Adventures of Jess and Kate

Storage/Space

2010-03-30T12:07:00.000-04:00

Just recently I decided I needed to seriously go through all of my craft "stuff" and reorganize. First, you need to know that I have always stored my stuff away in bins that I could put in a closet (what was I thinking?!) Here are some storage tips that saved me:

1. THROW STUFF AWAY. If you've been saving things for over 6 months to a year for some crafty purpose and you haven't used it yet, PITCH IT!

2. Put your supplies on shelves! Not bins. It's easy access (that's what she said), and really cute. Surround your supplies with pictures, books, and make it YOUR space.

3. Find cute, inexpensive containers to organize. (Orange basket = .99 at Target for embroidery thread, pink catty for pain brushes and glues = $1.99 Hobby Lobby, Liberty of London storage boxes = $6.99-8.99 at Target). Helloooo adorable.

4. No shelves? Make them. Use an old book shelf or get the cheap-o ones you can mount on the wall. Go to Goodwill. Unfortunately, being thrifty takes a little more effort.

Fill your shelves with cuteness.

Make space where you think you don't have any :) I obviously still have the problem of not cleaning up after myself.... must work on that.

So here's the deal....

2010-03-30T11:08:00.000-04:00

Kate & I have been complete blogging slackers. We were talking last night (which was awesome) and we decided to both make art journals and share our ideas with you. We were considering taking Elsie & Rachel's online art journal class, but thought $60 was a bit steep ~~ no offense E & R! (just in case they read our blog, which I'm SO SURE they have it bookmarked!!) Hopefully we share some creative ideas for you (that are a little more cost efficient!!)

My (J) book will be for myself and my fiancee Nile. I have all this STUFF and pictures and nowhere to put them ~~ so here is my cover:

I just used vintage letter tags and stitched buttons on (You can get hundreds of buttons for $5, memory book or $10, and any letters for $2-4... or make your own!!!). Recommendation: come up with an alternate way to adhere buttons. The thick cardboard cover was torture trying to get embroidery needles through (they were the only needles I had). However, it's super cute! I'm sure there will be lots of stitching in mine!!!

Supplies I have so far: a million buttons, paper shapes, my Instax camera, paper, various ribbon, spray adhesive, various fabric squares (and fabric glue), and paint of course.

Attempting to collect inspirational ideas over Spring Break. If you have any, LET US KNOW!

KATE!! YOU'RE TURN!!!!!!!!

xoxo

Have a lovely day!

As of late...

2010-03-14T15:19:00.004-04:00

I have been....

eating chocolate Greek yogurt. OMG. In love

Joined a new gym complete with an awesome Zumba class. Yes, I wear this exact outfit hahahaha. Just kiddddding. But seriously...awesome gym with Zumba and dance classes and running. Yesterday morning, Caitlin and I went to a kickboxing class. It was really intense and we had to pretend that we were fighting off enemies, but we will definitely go back again!!

I went to a cabin party....in a legit cabin! I obviously dressed up in a flannel shirt, boots and a big belt buckle. Remember when I spent the night at a cabin...that didn't have a bathroom, only an outhouse?! I seriously have some of the best co-workers ever!

I made friends with another dog.

I spend a majority of my time wearing ghetto nerd glasses and cuddling Caitlin Koch.

I spent a day in the city with my friend from home, Dan. We walked around Central Park observing signs of glaciers, identifying rocks and went to a Muse concert at MSG...o yea...

...and went to the freakin most amazing museum exhibit ever! YES I did buy an Abraham Lincoln finger puppet magnet (to match my Ben Franklin one!)

On top of it all, it's PI DAY!!!!! Check out the awesome Google logo for today.

I used to blog...

2010-02-23T21:59:00.003-05:00

Sorry for the little blog break. My mom aka MARE was visiting me this entire past week :) I loved having her as my wifey haha. She helped me out with my apartment and cooking and LAUNDRY and she even came in to talk to my kids about Chinese New Year and make them fried rice....and she helped me last weekend with some bulletin boards!!

These past 2 weeks have been crazy...we're getting closer and closer to PSSAs so school stuff is hectic. Also, I love the winter Olympics so much...too bad I am too tired to watch any of the events that I like (mostly figure skating!!)
I have been making canvases J.Cooper style though...
This week includes (but is not limited to...) lots of lesson planning, lots of grading, an introduction to air and the atmosphere using the Chris Brown & Jordin Sparks song "No Air", cute tights, more painting, a visit from my old BBW friend, and counting down the days until my next trip to NY!! Love you, byeeee

Happies

2010-02-16T16:26:00.002-05:00

Love Love Love Love ♥

My Favorite Valentine Cookies

2010-02-14T17:50:00.003-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Honestly, I do love holidays where love is important (like it should be EVERY day) and you buy your girlfriends/boyfriends/husbands/wives goodies, but my favorite thing about Valentine's Day is cookies. Not kidding.

These Monster Cookies are my FAVORITE ~ oats, peanut butter, chocolate, you can't go wrong! Use pink, red, & white M&M's instead of regular and you have instant VDay cookies.

Next up for holiday foods: Cadbury Mini-Eggs/Creme Eggs. Heaven. Must find a cookie to put them in. Love, J

Reasons I could never work at home...

2010-02-12T14:16:00.003-05:00

Raise your hand if you are mad at me for complaining about having THREE snow days in a row...followed by a 3 day weekend.

Because if I wasn't me, I would be so pissed at me!!

That being said, I have a approx.. 2.5 hours until I get picked up and PRAY that I make it to the Lancaster train station on time to get home to NY for the weekend :)

These past three days, I have come up with an extensive list of why I should NEVER, NEVER, NEVER try and get a job where I work at home...

1) I am the most unproductive, unmotivated person ever when I don't have the structure of a bell schedule. True Life marathons and facebook stalking are SO much more appealing that re-planning lessons and grading practice PSSA constructed responses.

2) Probably because of the above distractions, my apartment looks like a MESS.

3) I drink way, way, too much coffee.

4) I expect everyone in the world to engage with me in text message conversations...even though they are clearly working

5) I spend too much time finding bacon related presents for Jess & Caitlin

6) I host too many of my own photobooth photo shoots

7) I repaint my nails 4-5 times in a 3 day period.

8) I read NAIL POLISH BLOGS!!! Who the heckkkkk does that?? Obviously someone who is snowed in.

9) I tweet 10-50 times A DAY!! No one cares about my life that much. It's true.

Enjoy your Chinese New Year/Valentine's Day/President's Day weekend (aka my 3 favorite holidays EVER!!)

Love you, byeee

Things to do....

2010-02-10T23:54:00.002-05:00

So this past weekend I got snowed in with Em and Caitlin...starting Friday afternoon until Saturday evening we got over 2 feet of snow....

Caitlin, Em and I spent the weekend watching Big Bang Theory, playing with make-up, and even convinced Nick to come over for a little (luring him over with some free pizza. duh)

Tuesday afternoon it started snowing again...and didn't stop until tonight. We now have over 3.5 FEET of snow. Ugh. I do NOT live in Ohio anymore...but it kinda feels like it. On top of the 2 hour delay we had on Monday, today and tomorrow are snow days...still waiting to hear about Friday. Apparently it never snows this much so obviously, York, PA is not prepared for 2 (technically 3) blizzards in a week.

I know I shouldn't be complaining about days off as Jess never even gets delays (except for today!!) but with the PSSA (PA state tests) a little over a month away, I need my kids in school as much as possible...also, I am supposed to go home this weekend for CHINESE NEW YEAR!! If, for some reason, I am stuck here, I am going to be sooooo MAD!

Anyway, Caitlin's roommate is possibly going to come pick me up tomorrow so I'm not stuck in my apartment all alone, going crazy. Stay warm :)

It's about time!!

2010-02-10T15:48:00.003-05:00

So I am the worst blogger ever...it's weird...I have no problem blogging about random frivolity (like new nail polish colors and cute new shoes and funny you tube videos), but when it comes to blogging about IMPORTANT things, I get really overwhelmed and think I will do a horrible job expressing myself and that everyone will hate me...that being said the reason I have been MIA for like EVER is I know I should write something about how ECSTATIC I am about Jess and Nile getting engaged, but every time I start a post, I get like performance anxiety and can't find the words to express the sheer joy and happiness I feel for them!!

That being said, the phone call I got from J.Coop that Friday afternoon, while I was getting ready to leave school, was one of my favorite phone calls I have ever gotten from anyone (except maybe the phone call I will get tonight about a snow day again tomorrow??) I may or may not have done ALL of the following when Jess told me the news:

a) fist pumped

b) screamed

c) squealed

d) jumped up and down

e) fist pumped some more

I am truly SO happy for Jess & Nile and know that they will have an amazingly happy life together...and J.Coop will make an amazingly beautiful bride!!

ALSO, J.COOP, I have an engagement card to send you guys but I am waiting for a pretty awesome engagement gift to arrive in the mail before I send it off. Don't think I forgot about you guys :)

LOVE YOU SO MUCH!! Expect some of my famous frivolity-laden posts later today :)

Love/Hate Week

2010-02-04T18:30:00.005-05:00

Things I've loved this week:

1. Going to a science teacher conference today & tomorrow instead of going to school and receiving a free rock & mineral kit. (boo-yah!)

2. My fiance dressing up like a dinosaur in public.

3. Writing 'Congratulations' to ourselves for getting engaged in Arabic.

4. Designing Barbie clothes.

5. THIS NAIL POLISH! I painted my nails with "Power Plum" on Sunday and they STILL look freshly painted - no chips!! And it was super cheap too, I think less than $3 at Target.

6. I am planning to go to Upland, IN to get a Jacob Cooper fill. He just recently returned from Ecuador & I can't wait to hear about all the awesome stuff he's done there :)

Things I have NOT loved this week:

1. Tuesday. It was the first time this year I sat at my desk at the end of the day saying to myself "I'm not cut out for this." Also, I did NOT love our finance meeting where we were informed of all the many ways our school corporation is going to cut spending in the next couple months.

2. This horribly depressing movie

3. This notification on weather.com right now for tomorrow & Saturday, thus inhibiting me from seeing my brother. BOO! I also double hate snow now because my school district refuses to delay.

Here's the good thing: The things I LOVE outweigh the things I do not love. My momma challenged me to notice the little blessings in my life on a daily basis. I've learned that when you consciously LOOK for the blessings in your life, you realize how blessed you REALLY ARE!

Much love, J

Blog #2

2010-01-31T17:25:00.002-05:00

I (Jessica) and my new fiance Nile have created our own blog called Our Side of Paradise. Please visit!!

This was created for a number of reasons:

1. Nile was jealous that he didn't have a blog to contribute to ;)

2. I wanted to have all of our memories together in one place

3. I wouldn't litter our 'Jess and Kate' blog with romantic mush all the time

4. I love blogging, so it gives me more to do :)

This does not mean, in any way, that I will not be contributing to our 'Jess and Kate' blog anymore. This just means I'll be blogging LESS about Nile on here and MORE about myself (I know everyone is SO happy about that!)

Things making me happy today:

PJs Day!

The sun was shining

Talking with my hands so that anyone who looks at my face also looks at the beautiful ring on my finger :)

GUESS WHAT?!

2010-01-30T10:23:00.002-05:00

More details to come (and possibly a new jess/nile blog) :)

I'm the happiest/most blessed girl in the world.

Interesting day

2010-01-27T21:43:00.006-05:00

Today I miss MGDUBS a lot. And I mean everyone. Not just everyone present in this classy pic.

So today was quite an interesting day. This afternoon, we were informed that our school was under lockdown. We were told it was some sort of shooting... apparently there was a standoff between the police and some homicide suspect. We ended up having to stay with the kids until 5pm. Not really all that fun...not to mention kind of threw off my planning and prep after school. Check out the riveting story here.

3 years ago, when I went to Eastern University, I signed up to be a bone marrow donor. They said they needed people who were Asian. I filled out my paper work and swabbed my cheeks and kind of forgot about it. Today when I checked my voicemail at lunch, I had a message from Be The Match. They found that I am a 6/6 match (I honestly have no idea what that means) for an 11 year old girl with a chromosomal abnormality that is somehow similar to leukemia. I have to eat lunch with my kids every other day so I planned on calling back after school. Before the day was over, I had 2 more voicemail messages asking me to call back. I got another teacher to watch my kids for a little during the lockdown and called to get more info. I am getting a prescreening blood test on Wednesday & have a bunch of paperwork to fill out this week. I am praying that I am a match for this little girl...even though I have to get a huge needle stuck in my pelvis if I am. At first, I was legit really scared, but now I will be so disappointed if I am not a match for her. Please, please pray that this all works out!!

Now, I am finishing up lessons & watching my main man O-Baby deliver a little State of the Union...

"The best antipoverty program around is a world class education"

Oh O-baby, I do love you.

Ever since I can remember I've been poppin my collar

2010-01-26T20:23:00.004-05:00

So this morning I was super optimistic. I wore a big bow headband. Yesterday was the best day I've had in a long, long time...
Then I took weird photo booth pics cause I had extra time this morning (weirdddd). I was one of the first people at school this morning. I made some delicious coffee.

Then I proceeded to have the worst day of my life. UGHHH seriously??! I don't know what's going on...

Anyway.

We've been talking a lot about Haiti. We recently finished an earthquake unit and a lot of my kids are from the Dominican Republic, so it's obviously been a hot discussion topic in science class.
Caitlin and I run a club where the kids make crafts for different organizations. For the past 2 weeks we have been making braided bracelets with red and blue beads on it (Haiti's colors) and selling them for a dollar.
We sell out of them everyday!! As of now, we have raised over $150 for the American Red Cross. So proud of my kids :)

PS Are you in love with my PEACE canvas on my wall from Pottery Barn?

hello love.

2010-01-24T15:49:00.004-05:00

For the 3rd time this school year, they are reconfiguring the 6th grade classes...which means I will have 3 out of my 6 classes (my homeroom included) all mixed up...which is the reason I am NOT looking forward to tomorrow. I am spending today cleaning and reorganizing my apartment and cooking dinner for Caitlin, Nick and me. I am also spending a good part of the day lusting over....

THIS freakin beautiful skirt. Go to the link and look at the detailed waistband. Front and back. I seriously thought about how much I love Banana Republic at least 4 times this week. I need this skirt in black and gray...so perfect for work!!

OMG I know these boots are hideous...but I love them for some reason. Odds of me actually purchasing them? Very low...but still they are cute...in an ugly/weird sort of way!! Weird picture...but I got this awesome red strapless dress at Target for $9.98. It was from the holiday line, but it was 75% off. I also got the same dress in a black brocade fabric. I am so in love!!
Ok, love you, byeeee!

P.S. Project for the day (besides grading PSSA constructed responses)? Turning my WHITE Christmas tree into a Valentines/Chinese New Year tree!! Mare said I had to do it...for the blog!!

Remember this?

2010-01-18T16:06:00.002-05:00

I dunno about you, but this Little Golden Book holds a place near & dear to my heart ~ I couldn't resist!!! :) This along with an instant Polaroid camera for $3 ~ too bad the film is being sold on amazon/ebay for over $30 per pack of 10.

Happy Monday/MLK Day/Kate get back to York safely please!!

blogging one handed

2010-01-18T15:56:00.001-05:00

on the train on the way to penn station. not super excited to get back to York, but with the short week I think i will survive. goodbye NY, it's been real

In no particular order

2010-01-18T08:52:00.004-05:00

Happy MLK day, babies!!

Incase you don't stalk me on FB or spend my time in my life, I would like to share with you the most amazing thing EVER said to me in my class.

During homebase/morning meeting with my SIXTH graders, we were talking about why we have Monday off...

Me: "Does anyone know what Martin Luther King, Jr. did?"

Student: "He died for our sins!!"

Me: "Are you sure that was Martin Luther King, Jr.??!"

Student: "YEPPPPP!"

Haha seriously, how great?!

Anyway just a few links:

These amazing & free computer/iphone backgrounds!
These super healthy and super easy breakfast cookies. I just made one...with maybe a few chocolate chips and some PB. SO delicious
I'm taking the train back to York this afternoon. Today will be spent shopping with Mare and packing to go!! Ok, LOVE YOU BYE!!!

Jess' Current Loves...

2010-01-17T22:15:00.004-05:00

Talking to momma Cooper on the phone for over an hour today. Much needed.

Twitter. Seriously. How has Twitter NOT been a bigger part of my life before now?

My brother Jake. He is in Ecuador spreading joy and awesomeness to so many :)

My boyfriend Nile. Best friend, best laughs, best love I've ever had.

Last, but definitely not least: 3 DAYS WEEKENDS!!!! Another day off tomorrow & I couldn't be more thrilled!!!!!

A little blog post from home...

2010-01-17T18:48:00.002-05:00

SO happy to be home with my family for this long weekend....I love that the background of this photobooth picture is my NY bedroom!!
Spending the evening writing report card comments at Borders with Hil and Mare. Out tonight with some friends. A real post sometime in the future.
LOVE YOU, BYE!!!

hmmm

2010-01-12T19:49:00.002-05:00

Let's pretend today was a better day than it really was.

Just some random photobooth pictures from yesterday and today...I always want to post in the morning but having to get out of the house at 6:30am (at the LATEST), kind of makes that difficult....

Mmm purple flannel and a big bow headband...

I LOVE COFFEE (cold of course)
PS Check out the yellow manicure. I'm in love
Holy Spirit necklace. Duh.

In Love

2010-01-10T12:19:00.003-05:00

4 Things I'm in LOVE with today:

1. Talking to this pretty face & a few other dear friends that I miss terribly this morning.

2. This gorgeous wedding dress (sigh) :) (JCrew)

3. Lotus flowers ~ and jewlery that resembles lotus flowers.

4. This should go without saying ~ more in love today than yesterday :) It keeps getting better...

Have a great week everyone! xo, Jess

Revisit 23 for 23

2010-01-09T10:11:00.002-05:00

If you recall, on my 23rd birthday, I made this list of 23 things I want to do this year...with about 5 months until my 24th, I thought I should actually revisit this list and see what I have to do with my life!

23 for my 23rd year:

1. 1. Write a children’s book- nope...haven't even started...BUT I have talked to a teacher at my school who wrote a children's book and he wants to help me whenever I get around to it.

2. 2. Visit 3 new cities BAHAHA ummmm...does York count? I have been to Houston (even though pretty much all I saw was a job fair) and Baltimore (I have been there before...but when I was really young...so I am counting it as a new city!)

3. 3. Get a REAL teaching job- CHECK!

4. 4. Move to a new city- CHECK!! bahaha ooo York, PA!

5. 5. Wear every headband I own at least one time- pretty close...I haven't really been keeping track but I do wear a headband at least once a week!

6. 6. Make some new friends- DONE!!

7. 7. Simplify my closet- haha working on that one...

8. 8. Run in a 5k- wait I don't even run anymore....gotta get back on that one

9. 9. Get involved with a charity- umm my life is one huge service project

10. 10. Buy some art, even if it’s cheap- done. I love you, etsy!!

11. 11. Look hot at Kevin’s wedding- CHECK. obviously.

12. 12. Keep in touch with all of my friends- I'm trying thanks to facey, bloggy and twitter

13. 13. Read ten books I purchased, but haven’t even opened...bahaha I've read like 5 books this year. sad.

14.14. Find a new church wherever I move- working on it!! It needs to stop snowing every weekend,

15. 15. Catch up from my year of not scrapbooking- this is not going to happen. sorry.

16. 16. Learn to give myself a French manicure- Ok, I am over french manicures but I have gotten really good about painting my nails so I am going to give myself a CHECK!

17. 17. Hang out and keep in touch with Grampy and Nana as much as possible- Still working on it! Trying to send them cards and call as often as possible.

18. 18. Use reusable shopping bags all the time (and recycle more)! CHECK!

19. 19. Stop tanning—and wear SPF everyday- Working on the SPF...it's in my make-up so that counts right? And I don't tan anymore!! Ughhh pasty.

20. 20. Buy new running shoes—GOOD ones Mmm I don't even run anymore. Must start this again....

21. 21. Organize and store my jewelry correctly: Still on my list.

22. 22. Go to a Giants game: Ooops. That didn't happen.

23. 23. Cook some real dinners (actually use my cookbooks)—make things I have never made before…and also learn how to cook chicken…as in overcome my fear of touching raw chicken cutlets. Ummm not yet. I'm working on it

Snow Shmo

2010-01-07T16:22:00.003-05:00

SNOW SNOW GO AWAY COME AGAIN ANOTHER DAY!!!!

We are buried in snow here in Indy!! And it's not suppose to stop until tomorrow morning! And the fact that we didn't have a delay today calls for a major pout face ~ ah well, everyone made it to BGMS safely and we got to leave right at 3:30!

Things that make me feel better at the moment: my mom's sweet text messages, the fact that I have an AWD vehicle, I'm HOME & not leaving my cozy apt. at all tonight, and THURSDAY NIGHT TELEVISION (Community, Parks & Rec, The Office, and 30 Rock). PJs here I come!

Stay warm!!! xo, J

de-stress

2010-01-05T22:31:00.003-05:00

There is something amazingly relaxing about changing my nail polish...up until a few months ago, I never wore nail polish...now I can't imagine NOT having my nails painted. Just a few colors I have been obsessing about lately:

OPI Shim-merry Chic

OPI Sapphire in the SnowEssie Mink Muffs-- just put this on...in love!!
Essie Pink Parka
Essie Bright Tights
I promise there will be a real post at some point :) Love, K

Back to School!

2010-01-04T06:07:00.002-05:00

I haven't seen 5:30am in what seems like FOREVER (or maybe 2 weeks)!! Bring on the coffee!! :) Have a GREAT week!

"There is only one way to happiness, and that is to cease worrying things which are beyond the power of our will." -Epictetus

Also...

2010-01-03T15:33:00.001-05:00

I need this tee desperately!!! I saw it at Charlotte Russe a few months ago and made the huge mistake of not buying it ~~ let me know if you find it anywhere!! Thanks! xo, J

Jess' Winter Break Re-Cap

2010-01-03T10:40:00.004-05:00

So today is Sunday, meaning we go back to school tomorrow. The kids don't come back until Tuesday. I have officially done NO work for school over break and that means a HECK of a day ahead of me tomorrow. My New Year's Resolution this year is to remember why I'm a teacher. I have realized over break that this semester I have lost sight of WHY I wanted to be a teacher in the first place. Sad, I know. I have been SO focused on doing everything RIGHT and implementing all the BEST strategies and making sure my class runs like a well-oiled machine. WHAT WAS I THINKING?

Strategies and lesson plans and grades are all important, but I have completely lost sight of the fact that I am there to play a role in my kids' lives that is bigger than genetics & plate tectonics. I realized I have been stressed out WAY more than I have been happy this semester. That being said, my New Years Resolution is to not take EVERYTHING so serious, to let go of the idea that I have to do everything perfectly and have the greatest lesson plans on earth and to HAVE FUN with these 7th graders that need someone to understand them. God has a purpose for me there, and I have a feeling that it is not to have perfect lesson plans every day :)

Anyway, there's my inspiration for the moment. What a great winter break!! Some wonderful memories that were made:

Beautiful & meaningful gifts from all of my loved ones :)

LOTS of sweatpants/slippers worn.

Awesome new additions to my kitchen.

DIY 'Elsie-style' chalkboards with hooks ~ Nile made them for me!!! He's the best :)

Aren't they the cutest??

Zoo lights with the fam.

Spending time with the greatest brother ever. Jakey is leaving for Ecuador on a mission trip tomorrow ~ keep him in your prayers!! He is going to do some great things for the kids there!

Groomers! Enough said.

This year was one of the first years that EVERYONE was home for Christmas :) It was wonderful!

Nile & I acted like we had all the money in the world, made reservations at this awesome Italian restaurant, got dressed up, and wined & dined for New Years Eve.

Then sprayed champagne off the balcony at midnight :)

Last but not least, The Buckeyes winning the Rose Bowl :)

Today's plans: cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, blowing my nose every 5 seconds (bad cold), and remembering all of my blessings :) xoxo, J

Celebrity Collage by MyHeritage

2010-01-02T10:06:00.002-05:00

I love this! I also love that my boyfriend mostly looks like an asian girl & even though it is cut off, he also was a Billy Bob Thorton look-alike!! hahahha

MyHeritage: Celebrity Collage - Family history - Pedigree

Apparently I look SUPER Asian

2010-01-01T23:57:00.002-05:00

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celeb - Collage - Morph

For all the teachers out there...

2010-01-01T18:44:00.002-05:00

So, I am trying this out. I am working on an activity for my homeroom/homebase/morning meeting for when we get back to school. After watching Obama's Address to the Students, I decided that even though we didn't watch it in school, I wanted to share part of it with my kids. Most of my kids really look up to Obama and come from a very similar background as him. I am creating a bulletin board with this inspirational quote from his speech:

No one’s written your destiny for you,

because here in America,

you write your own destiny.

You make your own future.

-President Barack Obama

Students will each fill out this goal sheet that I created (after we discuss the quote, how they can apply it to their lives and ideas for goals)and they will be hung up on the bulletin board. I wasn't sure if anyone else would want to do this, but if you do, I figured out a way to share files online. It is a PDF, but if you want it as a .doc so you can change it let me know. Download the goal sheet here: Click to download

Tonight is the best night ever....

2010-01-01T17:51:00.003-05:00

...because it's 2010!!! Happy New Year everyone!! Hope you all had a fun/safe/amazing night! I ended up going to Baltimore with Cait, Em, Hillary and Laura. We had an awesome night that involved a lot of supporting the troops, fist pumping and ridiculous headgear. A few pictures from last night:

Enjoy your day today!! Tonight=lots of school work. Tomorrow=spending the entire day in my classroom redoing bulletin boards and prepping for the new year. Love you, K

PS 32 posts in December. Seriously blog readers, how much do you love Jess Coop & me??!

PPS Year in Review coming soon. Probably tonight when I should be grading papers :)
.

I said...

2009-12-31T14:17:00.005-05:00

....that I was going to blog EVERY day over break! Kate has been doing SO AWESOME and me, not so much!!! Still trying to get caught up with life from being away from Indy for a week ~~ went shopping and bought these awesome boots yesterday for 60% off downtown:

I need to post some pictures of my new/old vintage pyrex I got for Christmas & some other cool stuff... I WILL SOON!

Today is NEW YEARS EVE!! Nile & I have reservations at Amalifi that supposedly has awesome Italian food! I'm excited :) Our first New Years together will be full of games, champagne, and a little Dick Clark action. I wonder what 2010 will hold for all of us??

Where were you a year ago from right now? I was getting ready to head back to BG for our last semester of Grad School (aka Fostoria, Little Critter, baggy pants literacy, and THESIS crunch time). Crazy how time goes, huh?

HAVE A SAFE & HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

P.S. How cute is this pic of Bill & Debi Cooper? :) I love them ~ they made this Christmas so special for us (once again!)

Is that a weaveeeeee

2009-12-29T22:02:00.001-05:00

Tonight I went to a Christmas party my church threw for teenage girls in a foster home. OMG I had the best time...it was like being at school but I got to just hang out with the girls and not have to actually teach/discipline them. One of the girls wanted to braid my hair...I obviously let her.

Are you jealous??

Invictus

2009-12-29T08:53:00.003-05:00

Last night I saw the movie Invictus with my parents. OK anyone who knows me knows that I have been obsessed with Nelson Mandela for pretty much EVER. Like who loves Nelson? Just me?

Anyway, it was an awesome movie and I highly recommend it. As Em described it, "so much triumph of the human spirit"! Also, I always forget that I actually like Matt Damon until I see him in a movie. Go see it. ASAP. Ok love you byeeee, K

Take Me Home Country Roads (Christmas Edition)

2009-12-28T20:13:00.004-05:00

Just returned from a GREAT visit with the fam in good ole' West Virginia. Our visit was full of joy, laughing, and a wide array of goodness, such as:

Hats that are not meant for men that have larger-than-normal sized heads

Ridiculously hideous/awesome teacher sweaters,

Extraordinarily tight tie-dye t-shirts,

and screened t-shirts featuring the best youtube video out there.

(WATCH THE VIDEO IF YOU HAVEN'T YET! WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE!)

More to come.... Love, J

P.S. KB! I want a copy of that print you created! LOVE!!

Wedding sneak peek!!

2009-12-28T14:59:00.003-05:00

The photographer from Kev & Hil's wedding e-mailed this picture to them. Seriously beautiful. I love it!! I can't wait for them to move back to NY :)

I can't stop posting...

2009-12-28T00:07:00.002-05:00

Tonight my mom and I watched Julie&Julia (super cute-- way better than the book!) and made some pretty things out of paper...

This needs to be my 2010 motto. I am making this as a print to hang in my apt. And I am making notecards.

I love hand-cut letters.

I also love beating my family in Scrabble 2-3 times a night.

Love you, Kate

Christmas Gift Edition

2009-12-27T16:32:00.003-05:00

Just a few of my lovely Christmas gifts. SO blessed to have such amazing people in my life :)

I LOVE travel mugs and "K" monograms and pink/green color combo

beautiful key chain because I am an adult now and carrying around an old beat up BGSU lanyard doesn't quite cut it anymore

Some amazing Capote & Steinbeck & other awesome books I can't wait to find time for...also the winter collection of Essie nail polish!

Umm a PTouch Label Maker. Larry Bing is the best Santa!!

Awesome Tiff's bow earrings. I have been wearing these since I opened them Christmas morning and I am so in love.

AND I used a gift card from my Uncle to Best Buy to get the new Motorola Droid phone. Seriously I never knew I could love a piece of technology so much:

Look at that MGDUBS background

How much do I love text messages logged as conversations? This has been my dream for like ever. How much do I NOT love text messages from Jacob Cooper making fun of the Giants.

Chris and I bought this awesome Christmas outfit for Mare's fat cattttt:

Today was church and manis and pedis with Mare, craft time and Julie & Julia. Love you byeeee, Kate

Christmas Day Recap

2009-12-27T16:10:00.006-05:00

Hope everyone had an amazing Christmas! Enjoy a random mix of photos, Bing Family styleeee...

Larry Bing and his bike riding fleece hood

Nothing beat Christmas Twister. I obviously won!!

Scrabble=Bing family obsession. I have won almost every single game...probably because the spirit of J.Coop is with me!!

Christmas dinner...which included wine...weirdddd...

Christmas tree #2

Oooo a little napski on a way too little couch

The angel of Christmas

Balllllllin

SO awesome!!

Taking out the garbage in boots and shorts...bahahaha

O heyyyyyy

Mmm the best type of Christmas gift...besides baby Jesus

LOVE YOU!!

Best way to recycle a Christmas gift bag

A series of Christmas posts

2009-12-27T16:03:00.003-05:00

Christmas Eve was a mix of church, the Gathmanns (how did I forget to take pics??!) and....

lots of homemade cookies...

...brother time...

Red and Black LUMBERJACK (with the hat to match)

and GRAMPY!!! Look how flyyyyy his sweater is! I love my fam :)

Now the dudes are lining up

2009-12-26T21:23:00.000-05:00

cause they hear we got swaggggga

oooo heyyyy

2009-12-26T12:46:00.001-05:00

just a test post on my new Motorola Droid phone! hope you all had a merry Christmas! love you byyyyeee, Kate

IT'S CHRISTMAS!!

2009-12-25T12:41:00.005-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

The Cooper Christmas Eve party was a HUGE success... I by FAR had TOO much fun...

Wish I would have taken more pictures last night!!

Santa made it to the Cooper household and neither myself, Jake, or Nile got coal :)

Before...

After...

I am SO thankful for my family, my loving boyfriend, my job, and all the wonderful people in my life. I am DOUBLE thankful to Cadbury for making the BEST CANDY EVER that only comes out at Easter INTO CHRISTMAS CANDY! (This one's for you Bingy!)

Heading to Follansbee, WV tomorrow to celebrate Christmas with the extended family! Hope you are all having a magical Christmas!!!

Christmas Eve means...

2009-12-24T16:28:00.002-05:00

Christmas Eve means.....Chris Bing being Asian...

Trimming the real tree in appropriate winter wear (and taking flattering photographs)...

...Larry Bing having awesome hair...and pretending to playyy with the trains but actually Blackberry-ing (super Asian)...

...the world's fattest cat...

....cookie baking in PJs...

...time to get ready for church and a Christmas/Chanukah celebration with the Gathmanns. Merry Christmas, loves!!

Coopers At the Zoo

2009-12-24T14:44:00.008-05:00

The family took a fun trip to the Columbus Zoo to see all the lights last night. It was AWESOME and super great to spend time with the parents & broski.

Mom, Dad, and obviously a real tiger

Jacob loves to pet crocodiles. They love him too.

Penguins are my FAVORITE, so I freaked when I saw this! Too bad all the real penguins were not on display :(

Jacob, however, was afraid of them.

My favorite part was all the lights in sync with Christmas music!

Last thing: Did any of you watch 'The Sing-Off"? Because I'm completely in LOVE with the winners (Nota):

BIG CHRISTMAS EVE CELEBRATION TONIGHT at the Cooper house!! Can't wait!! Hope everyone is enjoying the love, friends, and family on this wonderful Christmas!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE!!! xo, J

Perfect!!

2009-12-23T06:31:00.001-05:00

Peace out, Baby Deer....Peace out, York Pennsylvania...Be safe J.Coop. Love you all!! See you in New York ;)

PS YES I watch MTV music vids in the morning instead of the news!! Haha!!

Christmas Break!!

2009-12-22T22:25:00.002-05:00

I am SO happy that it is finally Christmas break! I am currently trying to pack all of my things for 2 weeks into a tiny carry on suitcase. Tomorrow morning at like 6:30, Caitlin and I are driving to Jersey (where she lives) and I am taking the NJTransit to Penn Station where I will meet up with Lare Bear:

Then I am taking the LIRR to good old Massapequa and this kid (some people's littttttle kids!!) is picking me up at the train station:

IHOP and Christmas shopping will be happening directly following. Then it is home to see MAREEEEEE!

PS J.Coop YOURE SO PRETTY!!! Can we please talk about my new obsession...because that would be not only wearing ridiculous berets but also feeling the need to pin flowers on them...I plan on spending break make big satin bows to add too. Like WHAT?! I love!!

BAHAHA look how big/full of secrets my hair is!

Christmas Traveling Playlist

2009-12-22T11:22:00.003-05:00

Traveling to Lima to visit the parents for Christmas today. Just wanted to give you a little taste of of some of my current JAMS that I'll be BUMPIN to all the way from Indy to Lima :)

P.S. How GORGEOUS is Kate Bing?????

Last day!!

2009-12-22T06:42:00.002-05:00

Pefect last day today. Praying for even less kids than yesterday. Happy about a hat with a flower on it and coming home for Christmas early tomorrow morning. Not happy about the bags under my eyes!

hOWL Cute!!!

2009-12-21T14:20:00.003-05:00

Only 4 days left until Santa comes to town!! My holiday plans are to head to Lima tomorrow to mom & dad's, Wednesday we are going to Columbus, OH to see the lights at the zoo, and Christmas Eve we are having a party with some friends :) Christmas Day will be full of gifts, food, and of course Johnny Mathis Christmas music! The snow hasn't been bad here in Indy, I wonder if KB got a snow day today???? NO SCHOOL has been pretty amazing thus far. Baking cookies, finishing shopping and doing laundry today!

Some hOWLiday fun for you:

SO CUTE! Here is my little hOWLiday addition to my tree this year :) LOVE!

Ughhh grosssss

2009-12-20T09:52:00.003-05:00

Seriously this snowstorm was horrible!! I don't plan on getting my car out until after Christmas break!! This was my parking lot yesterday afternoon....and it had been snowing this hard since like 3 am...and kept snowing until well after I went to bed. Obviously Nick had to come pick me up in his truck because let's be real, baby Honda Civic wasn't going anyplace.
Are you grossed out by this weather?? Because I totally am. In 2 days I will be home in New York!! I can't wait!!

Snowing in Indy too!!

2009-12-19T12:42:00.006-05:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!! BEAUTIFUL snow today! And I'm enjoying it because I have NOWHERE TO GO! :) Last minute Christmas shopping can wait until Monday!

Today marks the FIRST day of my 2 week Christmas vacation from school! I couldn't be happier ~~ watching The Holiday today, enjoying the snow, wrapping gifts, and drinking coffee out of my new mug the boyfriend got me for Christmas from Anthropologie :)

I also received these ADORABLE measuring cups from Anthropologie as well (best boyfriend ever)!!

HOW CUTE ARE THEY?!

Now that school is over, hopefully I will have more time to update blog daily :) Best wishes on these last days before Christmas!!

Love, J

Blizzzzzzzzzard!!

2009-12-19T09:38:00.002-05:00

I wake up at 8am to this. SERIOUSLY? I am so sick of snow (the one other time it snowed haha)!! We are supposed to get like 12 inches today...AWESOME. Since today is obviously going to be spent inside, snowed-in I though I would share a few items off my Snow Edition to-do list:

Finish Christmas shopping list

Enough loads of laundry so there aren’t clothes on my floor anymore

Empty dishwasher

Bake cookies

Read The Heart is a Lonely Hunter

Pick out and order Nana’s present

Call Jess Cooper

Update blog

Address, stamp and mail Christmas cards

Sort papers on coffee table

Pay bills

Take pictures

JEALOUS??

I need to make these!!

2009-12-14T20:18:00.002-05:00

I desperately need to make these before Christmas!! Are you in love?

Let's be real...

2009-12-14T18:53:00.002-05:00

everytime I see this awesome Christmas commercial, I think that this is totally something my brothers and I would do to my dad:

In case you needed a laugh...

2009-12-10T18:40:00.002-05:00

If you haven't seen this commercial yet, it will MAKE YOUR DAY!!!

O heyyyyyy

2009-12-06T18:37:00.004-05:00

Baby DEAR familyyyyy!!

Baby Deer was also at the first (mexican) Christmas!!

Oooo hey, white Christmas tree....

Wish List

2009-12-06T16:47:00.006-05:00

Happy Sunday! I love Sundays ~ they are always full of laying around, snacking, phone chatting, and mentally preparing for the week ahead.

Christmas is officially in 19 days!! I can't wait to go home to spend some time in Lima - I haven't been there since July!! That being said, a few things on my wish list this year:

Any of these AMAZING skeem candles that smell like heaven and are gorgeous from the coolest shop in Indy Silver in the City & this adorable little lotus necklace from SIS also:

Cute headbands from Etsy are also on my list

And basically ANYTHING from UrbanOutfitters for my apartment:

I'm also very interested in a new bag in this lovely turquoise color:

And anything else that would look super cute in my apartment would be alright with me :)

I'm sure this list will continue to grow as we get closer to Christmas -- I'll keep you updated!!

Happy shopping!!!!!!

Oooooooooo Christmas Tree!!

2009-12-06T09:42:00.004-05:00

It snowed all day yesterday...SO drag...at first it wasn't sticking, but then it got colder and there is snow everywhere....soooo gross!!

This year, I made the rash decision to buy a white artificial tree. A $35 artificial tree. Like seriously? Why did I think that was a good idea haha. Luckily Nick was an angel and came and set it up for me (because obv. J.Coop lives in Indiana and wasn't here to do it for me!). As you can see it looks super realistic....

HAHAHA are you in love? Because I am. I bought lots of bright colored ornaments...and I know what you're thinking....it looks like I just threw a sheet around the bottom and pretended it was a tree skirt...but seriously this year I actually bought a tree skirt...and that is what it looks like. SERIOUSLY??!

Today I attempted to go to church...too much ice and too much snow on my car. Cait is coming to pick me up for a weekend at school (draggggg) getting ready for the week. More Christmas posts later!! LOVE YOU, BYEEEE!

P.S. I love this bloggggg

It's beginning to feel a lot like CHRISTMAS!!

2009-12-05T13:00:00.004-05:00

Today I'm a little bit sick, but I am super excited to spend the day preparing for CHRISTMAS with...

....a little bit of Jessica Simpson Christmas CD (too bad Amy Grant is back in NY!)...

...holiday scented candles burning all day...

...SNOW!! Which I actually hate, but at least it's not actually sticking to the ground...

...a poinsettia from my Secret Santa at work...and ingredients to make some delicious/easy Christmas cookies...

...and decorations for my ridiculous WHITE Christmas tree!! and of course 3 more baby glitter deer....

FYI: I am wearing TRACK PANTS. Who wears track pants anymore?? Bahahha just thought I would share!!

Happy Friday!

2009-12-04T16:33:00.002-05:00

Have FUN this weekend!!! :)

My plans: Christmas wish list blog, sleep, maybe some Euchre with friends, phone date with Kate and my mom, and enjoying Christmas around Indy.

wish list

2009-12-02T21:09:00.004-05:00

Christmas is about Baby Jesus and family and loving each other....but I mean if you want to buy me a gift or two, this should help you out:

These 3 new Essie nail polishes. The mint candy apple? I'm so in love!!

These Uggs are SO cute and look SO warm!!

Hello beautiful Kate Spade calender!!

Mmm a Truman Capote book I am dying to read (or anything on my amazon list...duh!!)

Sweetest earrings ever!!

This awesome candle that supports St. Judes. I am fully planning on purchasing this for everyone on my list....but I want it too!!

So so soooo perfect

2009-12-01T21:53:00.003-05:00

Happy December 1st!!

Today consisted of:

A failed earthquake experiment involving Jell-O
A student saying to me "Misssss you look like God except you don't got no diamonds on your forehead" I don't have the slightest idea what that means
Being asked if I was pregnant today...and being the professional that I am, instead of telling the student that was inappropriate, I said "OMG NO...Why do I look fat?" to which the student replied "Nuuu Uhhh miss, that would just be funny"...WHAT? That is the most UNfunny thing ever.
Teaching my sign language club to sign "O Holy Night" and "O Come All Ye Faithful" to sign at a nursing home....thank God for 3 years of sign language in high school!
Dinner with wonderful work friends
Finally getting my butt back to the gym
Getting super excited for CHRISTMAS
Obsessing about this commercial...it seriously looks SO Kate Spade (even though I have absolutely NO desire to own a Kindle

I love you, BABY DEER!

2009-11-30T19:10:00.002-05:00

HAPPY MONDAY!!

So it's a well known fact that I LOVE mini deer:
You can imagine how happy I was when I found this mini deer at Borders last night:

No joke, BEST Christmas decoration ever!! How jealous are you??

Favorite Things

2009-11-30T17:45:00.002-05:00

Happy Monday!!

Back to school for me (and Kate) - The day went quickly followed by an after-school work out session - I'm trying to do that whole work out thing again!

Kate! Remember when we ran outside in the SNOW last year to get beach bodies for Phoenix?

This is one of my favorite holiday things that has been in my life since I was a baby. This calendar was hand made for me (each ornament is hand made also!!) and you hang an ornament on the tree every day starting December 1st until Christmas!! Yet another tradition passed down from Momma Cooper :)

I have a super long wish list this year (and it keeps growing). This adorable print is definitely topping the list!

"I never saw an ugly thing in my life: for let the form of an object be what it may - light, shade, and perspective will always make it beautiful"

[John Constable]

Deck The Halls

2009-11-29T20:36:00.004-05:00

Merry Christmas, Tis the Season, and Welcome to my apartment!!!

I must start by saying that this Christmas tree is the same Christmas tree that I shared with Kate Bing last year -- putting it up was very emotional and brought back some excellent memories (especially the one that I knocked all the ornaments down and ruined Christmas).

I love the tree and this little snowman. I LOVE LOVE LOVE these days leading up to Christmas!! Christmas carols, shopping, lights, high electric bills, and drinking lots of hot chocolate.

Nile obviously loves Christmas too.

We hung lights on the outside of my porch - my porch that overlooks the dumpster behind Kroger. Needless to say, my balcony is the only one with Christmas lights. Hey, those Kroger workers need some Christmas Spirit too!!!

Happy Birthday Jesus! My mini nativity:

Obviously, Santa was there the day our Savior was born :)

And, finally, just for you Kate Bing:

Your favorite ornament that I made last year :)

Happy decorating everyone!!!

Tryptophan Overload

2009-11-29T20:02:00.004-05:00

Our Thanksgiving road trip was a huge success full of family, food, expandable pants, and driving. On Wednesday, us Indianasters drove in to Ohio to see Nile's brother!

We saw all the sights such as Lake Buckhorn (where Nile spent a lot of his childhood), lots of Amish, and lots of chickens.

When Nile was little, he used to get his picture taken in front of these trees on the first day of school every year. Naturally, I made him stand there to take his picture.

After our wonderful visit to Holmes County, we drove on to Follansbee, WV for Thanksgiving Day and lots and lots of food. I neglected to take ANY pictures besides this one:

I know, I'm terrible.

Overall, Thanksgiving was amazing. I am SO thankful!!

thanksgiving!!

2009-11-29T19:46:00.003-05:00

So this Thanksgiving was the first Thanksgiving without my family. The thought of the drive from York to LI was too daunting...especially after crashing my car last year!! I went to Em's for an almost as good as family Thanksgiving. It was wonderful. It involved a little of this:

A little of this:

And a lot of this:

But I'm feeling super sick so this evening is dedicated to recording grades online and trying to feel better so school isn't horrible tomorrow :)

P.S. Did you see this on GLEE?

Thanksgiving Road Trip Preview

2009-11-26T23:28:00.002-05:00

Our wonderful Thanksgiving road trip began on Wednesday morning November 25. First destination: Millersburg, Ohio aka Amish capital of the world, where Nile Smith was born and raised :)

Kate Bing, BE JEALOUS! So much Amish, so little time!

I am thankful for:

*My faith, friends, and INCREDIBLE family

*Bearded boyfriends

*My 7th graders (even the crazies)

*Indianapolis

*Green bean casserole

*Kate (I miss you!!)

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! Be sure to tell those you love how thankful you are for them!

so

2009-11-22T22:56:00.000-05:00

I miss J. Coop so so so so so much!!

Hi, I'm Jessica & I'm a terrible blogger.

2009-11-15T20:50:00.002-05:00

Do you ever feel like you get so wrapped up in life that you are too busy to do anything else besides your work?

The cool thing about it is, I LOVE my work and love being busy :)

Unfortunately, it puts a a damper on my blogging life ~ I apologize for my lack of blogs.

Things going on in my life:

1. I GOT CABLE! FINALLY! PRAISE JESUS!

2. SCHOOL ~ still so time consuming, yet so wonderful

3. Missing my friends (a lot)

4. Loving my boyfriend (a lot)

5. Can't wait until Thanksgiving!!!

1,001 Rules

2009-11-15T20:19:00.008-05:00

Have you visited 1,001 Rules for my Unborn Son yet? If not, do so ASAP!!

There's some great advice on there such as:

"If you aren't hungry enough to eat an apple, you aren't hungry."

"Always read something that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it."

"Never eat lunch in your office."

"In her dad's eyes, until you marry her, you're not in the picture."

"Ask your mom to play, she won't let you win"

"If you have the right of way, TAKE IT!"

and

"You don't get to choose your own nickname"

Love.

There are also great photos throughout the website. I highly recommend.

My personal favorite (because I'm a busy girl) is:

"Keep a schedule"

(Great Gatsby style)

Xo, Jess

P.S. Thanks to my love Nile for introducing me to this website :)

Preview!!

2009-11-09T22:38:00.001-05:00

Chinese wedding pics from Long Island this weekend!! More when Lare e-mails them to me!!

One Year!!

2009-10-31T08:03:00.005-04:00

This was the longest, most stressful week ever....ending in my classroom and the carpeted hallway outside my room smelling like PUKE all day yesterday. AWESOME.

but it's okay

becauseeeee

this weekend (HALLOWEEN WEEKEND!)

is Kate Bing & Jessica Cooper's 1 YEAR FRIEND-VERSARY!!

(ok I mean I got the idea for a Friend-Versary because 2 of my 6th graders celebrated their 7 year Friend-Versary during homeroom but whatever)

Last Halloween weekend, J.Coop and I fell in love.
We went out for 2 nights in BG...I somehow convinced J.Coop to NOT stay home and clean her apartment (using the line "You can clean your apartment NEXT year"...which is pretty funny because my 1/2 nap yesterday evening resulted in me waking up 12 hours later...oops missed whatever was going on last night)And then we went to Indianapolis, became BFF even though we were both ridiculous and decided to move there. Except I didn't and now I live in the middle of nowhere PA. Whatever we even had coordinating costumes. SO CUTE

And now, for a mini trip down memory lane......look how happy we are together!!

(my students saw this picture and were convinced that I had a sister!!)

Anyway, Happy One Year, J.Coop!! I misssssss you so much....please don't forget about me while you're living the life in Indy!! Love you!!

These streets will make you feel brand new....

2009-10-28T06:27:00.002-04:00

Yankees v. Phillies game 1 tonight!!

I miss living in New York/civilization so much...especially at times like this!

a few things

2009-10-25T22:53:00.002-04:00

This Giants game is killing me.
My air mattress officially died today. Oops...too bad my regular mattress isn't being delivered until November 14th.
School dance on Wednesday. haha. WHAT?
I had an amazing weekend with Em.
I tried to find the Big Dipper tonight. I couldn't. I am the worst science teacher ever.
I think my laptop is dying. Ughh. I don't even want to think about it!!
Love you, byeeee!

Whattt?

2009-10-21T09:01:00.002-04:00

Why is this movie NOT playing anywhere near me??

I NEED to see this movie!!

I also need to stop having the flu so I can go back to work!!

Love, Kate

lust list

2009-10-19T22:27:00.003-04:00

In celebration of me NOT having swine flu (and just having the regular flu), as well as accidently taking regular tylenol and NOT Tylenol PM as planned, so that I could actually get a decent 4 hours of sleep tonight, I present to you, a list of things I am currently lusting over/hoping a rich secret reader will purchase and send to my apartment:

1) THIS fabulous Elsie calender:

2) THIS new Mitch Albom book. I haven't had time to read in forever and a short but wonderful Mitch Albom book always gets me motivated again :)
3) THESE awesome Salt and Pepper Shakers! I mean I don't use salt, I rarely use pepper, and my kitchen table is currently in my living room, but whatever...they are WHALES!!
4) I can't even handle how much I love THIS Kate Spade bracelet. I'm dyingggg.
5) Ok, THIS one too. Seriously. So perfect!
6) I am so in love with this THIS bookcase (found via Jocelyn). I need to find a way to obtain it.
7) THESE boots. I'm dyinggggg. Seriously I can think of 25 different outfits for these boots like off the top of my head.
Ok, I'm done. Loveyoubyeeee!

Hmmm

2009-10-17T03:39:00.002-04:00

umm I'm like 95% sure I have the swine flu. Now I have to go to my dance recital like thisss. Grossss I hate my lifeeee.

Love, Kate

Inspired

2009-10-16T06:03:00.004-04:00

Sometimes, when life gets tough, stressful, & overwhelming, I have to remember my purpose here and recall all of the blessings in my life. How is it so easy to sometimes fall into focusing on the little things that bother you instead of the BIG things that make you smile daily?

Kate (I miss you) has inspired me to be a better blogger also (and to carry a camera everywhere I go again!) There is a lot happening here in my Indianapolis life that I haven't been documenting! (Shame, shame!)

First, I'm loving Fall. Fall means peppermint mocha is easily obtainable, apple orchards, cardigans (even though I wear them in the summer), the holidays around the corner, pumpkin carving, football, snuggling, pretty decorations, and hoodies. Even though I dislike winter after January 1st VERY much, I truly enjoy the seasonal changes!

School has been going well and very very busy. As the year progresses, I find myself committing to more and more at school (which turns my 10 hour work day into a 13-15 hour work day). The cool thing is, the time flies because I love it -- just not enough hours in a day!! Fall Break (4 day weekend) next weekend :)

Weekend plans: Buying a bed (finally!!), making buffalo chicken dip, going to Upland to see Jakey play football, WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE, church, and hanging out with Nile.

Happy Friday!!

.:Jess:.

I loveeee you!

2009-10-14T14:00:00.002-04:00

well, now that it is officially fall, and I have vowed to be a better bloggggger, I thought I would share with you a few things I am currently enjoying.

#1 um NAIL POLISH. Legit. Love the new Essie fall colors. I am currently wearing a purple color called Plumski with a matte finish. I mean sure they chip pretty much the second I walk into school, but I'm currently obsessed.
#2 These boots from Target....actually boots in general. Wear them to work and wear them in real life (usually with cute knee socks sticking out from the top). I love, love, love boots and these are a great, affordable pair....as my students say "MISSSSS you wearin those cowboy boots today!!"
#3 PLATE TECTONICS!! Ok...I love plate tectonics SO much...and I think we are finally ready to move on from the "Nature of Science and Technology" unit my poor kids have been struggling their way through...not that rocks and minerals are interesting to anyone but me...
#4 This weekend I am going home to NY! I can't wait to see friends and fam and NANA who is staying at my house....I plan on drinking lots of coffee at my favorite coffee place, cuddling Mare, and packing my car full of books and boots and berets.
#5 Hello, this needs to be my life motto:

Hello, October

2009-10-13T21:09:00.006-04:00

Seriously. How long has it been since I've updated bloggggy? Like at least a month. AT LEAST. And now a quick/not so quick overview of my life since August.

Lots of wearing matching engraved BFF necklaces from the York Fair to match out students!!

Like legit wearing them all day/everyday.

ALSO, wearing a beret. It's that time of year again.

Umm lots of cupid shuffling and posing for Asian inspired photos.

Spending lots and lots of time with Em to make up for being apart last year. And by spending a lot of time together, I mean spending a lot of money together.

York Fair take II. Legit I can't even describe it. It's so country/so ghetto all at the same time.

Kev and Hil got married...and danced together...

...and the whole fam looked beautiful...

...especially ME BAHAHAHA...

...and they are super in love....

...and Chris and I are brother and sister sweethearts (typical)...

...I marched in an education parade (excuse the photo...the only one I had with no students' faces in it)...and sang a song about our school to the tune of the YMCA for at least an hour straight...

...I wanted to win this tie at the fair...because it obv matched my MGDUBS tshirt...

...Caitlin is so good at I-GOT-IT! Jealous!! ...

...I've been to quite a few Sunday afternoon football games to see my babies play...

...I've sang a lot of karaoke....

... sometimes our students see us outside a bar at 2am...not big deal...

...umm I found a dog I'm not terrified of! Actually a dog I'm in love with and enjoy hanging out with and making her aluminum foil clothes...

...wait more shopping? I think sooooo....

Not Pictured: Lesson planning, rewriting my textbooks so my kids can read them, spending all weekend at school, grading 135 papers a day, spending my entire paycheck on experiments and school supplies, my fabulous students that I seriously can't imagine life without, going to a synchronized swimming show to see one of my babies, my creepy old neighbor who stalks me, the 35 empty coffee cups in my car & of course MISSING J.COOP!!!!

congrats!

2009-09-27T22:56:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to Kev and Hil! Most beautiful wedding...EVER! I promise a real update with lots and lots and lots of pictures once my life slows down...just a little ;)