West Coastin' it in Santa Barbara

I just returned from a quick jaunt to Santa Barbara, CA. My best friend from High School, Kathleen, got married to a handsome Turk. And wow, do they know how to celebrate a wedding! I enjoyed the 24 hours that I was in Southern California. Beautiful sunshine, beach, and surfers. I am reminded why California is so gorgeous! However, I did come back with the realization that I really love the east and am VERY happy living in DC right now. More on that later...

So all around UCSB I saw peeps riding these cruisers. I have a coveting problem now.

And a campus right off the coast? Holy cow. I will admit that I am more of a mountain girl than a beach girl. Good thing I went to school in Utah.

Eighty degrees. Holler!

I just had to throw this in here.

Gangsta' goes west coast.

I was trying to do Karate Kid. But I got this instead. Whatevs.

I recruited some of my old Piedmont pals to do Karate Kid with me. Denise in the middle is doing the Karate chop.

I think this is a cool pic.

Walking along the coast.

Contemplating life's mysteries.

I took a picture of the surfers. They waved at me. I felt giddy.

More surfer dudes walking our way. Bow chicka bow wow. (That's for you, Erin).

The Santa Barbara Mission. Very historical.

With the fountain.

Lillypads.

And me!
I never saw a car decorated like this before! Don't get any ideas, peeps!

Kathleen and her man, Cagdas (Cha-dosh). Beautiful couple. Ps. He sure knows how to dance! Remind me to marry a foreign man.

Marissa, Denise, and I. Old High School buddies.

Hooray for In-N-Out.

I devoured this.
At the reception. They are so cute.

Don't you worry...I danced the night away. Definitely the highlight of the evening. Mom, we're for sure dancing at my wedding.

Kath got her groove on.

Piedmont friends reunite. I haven't seen most of these people in 6 years.

Such a fun 24 hours. Congrats Kathleen!

Cello?

Today, being Columbus Day, many of my friends and I had the day off to gallivant around Charlottesville, VA...also known as the home of Thomas Jefferson (Monticello) and the home of the University of VA.

Here we are pre-Monticello...the odds are obviously in favor of the boys. Lame sauce.

Upon arrival in Monticello...

Thomas Jefferson was very strong...just saying.

Cute groupie.

This just looks funny.

TJ's grave.

Bre. Ash, you know this chica.

Quinn. My fake bf.

Gourds. Reminds me of the fall.

Looking to the future.

Ahh, the rolling hills.

Clint.
Suz.
Roommate loving. This is KA.

Quinn is feeling on top of the world right now.

I thought this was random but cute.

Monticello from the side.

More roommate loving.

And Quinn just had to ruin it...

Nice reading material for the privy.

There's a reason why Clint isn't a professional model.

More prettiness.

Dressed for fall.

Trying to be gangster. Never works.

Pop that collar.

The whole group. We called it 9 brides for 2 brothers.

Who wouldn't want to make a pyramid in front of Monticello?

Clint and I.
Don't know what we're doing besides celebrating the fact that we're alive.

Miss America/Amelia Earhart.

They said I looked like a pilot so I tried to sport it.

Last stop: University of Virginia. Beautiful campus.

Nothing better than fall time in VA. I have such a good life.

Take advice from old, foreign, Catholic people.

So I am subbing at this Catholic school right now (oh yes, there's a job update...in case you're all wondering.) It's a really nice school and everyone is so good to me.

I work with some funny people, particularly in the after school program. They are this eclectic group of randoms. I kinda feel like I'm on my mission again...you know, talking to people who are so different from myself, yet appreciating the insight and diversity that they bring to the table of life.

Anyway, in this after school program I work with old, foreign, Catholic people. They are from all over the world and as they get to know me they say things like this:

"Oh you're 25? You are so young. Enjoy life. Take advantage of every opportunity God gives you." -German lady

or

"Oh, you're not married yet? Don't worry, great things come to those who wait. You could marry a mediocre man and end up being miserable or you could wait a little longer and marry the best man. Then it will last forever." -Ethiopian lady

or

"You have so much ahead of you. God is watching over you and you will succeed in all that you do. You just have that kind of spirit." -Philippino man

I know that I've heard these things throughout my life but somehow hearing these same old things from old, foreign, Catholic people have really made a difference. It's nice to get a different body, with a different personality, and with a different religion to tell me these things that I already know.

Thank you old, foreign, Catholic people! Press forward saints!

Why I am a teacher of secondary-not elementary-education

Disclaimer: This post is not intended to offend, criticize, or judge people who choose to teach elementary education. Merely, it is a testimonial of why I personally enjoy the secondary level. Cool?

Reasons why I chose to not partake of the "joys" of elementary education...as taken from experiences of today's subbing adventures.

• I don't have to worry about everyone's roles. If I forget that "so-and-so" is the milk monitor it is not the end of the world.
• A tattle-tale is of the devil. Ok, not really. But seriously, do you always have to tell me that Johnny is putting his finger up his nose or that Sally is making spit bubbles?
• Whoa...if I do not follow routine, I better watch out. Twenty kindergartners may be completely distraught because I did the weather before I marked the day on the calendar. Pardon me.
• I don't have to spend half the day worrying about whether or not the kids are peeing their pants.
• During class discussions, I don't have to listen to five kiddos retelling a story that does not pertain AT ALL to the question I posed.
• Usually kids that I normally teach do not take FOREVER to say something. I know, patience is a virtue.
• Kids raising their hand even if they have absolutely no answer or comment to share.
• Kids poking, biting, punching, andpinching each other.
• Worrying about snack time and the fact that Grace is allergic to peanuts and dairy.
  
• Smelling the child's bodily functions that are usually released in more private settings. yuck.

These are just a few examples and really, it wasn't bad at all. But I am a secondary teacher, that's for sure.

Disclaimer #2: I really don't hate children and I promise that I will be a good mother and that I will love my five year old for all of his/her questions, stories, and bodily functions. Pinky swear.