My Own "I Do!"

This card came in the mail today! It's official.... MAID OF HONOR in the house! :)

Day 27: A problem you have or have had in the past. 

 

I hate money. It creates so many problems, instead of making life easier. I'm constantly worried about making it month to month while paying all my bills. It has definitely been a rough adjustment trying to make it on my own, but I have learned a lot. I hope to get things paid off in the near future, and now that I may have to get another job and take matters into my own hands to get this situation COMPLETELY taken care of.  

Little bit of happiness: We got out of class early tonight! However, it was for a tornado drill. Seeing as our teacher bolted out the door to get home, there's no way we could be expected to stay.

Daily quote: "The best thing to hold onto in life is each other." -Audrey Hepburn

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

Pretty Planting

After driving back home from spending the weekend with my parents, I got right to business planting the flowers we had picked out. Unfortunately, we had to get a lot of new ones because the only ones that really came back were the lilies, daylilies, and one climbing vine. Gunna try harder to keep these suckers alive this year! Here are some pictures of the new layout and some close ups of the flowers that have bloomed already:

PHOTOS OF WEEK SEVENTEEN:

Coming soon...

Day 26: If you had $1,000,00 to spend, how would you spend it?

Oh, if only! I would first start by paying off my debt, especially the student loans and mortage. Then I would give some money to my family for things that they would need. After that, I would really like to travel a bit and for sure go volunteer in Africa in the orphanages. After that, I would hopefully save most of it for the future so if I do have kids there will be the money there to give them a great life.

Little bit of happiness: It was soooo much work to get the tumbleweeds cleared and flowers planted. Luckily, a helpful kid across the street came to help me move the pile of tumbleweeds. It was all worth it seeing the beautiful flowers at the end of the process. Just have a bit more to do!

Daily quote: "There is no passion to be found in settling for a life less than the one you are capable of living." -Nelson Mandela

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

Hi There!

After I showed my Study Hall kids the bear doing the Dougie... they showed me this. Let's just say we all had a good laugh and watched it about ten times in a row. I wonder how people would react if I started waving this way... maybe I will try it out. :)

Day 25: Someone who fascinates you and why.

Well this one is kind of tough... there are so many different reasons to be fascinated with someone, good ones and bad. I would probably have to say Ellen Degeneres. I honestly don't think that she just puts on a show, for her show. She is so generous and kind hearted, even with so many people that slander her name because of her personal life-style. Not only is she the most positive celebrity that constantly reaches out to others, but she is absolutely hilarious. If you ever need a laugh at the end of a long day, watch her show.

Little bit of happiness: It was such a great day! Got a lot done and had a lot of fun. Started off with the Car Show with my dad, then onto pick out flowers in Hutch, before rushing back for a hair trim. Then I had a great nap and once I awoke I went for a trip to Hastings. My hairdresser invited me over, and it ended up being a spa party! Got an insight into my face-breaking-out problems and ordered some new makeup to hopefully help the issue.

Daily quote: "Whatever you are, be a good one." -Abraham Lincoln

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

The Ego vs. The Soul

Just some things to keep in mind when you start thinking too much about "what's in it for you." I know I'm guilty of doing that from time to time.

Day 24: Your favorite movie and what it is about.

I like lots of movies... but the one that I never get old of is Minority Report. Yes, strange considering I'm not a fan of sci-fi usually. It is about how in the future it can be predicted who will kill someone before it happens with the help of 3 "precogs." One of the police officers that runs the program comes up in the machine and must flee to try and prove the system wrong.

Little bit of happiness: After a long week, I headed home back to Buhler to see my parents for the weekend! It's good to be home.

Daily quote: When ego is lost, limit is lost. You become infinite, kind, beautiful.

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

Never Stop Believing

Love this!

Day 23: Post 5 pictures of famous people you find attractive.

I think these pictures will speak for themselves! :)

 

Channing Tatum

Save the Last Dance, Stop Loss, Dear John.....

Cam Newton

Plays for some football team

Laim Hemsworth

The Hunger Games and The Last Song

Jesse Williams

Grey's Anatomy

Ryan Phillippe

Cruel Intentions and Stop Loss

Little bit of happiness: Got to spend the evening with a friend I haven't been able to spend much time with lately! We ran errands in Dodge, ate dinner at her new house, and then watched Grey's Anatomy.

Daily quote: "For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak on words of kindess; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone." -Audrey Hepburn

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

Commit Your Life Daily

At tonight's Happiness is a Choice meeting at church we talked about the first way to choose happiness:

Commit your life daily to the purpose of glorying Jesus Christ.

- The first thing you should do each morning is thank God for another day to enjoy life.

- Pray that God will use us to bring glory to him by benefiting our fell man.

- Pray for self-control and forgiveness for our mistakes.

- We must be more tolerant of others.

- Finally, do not be so self-critical and love ourselves more.

I hope to keep these thoughts throughout the next week so I can make the choice of happiness.

Day 22: How have you changed the past 2 years?

 

Wow, this is a big one! In the last two years I have changed A LOT... it all started with graduating from Kansas State with my bachelors degree. After spending a long summer interviewing, I was hired as a fifth grade teacher in Spearville. So at the beginning of August it was time to move. However, there wasn't any place to rent so very quickly I became a homeowner. It was definitely different for me moving to a new place not knowing anyone and leaving my friends and family behind. It was rough for a while, especially as I went through some bad relationships. In the last 2 years, I would say the most important thing I have learned is that people who truly care about you will make time for you and the effort to be around even when it isn't the most convenient.

Little bit of happiness: During school we started the balloon popping! Also, church tonight was the definite highlight of the day.

Daily quote: "Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light." -Albus Dumbledore

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

Bear Can Do The Dougie

Ellen has the funniest videos on her show... the bear could literally Teach You How to Dougie better than most people. Haha! Love it.

Day 21: One of your favorite TV shows.

My newest favorite is for sure the Big Bang theory! Absolutely hilarious and I wish I had a Sheldon in my life to annoy me. I can watch the same ones over and over without getting tired of them! Definitely going to need them on DVD at some point.

Little bit of happiness: Set up my classroom with the celebration balloons for the end of the year! Each day one kid will get to pick a balloon to pop for a surprise the next day. I'm hoping they like it... but we will see. I also picked up my friends' kids from daycare and we meet up some other friends at the park. I may be a little biased, but all my friends have the cutest little guys!

Daily quote: "You can never make the same mistake twice. The second time you make it, it's no longer a mistake, it's a choice." -Lauren Conrad

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

Hawaiian Chicken

 New recipe last night/today! Hawaiian Chicken.

 Crockpot for chicken breasts, Hawaiian flavored BBQ, and crushed pineapples. 



Before bed, I put it all together in the crockpot on low. 

 Six hours later... TADA! Looks kind of gross, but it tastes amazing! The chicken just falls apart. Good thing I like it because I will literally be eating it alllll week long for lunch. Yay, leftovers.

Day 20: How important you think education is.

Haha, this is a "well, duuuuuh" one. I am a teacher, education is literally my life for many, many years to come. I am still furthering myself in my education while teaching young minds. I am finishing up my 15 hours for my ESL endorsement and in the fall I will start my Master's Degree. I think that having an education will open many doors that may not otherwise be available. To me education was never an option or a question. However, I know that in some instances education is not as important to other people and I have no judgement against that. Some occupations must have more hands on experience than classroom education. Also, many successful people just make a name and major money for themselves without a college education, like my girl Ellen Degeneres. Everyone has their own opinion, and I have chose to make education my life.

Little bit of happiness: Set up my classroom with the celebration balloons for the end of the year! Each day one kid will get to pick a balloon to pop for a surprise the next day. I'm hoping they like it... but we will see. I also picked up my friends' kids from daycare and we meet up some other friends at the park. I may be a little biased, but all my friends have the cutest little guys!

Daily quote: Your beliefs don't make you a better person, your behavior does.

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

Everything

Here's an amazing skit with a little Lifehouse music in the background. Haven't watched it in a long time, and it is still just as moving.

PHOTOS OF WEEK SIXTEEN:

April 15th: New coaster for the "Oasis Room" that says, "in a world where you can be anything Be Yourself."

April 16th: The rose bush that was a complete surprise last year has started blooming for this year!

April 17th: I ordered ProActive and it finally came in the mail today. Soooo ready to get this stuff under control! 

April 18th: The first Uppercase Living completely on my own! This will be going above the arts and crafts area upstairs.

April 19th: The second Uppercase Living on my own with the scratchable world map! It is a glass etched one that says "LIFE IS A JOURNEY and only you hold the map.

April 20th: Started pounding around on the piano trying to play Adele's latest songs. Going to learn to play a whole song for my bucket list for the year.

April 21st: I will add the picture of us girls at last night's birthday party after it has been posted.

Day 19: Your biggest regret in life.

Hmmm... yea, that's a really tough and super personal one. Overall, I would say that my biggest regrets would be letting my past relationships define me and letting people take advantage of me. I've learned a lot from friendships and relationships going way left and know I know better than to take disrespect from anyone. I'd rather wipe my hands clean of someone early on then to get hurt again. I know that isn't a juicy as it was meant to be, but I'm still a private person when it comes to stuff like that.

Little bit of happiness: Last night was a late night and after I got home from church this afternoon I took a haaaard three hour nap. I <3 naps!

Daily quote: If they're dumb enough to walk away, be smart enough to let them go.

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

25 Ways to Tell You're Grown Up

Yep, I'm a grown up.

Day 18: A book you could read over and over again and never get sick of.

 

Man, there is probably a lot.... Sarah's Key, The Surgeon, any of Jodi Picoult's books, Steven James first couple of books, Linda Castillo's amish murder mysteries, Gillian Flynn.... yea, I'm not very decisive about this one. I just love books. Did some searching on Amazon and figured out that in June every single week there is a new book release by one of my favorite authors! YAY... going to be a great summer!!

Little bit of happiness: Tonight we celebrated one of my friend's 30th with a great dinner, casino stop, as well as the bar.

Daily quote: Treat me like a joke and I'll treat you like it's funny.

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

Teach Yourself Something New

Today I came up with a new teaching strategy on the fly during math lesson.

The lesson for today was writing fractions out of numbers with up to four decimal places. I realized that you could split it up into three steps. The whole number. The numerator. Followed by the denomenator. There is even double checking your work by writing the fraction with matching colors. May seem simple, but sometimes you have to try something brand new to you and the kids to get the point across successfully.

 

Day 17: Your highs and lows of this past year.

 

I made a list like this at the beginning of the year...

 

Good: finishing my first year of teaching, trip to Mexico, first Warrior dash, Eli became a Wildcat, first year as an assistant volleyball coach, cousin's wedding, best friend got engaged, Sparkle party, Alumni football game, Paint the Towne, starting a new journey with the three.six.five. project. It's been a great year and look forward to what the rest of this one brings. 

 

Bad: unwanted weight, bad relationships, health issues

Little bit of happiness: Half day of school with the kiddos again. Just relaxed at my house for the evening, with an amazing nap too!

Daily quote: It is in all of us to defy expectations. To go into the world and to be brave and to want, to need, to hunger for adventures, to embrace change and chance and risk so that we may breathe and know what it is to be free.

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

We the Kids

From the mind of my classroom comic.... WE THE KIDS. Yes, he created his own Declaration of Independence after our Social Studies unit. Enjoy!

Haha, from the mouth of babes. Keep wishing kiddo! :)

Day 16: Your views on mainstream music.  

Is no view a view? I have no idea what this means... I'm assuming radio music? If that's the case, I'm for it. Who knows. Next question please.  

Little bit of happiness: Today I had a friend from college come visit. It was just great getting to relax and catch up with an old friend. I really enjoy and appreciate when my friends make the effort to come out here.

Daily quote: Your attitude + Your choices = Your LIFE

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

Happiness is a Choice

Tonight I went with a friend to Wednesday night church for a women's study called Happiness is a Choice. And wow, does this ever fit in my life right now! It's based off of a book that we will be getting our messages out of.... so I will be getting to count this as my book club too!

Anyways, I am so excited about getting into this book and the Word for the next 7 weeks. Here are my highlights for tonight's introduction that I would like to share:

- We are all on a journey, just at different stages.

- We tend to seek happiness and joy in all the wrong places.

- Our biggest problem is regressed anger against ourselves, others, and God.

- It is human will to have the ability to choose which is new health producing behaviors and attitudes.

- Love, be loved, served in love.

- We have 3 basic needs: self-worth, intimacy with others, and intimacy with God.

- The process of this book is turning when we say that we can't do something into won't do something because we must be honest with ourselves.

- To know Jesus as your Savior we must believe that he.... is the Son of God, died on the cross the sins of the world, rose from the grave and victorious after death, and have a personal relationship with him.

- Happiness is a choice, as well as salvation.

- Believe appears 115 times in the Bible as a condition for salvation.

- Belief is realizing that Christ died our sins and trusting him to save us!

- Being passive is the same as rejection.

As you can see tonight was filled with amazing stuff that I can't wait to get back and get some more of! I want to make happiness my choice.

Day 14: Your earliest memory. 

My earliest memory was probably when I was 4 or 5, because my brother was able to walk. We were with my mom and JCPenney's. I was trying on a swimsuit when mom realized that Eli had weaseled out of the stroller and ran off. I think he was just 2 so he was just a little guy wondering on his own. Of course, they did an all call in the store. I was confused about why mom was so freaked out and cried when some lady came walking up with the runaway kid. But hey, we'll take him back.

Little bit of happiness: The highlight of my day was definitely the Wednesday night church group. I am looking forward to going back every week for at least the next 7 weeks! It feels great to get back into fellowship.

Daily quote: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra