Why I do not want to see more Gilmore Girls episodes.

Warning: Spoiler alert. Do not read if you haven't finished watching the new Gilmore Girls.

All I can say is Oy, with the poodles already.

Last night I finished the Gilmore Girls Revival. And like many of you, I was shocked by the final 4 words. Seriously, Amy, this is what I have been waiting 9 years to find out? I loved the 4 episodes. I cried all through the 4th episode. I felt so much closure with everyone until the final 4 words.  I mean, she's 32, she should know how to avoid this stuff. Maybe it would have made more sense at 22. And also, sleeping with an engaged guy? Seriously..That is so Rory season 4. But this is how Amy Sherman-Palladino wanted it. She wanted to come full circle. She wanted the generational cycle to continue and for the Gilmore Girls legacy to live on. I get that. I don't like it, but I understand. Few people love Gilmore Girls more than I do. I own every season. I've seen it more times than I can count. I know Gilmore facts and have loved all the reboot hype. But please do not make more. It won't be the same. Are we going to follow Rory as a single mom with no job and no home... That's already been done. And Loreli has been the single mom success story. I don't want to see the same story line again. I didn't like the last 4 words and therefore don't want to see more. I think more will just ruin it for me. Gilmore Girls is my happy place. And all good things must come to an end.

So I love Gilmore girls, I enjoyed the reboot, I didn't like the last 4 words, but I get it, Amy, I get it. But for me, the book is closed. We've come full circle. The end. 

The Day After the Election

I’m disappointed that today is still a day and age when a woman can’t get voted for president. Issues aside, I’m sad that the country is still not ready for a woman president. But thank you to Hillary for trying. Thank you for trying multiple times to break the glass ceiling. We like to pretend that it isn’t there, but it is. And even though it didn’t work and even though people weren’t ready, thank you for paving the way because next time maybe the world will be ready. But it’ll never happen if no one tries. And Hillary tried, even when it was stacked against her. I wanted to wake up this morning in a world where anyone can marry anyone and where a woman could be president. I wanted to go to work today proud that we are making strives for women. But it didn’t turn out how I thought it would. And as a woman, I feel defeated (on many levels), but I am grateful that Hillary tried. I’m grateful that she is chiseling through the barrier and maybe next time a woman runs for president, the nation will be ready. I will always remember the first time I voted for a woman president. I will be telling this story for years to come. It has been overshadowed by a hostile political environment, but I do believe it is still the start of something great. 

It's all relative.

Note: The following post was written July 8, 2014

I remember one day when I was in 3rd grade. It was grandparents day and my mom, Grandma Bebe, and I were in class. They were invited to our class for the day. After the festivities were over, I realized I had forgotten to do my homework. I repeat...I had forgotten to do my homework. If you know me at all, you know that is not me at all. I was basically in tears because I forgot to do one measly 3rd grade assignment. How little and inconsequential that one assignment was in the grand scheme of life.

In 7th grade, I made one B. One B the whole year. Do I even need to tell you how sad I was?

Flash forward to my senior year in college - it was finals in the fall semester. I had 4 finals that required a lot of work- I was still finishing my reading for Shakespeare the night before the final. Don't even get me started on Non-Euclidean Geometry.... .I felt like I'd never make it to Christmas break. There were some long nights at the library. Christmas break seemed so far and somehow it came. And I passed and everything worked out.

I am the type of student (and teacher) that always gets anxious before the first day of school. I am the type of student that still has school-gone-bad dreams. I have (I repeat: currently have) a reoccurring dream that I am in college and forget to attend math class all semester. And it's the end of the semester and I'm failing...

So here I am 3 days before my dissertation is "due" for committee distribution and I feel yet again that I will never make it to the other side of  this wall....that these 3 days will never end. That I'll never graduate. And yet all that stands between me and the end are a few days...albeit long days, but a few days just the same.

So it's all relative, right? What I thought was the end of the world in 4th grade sure did feel like it to me. And it wasn't. What I thought was the end of the world in fall 05, sure felt like it to me.  But it wasn't. I finished. I passed. And right now, in this place, my head knows that this too shall pass... and like most things in life...it will all be ok.

And once it's over...you'll all have to call me Dr.

Thanks and gigem.

My life lesson from Van Gogh

One of my favorite art moments was when Van Gogh's Starry Night came to Houston. A friend and I drove from College Station to see it. Why, you ask?  Because it is the Starry Night. Everybody knows this painting. Everyone can pick it out. It's practically Van Gogh's claim to fame. We all talk how great the painting is, how beautiful it is, and how talented Van Gogh was.

Last week I was in France and Van Gogh is everywhere in France.  I especially enjoyed following his footsteps in Arles and St. Remy. In these two small towns in Provence, France, I was able to walk where he walked, see what he saw. I also learned more about his life than I had before and what struck me most, was how alone he was. Now sure he's one of the most well-known artists of all time. When you think of artists, he'd be in your top 5, for sure. But at the time that he lived, people thought he was weird and strange. The people of Arles signed a petition requesting him to leave the city. Now, yes, he did some strange things and clearly posed some aggressive behavior and he did cut off his ear and hand it to a bartender. Yes, those are all strange, but after it's all said and done, he was ridiculously talented, but still so shunned. And so alone. I felt so sorry for him. He had so much to give, but it didn't matter. People didn't care. They wanted him gone.

Now, truth be told. I don't know the whole story and you may know more about VanGoh than I do and I would love to keep learning. So let's meet for a drink and share Van Goh stories. But my take-away from this part of the trip was that he was alone and people shunned him. And really, regardless of what anyone does or says, I still hate to think that they have no one and that they will still be alone.

I hope that I can see past people's perceived weirdness. I hope that I can see past poor choices and mistakes. I hope that no matter what, I still choose to love people - all kinds of people. And I know it's not easy and I am not blameless when it comes to unconditional love. But sometimes people just need community - other people to show them that they have value and that they are loved. We all just need people to go through this journey with.

Van Gogh made ordinary things beautiful. Ordinary buildings became extraordinary buildings. Normal colors became vivid blues and yellows. A typical night became one of the most famous paintings of all time. But what's difficult to understand is that a man who saw beauty in so many things, could not see the beauty in himself.

It makes me sad, but also serves as a reminder that there are people out there that need to be reminded that they are beautiful. They need my love and I hope I don't keep it from them - for any reason at all.

A replica of Cafe at Night 

in front of the original cafe painted by Van Gogh

My favorite coffee shops in Houston

I am no food critique nor a coffee expert. But I live near some really great coffee shops and I like good coffee. Isn't that enough to have an opinion? And also, people ask me what my favorite places are, so here they are. If you don't agree, that's ok. But these are mine.

1. Blacksmith - Blacksmith is run by the same people as Anvil. If you've been to Anvil, read no further. That is all you need to know. Just like Anvil, they do everything well. I expected nothing less from the Anvil people. (Which is how I feel about Pastry war, too, so my next blog might be on my favorite margaritas). Back to Blacksmith - Possibly the best coffee in the city, in my opinion. It's adorable inside, good coffee, wi-fi, and amazing biscuits. What more do you want? The drawbacks are they keep the temperature cold  and there are no couches. This works for me, because I usually need to work, but if I want to read a book and relax, I usually don't go here. And one of the biggest perks - they make their own almond milk and it's amazing. Try the flat white. Add vanilla. You will not go wrong.

2. Southside Espresso - This is my newest fave. It's everything you think a hipster coffee shop should look like. They have wi-fi, good coffee, beer, wine, and all the milk substitutes. Oh and they have Topo Chico. Did I mention it's hipster? A lady walked in last week and ordered "A coconut milk latte and a vegan muffin." I love Houston. If you're not vegan, don't worry they have all the other pastries, too. Although, I haven't actually tried the pastries, so I can't speak from experience, but I'm sure they're good. Oh and there is always room to sit, which is a huge plus. It's a little hidden gem behind Uchi on Westheimer and it's good.

3. Catalina's coffee - Before I discovered #1 and #2, this was my Houston fave. And it's still darn good coffee. This is where I go to read. They don't have wi-fi, so I usually can't work here. But they have a great couch where I make myself comfortable and read.  Also, they don't have almond milk. I try to not drink real milk, so this is a draw back for me. They have soy milk, though. But if you want to splurge on the real deal, it's good. I promise.

4. Revival Market - This is a neighborhood favorite. On so many levels. They have good coffee and also a good latte. They have almond and soy milk. They are a meat-centric market, so apparently they do meat well. I don't actually know from experience, but I don't doubt it's good. After you get your coffee, shop for local produce. We once got breakfast in exchange for blood oranges from our tree. They are not kidding about being local. Love this place. It's a great little place and is so much more than a coffee shop. If you've never been, you must stop by and check it out. This is the heights. And I love it.

You only get 4, because for me, there is a drop off from these four to all the other coffee shops. That's just how much I like them. If you like good coffee, you'll like them, too. You will.

I have been to pretty much most coffee places in the heights/montrose area. If I didn't mention it, it's probably because I don't consider it to be on the same level as these. But let me know what your fave is and if I haven't been there, I will be sure to try it out.

My 30th Birthday

I set out to write an amazing, heartfelt, post of all the wise things I learned in my 20's. It was going to be witty and wise, and have a catchy theme, like "30 things I learned before 30." And it never came. And I thought and I thought and it still never came. And yesterday, while in the shower - which mind you is where all my great thoughts develop - I realized that I couldn't write it became I was thinking about it all wrong. I realized that my 30th Birthday doesn't mark the end of anything. I can't spend all week grieving my lost 20's or thinking of all the things I haven't done by now. That is silly. Hitting 30 is just another day. And besides, I have a good life and so many things to be proud of and grateful for. So, today on my 30th, I'm not going to look at it is at the end of something, but rather look at it as just another day for me to be the very best Lauren that I can.  

Bringing back the Holiday Spirit with a Bag of Ice.

Christmas is stressful. It's become about expensive gifts and bigger and better Christmas lights. I'm not big on Christmas decorations. I don't put up a tree, I put up minimal decorations, and Brad and I don't give each other gifts. This is my way of avoiding Christmas stress. This is my way of trying to preserve the Holiday spirit. What good is a bunch of decorations if it causes stress? What good is shopping for the perfect gift, if the gift isn't even appreciated? Where has the Holiday spirit gone?

I try not to push my minimalist Holiday view on others, but inevitably I'm reminded every year that the holiday season has become less about loving people, family time, and baby Jesus, and more about gifts, decorations and elves on the shelves.

But this year I saw a glimpse of the Holiday Spirit and it made my heart smile. We threw our annual Lights in the Heights party. This is the reason I put up any decorations at all. And every year the corner store runs out of ice really early in the day. What can you expect when 40,000 Houstonians are visiting the Heights? Brad walked to the corner store, just after a guy had bought the rest of the ice. So Brad walked back to house without ice. These things happen, right? As Brad was walking back to the house, the guy that bought all of the ice drove by and gave Brad some ice. Small, insignificant, gesture? Possibly. But on the biggest Heights event night of the year, it meant something. In the midst of hosting and party planning, this guy remembered to spread the holiday spirit. He remembered Christmastime is about giving. So here's to you, random Heights guy - Thank you for spreading Holiday cheer and reminding me that the Holiday spirit is still alive and well. You just have to be open to it.

One second can change everything.

Yes, this is a blog post about the Auburn/Alabama. Yes, it might seem ridiculous to you, especially if you don't like college football. But I've been thinking about this game all weekend. Did you see it? Did you see what happened in the last second?

All I keep thinking about is that one second can change everything. Alabama fought to regain that last second. A little bitty measly second that in the grand scheme of the game, didn't really mean much. But in that second, everything changed. Going into that last second, I (and probably everyone else) was thinking - "Of course he won't make it, but what do they have to loose?" Apparently, they had everything to loose. The game, the SEC championship game, and the national title game. All of that (possibly) gone, because of one second.

All football aside, it's amazing how such small inconsequential events in our lives can change everything. Life is so unpredictable and you never know what is going to happen. It is so important to make every second count because you never know what will come from it.

Goodbye to Row 18

Last Saturday felt like the end of an era. It was (most likely) Johnny's last game. And it was the end of Kyle Field as we know it. Texas A&M will begin a multi stage reconstruction of Kyle Field and they have started with our side of Kyle Field. I know it's just a football stadium and I know that many people do not understand the love of college football. But for me, Kyle Field is special. Texas A&M is special. And although this is the beginning of something exciting, it's also the end of an era.

For two seasons we lucked into amazing seats. 35 yard line, Row 18 Seats 17 and 18. We sat with the same people for two seasons and it was two very exciting seasons at that. I sure will miss those seats, but with change, come memories of good times. I have so many memories at Kyle Field.

I remember attending my first Aggie Football game with Amanda and Jaclyn. I have no idea who we played, but for the first time, I understood firsthand what Aggie Football was all about. And I was never the same.

I remember the game we beat Oklahoma in 2002. They were ranked #1 and we beat them. It still ranks as one of my top games I've ever attended.

I remember watching my dance friend, Cheri perform on a platform on Kyle Field at Midnight Maddness. A platform because at that time, A&M wasn't ready for dancers to touch the field. My, we sure have changed.

I remember attending Revellie's funeral with my friend Evan at Kyle Field. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry, but I do know that we were good Ags for attending.

I remember the empty stadium at the September 22, 2005 game vs. Texas State. It was my ring day and just that morning I had cried because my parents (and my friends' parents) couldn't get to College Station because of the massive traffic jam Hurricane Rita had created. But the upside was that school was canceled the next day. No one came in town for the game and as students we had the stadium to ourselves. We sat where we wanted, celebrated our new rings, and then walked to Northgate. What else were we going to do on this surprise school Holiday?

I remember the game against Nebraska a few years ago. That was a loud game! and exciting! and crazy good. A game won completely by field goals.

And I will always remember the last game before the construction. A simple game against Mississippi State turned into a memorable event. I'll always remember Johnny Football jumping into the stands to Saw Varisty's horns off just a few rows in front of us. And there were fireworks to complete the night.

For me, Texas A&M is a safe place of happy memories. It's where we are part of something greater than ourselves. It's where we belong.

So goodbye to row 18. Goodbye to the old Kyle Field. I will always reminisce on my Aggie memories, but also look forward to all the new memories that the new Kyle Field will bring.

Thanks and Gig 'em. 

Our farewell picture to Row 18.
And it's not my best look, don't judge. I had just gotten out of a 2-day doctoral test. 

Half-time vs. Mississippi State

Heisman on My Mind

Every year I try so hard to protect my heart. I give myself a little pep talk: "It's just a game." "It doesn't matter." "My happiness doesn't depend on Aggie Football." And it gets to me. Every year. 

And this year was no different. Possible Heisman candidate? Double digit season wins? Johnny Football? Beating #1 Bama? Yeah,  that all happened. Yeah, I got emotionally involved. Yes, my husband and I were checking twitter every 2 minutes on the day of the mass BCS Bowl chaos. I may have shed a tear when I realized we weren't going to Disney World. And yes, I made a "Johnny for Heisman" sign for my yard. Don't judge me. 

But really - It just gets to me every time. Why? Because I love every single part of being an Aggie. But I don't need to tell you that....you can read about it here.

But what's made this season the most exciting is what Johnny Manziel has given us. Yes, he's given us a new found excitement. Yes, he's given us wins and amazing plays.  Yes, he gave us a Bama win. But that's not anything you haven't heard before. 

I think he's given us much more than that. See... being an Aggie is special and as Aggies, we know that. But Johnny has gave us national publicity and for the first time in a long time, people on the outside are able to see what it's like on the inside. For that, I am grateful. Because being an Aggie is special. Sure we do things twice  and call it a tradition, but the traditions are what makes us special. I'm glad people get to see what we stand for. Watching Sports Center these days is like watching an Aggie commercial and it makes my heart happy that others are able to enter our world. 

So yes, Give Johnny the Heisman for goodness sake. He deserves it. [insert info about how Man'ti Teo doesn't deserve it.] 

But win or lose, I am grateful that Jonny has opened the door for us on a national level. 

Living in the city, we are surrounded by urban kids who believe that the University of Texas is the only school in Texas. The other day, some kids from the local school walked by and were talking about Texas A&M. That doesn't usually happen. The tides are turning. (and not just the Crimson Tide). We are relevant. People know us. [insert Anchorman quote].

So here's to you Johnny Football, for making us relevant.  And for showing others what we already knew...that being an Aggie is the best thing ever. :) 

Gig em, Johnny Football! 

Gig em, Aggies!

My 6 Word Memoir

Second semester improves.

Living more balanced.

This is my 6 word memoir. In 6 words, I have described my new semester and I think it sums it all up pretty well.

Maybe you are familiar with this new fad, maybe not, but I have my School Leadership professor to thank for introducing me to this. My professor is awesome! She is a principal at an elementary school in Cy Fair and everytime we meet, she motivates me. I hope as an educator and a leader people say that about me. Actually, I would hope that as a human being in general, people could say that about me.

Anyway, we started reading 6 word memoirs in class and I think they are ridiculsouly creative. It also makes me wonder if sometimes we just use too many words. My husband will probably tell you I do. But, I wonder if maybe sometimes life can be summed up in 6 words and I'm always up for a good challenge. 

So back to my 6 word memoir:  Second semester improves. Living more balanced.

So I know you are asking yourself, why my 6 word memoir? Well, as most you know, I have gone back to school. Yes, yes, I know, I had nothing else to do in life, so why not take on a doctorate now? And last semester was my first semester of doctorate school and it was crazy, to say the least. I studied all the time, I got stressed, I took days off of work to catch up, I couldn't find the time to go to church and I rarely saw my friends. I was far from balanced. But I learned from it. I learned how to be a student again. (I won't mention how ironic that is considering I'm a teacher). And that brings me to this semester. I'm already feeling more balanced. Last week, Brad and I took a spontaneous trip to Galveston and I think that's balance. So, as I strive to be more balanced this year, I hope to take the time and evaluate my life and sometimes put it in 6 words, just for fun...

Beverly Hills 90210: Need I say more?

So, I am embarrased to say that Brad and I have been watching the Bachelor. I know, I admit it and I feel better now that it's out there. And as if that isn't bad enough, I follow Bachelor blogs. It's true. I'm a blog addict. Teacher and doctorate student by day, avid blog follower by night. Don't judge me.

A friend recommended the I Hate Green Beans blog. She personally knows the girl that writes it and this Lincee girl lives in Houston. So, I read a little bit of her Bachelor recaps, but was less than excited about them. I wasn't into the whole total negativity "I hate the whole season" approach. Eh, to each his own. I personally liked a lot of the people on the show. (Team Nikki!).  And then there is Kourtney, but pretty much every girl in the free world is in agreement with me over that. Regardless, I didn't like Lincee's recaps, but I liked the way she wrote so I read some of her other stuff and came to this:

The 5 second ode to Beverly Hills 90210 made my day, heck it might of made my week.

I loved the creativity in this. I hope you enjoy it too!

Theme Song Amazingness

Inspiration at the Cash Register

Reason #5670395728935 while I love Whole Foods: I walk up to the counter to check out, thinking this will be an ordinary transaction. I give her my food, she asks me if I found everything alright, I say yes, she bags, I pay, I leave. I was wrong. When I walk up to the counter the cashier says "What's  your inspiration?" It takes me off guard. What is she talking about? Inspiration for what? Turns out, it was a general question and I decide to answer quickly - First thing I think of is my husband. My husband is my inspiration. Or at least one of the things that inspire me. It was a question that took me off guard, but I've been thinking about it since I left Whole Foods. Brad does inspire me. He inspires me to be a better person, to have faith in myself and others. He inspires me to dream and to take risks. He is an inspiration to me and I imagine others too. and I am so grateful for him.

So what I thought would be an ordinary trip to the store - Get a little Kale, some garlic and a few bananas  - turned out to be a very interesting trip that made me think and made me grateful. Life is too short to not think about things that matter. And if nothing inspires us, maybe we should rethink our life...our priorities.

So I ask you too: What inspires you today?

Happy 28th birthday to me!

It's been so long since I've blogged and I figure when better to blog than on my 28th birthday. Nothing like a birthday to make you evaluate your life. So here I am... well into my late twenties and seeing my thirties upon the horizon. Did I really just say that? Thirties on the horizon? wow. I just don't feel 28. No way. It also helps that I get carded anytime I order a drink. Anyone else get carded at weddings? Firm Christmas parties? Oh no, just me. and that's why I don't feel 28. But turns out I really am 28 - The age my mom was when she had me. And yes, she reminded me of that this morning. :) And Preston and Lauren G gave me a toast Saturday night - a toast to fertility. Weird. Maybe they're trying to send me a message or something. I don't know. I don't read well between lines. But Speaking of toasts....since I'm 28 I may as well embrace it so... I'll toast to 28. Here's to being 28 but feeling much younger. Here's to 28 years of family, friends, fun, travel, school, school and more school. Here's to being 28 - whatever it brings!!

And speaking of whatever it brings, I'm thinking about doing something special with my last 2 years of my twenties. You know what I'm talking about. One of those cheesy and overdone, "30 things to do before you're 30" list. But ya know what? I like cheesy and I like goals. and checklists. Man, do I love checklists. Sometimes I just write to do lists including things I've already done, just so I have something to check off. Makes me feel accomplished. So I think this would be fun. I thought about doing 30 half marathons before I'm 30, but that didn't feel special enough - and I don't think it's possible to do 30 marathons in the next 2 years. And after Sunday, who knows if I'll ever do a 2nd. So I'm still thinking about this. If you have any ideas, I'd love to hear them - So we'll see what comes out of this. Maybe it will be a short little check list of worth while things, but believe I'll add something I've already done so at least I don't have to start at 0. I don't want to feel defeated before I even start. We'll see what happens.

In the mean time, Happy Birthday to me! And a BIG Thank you  to my parents, my Brad, and all my friends who made it special. It was a wonderful weekend!

Cheers to being 28!

Vacation Part I: Israel

I could never put into words how incredible Israel was. And I'm sure I couldn't describe exactly how it felt to be there, but I'm pretty sure I'll never read the Bible the same. And what a blessing it was to be there with David and Teresa Ferguson. They're pretty amazing.

Hope you enjoy the pictures and soon I hope to create Jordan and Italy to finish off the trip. :)

Click here to see the slideshow.....
Israel

Our time in the Middle East

Our first week of our vacation is coming to a close tonight and I'm pretty sure I'll never be the same.

We spent 5 amazing nights in Israel. I cannot begin to share with you how incredible this time was. Brad and I watched the sunrise over the Sea of Gallilee, we walked in Capurnum, went to Nazareth, Bethlehem, Jeruselum, Jericho, and many small places along the way. We walked the path of Jesus ministry. And by walked, I mean drove, but drove just doesn't sound as dramatic :) Either way, it was pretty cool. 

I will not go into the conflict over here in the middle east, but it has definately opened my eyes to the conflict in Israel. My only question to anyone who has an opinion about the conflict over here would be "Have you had dinner in the home of a Palestinian?" I have and it has touched my heart. I'm no politician by any means and I offer no solution. But I've been touched by the friendships I've made over here and my heart breaks for the innocent people who have to live behind walls. It makes me grateful for my freedoms. No one tells me where and when I can't leave Houston. No one tells me how I can and cannot get there. This has been eye opening, to say the very least.

And then we spent 3 nights in Jordan and saw Petra.  So cool!!

I hope to post pictures when we return. But wow, this has been an amazing week.

Now, we're off to Italy...............

I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane.

Ok, so I'm not exactly leaving on a jet plane...more like a very old 99 mustang. but my bags are pack and I'm ready to go.


I just packed the last of my classroom things. I put my little personal copier in my backseat and closed the passenger door and as I did that, I realized this is it..... I almost burst into tears in the parking lot.


A few months ago I put in for a transfer to Jersey Village High School. It will cut my commute in half and I wouldn't have the extra responsiblities of team leader, senior class sponsor and planning prom, differentiation cohort, school leadership, or even 2 preps. I will be a Spanish I teacher and will have so much extra time and less time in the car. More time for me to work on my school work. Did I mention I'm going back to school? Right after I accepted the job with JV, I was accepted to a Doctorate of Education program at UH. Go Coogs??! I am excited about this new time in my life, but in Ross' words "Well...no body likes change." Change is hard for me and I truly will miss my time as a Cy Springs Panther.


I came to Cy Springs in 2007 largely because it was a high school Spanish job (and not math) and because I had a good friend from college that worked here. I had no idea what was in store for my 4 years here, but I wouldn't change a thing. It was here that I learned how to be a leader. Let me tell you, that was not easy and there were some challenging times, but if you know me at all, you know I love being in charge :) I grew as a teacher and as a leader and I think i'll always look back on these 4 years as the most formative year in my teaching career.


I sure will miss my kids. I almost didn't leave because of them. I absolutely LOVE my students. I hope I never forget the conversations or the funny things they said. Almost everyday someone did something that made me laugh. Whether it was the girls that called me Mrs. Michelle (because they thought I looked like a Michelle), or the girl that asked what store my husband worked at when I told her he woked in the Galleria. I'll never forget the students that callled me OroSnead when I got married or the heart to heart conversations with high school girls.


Good Bye, Room 2205, you've been good to me.

Texas A&M

Frequently, my students ask me "Why do you go for A&M?" They say it in exactly those words every time. What the are asking me, is why do I follow and support and hope for a team that constantly loses. Why do I choose them when I could easily follow the Longhorns who in the recent years have proved to be better and more consistent and who win. They ask a very good question.

I think I am writing this post to remind myself and my football loving husband why we continue to love them after they continue to break our hearts.

What my students don't understand is loyalty to a university. It's not like I woke up one morning and said, "What college football team should I choose?" My loyalty and love for the Aggies happened over years.

My loyalty to the aggie football team is not at all about the 11 players on the field or even about Sherman. (clearly) My loyalty is about what A&M has done for me. It's about the 4 years I spent there as a student. I'ts about my years on the big event committe. It's about that lady who Big event helped, Virginia, and how much A&M touched her life, and how in turn, she touched mine. It's about my years a Fish Camp counselor. It's amount all the hours I poured into decos. It's about the hours I spent painting banners and creating themes. It's about my freshman who to this day, I still remember. It's about all the hours studying in the library. It's about my 2 years at the 102. It's about my grad degree. It's about what I learned while I was there. And its about tradition. It's about taking our hats off in the MSC and not walking on the grass. It's about gigem and whoop. It's about the war hymn and swaying.

For me, that's what my loyalty to the Aggie Football team is about. We will loose a lot and hopefully win some and hopefully the football program will take a turn for the better at some point. But I still support and am still an Aggie because of everything else that A&M stands for and means to me.

School days, school days.

This morning my alarm went off at 4:40. i know, sounds crazy, but lets be serious, it was the first day of school. Ever since I can remember, i've never been able to sleep well the night before the first day of school. I'm always so excited about new planners, pencils, power points ...and the list could go on.

This morning as I was getting up, Brad played "School days." And it sounded very good over our surround sound, I might say :) Brads mom used to play it for them on the first day of school and he has passed on the tradition. You may or may not know it "School days, school days, dear old golden rule days. " And he left a note next to my coffee cup for the morning. Very very sweet.

So I went to work and got to work early, just in enough time to pick up my beautiful decoration that had fallen to the ground. It was very sad. So moral of the story - a hot glue gun did not solve all my concrete problems. But I fixed it and prepared for my class and was outside at 7 waiting for my kiddos. I actually think it might be back on the floor tomorrow morning. hahha Today went well and my new kiddos did well, but i think my favorite part of the first day is getting visits and hugs from old students. They just get so excited to see me and it encourages me.

Aside from the decoration that fell and had to be re stuck in record time, i think my room is the cutest its ever been . I actually got lots of compliments on it today. But then again, in high school, it's not hard to do considering high school teachers don't decorate as much as other grades. But I heart my room this year. oh and it has a couch. Thank you, Terri, for your bachelorette couch. It found another home. and my kids think its cool. First day was a success.

and first day of school happy hour with Cynthia was a success too. :)

now i'm exausted and my feet are tired. I will prop myself on my couch - just me, my bradley and a little DDD (Drop dead diva).

Here's to my 5th year of teaching.

Where did the time go?

Go Panthers!

Don't dance on ladders and other things I learned from buying my first home

This is a true account of random things I learned as a first time home owner.....

1. Don't bother reading the million papers you sign at closing. None of the contracts can be changed anyway. They will remain as is no matter what. Trust me, my husbands a lawyer.
2. Oil based paints stick on pine floors Wipe up immediately.
3. Water based paints come off all the time. Score!
4. Old houses are just that- old. They have charm and are beautiful, but are still old. Prepare mentally. Don't freak out when you find a new crack in the wall. The house is 80 something years old. Stuff happens.
5. Spackle works. There's something I never thought I would say. 3 weeks ago I didn't even know what spackle was and now I use it. Regularly. Big crack in the wall? No big deal. I got spackle.
6. Blue tape doesn't always work - just prepare for touch ups and move on. And when there is furniture, who will even realize the ceiling line isn't straight?
7. Buying a house does domesticize apartment dwellers. I learned about spackling and brad installed crown molding. Who knew that would happen?
8. Kids under 4 will think that the most exciting thing about your house are the closets. I mean who can blame them? What's more fun than an empty closet with accordion doors. [Shout out to Chloe and Hannah Trombley]
9. Queso and margaritas make everything better - maybe that's just me, but when I was stressed, it worked everytime.
10. Painting takes a lot of time. More than I ever thought possible. Don't expect me to change the wall paint. I'm not painting again. Ever.
11. Granite is invincible.
12. Marble, however is not.
13. When home depot says they will be at your house at 11 in the morning, they don't mean it. Just nod and smile.
14. Most workers speak Spanish. Brush Up on your words. Better yet, learn new ones because really who ever uses words like Beams and platforms anyway?
15. There is a learning curve for every new thing. And as a teacher, I should have known that. The first room I painted was hard and I almost gave up. The rest of the house turned out much better. And got alot easier.
16. Don't be afraid to ask for help. People want to help. We could have never done this with our friends and family. I feel like I'm accepting a Grammy.
17. Packing sucks - if you have the $, just pay for someone to do it.
18. When packing, do not read every letter your husband gave you or look through every scrapbook. It will delay packing. By alot.
19. Unpacking is just as bad as packing. My philosophy is just get it done. So don't open closets when you come to our house. It's not as organized as you would expect. But hey, at least my walls look great!
20. Oh and....Don't dance on ladders - just because brittany spears comes on, don't dance while on a ladder. Ever. need I say more?