Another Day, More Bulletin Boards

Went into school again today to work on a couple more bulletin boards! Took half the time as yesterday, and was much less stressful. 

Learning targets board to post daily objectives.

Reading board that will be added onto once the US Map comes in, which will be used for setting. Also, concepts will be changed underneath the O.W.L.

Just have a couple more boards to get done!

Little bit of happiness: This morning was my first class with Youthville towards becoming a foster parent. Have a lot of homework to get done for next week, but the ball is officially rolling!

Daily quote: Let your smile change the world, but don't let the world change your smile.

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

Math Meeting Mania

This morning I went in to work on bulletin boards at the school. The door was unlocked when I got there and I put my things in my classroom. Then I remembered that I left the Exacto Knife in my car and went out to get it, only to find the had locked behind me... with my keys and purse in the classroom. Whoops! So I made the trek around town to 3 different teacher's houses with no luck, and finally ran into one of the custodians that had the keys to the building. FINALLY, I could get started on what I really set out to do for the day.....

... and this was the result almost 3.5 hours later! I'm ready to go for 3rd grade Morning Math Meetings. Didn't get as much done as I would like, but I have everything ready for the rest of the wall and hope to get it done tomorrow!

Little bit of happiness: I enjoy projects like bulletin boards, even though they can be a little stressful at times... but I was glad to accomplish this one on my own!

Daily quote: "Why fit in, when you were born to stand out?" -Dr. Seuss

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

What about...?

This speaks to a certain situation....

Little bit of happiness: Spent most of my day with a good friend... we went on a Hobby Lobby run, where I got a great piece for the Oasis Room (finishing this weekend!) and then lunch. We also did supper later on. Good to spend time with her and her little family!

Daily quote: "Stupid is as stupid does." -Forrest Gump

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

I'm Farming and I Grow It!

Better than the original... enjoy!

Little bit of happiness: After being out of town, it was good to see my work friends again while working on projects at the Learning Center. In the evening, I also helped my new Lemongrass consultant enter her first order. Yay!

Daily quote: "Don't let perfect be the enemy of good." -Voltaire

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

New Book Tuesday: Week Four

Book Nerd Alert!: This month some of my favorite authors are publishing books, one for each week of the month! This is the fourth and final one, which I was looking forward to the most!:  

Little bit of happiness: Although it doesn't make me too thrilled... Summer Spiders are back. However, I was victorious over the critter in the tub. Also spent most of the day cutting on my new paper cutter... love it!

Daily quote: The happiest people don't have the best of everything, but they make the best of everything.

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

New Book Tuesday: Week Three

Book Nerd Alert!: This month some of my favorite authors are publishing books, one for each week of the month! I am a guilty watcher of the basketball wives, so I am just curious to check this novel out based on their stories:

Little bit of happiness: The good part about today was that I went along to the dog park with Allison, her boyfriend, and their dogs. I had never been to one before... it was a lot of fun, until it wasn't. A really bad dog fight caused way too much excitement, and I don't think my dog would be able to handle the situation. However, I will be crossing it off my list for the year, even though Emerald wasn't involved. Oh well.

Daily quote: Good things come to those who wait.

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

Try Something New

 Definitely an idea that I am holding in high regard throughout the year....

... always be up for trying new things, at least once!!

Little bit of happiness: Today I tried Kenyan food for the first time... the main course was tripe, a.k.a. goat stomach and intestines! Definitely interesting to say the least, but a good experience. :)

Daily quote: If only closed minds came with closed mouths.

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

New Book Tuesday: Week Two

Book Nerd Alert!: This month some of my favorite authors are publishing books, one for each week of the month! Here is the book for week two, the fourth installment of my favorite book series:

Little bit of happiness: Today I worked out with a personal trainer for the first time, as part of the trial membership at the gym. Let's just say he was lucky he was so darn cute because I was hurting big time! Oh well, it did feel good and will help get me in shape.

Daily quote: A visionary sees light in the dark.

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

New Artists

Little bit of happiness: We went to this pretty sweet little bar and they had featured funk artists, and it was actually really cool! I couldn't find my favorite song... but imagine the two voices above together! I will keep looking for it to be uploaded.

Daily quote: Take pride in how far you have come and have faith in how far you can go.

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

Somebody That I Used To Know

Love the song... but probably the weirdest video ever!!

Little bit of happiness: Sometimes I could sit and people watch allll day long.

Daily quote: The future depends on what we do in the present.

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

Jiachilie!

Found this video again after a long time. Can I understand it? No. But it makes you want to dance! :)

Little bit of happiness: My little Buttercup brought knocked on my front door with an invitation to his 5th birthday party!

Daily quote: Happiness is a direction, not a destination.

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

Not to Make You Jealous...

Little bit of happiness: Tonight I got to watch a couple of my friends' kids play t-ball. Let me tell you Pre-K to 1st grade t-ball is definitely going to bring you some great laughs... especially when they head for 3rd base or even the dug out instead of first!

Daily quote: Sometimes the dreams that come true are the dreams you never even knew you had.

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

New Book Tuesday: Week One

Book Nerd Alert!: This month some of my favorite authors are publishing books, one for each week of the month! Starting with this one today:

Little bit of happiness: Today was an amazing day! I had my walk-through with Youthville for foster care that went really well... and negotiations went very smoothly.

Daily quote: Do not give up, the beginning is always the hardest.

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

For A Reason

Little bit of happiness: Today someone that I haven't been able to speak to in over a year contacted me. Even though I still have mixed emotions, it is good to know that people can in fact change for the better.

Daily quote: Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end.

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

Gleeful about Glee Project!

THE GLEE PROJECT STARTS TUESDAY!!! YAY :)

Already in love with Blake and Michael, but definitely routing for Mario. Let it begin!

Little bit of happiness: After a long while of being on the road... finally made it back to my house, to my own bed!

Daily quote: "If you're absent during my struggle, don't expect to be present during my success." -Will Smith

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

Looking Back on May

For the month of May I focused on how to appreciate NATURE. I did set outside more and just enjoy the nice weather while reading with my mango iced tea. With that I was also able to cross things off my list that involved nature like flying a kite and taking myself on a picnic. Even though I had my little whoopsi accident with the ankle, with the help of some friends I was able to keep the grass and flowers looking good (as good as weeds can look!) I didn't get started with the planting of veggies or recycling but I need to look more into how to get all that done right, so it doesn't all blow away! In addition, I got started with being a Lemongrass Spa Product consultant which is all natural and I am absolutely loving it!

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For the Bucket List I crossed off four items. The ones I completed were: GO ON A PICNIC, FLY A KITE, SIDEWALK CHALK, and PAMPER SELF. I also tried to get in sunrise and sunset, but a storm got in the way. My ankle issue got in the way of the martial arts class, but I will try, try again! My dad ordered tickets for the Lion King Musical and could not be more excited!! Still working on all the others and next month will help take care of all the arts and crafts!

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This month I almost got back on track with 9 books: eight from my list and one extra. That means I have 2 more to catch up on! Yikes... I know I can do this!! So the list below is updated with the books I have read in bold, along with the dates I read them in. Once again, see my book review site to see what I thought about each read.

(The New) Variety Book Challenge 2012

Animals:
- Stay by Allie Larkin 1/09-1/11
- I’m Not the Biggest Bitch in this Relationship by Stephanie Klein
- The Purpose of Dogs by W. Bruce Cameron 2/01-2/22
- Cesar’s Way by Cesar Millan
- Walking in Circles Before Lying Down by Merrill Markoe

Celebrities:
- High Voltage Tattoo by Kat VonD 3/13
- Control the Crazy by Vinny Guadagnino 5/10-5/20
- The Fame Game by Lauren Conrad 4/16-4/19
- Sliding Into Home by Kendra Wilkinson 1/12-1/15
- Elixir by Hilary Duff

Comedians:
- Life As I Blow It by Sarah Calonna
- Don’t Make a Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings by Tyler Perry
- Seriously, I’m Kidding by Ellen Degeneres 2/11-2/12
- I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell by Tucker Max 1/20-1/26
- Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man by Steve Harvey 1/04-1/07

Controversial:
- I am J by Cris Beam
- Unplanned by Abby Johnson
- The Chosen One by Carol Williams 2/05
- Tweak by Nic Sheff
- Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult 3/13-3/17

Cultural:
- Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
- Sold by Patricia McCormick 4/22
- The Secret Daughter by Shilipi Somaya Gowda
- The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie 1/04
- A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah

Historical Fiction:
- True Story of Hansel and Gretel by Louise Murphy 1/07-1/08
- The Dry Grass of August by Anna Jean Mayhew
- Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson
- Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool
- One Thousand White Women by Jim Fergus

Inspirational:
- 5 Love Languages, Singles Edition by Gary Chapman
- How Did My Life Become a Game of Twister? by Mary Pierce
- 20 Someone by Craig Dunham & Doug Serven
- Worn Out Woman by Dr. Steve Stephens & Alice Gray
- Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst

Living Life:
- Full Frontal Feminism by Jessica Valenti
- No Regrets by Sarah Ivens 4/23-5/29- Life After College by Jenny Blake
- twentysomething by Margaret Feinberg
- Life is a Verb by Patti Digh

Memoirs:
- Year of Yes by Maria Dahvana Headley
- Sickened by Julie Gregory
- White Girl Problems by Babe Walker 2/16-2/20
- Save Karyn by Karyn Bosnak 2/23-2/27
- Happy Accidents by Jane Lynch

Overcoming Odds:
- The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon 2/20-2/26
- Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine 4/1-4/4
- Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper
- A Mango Shaped Space by Wendy Mass
- Saving Max by Antoinette van Heugten

Romance:
- There’s Cake in My Future by Kim Gruenenfelder 5/30-5/31- Overkill by Linda Castillo
- Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks
- PS I Love You by Cecila Ahern 2/12-2/15
- What Came First by Carol Snow 5/2-5/7

Science:
- The Secret Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot 1/20-1/29
- Forensics and Fiction by D.P. Lyle, M.D.
- Babies by Design by Ronald M. Green
- Bonk by Mary Roach
- Death’s Acre by William M. Bass

Self-Help:
- Single by Jody Ford
- Why Mean Love Bitches by Sherry Argov
- Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey 3/19-4/30
- Make Peace with Your Thighs by Dr. Linda Mintle
- On My Own Two Feet by Manisha Thakor

Series:
- Women’s Murder Club by James Patterson
*4th of July* 3/18-3/19
*5th Horseman* 4/5-4/8
*6th Target* 4/20-4/22
*7th Heaven* 5/1-5/2
*8th Confession* 5/8-5/10
*9th Judgement* 5/21-5/24
*10 Anniversary* 5/25-5/29
- Chelsea Handler Comedy Books
*Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang* 1/17-1/19
- Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins FINISHED!
*Hunger Games* 2/08-2/11
*Catching Fire* 2/26-2/28
*Mockingjay* 3/7-3/13
- Kay Scarpettta Novels by Patricia Cornwell
*From Potter's Field* -1/03
*Cause of Death* 2/05-2/08
*Unnatural Exposure* 3/3-3/7
*Point of Origin* 3/19-3/22
*Black Notice* 4/09-4/15
- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Trilogy by Stieg Larsson
*The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo* 3/4-3/27 AB
*The Girl who Played with Fire* 4/16-4/30 AB

Teaching:
- Choice Words by Peter H. Johnston
- Teaching with Love and Logic by Jim Fay & David Funk
- 32 Third Graders & One Class Bunny by Phillip Done
- 3 Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson & David Oliver Relin
- Freedom Writers by Erin Gruwell

Time/Realms:- My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares
- The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
- 10 Best Days of My Life by Adena Halpern
- Time of My Life by Allison Winn Scotch
- Radiance by Alyson Noel 1/23-1/26

Extras:

Then Came You by Jennifer Weiner 1/15-1/17
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern 1/26-2/04
Unwind by Neal Shusterman 3/27-3/30
Defending Jacob by William Landay 5/12-5/16

 

Little bit of happiness: Today my best friend said YES to THE DRESS!! So excited for her!! We also found a bridesmaid dress that we all agreed on, so we will be moving forward with that soon. Can't wait for next April!

Daily quote: You be the anchor that keeps my feet on the ground. I'll be the wings that keep your heart in the clouds.

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

In the Month of June

Hard to believe it's June already!

This month I will be focusing on my FRIENDS!

 

 

I want to show in my actions in words how important they are to me. The most important thing I can give these amazing people is my time, especially since most are at least 2 hours away. Tomorrow I will be helping my best friend with dress shopping for her wedding. Later on in the month I will be helping my college roommate recover from surgery. I will have to figure out ways to take meaningful time with the rest of my really close friends as the month goes. I thought I would use this month for my friends because I had a couple things scheduled already and it's summertime so I can travel to see them. I will be doing the same thing for my family at some point as well!

 

Little bit of happiness: If you know me, you know I love reading! Today I read the entire lastest book in the Women's Murder Club by James Patterson called the 11th Hour. Seeing as it just came out a couple week ago, looks like I will have to wait another year for the next one!

Daily quote: "The purpose of life is a life of purpose." -Robert Byrne

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra