things in my life because I want to improve the lives of those around me and that means sacrifice. Some of the changes that I'm making might not be forever and some may turn into forever but its my life and voted on these changes.

1. Peace out Facebook. I have really become less and less of a fan over the last year and this year I cut ties with the alternate life. It's a wise professional decision for me but I also don't have time for it. I deleted the app months ago from my phone and I haven't missed it. I honestly don't want to spend minutes (aka hours) looking at other people's lives via social media. It's a pointless waste of time. So I'm cutting ties with no plan on ever coming back (and if I do...don't judge). If you get engaged, get a new puppy or do something cool and wanna tell me personally, I will jump up and down with you. But I'm not gonna read about it and look and hundreds of pictures on your wall or his wall anymore.

2. Goodbye high school clothes. I cleaned out my closet and officially said goodbye to all things Hollister and such. I had to clean it out partially because I had too many clothes in general but also because that stage of my life is over and I need to get ready to dress the part for my next stage in life. So I packed up all my high school and middle school clothes (basically the same stuff) and took it to some of my favorite girlies who are loving them just as much as I did!

3. Friends. I had to let some go over the last year and looking back I can see it has made me a much more positive person. I am a very loyal person so letting go is hard. We all fight with friends but sometimes people are only in your life for a season, and I need to let things stay that way. So this year I'm building so many new ones and I'm loving the fresh start! I also love continuing on friendships that I've had for years or decades :)

4. Clean. I'm embracing the clean lifestyle. If you know me, you know I'm organized and a neat freak. But this year I'm getting back to my roots of a clean diet and lifestyle all around. No more of this college living crap. I'm working out harder and eating incredibly clean these days. One thing I'm doing is giving up one thing I love for one month. So I picked 12 foods that I love or am tempted to eat too much of and for one month I won't touch it. After that month I'll be able to eat it again but this is to break habits and remind me I don't really need it.

5. Travel constantly. I'm packing my bags in about two months and heading to Europe for my last placement and semester of student teaching. This is one of my many ways I hope to travel this year. I want to constantly be traveling by reading books from all over the world on culture and lifestyles and languages and even some good fiction stories. I love to read and this year I'm attempting 52 in 52. Aka 52 books for 52 weeks of the year.

So these are just some of my working yearly commitments. Other ones are more personal and since I don't have Facebook you won't know about them now;) just kidding. But really- you won't because I'm not posting about them.

I hope you all take time to not only try to make your life better this year but the lives of others around you.

[Reflection: I'm not doing that bad. I picked realistic aspects of my life that I wanted to change and focus on. I'm still off Facebook and don't miss it one single day. I love all my professional clothes and get way more compliments on my style. I'm eating clean and training harder. And I've done my fair share of traveling around the world physically and through books. So how are you doing?]

after care

Every Tuesday after school my cooperating teacher and I watch a few of the littles until their parents can come and pick them up. So today I tell them to all find something to play with and about two minutes after they start they ask, "Miss Reed, can we practice our math with the fraction circles?" Music. To. My. Ears. "Yes!!! Of course you can, loves!" So now I'm can't stop laughing because they're taking turns pretending to be me teaching them math.

Here is the how I talk during math according to my second graders:
"I love how Jenny is sitting so quietly."
"I know your birthday party is tomorrow, Sam. Yes, I'm coming to the park for cake!"
"Who can  help me with this fraction?"
"I love how you're sitting."
"Go move your name down, Liam."
"Maybe you can try the fraction this way."
"I like the way Ben is sitting."
"Here is your prize for doing fraction circles and listening."
"Go put your name up to 'Outstanding' because I love the way you're acting today!"
"You can go out to recess now!"
"Wait! It's present time! Here is one for you, and you, and you..."
"I love the way Carly is sitting."
"Yes, you can have a hug."



And my favorite "Miss Reed" quote:
"I brought pizza for the whole class!!!"

You learn a lot when kids play teacher!!


*All names have been changed.

the prague diet

Living in overseas means eating like the natives.
So what does the Prague diet entail?
A lot of walking and fresh fruits and veggies.

Czechs go grocery shopping almost every single day
because they don't have cars to load everything in
so they carry all their groceries home. And no one
wants to carry too many things home so they don't.

This means that everything is very fresh to eat!
They have less preservatives here and plenty of
places near by to get fresh fruits and veggies from.
I mean Spanish strawberries...to die for!!

So one aspect of the Prague diet: fresh fruits
and veggies daily - basically every meal!
But add in that they eat less...small portions.

Lastly, walk, walk, walk, run, run, run.
Lots of walking everywhere around the
city to get things and go to work, and
then running for a great workout!

So basically....
1. eat lots of fresh fruits and veggies
2. eat smaller portions of food
3. walk everywhere and then go work out


And that my friends is the Prague diet!
I love it. Working out twice a day plus
all the walking, fresh meals and smaller
portions is looking pretty good on me!

politeness

AMEN.

see here for details.

pulling out my suitcases

Wow. I feel like my life has been a whirlwind for the last few months. I finished my final semester of undergrad college classes and started student teaching. I have had my ups and downs (mostly ups) but am thankful for the downs. I finish teaching 4th grade next week and I'm really going to miss all 27 kiddos. They are such an awesome and diverse group of kids, and I have learned from them each and every day. They have definitely made me a better teacher and person in the short two months I have spent with them.

So now I am pulling out my suitcases and packing my bags to head off to my next school and adventure! In two short weeks I embark on a two month journey of teaching 1st and 2nd grade littles. Teaching is always an adventure in my book... but my twist: I will be packing my teaching life up into two bags and one carry-on so that I can teach littles in Prague, Czech Republic! I can't wait to write about all my adventure right here on this little blog of mine.

Prague.
Sounds like a prestigious, royal city.
Tastes like an exploding adventure.
Smells like a mixture of coffee and flowers.
Looks like an old, enchanting city of lights.
Feels like stone, fur and history mixed into one.

on the eve of my birthday

Tomorrow I finish up the last of my finals.
Tomorrow I complete my undergrad classes.
Tomorrow is my 22nd birthday.
Tomorrow's date is also 12.12.12.
Guess what that means?
Tomorrow is going to be EPIC.
And I, my friends, will be the Princess.

However, I am one really lucky girl
because my friends and family are all
spread out throughout the country now
but soon they will all start to trickle home.
And when they do we will continue to
celebrate my birthday - over and over again!
Can you say birthday month?!! :)
I am one happy and excited princess!

miss pouty face

Today marks the end quite a bittersweet week.

No more undergraduate classes for this girl.

No more working for Admissions every week.
No more homeschooling precious littles either.
My life has completely changed over night...

[Freeze: I feel like these years just flew by!

so the fact that I have to admit that I'm old

enough to be leaving college is absurd to me.]

But this means that now I get to go out and

apply everything my wise and caring professors

have taught me over the past 3.5 years next semester.

I am not graduating (that is officially on May 18!),

but I won't be coming to my beautiful campus everyday.

I will drive to a new school and be the teacher

to a bunch of littles that are all looking at me now!

And to best honest... I. Cannot. Wait!!!

But today I'm a little sad because even though I'm 

running on less than four hours of sleep I am still

able to acknowledge great education when I see it. 

And I have received a great education! I can feel it too.

My professors and peers have changed every fiber in me.

Whaattt?! I know it sounds crazy but I'm truly a better

person because of the education that I received here.

So tonight as I crawl into bed nice and early,

I will say an extra thanks to God for allowing me

to study under some of the most incredible people.

And I will thank Him for bringing me to a school that

has completely transformed my life and heart through

the wonderful people He brought into my life.

top tweets

Check out last week's top tweets along with these babies:)
And please follow me on twitter - you won't regret it!

1. You think that your so funny when you bash people by name on twitter, but we all think you're an ass and hope you get called out #truth
2. I guarantee you that professors talk about us as much as we talk about them #newsflash
3. Dear people in cars, we can see you so please watch what you do because I am embarrassed for you. Love everyone #awkward
4. I'm wearing pink to celebrate the fact that this year October 3rd is a Wednesday!!! #ultimateday #NationalMeanGirlsDay
5. I just told my class about the time I was traumatized when I rode an elephant and it almost threw me off #throwback

Sorry that I haven't been around enough this week. But I hope you have a wonderful Friday and check back this weekend for some rockin' posts!

top tweets

So for those of you who aren't on twitter, I want to bring you some of my top tweets from this week! I am loving twitter more and more each day! And it keeps getting better as more of my friends start using it and speaking their minds. So if you're on twitter - follow me and if you're funny or cool then I'll follow back. Enjoy friends :)

My tweets:
1. Security acts like they are the FBI around here. You're working for a small Christian college. Not the government. Get a life.
2. Why are people so awkward?! Just give the girl a peck goodbye instead of eating her face. You'll live for 50 minutes until you see her again
3. Why do people sit in class for an hour holding their backpacks? Why dont you stay awhile and maybe take notes
4. Telling a bunch of college students to shush is not the way to 1. gain their respect and 2. model good classroom management #getmeouttahere
5. Awkward student central up in here #getmeouttahere

Check out my twitter feed and then click on my favorites to see some of my favorite tweets from this week! I want to get permission from these folks in the future to post their tweets on here so stay tuned for some awesome stuff because my friends are so funny :)

i believe...

I have seen a few posts around the blogosphere that have been entitled "what i believe..." and I felt like today would be a good day to write about this because it's rainy and I'm stuck inside.

I believe in making a wish at 11:11, when I blow my candles out, and on a shooting star. Because even though I'm not 5 anymore, saying my wishes to myself makes me remember what it is like to be a kid again. However, it also reminds me of what my dreams are in life.

I believe in retail therapy. Now don't go thinking that I'm all materialistic because I'm not. I like to buy things for others as well as myself. But sometimes retail therapy is the best way to get over my crisis and I believe wholeheartedly that sometimes a new pair of shoes, a necklace, a new scarf, or a gift for a friend is the only way to break out of my funk. Oh, and it benefits my wardrobe and no girl can complain about that.

I believe in education. I might think that America's education system is not the best way to educate our children, but I still think that education is essential. I believe that reading to your children is the best way to jump start their education. I believe that good teachers make the world go round. I believe in higher education because there is always more for you to learn. I believe that educating yourself in basically every general area is something that is priceless and you will never regret. And if you want to learn a little more about our education system and the areas that I believe need to be changed in order to help our children, watch Waiting for Superman. 

I believe that facebook is out and twitter is in. Get with the times friends.

I believe in keeping in classy. Girls need to stop thinking that more is better and calm it down. Our culture keeps telling girls that fewer morals and more skin is the way to a boy's heart. Well I want to let you know that I landed my man with plenty of morals and tons of skin covered. It is possible - promise! So keep it classy ladies because everyone around you will thank you and you will love yourself more for it.

I believe in running. Healthy body + healthy mind + healthy habits = healthy life.

I believe that passive aggressiveness is one of the worst traits a person can possess. I keep my distance from it because I believe in being direct and honest (and being nice about it too).

I believe that there is always a Karen in every group. - Dane Cook

I believe in friendship. I cannot imagine my life without my best friends. The ones who have stuck with me through thick and thin - they are family to me and I would do anything for them. I'm one of those people who will stand by my friends and be loyal to a tee. However, I'll be real and honest with my friends - always. Just ask them.

I believe in family and that home is where the heart is.

I believe that fresh air, salt water, and sand between my toes can fix any problem.

I believe that traveling is a priceless investment. I have traveled a lot and have some big plans coming up! Traveling is something that is extremely priceless because there is nothing more exciting than experiencing the culture, customs, food, language, and sights of a faraway land. I encourage everyone to get a passport and get outside of your country. There are 6 other continents and over 100 countries that you can visit - do it. Live life and make friends all around the world. You will never regret it!

I believe that Wawa is a little piece of Heaven.

And above all things, I believe in love. - Moulin Rouge

twelve months

Here is a break down of my next year (it's a whirlwind):

1 month doing my pre-student teaching in a local Christian school...
1 month teaching English overseas in Rwanda, Africa at a women's school...
2 months of summer with my best friends and family...
4 months attending my last semester of undergraduate classes...
2 months student teaching in a local public school...
2 months student teaching in Prague at an International school...
and then I will graduate college a year early in one year and four days from today!
BAM. May 11, 2013 - I see you :)

Let's get moving friends!

Easter weekend

I hope everyone enjoyed their Easter weekend :)
April is here and it came on super fast - kinda like the wind today.
I definitely had one amazing long weekend... 4 packed days of fun!
Sorry for the lack of pictures in this post. I'm trying this new thing
where instead of documenting events - I live the events to the fullest :)

I enjoyed my weekend by...
-spending lots of time with Nick and our families!!!
-catching up with my closest friends and their families :)
-running into old friends around town - screams and hugs to go around
-dying Easter eggs (silly dusty rose dye caused lots of problems)
-dinner in Philadelphia with one amazing and crazy Jacobs' family ;)
-fishing at the local streams with my brother and Nick
-getting our first pedicure of the season with my mom
-eating some new and improved water ice from the Perkasie Treat Corner
-Red Robin dinner with the family after Good Friday church
-sleeping in past 7am - huge bright spot of my weekend!
-staying out way to late with all my favorite people
-Easter church with Nick and Hannah's family bright and early at 8am
-and being reminded of all my blessings because of His sacrifice
-Easter flowers from my thoughtful man - keeper!!!
-3 wonderful and delicious dinners all over the county on Easter Sunday 
-a very intense Easter egg hunt that was not totally fair - no names needed
-watching the Phillies Home Opener (and knowing I'll be in the stadium this week!)


Overall, it was a very fun weekend filled with all my favorite people!
I'm missing everyone already and can't wait for summer when they come home again.
Now I'm off to watch my boys hit the field in Citizens Bank Park for opening day,
drive my brother to the airport and finish up the dreaded homework I ignored.

ten things on hump day

Wednesday = hump day!

And for all those that need clarification - it's the middle of the week

(it is all down hill from here).

My day was very - uhh - interesting. Wait til you read this list!

Here are 10 random things that made my day "what it was" - in no order:

1. Had a meeting to schedule my last semester of classes (reaction: when did I grow up?)

2. Filled out a graduation audit form (confession: this kinda freaked me out)

3. Realized I only have 8 more days until I see my best friend (totally freaking out)

4. Walked around target and bought - peanut butter, lip gloss and foundation (success)

5. Had dinner at Panera with a friend and ran into my awesome aunts (love love love)

6. Actually got to talk to Nick on the phone for a whole 5 minutes (say whhattt)

7. Finished a huge project for an educational assessment class (cheers)

8. Listened to Call Me Maybe and Domino on repeat (pre-teen/ghetto phase)

9. Start the final season of Sex and City (tears but excited)

And drum roll please....

10. Dissected and owl pellet in science class (confession: completely freaked me out)

When I dragged myself out of bed today, I totally didn't see #10 coming. I mean the rest were all pretty exciting no matter how sad or nervous I am for a few things. But don't worry, my group and I successfully dissected that owl pellet and put together one amazing "warrior king" skeleton! Elementary Education majors really can do it all friends :)

PS. Anyone else super excited to wake up at 4am on Saturday for opening day of fishing?! I am!!! I go to get my license tomorrow with my special trout sticker so I can hit the streams bright and early with Nick on Saturday. Anyone wanna join us?! I'm bringing the coffee and the donuts :)

so sorry

So when spring semester rolls around everyone is looking forward to one thing... spring break. But then spring break comes and goes - all everyone is left with is one new thing.... stress. You only have eight more weeks until the end of the semester and there is so  much more to do. Not only do you have all the course work to finish up for the end of the semester but you're planning the up coming summer/semester/year. It is never ending friends.

For me, I'm looking into the next three months and realizing spring break was my only break until July, so I'm planning my summer trips, jobs and classes, the next semester because it will be my last one of classes, where I will be doing my student teaching in the US and overseas, and the beginnings of my future plans after I graduate in 14 months! It is insane around here I tell you. I get enough sleep to get by on a daily basis. I do my best to eat three meals a day. I run as often as I can. But what really keeps my going is my quiet time with God each day. No matter how stressed I am, He always knows just what I need.

So the lack of posts isn't because I don't want to be here. I honestly don't remember the last time I logged on to check everything :( I am truly sorry but I will be back later this week... I hope. Have a wonderful week friends!

Kiss Me I'm Irish

Happy Saint Patrick's Day everyone :)

Did you know that Saint Patrick is known

for explaining the Trinity using the shamrock?!

And he is known for bringing Christianity

to Ireland. So he received saint status and a feast.

March 17 is dedicated to Saint Patrick and the good he did.

I hope that you all embrace this holiday

because we Irish people just love it!

I am Irish and proud of it.

I mean check out these freckles and light skin.

sunglasses

I have sensitive eyes. 

But it works out perfectly because I'm obsessed with sunglasses! I have over 20 pairs spread throughout my rooms and various cars. Below are some throwbacks of me sporting all different kinds of my favorite sunglasses. Obviously I love the big "Jackie O" sunglasses! I visited her grave in DC when I was little and people left a bunch of sunglasses at her grave site. I thought people had just dropped them all there, but then my mom and aunts explained that she was known for her big sunglasses. And that is how, I believe, I became obsessed with big sunglasses. Plus Jackie is one of the most fashionable women in history! Anyways, sunglasses would definitely be my accessory of choice. Now you know something else random about me :)

My inspiration: Miss Jackie O Kennedy

Indiana

My weekend with my brother and friends was so fun!

We acted like siblings and college students and it was amazing.

We went to all the best places to eat in the area including

Steak and Shake for milkshakes and Buffalo Wild Wings for wings!

We played racket ball and went running in the gorgeous weather.

We met some friends at Ball State for a fun night of bowling and shakes.

We stayed up way to late catching up and watching Top Shot.

I slept on a good friend's couch and caught up with old friends, 

who I've missed dearly, on lives and all the recent gossip.

Basically, Indiana was amazingly fun and I can't wait to go back to visit.

I miss my wingman already and can't wait for him to come home soon!

please ignore the horrible lighting and wind hair.

motorcycles, fast cars, and freedom

I feel like I need to let everyone into who I really am a little more. I've never been fake or anything on here but this is my blog and I think that since you're here reading all of this because of me - you should know me more. I've decided that each week I'll do one or maybe two posts dedicated to some random facts about me. I hope you enjoy learning more about me and maybe we can make a connection on something that we have in common! Up first - 

I'm obsessed with motorcycles.

Me and some friends riding around Haiti!

My dream - crotch rocket.

I love speed and adventure.

Hard to see but this is my bungee jumping in Zambia, Africa.

My dream - skydiving

I am addicted to country music.

The name of this post - inspired by Rascal Flatts.

My dream - Eric Church. Brantley Gilbert.

And this amazing duo is in concert near by
and I'm going to see them this weekend!!!

I noticed I tend to do crazy things in other countries.
Motorcycles in Haiti and bungee jumping in Zambia!
Oh and my addiction to country music started overseas too.
I love to travel - but that is for another day :)

some old hollywood style

I work in Admissions at my school and we do awesome projects!

So myself, a coworker and my two bosses came up with our latest one.

Yesterday we shot our video for a contest inspired by The Artist.

It was so great and incredibly fun to do :) I'll sneak you all a peak when it's done!

Anyways, my coworker and I dressed up like we were from the 1920s.

People stared. We laughed. It was all around an amazing time!

Oh and our coworkers took great pictures of us because we cute :)

It's midterm week hence my lame posts. Sorry :/

And friends - we reached over 10,000 views!!!!!!

I can't believe how much traffic this little blog

has gotten in the past month - pretty crazy.

We have a huge mile marker coming up this week too!

Stay tuned for all the excitement to come :)

one more week

The title of this post is what I keep saying to myself this weekend and will continue to say until Friday afternoon comes. In one more week I go on Spring Break! I have some pretty exciting plans for break but nothing that involves the Caribbean or tons of sun. Want a hint?!

Hint: Mulitiple car rides that result in seeing amazing people.

My goal this week: Make it through alive by running a lot because 21 credits is an insane amount of work for anyone. But then it is SPRINGBREAK2012!

Here is something that makes me happy no matter how many times I've seen it: