Looking forward to...

So many things over the next few weekends, I can hardly contain my excitement! Thought I would jot them down here, so I can remind myself of the fun weekends ahead during those days of the week that aren't so fun (Monday - Thursday that is!).

This weekend started early thanks to a surprise "snow" day. Most of the time in NC, "snow" days are actually "ice" days, and today definitely followed suit. Except we were missing one thing- the ice. I was slightly annoyed after getting the phone call last night (before the rain even started) but have decided to take full advantage of my day off. And by taking full advantage, of course I mean staying in my sweatpants until it is time to meet my girls for drinks at 4 pm :)

Anyways, I am SO looking forward to tomorrow! My best friend since 5th grade is getting married in March and we are throwing her last hoorah tomorrow night! Should be a dandy ol' time for all :) Also, excited to try out a restaurant I have never been to before, The Melting Pot. I am not a try-new-places kind of girl, so I am glad someone is getting me out my comfort zone (aka Ronni's, Mexican and the occasional Steakhouse).

My beautiful friend, Moo 

Next weekend, some of my favorite ladies from Washington are coming for an overnight visit. It will be a quick trip, but some catching up is long overdue!

On March 9th, the BFF from 5th grade (mentioned above) is getting MARRIED! Oh my gosh I can't believe it! I am so so happy for her and future hubby. They started dating around the same time as D & I, so this is a long time coming. I am very much looking forward to this day. I know she will be a beautiful, stunning bride :)

The next weekend, I will be heading to Raleigh for an overnight shopping trip with another best friend of mine. We are taking a whole day to shop for ourselves, eat, drink and just enjoy each others' company. We have both had a few off months, so this is well deserved!

Finally, the day I have been waiting for since I opened my Christmas present this year, March 22nd. D and I will be heading to Fayetteville to see my main man, Luke Bryan, and the amazing Florida-Georgia Line in concert! Wahoooooo! In case you did not know, I am slightly obsessed with Luke Bryan, especially live in concert. We have seem him a few times (yeah, obsessed) and he always puts on a good show!

I will be seeing this in person very soon :)

Anyways, what a busy few weekends ahead! Looking forward to the fun!

Love...

Since it's Valentine's Day, I thought I would make a little list of the things I love most right now.

1- My hubby. Obviously. Glad that he is my Valentine, forever.

2- Funfetti cookies. I made some last night, with pink strawberry icing, and they were awfully scrumptious.

3- Momma & Daddy. Mom stopped by after work the other day and brought D and I a special Valentine's present. Such sweet little parents I have.

4- Texts from long-distance friends who I miss so very much. 3 in particular just today!

5- A feeling of relief and closure. I feel like I am finding myself again, slowly but surely.

6- An overnight trip planned to Raleigh with one of my favs. Trust me- we both need it.

7- The fact that the next few weekends are filled with bridal showers and bachelorette parties and weddings for two lovely ladies.

8- The dinner I will be eating in about 3 hours. Ready for some bang-bang shrimp and a glass of Merlot with my main man.

9- All of the sweet things I received today from my co-workers and students. I love feeling loved!

10- My two new sweaters I got at Ann Taylor Loft over the weekend for $12.99 each. Can't beat that!

Goals

I have started giving my students a daily goal on the board in class. We develop the goal for the day based on behaviors and choices made the previous day. It has worked so well, and it is a great visual reminder!

In fact, it works so well that I have decided I need to do this for myself. It is no secret that the past few weeks have been rough for me. So, I have decided to make a few (achievable) goals for myself for the remainder of the week, and document them here to hold myself accountable.

1. Take things one day at a time. I will not worry today about what tomorrow holds. Tomorrow is not guaranteed and I will not waste today worrying about tomorrow ( or the next day...).

2. Laugh out loud multiple times each day. Find time to talk with friends, co-workers, family members and hubby because they always know how to make me smile.

3. Remind myself daily that someone, somewhere, has things much worse than me and be thankful for what I have. 

Now, I am on a mission to stick to these goals the same way I expect my students to stick to their goals each day. So, if ya see me around, make me laugh and help me out :)

Just let me do this...

Lately, I haven't been feeling quite like myself. Blame it on whatever you like, but I just don't feel like my normal, happy self. And, when I am feeling this way, I start looking for things to do to find myself again. Ya know, things like planning trips, drinking wine, keeping busy, etc. And, I promise, I am currently doing those things....

But I just can't seem to shake it this time. So, just let me vent.

I am annoyed.

I am grumpy.

I am feeling like life isn't fair.

I don't care if people have it worse.

I am having a pity party. 

I feel angry.

I feel frustrated.

I am feeling impatient. 

And all of these feelings are OK. It is OK to have these moments in life. Things don't always go as planned. Life doesn't always work the way we want it to. I am learning it is OK to feel these things. It makes you appreciate the good things & the good times in life. 

So, there, I did it. I vented. Now, on to the next step...

Getting over it!

One week

A lot can change in one week, but I am reminded of God's word...

Psalm 27:14
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!