In the spirit of Thanksgiving...

In the spirit of thanksgiving, I felt it only fitting to have an entry about thankfulness. so here goes...

My list of thanksgiving:

1) God's saving and unconditional grace. Throughout my life there have been a number of instances where I just sit and look at my life and think, I would not have made it here without unconditional grace and love. I just sit in awe when I think that regardless of anything, God still chooses me. It's a pretty unbelievable thing.

2) My parents who have also showed me unconditional love. They've always been there for me, have always encouraged me, and have always fought for my best. I am who I am today because of them.

3) My Brad who is amazing. If you know him at all, you know what I mean :) Few people in my life have ever encouraged me like he does. Not to quote Jack Nicholson, but Brad really does make me a better person. I love who I am when I'm with him.

4) A job I love and am proud of. It may have taken me 3 years to get here, but for the first time since i've been in the "Real World" not a day goes by when I don't want to come to work. Yes, some days I'd rather be shoe shopping, but some days, I really would choose teaching over shoe shopping. Yeah, really. And thats a pretty big statement if you've ever seen my closet. or my feet. Besides, this job is how I go shoe shopping.

5) My best friends. When I was in college my circle of friends was much bigger. My Fish Camp/Big Event/Pine Cove/Waterwood circle allowed me to have so many friends which was a blast in college, but now that I'm a big girl, the set (yes, a math term) of all my friends is much smaller, and it seems that the good ones have stayed and have been such a blessing in my life. When I need something, I have a few genuine friends that I know I can count on. I love those friends!

6) The Snead Family - This is Brad's family. It has been such a blessing and an adventure being a part of another family. I say adventure, because growing up as an only child with just my parents was a pretty quiet experience. Going to the Snead household is a lot of things, but I wouldn't say quiet has been one of them. Loving, yes, caring, yes, quiet...ehh, not so much. But, I've learned that siblings are a pretty cool thing :) I've really enjoyed getting to know them and for people that have only known me about 2 years, they have really taken an interest in my life and I am so grateful for their friendship.

*Obviously, I am thankful for more things too, but since this post is 2 weeks late, i figure I better just get it out there in cyberspace. Thanks and gig em'.*

The half-marathon-umentary (2 weeks late)

When I was in junior high, my dad ran the marathon. I was scared. If you know me at all this is no surprise, but it seemed like a really big, scary thing for a young kid.

When I was in high school, I thought it was cool. I even ran a few 5 and 10 K's with some of my high school friends.

Then when I got to college, I decided I wanted to do my own half marathon or even real marathon at some point. But there was never enough time to train. You try to fit a 10 mile run in your busy schedule. Being a college student was very busy. I barely had enough time to work out much less train for a marathon.

But it was always on my list of things I wanted to do. Graduate college. check. Go to Spain. check. Get a job. check. Have an amazing boyfriend. check. Get a job I love. check. Graduate with my masters. check check. Run a half marathon....

CHECK!

So after my masters graduation, I had a lot of free time and my good friend Sandy convinced me that I could train for it in 2 months, so I did it. I ran and cardioed (yes, cardioed) like crazy, but it paid off in the end. I did it and in pretty good time too. It was a big accomplishment for me and I was proud. I was proud that I could run 13 miles, but even more proud that I had been wanting to do it for a while, and finally just went out and did it. My parents and Brad came out to watch and they were awesome cheerleaders. I love them and am so grateful that they got excited with me and celebrated with me.

Here they are just hanging out waiting for me to pass. Great marathon attire! Would you call that your marathon jogging suit?

and more waiting...

Look at me go!!! Like a bolt of lighting!


It's the last lap and I'm loosing steam...good thing Brad came in for encouragement!
There I am crossing the finish line! Yay, I made it! I even got a cute medal to show for it!

Hey Brad, you think the medal is orange for halloween??

All in all, it was a great experience and I had a great time! I especially loved the celebratory brunch at LePeep afterwards with my parents, Brad and my bff, lauren! :)

What I love about my job.....

What I love about my job is that I'm 5 feet 2 inches, barely 100 lbs. and I can walk in the high school hallway, yell for the kids to get to class and they do. It's actually an unbelieveable thing.

¡Feliz día de disfraces!

My boyfriend is a rock star...

(disclaimer: the following list is in no way comprehensive, in a specific order, or a specific attack of another counsel.)

Top 10 reasons Brad is a rock star lawyer:

10. Since dating Brad, I read everything before I sign it.
9. Since dating Brad, I try to use less passive voice and more active voice.
8. He's a rock star editor and handy for master's papers.
7. He looks for a legal loop hole in every possible situation.
6. On vacation, when we were on a bike tour, he crossed out the items on the waiver that he didn't agree with, then signed the form.
5. He looks great in a suit.
4. He writes 100 page briefs like they're nothing.
3. He makes 45 year old attorneys nervous. (true story).
2. In the courtroom he has been called "big bad brad."
1. in the courtroom he can be found kickin' butt and takin' names.

Basically, my boyfriend is a rock star.

Thanks and gig em'.

That's a cool feeling.

If you're from Houston and about my age, you might remember the days when Sam Malone did the morning show....Before they decided he was too old and moved him to Mix 96.5. Anyway, he had this segment called "that's a cool feeling" where he would talk about funny things that happen and say thats a cool feeling. Example: When you are half asleep barely getting on the computer for the first time of the day and you forgot you had your volume turned all the way up. You are clicking around all nice and peaceful and all of the sudden you get blasted by some music. That's a cool feeling.

Ok, I have one to share with you. Last year sometime I bought some cheapish jeans to wear to work. I hate wearing my nice ones, because you never know what may happen (ex: the great marker war of fall 2006). Therefore, I try not to wear anything I can't replace or live without. (mainly my paige jeans). So, i bought these jeans and because i liked them so much, brad bought me another pair. Well, last year one of my students came up to me and said, "ms. oropeza, I have those jeans too." oh dear. me and the high schooler have the same jeans....

That's a cool feeling.

And today...it happened again. one of spanish I students has my jeans! crazy. yet again....

That's a cool feeling.

Maybe I should rethink where I shop....

A teacher moment

I had a teacher moment recently. If you're a teacher, you know the moment...it's one of those moments where you feel warm fuzzies and you think...that's why I became a teacher...I knew it wasn't to be cussed at, yelled at, or disrespected. Well, one of my students from last year came over after school and just came to talk. She sat in my classroom while I graded and she even helped me with a few things. She then tells me how stressed she's been...you know the high school drama...and tells me that she loves coming in my classroom becase I'm always happy and positive. She said I was like a sun..always shining! uhh, helloo..I was like, are you talking about me? She said her teachers this year weren't like that and she loved coming back here because I made her happy! sweetest thing ever! It's so encouaring to hear statements like that. I think too many times we think people realize that they are doing a good job, but how would they know if no one tells them? My little Cassie made my day..except that she's really not that little. She's a junior in high school and engaged :) there's a ring...but thats a whole different story......

Open house is for lovers.

I just got home from open house. It's one of the joys of being a teacher: you get to go to open house. Seriously though, I like it. I like meeting parents. Even though its totally intimidating. I'm always scared they are going to ask me my age or how long i've been teaching or something like that. But the parents are always really respectful and never ask my age. It's the other teachers I have to worry about. I can't tell you how many times a week, sometimes a day, a teacher at the high school I work at will ask me, "Are you a teacher?" Why, it just happened today, and she even asked me my age too. I laughed it off nonchalantly, like "oh, you are so funny."but inside i was thinking "you don't look that much older than me and did you see the badge? See the badge!" Anyway, that was a long aside....back to the point...open house. So, it's such a strange thing. I teach 5 classes with an average of 22 or so students. so figure I teach about 110 students. I only saw 7 parents. 7! my biggest class....1st period...no one came! the only person there was me! It really was a sad moment. I've heard stories of that happening, where no one shows up, but this was my first time and it was actually very sad. Where have all the parents gone? Its time like these that I appreciate my parents and what they did for me. My parents were always at open house, parent conferences, games, etc. I'm sure I took it for granted...I was a brat at times, but as I look back I'm so grateful they cared. There are too many parents that just don't care. And I understand that some parents are just trying to make ends meet, but it's so sad to me that most of these parents couldn't make time to meet the teachers and the people who clearly spend more time with their children than they do. In the end, what really matters is the relationship they have with their kids. I question if that relationship is really there.

with all that said: I had/have amazing parents! and to all you parents...love your kids and go to open house!

thanks and gigem.

The Ike-umentary (Part 1)

This is the true story of four people...picked to live in a house during Hurricane Ike. Find out what happens when people stop being polite and start being real......

Well, as most of you know...Ike came and it came big. The following is the true story of Mario, Sandy, Brad, and Lauren and how they survived and thrived in the midst of Ike. Please follow along as I take you through a pictorial documentation of our Ike adventures.

Friday 12:00 pm - School and work is canceled all over the Houston area. Brad and I hurricane proof our apartments before heading over to my parents. (Brad wanted me to mention it was only me doing the hurricane proofing.) In preparation of Ike, Brad doesn't shave...apparently you don't shave during hurricanes. In preparation of Ike, I Chi my hair. Who knows, this could be the last hair straightening for a long time! At least I know my priorities. Brad says I look like I'm going to a picnic, not like I'm evacuating for a massive storm. Friday 5:00 pm: Everyone is at my parents house, including my grandma and her dog. Everyone is hurricane proofing their houses.The Oropeza household before the storm: Brad awaiting Ike: Friday evening/night: Everyone awaits the storm. We watch the news until we have hit the news threshold. Thank you, Meteorologist Tim Heller.

Then, my parents and I watch "Say yes to the dress." Any regular TLC watcher can appreciate a good relaxing viewing of 3 girls trying to find the wedding dress of their dreams. Brad, on the other hand, did not feel the same as we did. He left the room. What didn't you like about it, Brad? Was it that we weren't watching ESPN or that it was about a wedding? ;)

Friday sunset: We take some incredible pre-hurricane photos.


Brad saying, "Bring it on, Ike."

Lauren saying: "Good thing I wore my cute skirt"



Here it is! The storm is coming... The wind has come and so has the first fallen branch!


There are a few things I've learned about hurricanes: 1) you don't shave 2) you watch the news 3) you eat, you eat, you eat.

The last supper (with electricity): My dad made the BEST hamburgers ever!
Friday night: We wait some more for Ike to come....

Saturday 5 am: After only a few hours of sleep, it has come. Brad and I watch the trees sway, like we've never seen them before. I mean it was like they were dancing in the sky and some were bending at 90 degree angles. As we watch the hurricane come in, we see a tree hitting the electrical line and spark. The tree is about to be on fire. The following is a picture of me calling the light company and telling them the situation.

Then my mom and I see that an area in our backyard is flooding. But no worries, super mom to the rescue. She takes care of the flooding.

Saturday morning 7 am..the sun comes up and we evaluate the damage:

Our neighborhood got hit pretty hard, but fortunately, not much permanent damage...just a lot of debris.

During the time of Ike, I read Robertson McQuilken's book about how his life was changed by his wife's diagnosis of Alzheimer's. I came across a good quote that seemed to relate to what was happening in Houston. He said, "But I've concluded that those who don't build friendships in the spring and summer of life must find winter a lonely place." If anything, I know that Ike has brought people together. Families spent time with families and neighbors spent time with neighbors. I mean, there really isn't much else to do without electricity, gas, and water :) A perfect example was my parents street. I loved that everyone went out to clean and help each other clean. As Brittany Kay would say, "it's a blessing in disguise."

Look how manly Brad looks!
Even our neighbors kids were helping. They were so cute with their little rakes! The son was given a penny for every pine cone he picked up. Maybe that's why he helped. :)
That's my mom in the poncho! She's super mom! (Not to be confused with the 12th man man, brad)

So that is the Ikeumentary through Saturday. It was intense and scary at times. And... there was some restlessness and impatience among some of us. ;) But overall, we survived the storm.

Day 3 of the Ikumentary to be continued...

Happy Friday Afternoon.

I used to be so glad when Friday afternoon came. Finally, 2 days of freedom from my baby gangsters. But it's different now. Don't get me wrong, I'd sure rather be hanging out with my friends and family than working, but I don't feel such a need to run for the Springs door. I am two weeks into my third year teaching and I have never been more calm and stress free as a teacher. My kids are the absolute greatest. Of course there's a few thorns in my haystack, but they're really not that thorny. I haven't had anything thrown at me, i havent been cussed at, and I haven't had any attitude. What is wrong with my kids?? I don't know what's in the water, but I like it. I'm afraid if I say it, i will jinx it, but I don't believe in superstituion anyways, so I'm just going to say it....The Lord has really blessed me with great kids this year. I'm excited to work for a stronger administration than even last year and it has really made a difference in our school, or at least in my classroom. Sure, I've learned tons, and I control my class better than last year which and it IS night and day from my first year. With all that said, my year is off to a great start and my kids are great! Harry Wong would be so proud!

Oh and as if my week couldn't get any better, a miracle happened last night. I went to starbucks to get Brad a coffee for his late night work night and I didn't even look at the menu, thinking to myself, "self, you know what the whole menu says, just order." So I order grande vanilla latte and decaf (because i sure wasn't pulling an all nighter) cinnomon dulce latte. I order that because 1) it's pretty good and 2) it's the only think I like from starbucks that brad can't make. anyway, after I paid, I looked up and there it was, written in big words...PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE. It was a coffee miracle! It's back for a limited time only! (do I sound like an infomercial?) It's my fave, it's back and it was beautiful!

ok, now that i've wasted a sufficient time, it's time to leave. Good thing cy fair is paying me to blog. :)

have a very merry CFS! (college football saturday)

So long sweet summer...

In the words of Dashboard Confessionals, "so long sweet summer." Summer is officially over and school is back in session.

Although, I loved our professional development week (probably much more than most teachers), it is time to get my back to my job: teaching. I really enjoyed last week, working with teachers and doing my new responsibility. I am now the spanish I and II team leader at my school, which is a lot more work than I thought, and probably not worth the stipend, but I really like it. I get to organize curriculum and boss people around...2 things I love. Not boss...delegate...that's what they taught us at our leadership conference. :) Just kidding. Really though, I love being able to help teachers be better teachers and I really enjoy that part of my new responsibility. It makes me certain that eventually I want to work with teachers, outside of the classroom.

And now back to my students. Class has started and I'm anxious to see what my third year of teaching has in store for me. Third year...I know....it's crazy!

happy 32nd anniversary to my parents!

It's about 7:15 and I'm still in my classroom. I just checked my email and couldn't go on without sharing this with people. I have to leave ASAP because every minute I stay here, I realize a poster is off centered, or I think of something else creative I can do with my class.

My parents do not know that I am sharing this, but it is too sweet and special to keep it to myself. Today is my parents 32nd anniversary. I know! I can't even fathom that amount of time. Brad sent a a happy anniversary email to my parents this morning and in reponse my dad said, "Thirty-two years flies by rather quickly when you spend it with the right person." I almost cried when I read that. Isn't that the sweetest thing you have ever heard? And then my mom said, "That’s because we are MFEO."And if you don't know MFEO,it is made for each other. and if you didn't know that you are sadly deprived of one of the best girl movies of all time. Anyway, I just wanted to share that, because I hope that after being married for 32 years(to whoever that may be ;)), I would be incredibly blessed to be half as happy as they are. It hasn't been an easy road..and if you've heard my parents testimony, you know that, but how amazing is it to see where the Lord has taken them and what joy he has given them in their marriage.

In summary (there goes the teacher in me), I have amazing parents who are so in love. happy anniversary to them! and yay for them getting married, because now yall all have me :). (humility is one of my strenths).

ok, I am leaving my classroom now.

thanks and gigem.

Graduation: The Sequel

So I did it....I graduated...again! Besides having the ugliest robe ever, I really did have a great time! More than anything though, I was reminded of how much my family, my friends, and my Brad love me. People drove all the way to college station to sit through my graduation...again...and did it to celebrate with me. I am so blessed by that.

More to come on Graduation: The Sequel, but first I must sleep...summer is over and tomorrow I have a meeting at school! and second, I have to find my camera...anyone know where it is? (and by anyone, I mean brad)

More pictures and stories on the way....

Feels like home

Do ever feel like a place feels like home, even though it isn’t? It feels comfortable and normal...like you just belong. That is exactly how i feel about College Station. Now, if you're not an Aggie, you just won't understand this, so you may as well stop reading.

The first time I graduated from A&M, Laureng and I cried all the way home from Northgate the night we graduated. Not because we would miss northgate (although we did :)) but because we would miss college, our friends, and A&M. In a few days, I am graduating...AGAIN! I know...it's crazy! I've decided to call it Graduation: The Sequel....it sounds more exciting that way. But today as I walked around campus for the last time as a student, I felt sad again. Now, I know what you're saying to yourself "self, why is Lauren sad, she didn't even live in college station." You're right, I didn't..I did most of my masters classes online and only went to campus sometimes, but you know what... there is something special about being an A&M student. If you're an Aggie, you know what i'm talking about.

Yesterday Brad told me that you're always an Aggie...so I guess he's right (which he tends to be most of the time). I'm for real a former student now. crazy!

With that said.....more to come on Graduation: The Sequel...

Welcome to my life.

Growing up, I was always a fan of Doogie Howser. I thought it was so cool how he would write in his little black screened computer every night. So like the Doog, I am also writing on my computer...except now everyone can see it. Or at least everyone who wants to...Brittany, Lindsee, Claire...this is for yall. :)

So hopefully I will keep up with this thing...seems like it could be fun. Hope you enjoy and welcome to my life.