I feel like a tween

This has been on my mind lately...that I feel like a tween. I know, it sounds a bit awkward, but isn't that what being a tween is all about?

First of all, I am happy to report that I am no longer 11 years old and I don't have the unattractive pre-adolescent body that I used to have.  (no offense, 11 year olds).

So what do I mean?

First, some context. I've been reflecting a lot on the fact that I have lived here for a long time! 4.5 years to be exact. When I moved to DC I was a cute 24 year old who had no idea what a real job entailed. For about 2 years I basked in the Golden Era of DC singledom. And then it got kind of old. I'm at this point now where the DC scene doesn't hold the same glow and many of my friends are moving, getting married, having babies, getting further education, etc. So, what am I left with? A bunch of 24 year olds who are jittery to live the high life of the city. I love 24 year olds, don't get me wrong, but I'm 29 and it's just a different stage of life.

So here I am caught between worlds. I go to my ward--with a bunch of youngins'--but I'm not quite old enough to be in the mid singles activities either.What's a girl to do?

Well the good news is that this tween thing is really just a first world problem. But I had to get it off my chest anyway...

Just me and my mom

These were some of my favorite books growing up!!

Mom and I have always been an item. Ever since 9th grade it was just the two of us. Even when I went off to BYU we were always paired off in one way or another (game night, dinner time, etc.), then we served missions at the same time, and now us single ladies stick together while the married folk do their thing. 

Mom came and visited me...for the second time...a few weeks back.  We enjoyed DC fall, even though DC was shutdown (including the beautiful monuments. Lame.) We made the best of things: touring Monticello and Jamestown, making cookies, making dinner for my friends, seeing the movie Austenland, showing her off at church, eating out, and touring the DC area by boat. It was a grand adventure with just the two of us. 

I love you, Mom!! Thanks for visiting me.

In front of Thomas Jefferson's Monticello

We're pretty cute.

I survived spirit week! #hallelujah

This is my first year doing student government and it feels like being a 1st year teacher all over again. :/

The biggest week of the school year is spirit week. It involves the homecoming dance, the homecoming game, the pep rally, various activities at lunchtime, and dressing up each day according to a theme. Bottom line: it's a ton of work and planning!

The fact that I survived spirit week is a complete miracle. And overall it went pretty well. Next year I would do things differently but we can say that about almost anything that you ever plan. I am so proud of my student government kids and it such a joy to work with them!

Here's some pictures to document the experience this week:

The faculty (and a student) after playing teacher vs. student dodgeball

Wacky Tacky Day with Ms. Riesner. I loved wearing the wig!

Social Studies goes Goth. I went punk rocker.

Most of the SGA before the pep rally with our snazzy SGA t-shirts

This is my school---very picturesque!

My student and I soon after he scored a touchdown and before Homecoming Court.

Just FYI...

There are some things that get annoying after hearing them for the last 10 years.  Luckily I don't hear these too often but I'm pretty sure I've heard 75% of them,

Go to this link to get a good laugh. 

http://www.buzzfeed.com/ashleyperez/24-things-single-people-are-tired-of-hearing?s=mobile

Wearing lots of hats...and trying to look good wearing them.

Teaching is a profession where you wear a lot of hats. 

One moment I'm in a meeting with my coworkers and discussing literacy strategies used in the classroom, the next moment I'm scolding a kid for being late to class, then skip to 5 minutes later where I'm hugging the girl who got dumped by her 14 year old boyfriend. I'm using therapeutic strategies to get an Autistic student to mellow, planning for a homecoming dance, organizing a leadership conference, tutoring a student on the differences between the northern and southern colonies, and mentoring my student teacher on strategies used for lesson planning. 

And that's all within a matter of a few hours, people.

I don't know how I do it all, but I wear a lot of hats! Its hard to juggle my work hats with my social hats, church hats, friend hats, and the list goes on...

How do you all wear a million hats? I'm about to throw them all way!

Happy Birthday to me--from one of my students #holler

This makes me smile. As hard as the job is, it sure brings me a lot of joy. It made the 14 hour workday a little better.

It's September...

Which means...

1. School is officially in session. Talk about busy! My first thoughts are that this school year has seemed much more doable than last school year although it's extremely busy. I'm also the adviser over student government which means there's a ton of planning going on for homecoming. It seems like summer never even happened now that we are back in full swing, but it's also nice to be back as crazy as my schedule is.

2. It's almost the fall. I've been dying to break out my sweaters and scarves but have been holding out cause its still too warm. I'm excited, however, for the change of season and the leaves turning. I'm tired of humidity and ready for some chill in the air. I feel like some good things are coming!

3. It was my birthday! I'm another year older (29) and a bit wiser. It was a pretty good day although it was back to school night and I had to work until 9pm. However my students made it worthwhile and fun as well as my colleagues and friends. Last night we celebrated by doing some Korean karaeoke. It was epic, to say the least.

4. Increased socializing. New people are moving in and people are back in the area after a busy summer. It's great to catch up with friends and meet new ones. Last weekend was our 3rd annual ward retreat up in PA. I spent 2 days camping in the woods with fellow colonialites sitting around a campfire, hiking, playing frisbee, and playing cards. Although I feel like I am growing out of a lot of these activities, I am also grateful for the many amazing people in my life. It's good to be with people and learn from them.

Life is good. It's busy, but good. And , it's September.