Sleep does help!

It was so wonderful to sleep in my own bed last night. I didn't even mind my alarm clock waking me up this morning. I got up early because I had a second interview with Lincolnton Middle School at 9:00. Let's just say the interview went well once the principal remembered why he had pursued me in the first place. He offered the job and I accepted the position. I have now joined a very strong family of 6th grade teachers at Lincolnton Middle. Most of me is excited to get back to 6th grade, especially now that I know what they need to know in 7th grade. I will miss teaching algebra though, but the principal did ask if I'd be willing to move up a grade level or two in the future. I'm not sure what my coaching career will look like in the future but I'm sure I'll find or be roped into something.

It was good to make several phone calls driving away from the school with good news for once. I haven't had too much happy news to share lately only a lot of what ifs. I ran several errands and got quite a bit accomplished before 11:00 this morning. I felt like I had been through two or three days in that time. The burden of employment for next year was lifted and a DEEP sigh of relief was released. I would've collapsed at home for the day after all my errands were completed but I had a doctors appointment. That frustrated me because they ran the wrong lab tests last week and so I basically paid money to have the doctor tell me that today and have more blood taken. I'll get my results by mail sometime next week...blah. The high point of the day would have to be pulling on a pair of jeans that I hadn't worn in awhile and finding money in the back pocket! Now I can go have that ice cream I so long for when I find someone to go with me. I was lazy the rest of the day. A friend prescribed one movie or two episodes of ER today. I probably could've done both if not for the nap this afternoon. I did get in one movie so I guess that counts. So now my summer break can officially begin because I have no worries about the job and am even going back to 6th grade, which is a strong point of mine. Let me know if you want to join me for ice cream!

Deep in thought

As most of you know, when I get tired I start to think way too much. I'm to that point today and don't really know what to do about it. There's not really that much to think about and most of it is so contrasting in nature that it's hard to keep it all straight in my head. So in the advice of some of my bestest friends in these moments let's make a list:

Bad List

• Death of an old friend's grandma, whom I knew and missed the funeral
• Stupid boys breaking girls hearts and no Ben and Jerry's to help ease the blow
• No call from Jacobs Fork
• Reading an article about teenagers dealing with divorce and worrying about that one kid, whom I'm not allowed to help any more, and wondering who she is talking to or if she's just holding it all inside
• Not being able to sleep in until like next week
• Doctors appointment tomorrow - I think everything is okay, but have had moments of feeling "off" lately
• No milk in the house and no desire to get in the car to get some

Good List

• Job interview at a school that really wants me tomorrow morning
• Good road trip to New York with my Dad - even it was like a stay at an old folks home
• Tickets to see Lion King with some of my favorite people (hopefully) and getting a great deal on decent seats
• I get to sleep in my own bed tonight
• I got a hug from my brother this morning AND almost got shut into a HUGE bank vault (even got to go behind the counter)
• Half-and-half cookies (too bad I've only got one left) and rye bread from the Jewish bakery in downtown Gloversville

So there's all that I'm trying to balance in my head. "Physician, heal thyself!" My diagnosis and prescription to myself - go to bed and be amazed at what a good night's sleep will do for you. Also if at all possible call someone who will tell you that you'll be okay and will confirm your diagnosis and prescribed "medicine."

I Love New York

I really do love New York but it sure has its challenges as well. The drive for one - it takes a long time to get from NC to NY. Dad and I were making good time before we hit some construction in Pennsylvania. We went 10 miles in about an hour. After lunch I was given the chance to drive. We were cruising along pretty good for about ten minutes then we hit traffic and went about 15 miles in the next hour. The scenery in New York is very pretty and so different from the NC mountains. It's hard to describe unless you've seen it yourself. We arrived at Nana's around 6:30 last evening. We were greeted by my Dad's aunt and uncle from New Jersey. The rest of the family was at Alex's award ceremony. I was eventually roped into preparation and decorating for today's graduation party. That's what my family does best...everyone shows up and puts their hands and two cents into everything going on. I had a few good moments with Alex (who is probably my favorite male cousin) and joking around with him. I was "forced" to go to the actual ceremony this morning because I was at Courtney's two years ago. It was over pretty quickly and it's actually pretty chilly here in Upstate NY today. The party was just wrapping up when Dad and I brought one car full of the "old folks" and the rest are on their way soon I'm sure.

I have to say one of the most common thoughts in my head on this trip is how old my grandparents are getting. It's sad to see how much they've slowed down, how much they can't HEAR (HUH?), and just hold old they are starting to look. I thank God that I've had almost 28 years to enjoy my grandparents and be blessed by the unfailing love and wisdom. I pray that I will have more opportunities to spend with them before they are one day gone. I thank God for all of my family and pray often for their salvation. I've got so many good "heathens" who would make great Christians (you know what I'm talking about). Well it'll take twelve years to get this posted so I'm going to keep it short...

Beat up

I'm writing from my brother's house with my loving nephew and niece not too far away. Jasmine is reading me a book. She is surprisingly doing very well with it, even though she's three. I think she's had it read to her enough times that she knows it pretty well. She just told me that I can't wear what I have on because it looks like pajamas. I'm wearing jogging pants and a t-shirt. Zeke is somewhere playing some form of video game I'm sure. We played quite a bit yesterday and I got beat up a little but it was fun. We enjoyed some family time around the Nintendo Wii. I got my butt kicked at Mario Party (one of my favorite games on any Nintendo system) by my 3 year old niece and 6 year old nephew (my brother helped as well). It's fun and I highly recommend it to any gaming person out there.

Well, I've got to go finish getting ready to go. Dad is almost ready to go and we've got the long end of our trip ahead of us. I'm still trying to figure out my job situation for next year but that should be determined by this time next week. Pray for me as I make that decision.

Home again...for the moment

You've got to love long trips (which wasn't as long as it probably should have been) with good company...plus a principal calling you FOUR times to talk to you about a job that he thinks you'd be perfect for...it's no wonder I fell asleep as soon as I laid down on my very much missed bed. If you read the blogs of my other two sisterchicks you can get some good summaries and details of our time together. It was a much needed trip for the three of us as we are all truly transitioning into the next phases of our lives. Each of us are finding and/or holding onto that HOPE that we've learned so much about throughout our "friendships."

I'm heading to my homeland for the next seven days. I'll get to see just about my entire Procita family. We are going to celebrate the "baby" on Dad's side of the family graduating from high school. Alex is heading to Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. He's making me proud and is going to major in some kind of crazy statistics. I knew there had to be another math genius in the family. At least I've got a few good stories to tell my family about jobs and adventures I've already had this summer as well. I believe I have repacked sufficiently and should enjoy my bed for a few hours tonight. I'll try to update according to the computers at my grandparents home...so I'll see you in a few days...feel free to comment...please!

Moments in Kentucky

Silly SisterChicks

Yes, I have pink toes!

There's no hiding places here!

Yeah! Another road trip with Holly!

Sweet puppy kisses from Wilson

Searching for KFC...

Today was a good day. Yesterday we got a tour of Melissa's new school and she has a HUGE new classroom. We found sustenance at Dairy Queen and then wandered down to Newport. We walked across a bridge called The Purple People Bridge. Then we spent some quality time in one of the largest Barnes and Noble I've ever been in. I got stuck looking at travel books for Australia. We compared what we've read in the kids section and made recommendation to each other based on our kids literature experiences. After dinner, we watched John Tucker Must Die - which I highly recommend to anyone who like Mean Girls, Ten Things I Hate About You or She's All That. It's a funny movie with a good volleyball scene that makes me crack up.

Today we visited the new Creation Museum here in Kentucky. It takes you on a "walk" through Creation and has lots of good Jesus themes throughout. I learned some things and was affirmed in my beliefs as well. At one point this morning though I was afraid we were all going to die in the Flood with Noah. It was a great little movie with some good special effects. There is a very clear presentation of the Gospel at the end of the museum as well. They had some cool animatronics throughout the museum. There was a nature area outside to walk around too. They had this really cool swinging bridge. It's amazing how quickly you can start acting like a twelve year old when something fun comes up. I think my favorite part would have to be the Planetarium. It was a twenty minute presentation about the Cosmos and how really insignificant we are when we look at the big scheme. At one point they were talking about a star that is a million billion (that's a one with twenty-one zeros after it) miles from the Earth. It was really cool! I am amazed by the beauty in God's creation, especially in the distant reaches of space.

God is starting to put a dream in my heart and I've had the chance to verbalize it some yesterday. It's in the "baby" phases of just trying to grow a little before I try to crawl, walk, run (as Jason would say). Pray for me as I start to pursue God and possibly a ministry opportunity in a BIG way. Sorry HT - no KFC as of yet, but maybe lunch tomorrow we can find the answer to your question! As always, feel free to comment. Tomorrow I should be back in Hickory so catch me if you can...

In Kentucky

So after many hours in the car, and several very entertaining phone conversations, we arrived in Crestview Hills, Kentucky late last night. We made good time, as was predicted. This seems to be a nice little town. My buds are out walking for exercise when Lord knows we'll be walking all over half the city when we're out later today. I decided to stay and spend some time with my new friend Wilson. We became friends pretty quickly and I was greeted with several wet, sloppy kisses pretty early this morning. For some reason, dogs and kids like me...if only I could get some men my own age to take to me a quickly as them.

I'd like to take a moment to welcome a few friends of mine to the blogging community. To quote one of my favorite people "what the h--- am I supposed to be doing with these things anyways?" They are just here for you to read and comment on. It is very good therapy to get everything in your head out somehow. Some of us crazy people want to put it out there for all the world to read if they so choose. So you can read whenever you want or just ignore forever - the choice is up to you.

Well I have no idea how long my pals will be walking this morning but I'm sure I'll have better stories later...so I'm going to grab a shower before all the hot water gets used up...

On the Road Again...

...I just can't wait to get on the road again! Anybody else out there know this song? I believe it is one that my loving father used to sing when it was time to hit the road again during family vacations. Happy Father Days to the best Daddy in the whole world! I have truly been blessed with a great Dad who has taught me about God and life in general. I know he prays for me daily which is better than I could ever hope for or imagine. Thanks Dad I love you!

So I'm here waiting for my one hour warning - the phone call that tells me my traveling buddy will be along in about an hour. I awoke early this morning and couldn't go back to sleep for the fact that I had a list of things that needed to get done before I left (and the fact that I was ever so slightly excited too). Surprisingly enough, they are all complete and I might even get part of my Sunday afternoon nap too! I was a good girl and went to Sunday School. I made a point of being early so I could say good-bye to the team going to Atlanta for a missions trip this week! I pray you guys have a great trip and I can't wait to hear all about it when you return next weekend.

My continuing thought of the past couple of days has revolved around dreams and desires. On Friday I interviewed for my "dream job." I will find out next week sometime if I got it or not. I continue to claim Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." I have continued to pour out the desires of my heart to Him and am waiting for what He is going to give me this summer and for next school year. Does that mean it's easy for me - some days, yes - but there are days that I might roll my eyes at you for telling me that verse. I am also trying to determine my roll in my current Sunday School class. I know that God wants me to be there, but I'm not exactly sure why. The lessons have made me think and I have been given opportunities to share with some ladies I wouldn't normally have contact with in church. As the teacher said this morning, God has assembled this group of Godly women together for something bigger than our little classroom. I can sense that in my heart too and am waiting to see what His desire is for this very diverse combination of women.

Well I'm going to head for my couch and a potentially good nap before my traveling buddy gets here...this will sadly be one of our last road trips together for a few years at least...won't think about that one just yet...next time I'll be in Kentucky to let you know what's going on!

Hope you're happy!

I have finally joined the ranks of my blogging friends. I will do my best to keep it updated as time provides. I just want to say that I created this under my own conviction and not under the persuasion of a certain friend of mine.

As my title indicates, I am in transition once more. The older I get, the more I realize that life is full of transitions. It's pretty much inevitable, so don't get too comfortable with the way things are right now. I guarantee that in a day, a week, a month or a year things will be different than they are right at this moment. The one thing that keeps me going through each transition is the fact that there is always HOPE. I believe and trust in a big God who always has my best interests in mind. He hasn't let me down yet - definitely taken me through some low points - but has never made me face any of it alone. I am not lost in transition, simply hopefully waiting for the next step.

Tomorrow begins my first travels of the summer. I am heading for Crestview Hills, Kentucky for a Sisterchicks/Yada-yada reunion. Let's just say poor Brent for having to deal with all three of us at once. Then I'm heading to New York to celebrate my "baby" cousin, Alex, graduating from high school. Good times with the family! Eventually in July, I'll be heading to Canda! I'll be a week in Calgary and a week in Vancouver to serve with some great youth from Mountain View Baptist Church. That's just my way of saying be patient with me if I don't post something EVERY day. That's all from me for now...until next time...