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!!!

Cue Ms. Nance.

I feel like I have much to update on, but I think it's really I just have a lot to say about the few things I've done since I last updated.


(thank you, snow!!!)

Those three words right there sum up four days of my first week of student teaching. We got about five inches of snow on Sunday, January 9th and it hung out with us long enough to use up some of those 13 snow days RCS blocks in our schedule for us. Even though I was beyond ecstatic about my first day, I wasn't complaining about a few days off! :)

I finally ended up going on Friday, January 14th. We were one hour late so it threw the beginning of the day off a little but nothing too major. My cooperating teacher and I sat down and mapped everything out so I feel more ready than ever for this placement. I know what chapters I'm teaching, how quickly I should be moving through each one, the 'layout' of how things are typically done, and my first day to teach.... TUESDAY! Yes, as in this Tuesday AKA my second official day. Am I scared? DUH. But I am SO excited. I have every teachers edition, power point, workbook, etc. at home with me this weekend to start planning. How nerdy, right? LOL I love it.



(first day!!!)

So often I think God just stands by my side all day every day. I have been given such amazing opportunities for teaching and I owe it all to Him. I've said it before but I'll say it again and probably 100 more times until I leave this school but, I am so blessed with my first placement. I'm thankful for God providing a wonderful example to learn from. I am sure not everyone is as fortunate as I am. Student teaching is a PETRIFYING thought but God has set me up with enough support and encouragement that I know it is going to be one of my very, very best experiences of my life. HE IS SO GOOD!


(happy birthday WAINA!)

I've had a pretty wonderful weekend to follow that wonderful first day. Last night we celebrated Alaina's 22nd birthday. We did the usual birthday thing: hotel at Indigo and Red Rooster to finish off the night. The only part missing was a few wonderful friends and our favorite part about birthdays, our driver, Larry. We were so devastated to find out he had been fired from the hotel for reasons so untrue. We are hoping Larry gets another hotel driving job so we can stay in touch with him. We even called him on his cell phone to tell him to get a van and we'd pay him, regardless of if he was with Indigo or not. Needless to say, Larry was our main reason for returning to Indigo as often as we did and unfortunately, they may have lost some great customers when they let an amazing person go. Other than our main man being absent, we celebrated as expected and ended the night with food that was far from our diet and not enough sleep before my solo at church in the morning. Luckily, you can sleep when you die so I made it to church ready to rock and roll.

Today was wonderful and relaxing aside from receiving a ticket for having expired tags. I haven't had the money to get the new ones yet and I explained my circumstances to the officer. Instead of him understanding and respecting the fact that I chose to tell the truth instead of pretend like I didn't know they were expired, he decided to give me a $105 ticket. I guess he forgot that if I didn't have enough money to get new tags I surely wouldn't have enough to pay for the citation he wrote me. Such a lovely gentlemen doing good for his community. I was not a happy camper. Luckily, I have the very best parents in the world who I came home to, stressed and sobbing, and they managed to make it all better as they always do. I guess that's just God showing me He always takes care of me... even if it's through my parents.

Back to lesson planning, resume writing, and facebooking. :)

Four through Eight... SLACKER!

I'll just go ahead and dedicate a post totally to this 30 day challenge. Again, I've missed days so here's four through eight all at once! :)

Day Four: A habit you wish you didn't have.

Procrastination. Yes, I work best under pressure and I have the most yearn to do things when it is almost cutting it too close, but I wish that ability would go away!! I'm working each day to get out of that habit, and get things done early!

Day Five: Your Favorite Memory.

Summer 2006, my flames summer. I have never ever experienced a summer of travel ball quite like this one. It was the perfect ending to my softball career and with some of the most special women I have and will ever know. These girls taught me what it was like to play ball not for myself but for the person standing next to me. They taught me what it was like to truly give every ounce of myself every second of every game. And they brought out the talent God gave me. I am forever grateful for this summer, these women, this experience... this blessing. my flames, MY HEART, my family.

Day Six: A picture of someone you want to trade places with for a day.

For those of you who know my REAL name is Chelsea Carter... you knew this was who I would choose. My man, Weezy. Amen.

Day Seven: A picture of your most treasured item.

I'm not sure if this constitutes as an 'item' or not but for me it does. This tattoo says and means so much to me. It is planned out entirely to meet every sentimental need possible.

First and foremost, it is for my girls who now sit alongside my God every single day. Losing them was an experience that changed me and changed my life for the better. Through this experience, I became a better Christian, a better friend, and a better daughter.

I had it done on the four year anniversary of their death, a day I will never ever forget.

The artist was one who I knew had to do it for more reason than one. He was a Christian artist who didn't have a free moment in his schedule that day but when I told him the reason for getting it on that particular day and my reason for wanting HIM to be the one who did it, he made room. I am forever thankful for his extra effort and understanding. What an amazing soul he is and what an awesome God I have for making it possible for our paths to cross on this most special day.

It is a reminder of a group of women 12 strong women who held each other tight through a time we never thought would get easier; a group of women who will be my friends forever. Each young lady in that group of 12 reminds me of our two angels that we lost far earlier than we were ready to let go.

It was placed on my right wrist because "he sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty," and because I do all things with my right hand so I am constantly able to see it and am constantly reminded of the life I should always aim to live. It is also placed on my wrist so others can freely see it and I can not only share my God's word but also a story of two young women who were the perfect example of God, in my eyes.

Through this I get to hold tight to the memory of two best friends who made me a better me and hold tight to a verse that means so much to me for many reasons.

And finally, the verse. It was imprinted on a bracelet for Hope and Lori and sold to our school. It was a verse that their parents held dear to them as it was dear to their daughters. It reads, "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity." This is exactly who my friends were, what I aim to be, and what I believe each child can be.

i love you FOREVER hope and lori. 052505.

Day Eight... A picture that makes you laugh.

I laughed out loud when I came across this one. Step Show 2009, THREE PEAT!!! I thought it would be a great idea to add some more scare to my look with red food coloring. I was being SO careful to just dab a little on and have it run down my forehead. Unfortunately, that DAB triggered a bigger force than I intended and river of red food coloring went all over my face. It went all over the bathroom and ALL over me which entirely made everything look like I had brutally murdered someone. I went to walk out of the bathroom after it happened to get some help and I ran into Jordan who said, "Chelsea! Baby! You are bleeding!!!" HAHA One of my very best times with my wonderful ADPI!

I love you, SNOW!!!

I warned you that I was the worst blogger. Already I have to double up days on my 30 day challenge. Ohhhh, boy.

I love student teaching already considering I'm going on my second snow day in a row! TOUGH LIFE, I know. :) There's a good chance they will call off tomorrow too. We just have to pray the roads freeze tonight. Everyone do your snow dance!!! Someday, once the snow goes away, I'll actually have some good teaching blogging to do!

Instead of practicing being a teacher, I've been snowed in with my parents. I've been SO lazy these last few days! All I've done is play these silly FarmVille and CityVille games on Facebook... HOW RIDICULOUS (and embarrassing). Oh, well... I guess it's nice to relax sometimes! And there's no better time than when you have to be cooped up in the house. I've thoroughly enjoyed every bit of my laziness! Every bit except not stopping my "gaming" long enough to update with my 30 day stuff, so here they are... days two and three!

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Day Two: Picture of someone who you have been close with for a while.

Alaina Henley... to day I have been close with her for a while is a complete understatement. Try, we're been close all but four years of our lives; and those four years we weren't close it was because we didn't know each other. So thankful for this girl right here. Best Friends, Kindergarten through FOREVER... and I don't see that changing anytime soon!

Day Three: Picture of the Cast of your Favorite Show

Degrassi.... Maybe I shouldn't be 21 and obsessed with this show but I am. And I have every intention of showing episodes to my students as this show incorporates EVERY kind of Health ever; and every kind of situation a young adult could ever imagine facing. It's amazing!

--

Until next time, chi'rens. :)

"I touch the future. I teach." -- Christa McAuliffe

I'm a terrible blogger, I know; but I'm going to try and keep up with it religiously.

As some of you know, I started student teaching this semester... this week, actually. :) And I want to be sure to capture everything that happens while I'm doing it. You know, I chose teaching not to teach, but instead to be that one light in a child's life that believes in them. If you had to name five people right now that inspired you the most or made the biggest impact in your life, the majority of those five would be past teachers. That is why I chose to do this for the rest of my life. I know that during these next four months in a classroom, I'm going to experience this, FOR REAL, for the first time. I will remember some of these students forever; after all, they are my first unofficial group of students. So I'm using this blog to track it because I don't want to miss a thing, and I don't want to forget a thing either.

Wednesday was wonderful. I have a perfect placement with a wonderful cooperating teacher, amazing surrounding teachers, and pretty awesome kids, all at a five star school. It couldn't be more perfect and I couldn't feel more blessed. I'll be teaching four health classes and two physical education. For those of you who know me, yes, I am petrified of P.E. but I know in the end I'll be just fine. I was relieved to find that I love middle school, when I didn't think I would at all. Seeing those kids reminded me of my days in middle school, which were some of my most favorite times with some of my most cherished teachers. We didn't do much Wednesday, just introduction activities as it was my student's first day in their new elective classes. As they walked in the room, they either looked at me like I was an alien or the coolest thing they'd ever seen. I loved watching their faces! In each class we went over the syllabus and they got to anonymously ask one question about Health that they wondered about (and boy was that interesting!!). Surprisingly, to have been as nervous as I have been all last semester and on that first day, it was so hard to sit back and observe. I was itching to get up there and teach. I can not WAIT to get started! :)

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I started doing this 30 day challenge on Facebook this morning and I think I'm going to do it on here, too. I mean, why not? There are directions for it but those aren't necessary for you all to see. Basically, I post a picture and an explanation every day. You'll see.

Day One: 15 Facts about you.
1. I am full of faith and believe that my God deserves all the credit for this most perfect life I have lived thus far.

2. My parents and I are like the three musketeers, and they are without a doubt, two of my very best friends in this world. Oh, and one day... we WILL have a reality show.

3. I chose to be a teacher not to teach, but to be that one light in every child's life that believes in them. (oh, and because I LOVE, and I mean LOVE school supplies!)

4. I don't want to get married or have children until I'm AT LEAST 30... but I absolutely can't wait to be a wife and a mother someday!

5. I absolutely love Nashville, TN and I have no desire of ever leaving here.

6. I'm mesmerized by the creation that surrounds me and the sunsets that are painted each night, and I wish I had the skills to capture every single breathtaking one.

7. I rescued two angel kitties a year ago and every day I am amazed at how much I can love those two little knuckleheads.

8. I was a nanny for two(ish) years to two young ladies that I thank God for daily. Being with them gave me a glimpse of how much a mother loves her children. There isn't a thing in the world that I wouldn't do for them and nothing that wouldn't do to protect them.

9. Alaina Henley has been my best friend since Kindergarten... and I think that's pretty fact worthy considering we are two opposites that should NEVER have been friends but somehow fit just right.

10. I played softball my whole life and had the pleasure of playing on many teams and being close with many talented young ladies. But in 2006 God gave me the best summer I have yet to have with some of the best women I have met thus far in my life. The Lady Flames weren't just my team, they were my family... and they still are. The skills I learned there, coaches that guided me, and women that picked me up made me the ball player I am and the coach I will someday be.

11. I'd chop off body parts to meet Christina Aguilera. I sing (and hope to share that gift with the world someday) and am absolutely in AWE of the talent she bestows.

12. I'm HUGE on family and to say I'm proud of where I came from would be an understatement. I love learning and seeing characteristics of my parents, grandparents, etc. within myself. And, honestly, if I could keep my last name for the rest of my life, I would... and I might! Yes, my family is THAT awesome.

13. Alpha Delta Pi is one of my most cherished blessings. People roll their eyes at sororities all the time... go ahead. But this organization and these women have made me the best me I can be at this point in my life. I'm a better teacher, friend, leader, and overall person because of those three letters and the women I share them with.

14. I have two tattoos, both of which have extreme meaning to me. And if you ask me about them, I'll tell you reasons for what they are, why I put them in the particular spot they're in, and why they're meaningful to me. Yes, I analyzed that much before I got them.

15. I wish I was left handed.

the last text

this will change, no, SAVE your life.

don't wait. it might be too late.

touching lives? yep, they're touching mine!

My mom is a teacher, so I've heard and seen this quote forever in some form or fashion; but it wasn't until yesterday that I felt it. Generally, this means that to be a teacher, you are touching your students lives but yesterday, it was the student's who touched mine.

I graduate in less than six months and you better believe that petrifies me. Even scarier, in less than two months I'll be running a classroom during my student teaching. Luckily, yesterday put my mind at ease when I got to teach 9th graders for my first time ever.

I've been working towards my degree in Health Education for almost four years now. I knew I loved the material, I knew I loved the idea of teaching people, and I knew I loved the idea that I would get to play such a big part in young people's lives. Half the reason I want to teach is because I believe our youth are our future. They are who will carry on our world, and quite frankly, I believe they need people like me. By that I mean, not every child is as fortunate as I was. I was so lucky to grow up in a "Beaver Cleaver" household. My parents never missed a thing, they are the perfect example of love, and they put my needs before they even thought of theirs. I know not every child has that. Not every child has someone to pay attention enough to them to realize something is wrong much less take the time to ask them how they are doing or if they need to talk. I want to be that person for my students. The one who believes in them, and teaches them how to believe in themselves. The one safe place they can come to, even if it's only for an hour a day. You get the jist. So, back to my original thought... I knew I loved everything about the profession I was stepping into except if I loved actually teaching those kids I was getting a degree to teach. Yesterday, though... yesterday was it.

I have to do a field placement for my YOED class, the class that you take immediately before you student teach. I was dreading it... not the teaching part, just the idea in general. To say I was petrified would be an understatement. What would they ask me? Would they absolutely hate my guts? Was I even going to be good at this? What if I hated teaching that age? Everything went through my mind. But then, when the time actually came to teach, I was fine. I couldn't wait to get up there. Sure, I was a little nervous but it felt so natural... and these kids were so awesome. Let me break it down for you...

It was supposed to be a free day, kind of. They were given the option to work on this book assignment they had. I had watched the previous class and they were freely roaming the room, talking to each other, having a very laid back time... way different than any day that a lesson was being taught. So the class period I was supposed to teach knew this, and also knew they had a guest teacher coming in. I kind of assumed them to be dreading my teaching because it was taking away from their free day. The plan was for me to teach the first hour until they went to lunch then, when they came back (because it was a block day, which made it a way longer than an hour class) they were to take the little test they had and then work on their books. Well, I did my thing for an hour but didn't quite get to everything and they knew it, and then it was time to go so I thanked them and was ready to be on my way when a few students said, "Wait, you are going to come back after lunch aren't you?" I said, "Well, you all have to take a test and have some other things to do." They proceeded to say, "You can come back after our test and teach until next period!" At this point, all I could do was look at their teacher for guidance. She asked them, "Well, do you want her to come back?" and, in unison, they all said, "YEAH!" You know, it's one thing for the teacher to think/tell you that you did a good job, but to have a group of 14-15 year old kids want you to continue teaching them when they could be talking... wow. I'll never forget that moment. It was like God said, "Oh, you're doubtful... let's fix that." It was the highlight of my semester, and the thought of getting to do this for the rest of my life makes me so thankful for yet another blessing.

Talk about touching a life forever. I think that proves my quote exactly.

Until next time, peace and love always.

Chelsea :)