I'm a first grade teacher!

It's official, y'all! As of this morning, I am a first grade teacher! This was such a suspenseful 3 weeks since the interview and a lot practicing patience has happened. I believe I've said a little prayer every time I've thought about it, so every minute of every day? I had little hints here and there that I had the position, but nothing's official until it is...and it is!!

I'm beyond excited. I can't wait to meet the littles and settle into a classroom. I have so many ideas going through my head of what I want my classroom to look like. Y'all know I love a good "theme" in any room. I go tomorrow to see what classroom I will start my teaching career in!! *squeal*

I was telling a friend that during the entire interview I felt so at peace and heard. I knew that was where I was supposed to be. I'm so grateful! I'm bursting, y'all!

Read about this presh letter board here!

More exciting news...I go to turn in an application for my first apartment tomorrow! WHAT?! This week has turned into one giant blessing. Lots of milestones, emotions, planning. Again, I'm bursting, y'all! I toured this apartment last weekend and I think it's so perfect. It's less than 10 minutes from the school I will be teaching at (shoutout mom for the timing experiment) and only 30 minutes from my parents. Yes, that was a criteria. Most importantly, I've already mentally started decorated in my mind. *happy dance*

The apartment complex is in such a cute little nook of Leland, tucked away from the busy highway and tiny enough to feel homey, but large enough to feel a tad bigger than a shoebox. So many changes are coming within the next two months and I can't wait to see them unfold!

In the meantime, if you have any unwanted children's books, send them my way! I'm in the process of building a classroom library and any addition would be helpful and much appreciated. Stay tuned for classroom and apartment news!

Next stop: Florida

Hey hey readers!!

Sorry I've been M.I.A. this week. It's been very lackluster and I didn't even feel inspired to do a 'Word Wednesday' yesterday. I think it's this weather! It's currently 59 degrees...in June...in North Carolina...on the coast. I can't deal! *dramatic*

I do have some exciting summer plans to share! Sammy and I are flying to Florida in July!! I'm so excited. Sam's husband, Chase, is in Florida this summer for a really cool internship at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter. His birthday is on July 4th, so we get to celebrate him and the holiday in Florida! So much fun is to be had. This will be my second time traveling by plane! [First plane trip here]

We're going to be there almost 5 full days, so if you have any suggestions on cool things to do, we're open to hearing them!! Sam and her family go to Florida every year for Christmas, so that have an awesome must-do list. We plan on being on the beach and eating a lot of food!

Just a little life update and to know I'm still here! I think in the next couple of weeks I'll be able to spill the beans on another HUGE life event, but for now this will have to hold you over. I know, you're on the edge of your seat.

Anyway, we would love any things-to-do ideas if you have them! Chase has a full list of ideas that we are excited to tackle too!! Of course you can expect a full run down of what we did when we get back! I love a good travel blog post.

Word Wednesday: Volume 3

Hey y'all!!

I am one of the biggest advocates for staying in your own bubble, familiarity, and habitat. I don't really do things that challenge my comfort level...because who wants to be uncomfortable? Over the weekend, I stepped out of my comfort zone majorly and acted my age instead of the usual age of 80+ I like to act.

Surprisingly, I had the most fun I've had in such a long time. I met new people, made new friends and stayed out later than I should have, but it was worth it. I know what you're thinking, DUH GIRL. I know, I know. I've heard it all before.

To be honest, I thought I was going to have a horrible time, feel super uncomfortable, and go home early, JUST because it was something I never experienced. I'm learning to step out of my comfort zone and not jump into bed at 9:00 on a Friday night. If you're in a similar spot, I encourage you to do the same. It might be a total flop or you might instantly know what you're doing next weekend again. Either way, you know for next time and you grow a little in the process.

Tips for stepping out of your bubble:

• Get you a friend (Sammy, the real MVP) who will make a code word with you for when y'all are ready to get the heck out of there. Let's be real, we've all done this. We didn't use it because we were having fun, but it's saved for next time.
• Don't make up your mind about how you feel as soon as you walk in the door, let it sink in. You'll end up staying for hours and not even realize you said, "I wanted to be in bed by midnight" until you get home well after midnight.
• Let yourself have fun, friend. You deserve it.

Big shoutout to the one who drug Sam and I out of our comfort mansions-of-zones. Thanks for sticking with us and being so encouraging!

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Word Wednesday: Volume 2

Word Wednesday: Volume 1

DO YA THING, B

Hey y'all!!

I jumped on the Trend Train real hard. I have been OBSESSED with everyone's Instagram pictures of the letter board-inspirational quote combo lately. I was bitten by the letter board bug this weekend and I had. to. have. one.

Does anyone else follow Whoa, wait. Walmart? on Insta? If you don't, you need to! I am an avid Walmart shopper, literally one of my favorite places. No shame. These ladies search Walmart for the best finds and they reposted a photo about a week ago of Walmart carrying...LETTER BOARDS! I wanted to hop in the car so fast and drive as quickly as possible to Walmart and snag one...which I did.

I took to Pinterest to find the perfect first quote to tack on the board. One of my most pinned quotes is of course about Beyoncé. I landed on one of my more sassier choices: Do ya thing, B. *hair flip*

I love this little board. It comes with over 100 letters and best of all, it was only $10! It is felt with grooves the letters cling between and it looked good pretty much anywhere I sat it. It was adorable on the kitchen counter, but I couldn't get a good picture due to the lack of light.

I'm saving it for my future apartment, but couldn't resist testing it out and attempting to style it. We have very little natural light in our house, so I had to get creative. My room is the brightest because of the gigantic window, so I jacked the curtains up and attempted to reflect as much light as possible.

I did catch myself laughing at the aftermath of this "styled" photo. I had a real-life-blogger moment and had to snap a semi-embarrassing picture of my room.

My usual white comforter is in the wash because Messi, my pup, decided to throw up on it yesterday. It's temporarily replaced with a bright and flowery patchwork bedspread by grandma made me when I was in middle school. Messi is staring out of the wide open window with the blinds pulled as tight as possible to let as much light in the room and the curtains are out of sight and pushed as far as they can go to the left. Oh yeah, I can't forget the glamorous dog kennel in the corner stacked with everything that was on the table that is now styled for this particular post. I was trying to drink my hot coffee as fast as I could because I decided to snap these pics when I should have been getting dressed for work.

In all seriousness, these hectic mornings are my favorite. I was still dressed and out the door when I was supposed to be and I actually had time for a second cup of coffee. I guess this quote really was inspirational.

I hope everyone takes the time to think about the meaning behind Memorial Day today. I'm guilty of thinking about a three day weekend instead of why we have a three day weekend. Thank you to everyone who has served, is serving, and will serve in the United States' armed forces. Today we focus on the ones who fought and gave their lives for this country. Make it a safe and memorable day.

Word Wednesday: Volume 2

If there's anything in life that I am not, it's patient (among other things including Beyoncé, a skilled chef, or an actual mermaid). Patience has always been something I've struggled to have with myself. I would have to say that I've struggled the most with it in the last 5 months.

I graduated from UNC Charlotte in December of last year with a degree in elementary education, in the middle of the public school year. I moved back home and began my job search with no luck. Until about a week ago, the job website has been scarce since I'm focusing the search between my county and the neighboring county. To say the least, the past few months have been trying and discouraging. Patience has been key and it. has. been. hard.

I've learned a lot about myself during this time including:

• It's okay to not have a "big girl" job as soon as you graduate
• It's okay that I didn't pass my licensure exams before I graduated (those things are passed now PRAISE)
• It's okay to live with your mama and daddy during this time
• It's okay to want bigger things for yourself
• It's okay to be anxious, nervous, and unsure at times
• It's okay to pray about the silly, little things (thinking in retrospect) along with the big stuff
• It's okay, girl

Looking back to where I was when I graduated and how hopeful I was stepping into this world, I need to get back to that girl. This time in limbo has helped me realize that not everything is going to be instant and certain and that's okay. It has been a blessing in disguise because I had time to focus on my licensure exams, really think about where I want to live, and where I want to focus my job search. I've had time to think about the fun stuff too, like how I want to decorate my first apartment or even the apartment picking process itself.

The hardest thing I have dealt with since graduation is having patience in knowing things are exactly where they should be. I know my job search is coming to an end soon. I've had the opportunity to grow as an adult and I know I'm going to have to make some tough decisions soon. This is the time to be frustrated with myself and that's okay.

A year from now I'll look back on this and realize that the frustration and patience and happy dances and job applications and arguments and tears and laughter and whispered prayers were all stepping stones. Girl, it's okay. YOU DID IT!

Cupshe One Piece

Hey y'all!

I hope everyone is having an easy and relaxing Sunday. This weekend has been a blast. I was able to spend a good chunk of Saturday on the beach with Sammy and it was much needed. I posted a photo on Instagram yesterday and many of y'all asked where my swimsuit's from. Well, I have answers!
   

When I decided I wanted this to be a one-piece summer, I knew I wanted some funky suits. My goal was not to look like I was wearing my high school swim team onesie, let's be honest. I found this suit on the site Cupshe. This site was almost too good to be true and there's a lot of mixed reviews around the internet about it. However, I've ordered 3 suits from them and I've gotten them all in about a months shipping time. I knew shipping would take a bit, so I ordered this suit at the end of February. It was about $24. I got it around the end of March, which was perfect because it was no where near beach weather yet. I immediately loved it! I didn't think to snap a picture of the back, but it's strappy and super cute! Not too cheeky, either. Shout out to Sammy for her picture taking skills. Y'all, portrait mode is. the. best.

This suit sold out and is no longer available, but I love their suit selection currently on the site! I've linked similar suits here, here, and here. I would totally suggest using Cupshe, just be aware that shipping takes about a month. Your suits will come from various places around the world. One of mine came from China and the other two came from New Jersey and California. I've never tried the quicker shipping options, so I can't vouch for those!

P.S. Sam and I were able to have a mini Fineapple shoot yesterday and a couple of new pieces hit the site today!

Word Wednesday: Volume 1

Helllllllllo readers!

So, I've been doing a lot of self reflecting lately, especially since graduation. I've been thinking about what I want to do, my attitude, my future, my plans...really where my energy goes. What do I really need to be worrying about?  I've received some constructive criticism recently that hurt my feelings, not going to lie. I've probably thought about it too much and y'all know how your head can take things out of proportion.

I haven't been able to shake it and I find that silly. I'm not one to usually care what anybody thinks. In short, it was about my negative attitude recently. When I first thought about it, I thought it was a little crazy. I don't feel like I am that person, but don't get me wrong, ya girl knows how to throw a good complaint. Then I started thinking about how much I've actually been complainy or negative lately, and it was a lot y'all. I was embarrassed thinking about it.

After I came to this slap-in-the-face realization, I decided I needed to redirect some energy and put the old "turn over a new leaf" cliché to good use. That's where I'm at right now, because I don't want to be seen as a negative person, that's a version of me I don't like. So here I am on this Wednesday, doing some major attitude checking. Check yo self before your wreck yo self, amiright? Trying to be a better person and all that. It's so easy to complain about something rather than say nothing at all. Needless to say, I was right to have my feelings hurt because it made me think. Think hard. I need to do more of keeping my mouth shut and my thoughts to myself. I can't say I'll contain the facial expressions, those things have a mind of their own. However, I am working on what flies out of my mouth.