My little slice of HEAVEN

Today during the beginning of fourth block, my advisor from Troy University popped into my classroom to do a surprise evaluation. For those of you who have no idea what this is; since I am interning in my own classroom for my Masters Degree, I have to be randomly evaluated by another teacher, my principal, and my advisor four times during this semester. Needless to say I was shocked to see her just waltz in because (without serious details being divuldged) today was not a super peachy day to this point. Yesterday's fourth block was a total waste because we were moved out of the trailers into our safe areas due to the weather; so I got zero accomplished and today was CATCH UP DAY. Despite how terrible I thought my teaching 90 mph was, she gave me a beaming evaluation and told me that I was one of the best educators that she has ever seen. Whoah times a billion. She commented on how well-behaved the students were and how actively engaged they were in what we were doing. Perhaps since I see those boogers everyday, I take for granted just how lucky I truly am. Yes. I teach everyday in a single-wide trailer that has a hole in the floor. Yes. I have 32 students + 2 teachers' assistants + myself crammed in there rain or shine. No. I do not have 90% of the technology available to me to use to enhance my lessons. But, when I was speaking with Ms. Gaston today, I realized the most important thing. YES! I have a job that I wake up every morning and am genuinely excited to be going to. YES! I have a super fantastic group of students this semester that do not mind being cramped and really do have a yearning to learn. When I ponder where I could be at this point in my life had I stayed on my original track of becoming a pharmacist, I wonder how my "slice of heaven" would differ. Yes. I would be making triple the salary of what I am currently. Yes. I would probably enjoy helping people. But there are some real hard truths of my alternate life that I am glad that I never have to wonder about. Although I am not curing cancer in my "slice" as a teacher; but, you had better believe that those little darlings will never ever be curious as to what causes air pollution or what might happen if we drill for oil in ANWR!

A new leaf...

Okay guys... To all my family, friends, and blog-stalkers alike, I have a serious confession to make. I have seriously been slacking on writing to you, about you, about me, and pretty much all that might lie between. For those of you that have known me my entire life (Kristy S, Kira) you know that I have "shut down" valves installed in me that make me go bananas when too much stress is added. These last few months have been similar to the proverbial frog in the pot of steadily warming water. Here's where I come into the story. I am that frog.

While there have been no major catastrophes lately (minus 2 ER visits, and being horribly sick this week), I have felt the overwhelming pressures of life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. Grad school internship is not turning out to be the 'piece of cake' that I thought it would be. My shoulder is injured (still) from the tornado and I am back on rounds of medications and therapy for it. With this being said, keep in mind that I have about 2095702170357 billion things to praise about such as (1) the bestest husband in the whole world (2) you awesome friends that inspire me daily (3) the most amazing family that I could ever ask for and certainly not least (4) a loving Father in Heaven who is incredibly patient with me.

On a good note, my new classes this semester at EHS are quite possibly the most fun and intelligent group of kids that I have had yet. I was out 3 days sick this week, and got multiple emails from my kids saying that they missed me and wished I would come back soon. Sweet eh?... We are making stellar progress on our house we are building and it should be move-in-ready by March 1st or so. Although being dragged the first time, I am now in group 'therapy' with several other staff members of the high school. I think that I really was hesitant because of the whole 'OCD/perfcect complex' thing that I latch so tighly to. But we are now 3 weeks into the sessions, and the nightmares are subsiding and I can finally remember what 3rd hall looked like without being stained with blood.

So for all of you wonderful brothers and sisters out there that have sent me emails and checked in on me; thank you times a million. I daily draw strength from you all and want you to know just how much you mean to me. Now for specifics:
- Kristy Sutton: By all means have another baby! Heck; have 4 more. You are an amazing mommy. Random memory--- Driving in the "stang", feet out the window, singing Lila McCann's I wanna fall in love. Well, we did it! I love you.

- Krsity R: Congratulations on finally making it to the temple! I am so increibly proud of you that I cannot express it with words. Also accept my apologies for being a bad friend lately. I'm trying. I love you.

- Stace: Thanks for the invite to the Twilight party. I am stoked b/c I never ever get a girls night out. And thanks for being so "real" with your posts. It gives me hope more than you know. I love you.

- Kira: When I think back to when we were younger, I think of how I always knew something was 'different' about you. Fast forward about 13 yrs and I know what that something is. You have an amazing light that emulates from you and is almost infectious. When I think of how you have persevered I have hope for myself. I love you.

- Angie: Hazel is quite possibly the most perfect little angel in the world. You are a great mommy and inspiration to me. Start doing those Hip Hop Abs and get sexified for your hubby. I love you.

- Trish: To my soon to be sister--- I love you times a billion and cannot wait until May 2nd when I get to see your dreams come true. I could not be more proud of my brother for picking a gem like you. I love you.

- Jacob: Why you put up with me is still a mystery to me. None the less I am eternally grateful for you picking me. Soulmates are not as romantic when you think of it in the way that YOU picked ME out of the 29837565 billion girls that were pursuing you. I love you forever.