Counting Down

Summer is almost over and I'm counting down the days until I meet my first group of students. I am constantly feeling a mix of anxiety and excitement - especially when I walk into my school and do work around my classroom. I can't seem to wrap my head around the fact that I'm finally a teacher. I have wanted this since I was a kindergartener and the fear of disappointing my colleagues, my principal, myself, my students' parents, but most importantly, my students will at times get to me. I have to continue to push it away because I am reminded as soon as my fear comes, that God has placed me where I am for a reason. In fact, He has never changed the direction of my choice of career and passion: I have always seen myself as a teacher. 

My room is 97% ready, I'm looking at curriculum, and I continue to be blessed by old and new friends and family. As I count down the days until my first day of school as a teacher, God continues to be merciful and show His love. I continue to be ever so thankful because the fact that God is for me is never far from my heart and mind. 

Puerto Vallarta!

About a week ago, I got back from vacationing at Puerto Vallarata with the sisters and my mom. We did a lot of different things: snorkeling, kayaking, touring the city, massages on the beach, riding a banana boat, parasailing, taking a mini salsa dancing lesson, and spending most of our time on the beach. It was really great to spend time with just the girls. I didn't take many pictures, but here are some of the ones I did take. Enjoy!

This is where we spent most of our time. Lovely isn't it? 

I was convinced I could imitate the sea lion's facial expression. I think I did a pretty good job. 

Mom was brave and rode the deathly water slide at the hotel. This thing would squirt you out at high speed leaving you with a nose full of water. Yes, Mom screamed the whole way down...and yes, Marisa and Elena could hear her as they were walking towards the pool. :) 

Me and Marisa exploring Puerto Vallarta!

Elena and I parasailed and it was FANTASTIC! I highly recommend it! 

 (Me)

 (Elena)

(Parasailing man - he didn't let us die so we took a picture with him. :)) 

On our last full day, Paige, Elena, and I took a ride on the banana boat. 

(Us with our banana boat friend) 

While we shopped in Puerto Vallarta, I purchased a sombrero for my 4th graders to wear on their birthday and a homemade, moveable, wooden alligator as a decoration. Check out the gator's neck (it says "Gulledge Gators!") 

So much fun! Round 2 anyone?? 

New Apartment!

What a whirlwind! I just finished moving into my new apartment! I really love it and feel as though the pictures below don't do the apartment justice. I will say that it's odd to live by myself for the first time. Odd but very much welcomed! 

Here are pictures...feel free to stop by any time you want! 

Remember my key holder that I made a few months ago? Well, it's finally being used!

Kitchen!

Dining room/living room (a tad dark, my apologies). The couch is purple with turquoise and gold pillows. The mirror is multicolored and the frames are turquoise. 

 I'm getting a really pretty chair from Elena. This chair will be put into my bedroom. Also, I'm going to purchase another chair and bench for the dining table. Can't wait!

Bedroom (my desk is on the other wall, but that would have been a boring picture. ;))

Bathroom (same as before)

Walk in closet!

My work-in-progress cross wall (across from the dining table).

My washer and dryer that sings to me haha 

And just because... I miss her!

I'll be posting pictures from Puerto Vallarta soon! I did a really bad job at taking pictures during the week we were there so I'll need to steal some from the sisters!