Catch Up: Where the Pines Meet the Sea

Got The Gimmes: I Heart California

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Day 30: Something I'm Excited For

I'm excited to plan next year's vacation. Europe? NYC?

C'est fini. 

On The Other Side

I heart Facebook. It took me forever to give in. Once I gave in, it's been so lovely to keep in touch with my friends especially when they're out exploring the world. My friend Mark who's in Korea right now posted the photo above to my wall yesterday. He said that it reminded him of my photo style. Who knew I had a memorable style?

Day 29: 5 Weird Things I Like

1. Watching Home Movies (the cartoon show)
2. Dipping almost anything into any kind of vinegar
3. Putting potato chips in my sandwich 
4. Eating frosting straight out of the container
5. Touching beans like Amelie

Day 28: Somewhere I'd Like to Move or Visit

Move: New York City
Visit: Tokyo 

Day 27: A Quote I Try To Live By

It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.

- Antoine De Saint-Exupery 

Radish Season!

Trying to expand my radish recipe repertoire beyond pickled radishes. Dying to make this sandwich.

Feeling A Bit Grey

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Day 26: Things I Like & Dislike About Myself

Likes: 
I like my dainty hands. 
I'm a spontaneous cook not a recipe cook.
I like that I'm thoughtful, especially when it comes to gifting. 
I love that traveling and photography are my all time favorite hobbies. 

Dislikes:
I tend to over think things.
I have a major case of perfectionism. 
I'm painfully shy the first several times you meet me.
I'm not as organized at home as I am in the classroom.

Sappy Like A Maple Tree

The school year is winding down. Things are crazy. We're tying up a million loose ends. It's easy to forget that I won't get to see these kiddos every day anymore. They don't forget as easy as I do, so they've been saying some of the sweetest and sappiest things. 

Mr. T: Will you be in second grade with us?
Me: Nope. I'll be over there in fourth grade.
Mr. T: Fourth grade?
Me: Yep.
Mr. T: I hope they're nice to you.
Me: I hope so too!

Mr. N: You're one of the nicest teachers. 
Me: Aw. Thanks, Mr. N.
Mr. N: I like how you give me names.
Me: Names?
Mr. N: Like when you called me a squirrel monkey expert. I liked that a lot.
Me: I'm happy you like it. 

I heart them. 

From My Hubster

Day 25: Something I'm Currently Worrying About

How will I finish everything with the kiddos that I want to accomplish before the beginning of summer?

Day 24: 5 Words or Phrases That Make Me Laugh

1. Pooted
2. Sharted
3. Big Headed Alien 
4. Bo-lo
5. Stacey Ball


*Random inside jokes. I know. Totally weird.

Throwback Tuesday: Unpretty - TLC

I Want Him

"...I want…a steady hand. A kind soul. I want to fall asleep, and wake, knowing my heart is safe. I want to love, and be loved."

Shana Abé

Day 23: Something That I Miss

I miss holding my hubster's hand and walking around downtown during farmer's market in San Luis. 

Day 22: My Academics

Well, here's how my academics were as illustrated by a conversation with my hubster:

Me: Babe, I got an A+ in Ann's class.
Hubster: Who get's an A+ in grad school?
Me: Clearly, I do! 
Hubster: Ridiculous. 


Always been an overachiever, hard worker and bookworm. Graduated magna cum laude from Cal Poly. Graduated with straight As from grad school. Silly, I know, but still very cool!

Day 21: How I Hope My Future Will Be

I hope that I'll be able to continue to savor all the happiness and beauty in my life as I do now. I never want to grow too tired to be silly with my hubster, listen to random stories from the kiddos or send my friends every little thing that reminds me of them. I hope our own soy beanitos will soon enter our lives and open our hearts even more. I can't wait  to continue our adventures across the globe.

Country Colors

Day 20: My Fears

I'm afraid that I may not be investing enough in my family.

I'm afraid that I may not fully become who I was meant to be. 

I'm afraid that I've spent all of my patience and unselfishness on other people's children that I may not have any left for my own kids when they come.

Inspired By: Typfruitography

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Day 19: 5 Things I Lust After

 

 

 

poncho, ,panda mug,  nyc heart map, scarf & white ceramic watch

Day 18: A Problem I've Had

As previously mentioned, I'm an only child (golden nugget, masterpiece, insert any other clever only child euphemism you can think of). Well, it's been a problem. I'm quite introverted, painfully shy and a bit of a princess. Even when I try to not be a princess, someone comes along and takes care of everything for me. My hubster has been ever-so-patient in helping become more independent and open with others.  

ZOMG!

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Day 17: Something That I'm Proud Of

I'm proud of the relationship that my hubster and I have cultivated together. We are still so madly in love with one another even after 12 years. We continue to practice being more considerate of each other, which is always a work in progress. Most important, we still love to laugh and cook together.

Throwback Tuesday: Such Great Heights - Iron and Wine

Day 16: What If

What if I taught English in France...

Would my hubster become an ex-pat with me?
Would we spend our weekends eating macaroons and people watching?
Would we go on holiday to Greece, Italy and Morocco?
Would my French accent ever improve?
Would I hunt down all of my favorite Amelie places? 
Would I wear more black? 

Picasso

Day 15: Your Zodiac and If I Think It Fits My Personality

Below is a Scorpio profile that I borrowed from My Daily. It's been snipped a bit, so you can see the parts that I think match my personality.

Scorpio Characteristics and Profile

(October 22 - November 21)

The Scorpio motto might be "What is hidden is more interesting than what is obvious." You are the detectives of the zodiac. Your magnetic personality draws others to you. But you can also be secretive yourself, for you learn early on that when you express everything, others may be scared by the power of your feelings. You desperately want to have someone to merge with your feelings, but can become cold and withdrawn when hurt in love.

Your Biggest Strength: Your passion about your feelings

Your Potential Weakness: Need for secrecy can be isolating

Catch Up: Favorite Kiddo Conversations Lately

(After teaching them how to count in Chinese)

Miss K: Mrs. Trac? How did you get so smart?
Me: Me? I had really great teachers and I listened to them. 

Mr. J: I can't wait for Mrs. Trac to be in the circle for dodgeball.
Miss N: We can't hit Mrs. Trac. She's too pretty. 

(As the kiddos walk into classroom the morning of wet and wild Sports Day)
Miss O: Mrs. Trac, I'm not wearing any underwear! 
Me: (eyes wide) You're wearing your swimsuit underneath, right?
Miss O: Yea! It's Sports Day. You said I could wear it. 
Me: (sigh of relief)

How Foodies Celebrate

Day 14: What I Wore Today

Well, I'm planning to wear my new Cal Poly shirt, AE skinny jeans and ancient brown A&F wool sweater with the elbow patches.

Day 13: Opinion About My Body and How Comfortable I feel About It

As I tell my hubster, I really got a sweet deal out of the genetic lottery. My parents both have amazing healthy skin. My facial features are distinctive enough, which allows me to go without make-up. I wasn't the prettiest girl at school, but I was pretty enough to get by. I also was blessed with a speedy metabolism, so I can enjoy the food that I love. Of course, I've also learned how to dress my body. That's key. People often think I'm skinnier than I am because I have clothes that fit just right. Overall, I'm happy with my body. There are definitely moments when I feel very unpretty, but those days are few and far between. I'm oh-so thankful! 

I do have two goals to keep my body in tip top college shape: eat healthier snacks and keep working out with the hubster. 

Dreaming of a Warm Day at the Beach

Finally Here

The moment that I've been waiting for with every part of my heart is finally here! I received an offer to become a fourth grade teacher at my all time favorite school. The feeling of happiness is indescribable. It's not even the satisfaction of having the piece of paper and signing it that's the best part. It's been the sight of everyone when I tell them the good news. Their faces light up with genuine happiness and excitement for me. I didn't realize how much my support system had grown over these two years until I wrote out my email and I could remember everyone that I needed to email! Thank you to everyone who provided words of encouragement and a shoulder to lean on. I wouldn't be in this radiant moment if it wasn't for you, my hubster and God.

Day 12: Five Guys Whom I Find Attractive

1. Johnny Depp

2. Adam Levine

 

3. Jack Johnson

 

4. Tom Ford

 

5. Justin Timberlake 

 

Vacay for Piglet!

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Day 11: Your Family

As my doctor says, I'm a golden nugget. I'm an only child. So, for so long, I only knew a family to made of three people. I always thought that three was just right. A lot of literary families were made of threes like the three little bears, three billy goats gruff and three little pigs. 

Even though I no longer live close to home, my parents and I are as close ever. I still call home fairly often. My parents are adorable and they read my blog. My recent favorite moment was my mom telling me that her and my dad are carrying my poem in their pockets for me. Oh, how I love them!

Missing My NYC

May is officially NYC month for me. When it rolled around this year, I immediately started remembering our awesome last NYC trip.

Got The Gimmes: I Am A Ninja Tank

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Day 10: Put Your Music Player On Shuffle & Write First 10 Songs

Love Lost - The Temper Trap
Teenage Dream (Cover) - Boyce Avenue 
Go On - Jack Johnson
Always Remember  Me - Ry Cuming 
Desert Sunrise - Brett Dennen
All At Once - Jack Johnson
Fast Car - Tracy Chapman
You Give Me Something - James Morrison 
Crash - Dave Matthews Band
Better Together - Jack Johnson 


*I improvised for this prompt. I copied the playlist to the left of my posts because I don't an iPod or any kind of MP3 player. Scandalous! I know.

Throwback Tuesday: She Will Be Loved (Acoustic) - Maroon 5

Day 9: How Important Education Is

So, I had this really eloquent Thoreau inspired perspective on education prepared. Then, I found out that that this week is State of Emergency Week in California for all teachers. The perspective that follows is not that of a lifelong learner but an advocate for children. 

In my classroom, children are free to explore. They chat with each other about how to problem solve. They share their journal writings with each other. They draw and paint. They laugh. They tell funny stories and jokes. Most important, they grow. Their personality becomes more distinctive. They begin to own the skin that they're in. They learn how to be curious about the world around them and how to satiate that curiosity through reading, writing, problem solving and drawing.

Please stand up for teachers and help us have the courage to stand up for our students. We are so quick to pay for things out of our own bank accounts and to sacrifice our time. You may not see the immediate rewards like we do. I promise you that children are miraculous beings capable of so much. Give them the opportunity to show us what they're capable of by allowing them to have a meaningful education.

Day 8: What You Ate Today

• One cup of coffee
• 1/3 of a Monster Burger and Fries from Firestone
• 1/4 of a Cowboy Cookie Sandwich
• Some Cucumber Salsa and Pickled Carrots 

Happy Mother's Day!

 Dear Mommy,

Thank you for teaching me the beauty of appreciating myself for who I am. Most important, you've taught me that I should be nothing less than what I'm meant to be. You've helped me become the strong individual who still believes in the art of dreaming. Love you!

Love,

Bea

Day 7: Five Pet Peeves

1. Long dirty fingernails 
2. Smell of cooked eggs
3. Finger drumming and tapping
4. People saying my name wrong even after I correct them
5. People who feel the compulsion to tell me that I look like I'm 12 like it's a compliment

Day 6: Your Views On Mainstream Music

I love me some mainstream music. Some of my guilty pleasures include some Black Eyed Peas' songs, most JT songs, most Kanye West songs and some Lil' Wayne songs. They're catchy and infectious. I'm not going to pretend like I don't enjoy it in the car. I do love lesser known/recognized artists. I loved Colbie Caillat and Sara Bareilles before they became radio mainstays. I'm still totally infatuated with Craig David, Matisyahu, Imogen Heap and Dispatch. Music is music to me. As long as it moves me in some way, I love it.

Amazing

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Blueberry Perfection

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Day 5: Things You Want to Say To an Ex

Hi, 

How are you? What are you up to? We haven't talked in forever! Are you happy that you switched from engineering to business? I really hope that you're with the girl who's right for you. You're wonderfully sweet, thoughtful and caring. You should be with someone who notices that in you.Take the best of care!

Day 4: Bullet Your Whole Day

• Woke up.
• Brushed teeth.
• Took a shower.
• Got dressed.
• Left for work. 
• Bought Toblerone and got cash back. 
• Arrived at work and made photocopies. 
• Did one lap around campus with two buddies. 
• Welcomed the kids to class. 
• Took attendance.
• Taught math.
• Met another teacher to talk about RtI tracking sheet. 
• Sent out emails about Mother's Day Tea and wrong information on field trip form. 
• Taught language arts. 
• Took the kids to lunch.
• Had lunch in the staff room. 
• Got the kids going on their rainforest reports.
• Took the kids to see Michael Katz. 
• Left assembly to attend a team meeting. 
• Saw Ann Lippincott. 
• Rehearsed Mother's Day songs and poem. 
• Got the kids ready to go home. 
• Talked to Sarah about being observed by Ann. 
• Went to go supervise 5th grade homework center. 
• Went to long sad union meeting. 
• Talked to co-workers about union meeting. 
• Picked up hubster.
• Went to Costco: got dinner and bought coffee maker, flat iron, goodies for Mother's Day Tea and creamer.
• Called mom.
• Texted co-worker about being a slacker about returning the museum items.
• Went home. 
• Blogging.
• Then, going to workout. :)

"There is Nothing Free Except the Grace of God."

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At the airport, I impulsively bought True Grit. The description in the back and the first paragraph totally caught my attention. I love reading books with a strong female lead. Mattie is a fourteen year old girl and the main character of the book. She retells her story of how she sought to avenge her father's untimely and unnecessary death. Mattie's narrative voice is full of spunk and determination. At times, she sounds childish. At times, her insights are so profound. It's an easy read. Good for any plane ride or day at the beach. 

Throwback Tuesday: Underneath It All - No Doubt

Day 3: A Book You Love

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One of my all time favorite books is Le Petit Prince. I really wished that I found it sooner, but I believe that I found it at the right time. It was on the verge of adulthood that I read this book. There are so many truths about adulthood. I carry this quotation close to my heart, "One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes." It's the quotation that I live by. I'm looking forward to sharing this book with my soybeantios.

Day 2: Something You Feel Strongly About

Love

I feel strongly about love. Perhaps, if we found one thing to love about each person we interact with, we would be happier people. Maybe then, beginning each day wouldn't feel like such a chore. Perhaps, we could even be more productive people. I also believe that it's important to love yourself, so you're capable of loving others. 

Summer's Almost Here

We're really hoping for an early summer. It's not that we've been spoiled by our Caribbean vacay. It's just that our summer last year was so gloomy and chilly. This week, the weather was rather toasty. Luckily, it stayed that way for the weekend. Of course, we had to go to the beach. It was gorgeous. My hubster's best friend was visiting for the day, so we took him to the beach with us. All three of us had an amazing nap on the beach. After a long week, it was exactly what we needed.