Goals and Life Update Numero Dos from the Worst Blogger in the World.

2012 Goals

1. Lose 40 pounds. (Fifteen pounds down)

2. Land a full time teaching job. (June 1, 2012... LHS!)

3. Help someone in a big way. (April 21, 2012... Prom!)

4. Document one think of thanks per week.

5. Read five books. (Four books down)

6. Complete the Alpha Delta Pi-athlon. (Completed April 1 2012 in 1hr 35min!)

7. Play and sing at church at least once. (Mother's Day, 2012 - "The Best Day")

8. Talk to grandparents at least twice a month.

9. Do three hands-on charity events.

10. Travel to Australia. (March 15-25... Speechless!)

11. Visit one theme park I've never been to. 

12. Do at least five public music things. (3 Down... Video, Father's Day, Abby's Bachelorette)

13. Take more pictures.

14. Bake cookies from scratch.

15. Make a legit bucket list.

16. Bonnaroo. (Hired at La Vergne... had to work CMA Fest that weekend as Coach Nance!)

17. Get ADPI Alumnae Association up, running, and on the road to success.

18. Take contacts out three times per week.

19. Get organized. 

20. Take every opportunity given... don't pass up a single one.

 

I think I cross goals off and add new ones daily; and that's okay. Since I wrote last, quite a few things have changed... for the very best. I spent all of May praying and applying for teaching jobs that never happened. It didn't take long for God to remind me that His timing is perfect timing, and that when He makes us wait it is so He can give us something perfect for us. That all made sense to me when I was hired at La Vergne High School, my Alma Mater, on my birthday. My dream job landed in my lap and, still, after two months of anticipating the job and three weeks down of actually teaching/coaching, I'm still wondering how I got so blessed.

I remember when I was doing my interim at Stewartsboro. I taught, I worked out, and I went home. Easy, enjoyable... I actually thought to myself that maybe I wanted to be an elementary PE teacher instead of secondary and maybe I really didn't want to coach. WRONG! At this point, I'm wondering how I got so lucky to be called " Coach" by such outstanding young people. Students and Athletes will never know just how much they mean to their teachers/coaches. They are the very best part of my day and I would give my last of everything to any one of them. God is so good for sending such special lives to be a part of mine. 

I'm learning so much about myself through my job, and I think in the end I will be pleased with the growth this new chapter has brought me. I'm so busy that the gym thinks I don't exist and I think my friends and family are wondering the same. Needless to say, ole rook over here is still learning how to balance it all but once I learn how to do that, I don't think I'd change a thing. They say that if you find a job that you love, you'll never work a day in your life. I think I'm living it. And grateful isn't anywhere near strong enough of a word to describe how I feel. 

Sometime between now and Christmas when I get a moment off, I'll write more. Until then, I hope every eye that reads this finds passion and happiness within themselves, their family, their job... or all of the above. I hope you set goals and make them realities. I hope you strive to find a positive in every situation, and teach those around you to do the same. And most of all, I hope you never forget to thank the One who gave you today.

Oh, and here's some picture proof of completed goals...

Goal 3.

Goal 12.

 

Goal 16. Not Bonnaroo but CMA Fest... in this super cute getup. 

Goal 13.

Goals (and a little life) Update.

In my past post, you saw this list. Now it looks like this... 

2012 Goals

1. Lose 40 pounds. (Ten pounds down)

2. Land a full time teaching job.

3. Help someone in a big way. (Will cross this off on April 21)

4. Document one think of thanks per week.

5. Read five books. (One book down)

6. Complete the Alpha Delta Pi-athlon. (Completed April 1 2012 in 1hr 35min)

7. Play and sing at church at least once. 

8. Talk to grandparents at least twice a month.

9. Do three hands-on charity events.

10. Travel to Australia. (March 15-25... Speechless)

11. Visit one theme park I've never been to. 

12. Do at least five public music things. (Just posted another video on Chelsea Nance Music)

13. Take more pictures.

14. Bake cookies from scratch.

15. Make a legit bucket list.

16. Bonnaroo. (Ticket purchased... SO happening!)

17. Get ADPI Alumnae Association up, running, and on the road to success.

18. Take contacts out three times per week.

19. Get organized. 

20. Take every opportunity given... don't pass up a single one.

I am well into my list and am pushing toward crossing more things off each and every day. I think I grow a little more grateful that I did this with each day that passes. I am doing so well with some items on this list and completely failing at others, but I think both are important for growth and learning about yourself. Hoping to be a little bit better me next time I update this list.

Here's a few pictures of completed goals...

 Goal 10.

Goal 6.

Goal 13.

Not resolutions... Goals.

This year I didn't want to make one huge resoluttion that I have had little success keeping in the past. Instead I wanted to make a list of goals to complete over the course of the year. Some of them are big things, some are things I've wanted to do for a long time, and some are just small things that I need to be better at or have always talked about doing. Regardless the impact of each of them individually, I want to enter 2013 having each of these crossed off my list. If my sorority taught me one thing it's that in order to work toward something, you must set goals to get there. I'm hoping this list becomes a tradition in my life... and I'm hoping each year as I add new goals, I become just a little bit of a better me.

 

2012 Goals

1. Lose 40 pounds.

2. Land a full time teaching job.

3. Help someone in a big way. 

4. Document one thing of thanks per week.

5. Read five books.

6. Complete the Alpha Delta Pi-athlon.

7. Play and sing at church at least once. 

8. Talk to grandparents at least twice a month.

9. Do three hands-on charity events.

10. Travel to Australia.

11. Visit one theme park I've never been to. 

12. Do at least five public music things.

13. Take more pictures.

14. Bake cookies from scratch.

15. Make a legit bucket list.

16. Bonnaroo.

17. Get ADPI Alumnae Association up, running, and on the road to success.

18. Take contacts out three times per week.

19. Get organized. 

20. Take every opportunity given... don't pass up a single one.

days seventeen through thirty. :)

I couldn't NOT finish this picture thing... the OCD in me wouldn't let me. So before I can commit to the blog I originally came here to post, here is the end to a 30 day challenge I finished months ago and never posted here. 

Day  Seventeen: A Picture of Someone That Has Made a Huge Impact on Your Life Recently

My students. This happens to be a picture of my board at Blackman but my students at SCMS and BHS, hands down, have impacted my life in the largest way. I never in a million years thought that the highlight of the end of my college career would be middle and high school students; but they are just that and then some. I truly pray that these special young adults know just how special they are to me and how blessed I feel to have been a part of their life for the short time that I was. They proved to me in a semester just how special being a teacher is. I am forever changed because of each face that started back at me in both classrooms.

 

 Day Eighteeen:  A Picture of Your Biggest Insecurity

Weight. Blah. My thoughts... being thin is EVERYTHING to me. I was there, and I'll get there again. I don't enjoy this struggle though!

 

 Day Nineteen:  A Picture of You When You Were Little

I was about four here, I think. And how appropriate that it is taken at my Grandma Jean's house which is EASILY my favorite place in the world because my favorite person in the world lives there. I remember this day that this picture was taken. We baked cookies for my first time and I was in my workout outfit ready to be the next Richard Simmons or something. Such special memories with my special one on this earth!

   

Day Twenty:  A Picture of Somewhere You'd Love to Travel

Jamaica. My parents got married on the beach in Jamaica and I am determined to honeymoon here someday. Not only is it beautiful but it is special to my heart because it is the beginning of my parent's lives together. Can't wait!!

 

Day Twenty-One: A Picture of Something You Wish You Could Forget

NOTHING. I am a person who believes that every experience we are given, good and bad, shapes us in to the person we are to become. Why would I want to forget something that made me, ME!? Every "bad" thing I have experienced I have found something good in and every "good" experience I have rejoiced in; and BOTH have shaped me in to the woman I am on this day. I am thankful for all of God's experiences He brings me. 

 

 Day Twenty-Two: A Picture of Something You Wish You Were Better At

Running. Talk about dropping weight! And getting to be outside! I love the way I feel after I run, I just wished I enjoyed and was better at the actual running part!

  

Day Twenty-Three: A Picture of Your Favorite Book

The Prophet. A dear friend of mine read me pieces from this book one night and I went to buy it the next day. What an inspiring thing to have in your home. I used to carry it in my purse just in case I ran into someone I felt needed it more than me. I use quotes from this often and recommend it to ALL!

  

Day Twenty-Four: A Picture of Something You Wish You Could Change

The World. I always say that I wish I could save the world or at least one person in it! There are just so many out there that are less fortunate than I. I am loved dearly and I know that I am special and important to someone and I want everyone to be able to say the same thing. I hope that my profession will help me do this!

  

Day Twenty-Five: A Picture of Your Day

I've spent all day with my very best friend... my mom. It was Mother's Day today so we went to church, had lunch with dad, went to the air show, and then relaxed at home. PERFECT day with an even more perfect lady! I LOVE YOU, MAMA!

 

Day Twenty-Six: A Picture of Something That Means A Lot to You

My kitties. Call me a crazy cat lady all you want but these little faces make my whole world brighter! I was blessed with them by them coming to ME. And I've never loved two furry children more! An animal brings life so much joy!

 

 

 

Day Twenty-Seven: A Picture of Yourself and a Family Member

We're three peas in a pod. The three amigos! More like the three stooges! I'd be NOTHING without these two people. And NO ONE means more to me than them. I'm not sure anyone ever will.

 

 

 

  

Day Twenty-Eight: A Picture of Something You're Afraid Of

DROWNING. How STUPID considering I teach children how to swim and can swim myself! But I'm petrified of not being able to breathe and drowning definitely would cause one to not be able to breathe. Also, because I almost drowned at the Wave Pool when I was a kid. SCARY!

 

 

 

 

 

 Day Twenty-Nine: A Picture That Can Always Make you Smile

I chose this because Laycee is a PERSON that can always make me smile. We fight like siblings and she has given me more bruises in the year I've been friends with her than anyone or anything (including softball) in my life. We can't go a second without calling each other some disturbing name or telling each other how stuuupid or UGLY the other is. But the truth is, God blessed me BIG with this girl. I am thankful for her goofy personality and huge heart every single day. Best friends like this are few and far between, and I'm thankful I was given a best friend like her!

 

 

 

 

Day Thirty: A Picture of Someone You Miss
I love this picture and how proud she was of me on this day. I wore the ring she bought for me when I was a baby during my college graduation because I knew she was with me that day. I'm thankful for the years I was blessed to call this woman my grandma on earth and will be even more blessed to call her that in heaven someday. I LOVE YOU, GRANDMA SALVAGGIO!

(I also wanted to put a picture of my Grandpa Nance but I didn't have one close! Lord knows I miss that man every day! What a perfect example of a Nance. He, along with every other Nance Man, makes me SO proud to carry my last name.)

days eleven through sixteen.

Day Eleven: A picture of something you hate.

Animal Abuse. There is NO, and I mean NO reason to harm an animal. If you're going to have an animal, have an animal. But being the parent of a pet doesn't mean putting them on a chain in the backyard, never letting them in the house to sleep when it's scorching hot or too cold for even us as humans to stand; it doesn't mean forgetting to feed them or not playing with them and loving them because you don't have time. Animals deserve the EXACT same respect, care, and love that you would give your own children. The words, "It's a dog...." are three of the most ignorant words I have ever heard put together. YES, it's a dog... it's an animal; a living, breathing creature of God and it should be treated as such.

Day Twelve: A picture of something you love.

Painting, and art in general. I think if I ever had a big house with too many rooms, I'd have a crafts room. Someday when I have time (maybe after I retire?!) I'll be able to really paint some things as I'd like to! And yes, I did paint this.

Day Thirteen: A picture of your favorite band or artist.

Christina Aguilera. Hands down, my favorite singer in the world. Behind the outrageous stunts, looks, and actions to keep people's attention (which were never necessary, her voice has always been enough)... she is one of the greatest vocal talents we all will know.

Day Fourteen: A picture of someone you couldn't imagine your life without.

Marissa French.... the Paris to my Nicole. She was the first person that came to my mind when I saw what was up for today. She is my daily inspiration, my encouragement, my motivator, and so much more. I couldn't imagine not having had her through high school for all the times she picked me up and stood by my side when we were being knucklehead kids; and I couldn't imagine not having her now to BBM every day about anything and everything that is on both of our minds. I can always count on her to share in my excitement, even when it's about something no one else would be excited about except me. You don't find many friends like that.

I thank God for you everyday, Missy! Thank you for being one of the very best friends God will ever, ever give me. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

Day Fifteen: A picture of something you'd like to do before you die.

Visit every amusement park in the United States. Yep. :)

Day Sixteen: A picture of someone who inspires you.

Jennifer Patterson... JP... Jennifer Lynn! This wonderful lady has been a part of my life since I was in 6th grade and I pray she is a part of my life until that day either of us go Home. She was my teacher, my coach, my mentor, my inspiration, and now my friend. She has believed in me and pushed me through so much; and I often find myself saying, "Now what would JP think of this?" Like a parent, the last thing I'd ever want to do is disappoint her. I'd literally jump in front of a moving vehicle or take a bullet for her if the time arose, and there are few I'd seriously say that about. I am blessed to know such a wonderful soul.

I love you, JP!

picture day ten, teaching day one.

Day Ten: A picture of the person you do the most messed up things with.

Ok, I know I already used this sista once but after seeing today's picture, it was beyond crucial that I her again. There isn't a thing Alaina and I haven't done or wouldn't do together or in front of each other. No examples needed. LOL

Day 9.

Day Nine: Picture of someone who has gotten you through the most.

Aside from my parents, this girl right here has been nothing short of my backbone. From teaching me how to do anything and everything to holding me while I sobbed about a (first and then ten after) breakup with a silly boy to being the calm to my crazy... I don't think I'd of made it through anything without her. She's shown up at my door after just sensing I was upset, given me the tough love I needed when I was letting someone walk all over me, and been the best advice giver in the world. She is one of the best friends God will ever give me, my room mate, my parent (when I need her to be), my encouragement, and all of the above. I LOVE YOU NAE!!!