Happy (early) Thanksgiving!

Image found here.

I'll be heading to my parents' house in Indiana, so I'll be off the grid for a few days.  Much to my chagrin, they moved from Indy to the middle of nowhere, and they don't even have Internet.  There's much to update, so I'll make sure I do so once I return to civilization.  Happy Thanksgiving.  Gobble, gobble!!!

You know you want it....a way too late Halloween post.

I'm going to make this quick, but I couldn't not share.  I'm sick as all get out (cough, sore throat, the whole shebang), I just took a four hour exam, and I have a ton of school work to do in the next three weeks before that fateful day comes when I finally get to say "au revoir" to grad school.  Thanks for sticking with me, by the way.  I'll be back to normal blogging shortly.

Anyways, for Halloween, a good friend had a banging karaoke party like she's had in the past, and Joel and I knew we couldn't resist.  She had a costume party, and I love making homemade costumes.  Want to know what we went as?  Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke.  Probably not how you expected, though...

Joel, as Miley

Me, as Robin

The Duo in action

Even the pugs got in on some costume action!

Happy Veteran's Day

Home of the free, because of the brave. Thank you to my husband, my father-in-law, all of the men and women in uniform that I've met along the way, and everyone that risks their life for our freedom. God Bless, and Happy Veterans Day to all those service members past, present and future.

My life, as of late.

Things are pretty busy around our household lately.  I have a love/hate relationship with that.  As much as I enjoy the things we've been doing, when you couple that with my busy school/work life right now (do I sound like a broken record yet?), that I haven't been able to have that relaxing read a book or take a bath time.  Six weeks and counting...

So here is what has been happening in our neck of the woods!

We got our new foster pup, Kosher.  He's a sweet old, blind boy, and is an easy addition to the crew so far.  Although I still hope he gets a permanent home, soon.  Any takers?

We also saw Jimmy Fallon at the Peabody Opera House here in STL.  He brought along some pretty funny comedians, but he had very little time on stage on his own.  That was pretty disappointing, because we definitely paid a price worthy of a little more of his time...

Last weekend, we also went hiking with some friends in Weldon Springs, MO.  Whenever I get bummed about not living near the mountains or ocean, things like a beautiful fall hike make me feel better.

We've also been enjoying the cooler weather that comes along with fall.  The fireplace has had a lot of use lately.  Even the dogs have been enjoying it.

Life's Lessons

So, I'm halfway done with my student teaching.  Half. way.  What?  How did time fly so fast?  I really enjoyed working with my high schoolers, and I had a amazing time visiting our area's transition house (which is the type of environment I would prefer to work in).  But, now?  I'm in an elementary school.  With second graders.  As in, with 8 year olds.  Holy different ball game.  This is definitely different than where I came from, and it takes some skills I haven't acquired yet.  Pray for me that I magically figure it out soon, and fast.  While these kiddos are cute, they are certainly a handful!

And while you're praying...please see an extra special prayer for me.  I applied for a dream position with a non-profit that I would just die to work for.  It's a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I have a molecule of a chance of getting it, but I just had to try.  It's not in the local area, and I'm not sure how the logistics would work yet (umm..hey, honey!  Love you!), but if it works out, then it will work out.  I just know it.

So, eight weeks, a massive paper, three observed teachings, and a massive state exam to go before I finish my MA in Special Education.  That long awaited degree that I may never use.  Why is that?  Well, I figured out towards the end of this whole process that there are very few special education teaching positions that I really aspire to get.  The whole SPED world is a lot different than I imagined.  While I learned so much and I will never, ever take for granted the knowledge that I gained, I also realized within myself that the passion I feel for these kids is strong.  So strong, that I won't just take any job that's out there. 

My desire in the community is to work with the kids that are called "severe, low incidence," which are kiddos with pretty severe cognitive or physical disabilities.  This community, at least where I am at, is pretty small.  I am so proud of my experiences and what I have accomplished, but I realized that what I really want to do is to develop ways that this group of special people can live as independently as possible.  Foundations out there like The Down Syndrome Association and Transition Centers, that's where the action I want to be is.  Bridging the gap between these guys and the local community is so important.  Not just to them and their families, but to all of us.

So, I'm not closed to the teaching profession.  Not one bit.  There's still a lot of good that needs done in the schools, and the kids need that.  But, I'm also branching out.  Looking at different non-profit perspectives and possibly going back to getting a Master's in Non-Profit Management.  Keeping my options open.  Because despite our current economic situation (hello government shutdown!), I like what I do for the military.  I wouldn't be miserable continuing my civil service.  But, I'm expanding my horizons.  I'm finding my happy.  Which, I guess until recently I didn't know I was allowed to.  So even though it's hard, and I've been stressed, and there were (are) easier routes, I will find my happy.  I have to.  And helping people who need that extra push.  Well, that's my happy.  So, I'm on my way.  Even if it's just volunteering.  I'm on my way. 

Indianapolis (Indy), in pictures

As I may have mentioned, last month I went home to visit Indianapolis, which is where I grew up.  The trip was way too short, but it sure was great being home.  The occasion?  The Miami Dolphins game.  You know the Colts' only lost that season?  Your welcome.

I know blogging has been scarcer than I have intended, so I figured I'd just share some highlights of my trip home.

Weekend Update

I am finally doing a weekend update on a Monday!  Never mind the fact that it isn't technically from this past weekend.  Let's just move on from that, shall we?

I have no idea what is going on with me, because I am rarely sick, but, man...I am down and out.  Feels like a serious cold with some sort of sinus infection going on.  I actually had to stay home from student teaching today which I hate doing, but I know I would have passed this on to my kids and cooperating teachers.  I have been out of it most of the day, but finally got a bit of energy to try and write this out.
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A few weeks ago, to kick off the beginning of the NFL season, Joel, me, and some of our friends got together and participated in the NFL Run Series here in St. Louis.  It was a 5K, but probably the coolest 5K I've done, as a football fan.  We finished the race on the 50 yard line of the Rams Stadium, and an announcer called out your name as you finished.  SO cool!  Here are some pics from the day.

The next day we went to the Rams game to cheer them on.  Thanks to the race, we were able to get $5 tickets to the game.  Not the best seats in the house, but hey, they were more than worth their $5.  We also went to my favorite breakfast spot in St. Louis, Rooster.  Do yourself a favor and eat there if you ever get the opportunity.  I can't say enough good things, so I'll let the pictures talk for themselves.

It was a blast hanging out with friends, and hey, the Rams won!  That's what I call a successful weekend.  And the Dolphins are 3-0!  My Indy weekend recap with the Phins game will appear before too long.

Dreams do come true!!

So, guys...remember a month or so ago when I posted this picture?  Where I actually got to meet (quickly) Tackle Jake Long (former and always in my heart Miami Dolphins)?

Well, it got better.  Jake now plays for the STL Rams, and the team did a pretty awesome thing for our troops.  They came on base and did a scrimmage with a few military folks, and then stuck around for pictures and autographs.  I wore my Dolphins jersey, and amidst the boos from the Rams fans, got his autograph and a pretty awesome photo with him.  Dream.  Come.  True.  I've never met any current or former fins players, so I felt extremely fortunate.  Thanks to the Rams and Jake for making many a dream come true that day.

The Thursday Weekend Update!

Gosh, I am so behind on updates.  And responding to comments.  But I promise I will, guys!  I love getting them, so keep them coming.

So, a few weeks ago, I had a total 80s moment.  Guess who I saw in concert?  Kenny Loggins!  Oh, and it was epic.  He sang Danger Zone, Footloose, and even Pooh Corner!  We had front row seats, and Kenny totally came out into the audience, grabbed my hand, and sang to me.  I know, right?  If I was just a few (umm...20) years older, I would have totally swooned.  It was pretty cool, but I think a few of the ladies were jealous when they came over and told me I'd better never wash my hand again.  Pretty cool evening!

We also went to the MO History Museum to see a traveling NFL Hall of Fame exhibit.  Even though Dan the Man (Marino, of course) wasn't there, it was still pretty neat.  They had a recall booth that we got to practice in, and there was lots of memorabilia that was pretty awesome to see.