On Movement

"Downtown. Lights on buildings and everything that makes you wonder."

-Stephen Chbosky, "Perks of Being a Wallflower"

For some, clarity can occur when your mind and body feel somewhat of a disconnect from the everyday grind.  Whether you're on vacation or somewhere local, in that moment--answers to your questions begin to flood your mind and everything seems to fit together so easily...... Like pieces of a puzzle.  Clarity.  For me, I've recently discovered it occurs the most during motion.  

Whether I'm in a car, plane, or train--most of my thoughts occur during some form of movement.    During my drive to work, or on my way home, multiple images are flying through my mind when I hear a favorite song. But what I find myself doing the most during this time is creating.  Creating ideas that I want to happen.  Some ideas are big, others are small.  Heck, I have this horrible habit of changing my lesson plans on my way to work because I think of something different.  Is this normal?  Maybe it's just the writer in me....  

Either way, one thing is for sure: it's the brief break from the everyday that brings me to an entirely different level of thinking.  

I'm curious, what gets your wheel spinning?

Back to Reality

Sad to report, but all good times must come to an end.  On our last day, Tom and I spent the morning alongside the pool.  A pool day wouldn't be complete without acting like a child...We started a swimming competition against one another-like we were part of the Olympics or something.
Yep. True story.
(I beat him in the backstroke for the record!)  :)

After checking out of the hotel, we drove to a nearby Pier and ate at a cute little "shack" called the Yardarm Restaurant:

Tom and I frequently discussed if we should bring Jake or not.  We decided last minute to go by ourselves.  In my opinion, it is crucial to do this whenever the opportunity arises.  It was hands down a much needed vacation that left me feeling like a new individual.  Memories were created and there were times I laughed until my stomach ached.  We had our moments of feeling like a kid without a kid.  

Moral: Explore different destinations-even the unpopular ones!  

Vacation Part III

Day three:

Buffet again! Then Tom departed for a round of golf and I took this opportunity for some quality all about me time.  My relaxing day began with a massage and thoroughly enjoying all of the amenities the spa had to offer.  Afterward, I walked around the resort with a pina colada in hand, and captured the scenery:

I couldn't get over the massive trees:

Then I wrote in my journal (pictured below) because being around peace and harmony all day long can really put things into a different perspective:

After a brief entry and a vast array of photos, I became intrigued about the hotel and wanted to learn about the history.  To my surprise, part of the hotel was used as a hospital during the Civil War and as a training base during World War II-read all about it here.  The hotel magazine and this PDF stated people with political power, famous singers, and athletes have stayed at the hotel.  Looks like our destination isn't so mundane after all!

For lunch, we went to the Oyster House for some more (yes, you guessed it!) oysters and scrumptious seafood. Then it was off for a quick shopping trip in downtown Fairhope-which reminded me so much of Santa Rosa, California.

The remainder of our day was spent at the pool and beach and then it was off to the Wash House Restaurant for one seriously amazing steak dinner.  The place was deceiving from the outside, but the interior was so cute:

Oh, how I love vacations.........and food!!

XO

Vacation Part II

Good morning to me!  

Without a doubt, I would love to wake up to a view like this one every morning:

I'm officially WIDE awake because Tom suggested a short run along the bay and a quick workout at the gym.   So much for the word vacation....

However, running along the bay, looking at the morning horizon, and listening to Ray LaMontagne's song, "Within You" made my workout feel like anything but a workout.  If I had this motionless view to anticipate every morning, running would be much more likable:

Apparently, a quick run and climbing a few steps, can make anyone feel like Rocky:

:)

After one of the most amazing breakfast buffets, we hopped into our super "rad" car (yes, I'm laughing), and headed to the Gulf Shores beach:

During lunch, I ordered oysters again and forced Tom to break (not one, but all of) my crab legs.  In that moment, we reminisced about our younger years and the experiences we had on family trips.  I couldn't help but think, since we now have a foundation (a family of three), we will be building our own countless memories on different vacations for Jake to recollect. 

We drove into downtown Fairhope, had dinner at a little pizza joint that played Frank Sinatra and other songs like Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World".

Absolute perfection!

Some scheduled me time tomorrow!

Vacation Part I

No matter how big or small a topic can be, I love having this little writing space because it enables me to look back and remember every little detail.  I've been slacking on writing, however the important part is-I'm progressing (very slowly) with my hobby again and starting simple.  My writing topic today is about a recent vacation my husband and I decided to take on a whim.  Not appealing?  Well like I stated above, I want to remember all of the tiny details and lately friends have been asking to see pictures and they want to know what we chose to do on a daily basis.

Tom and I have visited various countries and states and love nothing more than a break from the norm.  Together we have created lifelong memories on vacation. Most, as we recall, just downright hilarious! 

We decided we needed a getaway close to home and some guys from work suggested Alabama to Tom.  "Alabama?? Really?" was my initial response.  (It's not everyday you hear about people heading there), but I'm all for going somewhere new and absolutely heart the south, so I decided to give it a go.  Besides EVERY vacation brings something new to the table.....

Well, it started off with me being "interrogated" at the airport.  Out of all the people flying out of Midway, I was stopped by TSA (before entering security!) and asked to provide my license and boarding pass.  For those who know me, do I really look like I can cause any harm?!  Then, I proceeded through security and was yelled at for placing my bag down too quickly. Really?!  I must say Tom enjoyed every minute of this and had this permanent smirk on his face.  I'm always up for a good laugh and when life hands you lemons...head to the bar!  

(Hmmm...I just made that up, maybe I should make that slogan a sign!)

We had a few laughs at the airport bar about my experience, boarded the plane, and (our luck) we had a pilot that told jokes to his crew and passengers before takeoff. One joke stuck with me because I'm a White Sox fan.  I'll get into that later...

We rented a SUV and thought we would have a SUV.  Turns out, an Enterprise representative said, "We only have a Dodge Ram or Challenger." The minute I saw the Challenger, I immediately thought of the movie Dukes of Hazzard.  Tom was smiling like a little kid on Christmas, so I knew I would be stuck with this teenage machine.

A quick summary of our first day:

After check-in, we went out to dinner and I immediately ordered oysters with my drink.  I became obsessed after our first experience devouring oysters in Puerto Rico.  After eating amazing seafood, we managed to go to all of the bars located at our resort.  We started off at the poolside lounge, and as I sipped "The Patriot" special, I watched the sunset and snapped these pics that make me want to close my eyes and return:

I ordered another dinner for myself (true story-nothing like a Bison burger at midnight!)  Then we sat on a swing by the bay and talked and then located a seat by a fire pit and talked some more:

Around 1am, there was a "serious" game of golf in the dark.  In case you are wondering, I won! (Could be because I drank less, but I won't give him the satisfaction of knowing that.)  Hard to view, but here's my proof:

Eventually, we made our way back to our room, only to be locked out because of our demagnetized key card.  Only us.

Pilot joke:  A kid tells the courtroom he doesn't want to live with his mom or dad because they beat him.  Judge then questions kid and asks him who he wants to live with.  Kid says I want to live with the Chicago Cubs because they don't beat anyone! :)

On to day two...stay tuned!

What I would tell my 15 year old self...

(Pic: Yahoo Images)

...high school is nothing like the movies. You'll never met a Jake Ryan look alike.

...the friends you have your senior year will remain your best friends for the rest of your life. (With a few additions along the way.)

...being popular means absolutely nothing.

...focus more on school and less on things that really don't matter.

...you will break a heart, and then have yours broken.

...don't hate yourself for not going away to college.  You will have more fun at home creating lifelong memories with your friends (than someone who actually DID go away). 

...the guy who you almost push away (because of a recent heartbreak) ends up being the one you marry.

...anytime the possibility of vacation arises, always seize the opportunity, because you'll end up saying (for years after) "remember when we went here..." and you'll just smile and cherish those memories forever. 

...your love for writing will help you in the future when you become a teacher.

...you'll encounter a doctor telling you that you have heart failure, and it won't stop you from achieving your goal of starting a family.

...you'll make a promise to yourself to never become dull or boring when your a mom and you totally fulfill your promise.

...and finally, when your 34, you will LOVE your curly hair and appreciate having options.

**I got this idea from another blogger, so I can't take the credit.  However, I thought this was such an interesting way to reflect on my past and life today.

Dear Jake, (5-8 Months)

You have kept mommy pretty busy, but I love this phase because you are smiling and so much more active!

On November 13th, you discovered your voice and kept screaming (for pure enjoyment) followed by smiles.

You love blowing bubbles!

On November 19th, you started sleeping until 5am and eventually transitioned to the 6am mark (THANK YOU! Mommy and Daddy needed this extra hour!)

On November 29th, you rolled on to your stomach!

You love to kick when we are changing your diaper.

When we put you in your jumperoo, daddy and I couldn't stop laughing. Your feet looked like you were auditioning for Lord of the Dance.

When I'm holding you, you have the tendency to lean on the way to the side to see my patterned socks! :)

Then mommy was on her winter break from work, and witnessed two milestones:
One was on January 2nd at Auntie Vasavi's house--she located your first tooth!!
The other, was on January 6th, when you rolled from your stomach to your back. (Mommy was just telling Auntie Vasavi that you would occasionally roll back but not always.)  You must have been listening and thought, "I'll show you what I can do!"

On January 14th, you tried your first baby food.  We have the video to prove it! :)

Two little adorable habits that you have:
You sleep on your side with your tiny feet against the bumper and you place your little hands on the edge of the table attached to your high chair while your being fed.  Such a nice eater, showing early table manners!  :)

Your first word was dada, but then you said mama soon after that, but now your back to saying dada.

As of today, you have six teeth!

You love moving your hands up and down while you are drinking your milk.

You cry sometimes the first five minutes upon meeting someone new.  (You like peace and quiet like mommy and have a hard time trusting others.)  LOL!

You act like you have a pair of glasses on and you move your head upward while looking down and pout your lips while you are concentrating.

You stretch your arms out to the side and it looks like your hands are trying to grab something.  You do this when you're really excited and want to say or do something.

When I say "sockies off" and take your socks off, you just crack up and something so small completely warms my heart.

And the fun continues....

Love you boo-boo!

Mommy (& Daddy)

Blissful Week at Work

(Photo: Yahoo Images)

Three different days:

1.  Best email I have ever received...please read below:

Good morning. I just wanted to take a minute to share a really heartwarming positive referral that I received from Ms. Stange regarding a student from your homeroom:

Brian (412) and Joshua (430) received a positive referral from Ms. Stange for this wonderful act of compassion, responsibility and courage: “This boy and a few others saw some extreme bullying on the street; three 8^th grade boys who continually bullied another student during the past few days. Joshua and Brian and a few others asked the victim if he would like to walk with them so he will be with other students and maybe not get bullied anymore. The group of students then walked several blocks out of their way to make sure he was safe. He and the students that helped the bullied boy returned to school after 3 p.m. to report the bullying”.

I almost cried when I read this email about Joshua in my homeroom because it is the most touching email I have ever received.  Joshua told me he was once a victim of bullying and will not tolerate seeing others bullied.  I commended him for being so responsible, mature, and a role model to others who witness these acts of cruelty.

2.  I was one on one testing one of my students named Oscar.  He kept on answering the next question before I even stated the question.  Amazed, I asked him jokingly, "Are you a psychic?" He smiled and told me yes and wanted me to ask him any question. First one that came to my mind was the number of children I will have. (Strange I know, but it really was the first question that I thought of.) He replied,  "Only one."  It was what he said after that made me smile. He said, "Why do you want more kids Mrs. K. when you have all of us? " Huge smile from me. End of our conversation.

3.  I was talking to my students about an upcoming event at our school. I quickly summarized the details of career day and mentioned sometimes I think about receiving a masters degree.   One of my students named Luis said loudly, "No, Mrs. K. you can't do that because you wouldn't be here and we'll miss you because you are the coolest teacher."  

Times like these, I think damn I really do love my job.  It's going to be a tough gig to walk away from.  Maybe one more year....

Reflection Part Two

(Photo: Pinterest)

So I created this long list that I planned on sharing that consisted of all of my 2013 resolutions.  I planned on sharing the list but along the way I experienced a bump in the road.  Actually, to be more exact, a major pothole!  My mom had to have heart surgery and since her surgery I've been lost in my thoughts.  Do I spend a lot of time with her? ... And let's stop there because the rest of my thoughts are pretty personal.

Truth is many resolutions that are made suck! :) Ohhhh how good it feels to be blunt!  Most resolutions that we make really don't matter.  Well at least mine anyway. What matters in life is the people in your life.  I've come to realize that people don't see their parents as much as they should. Or the time together is not valued as much as it should be.  I can recall many times I have said goodbye to my mom, gave her a quick hug, and then I'm on my way.

So instead of my long 2013 list, I'm going with what is truly important.  My new resolution is to spend more time with my parents.  Especially my mom who lives alone.  Today I stopped by and gave her a kiss on her cheek before I left and told her I loved her.   I made plans with her tomorrow to take her shopping after work, and she is coming over on Sunday because my husband wants to cook for her.  

Look at my post from last year and read number 28.

So far, I think I'm off to a pretty good start....