ABCs of summer

Okay, my new neighbor Tiffany challenged to do this entry, so here you go. I am pretty much overwhelmed with the idea that summer is coming to a close this week, since workshops and training take place next week.

Alabama-I got to go home and see friends and family a few times this summer. It is never long enough, but so good to take it all in each time.

Beach-I went to Destin, Florida with my mom and her 2 sisters a couple of weeks ago. I have never been on a trip with just the sisters, so it was interesting to see them bond as sisters and tell stories of growing up.
College classes-Our new housemate, Megan, had many tasks this summer as she was trying to tackle a TON of hours in classes. We all pulled together to help her get through them without being completely overwhelmed at all times.

Dream BIG-I have had the amazing opportunity to attend so many Mary Kay events this summer, including the Shine On! Seminar. The main focus of the seminar was to "dream big" and work to achieve all that you so desire.

This is my director...isn't she just gorgeous?? She is beautiful on the inside and out!!

Exhibit-Mary Beth, Michael, Kristy, and myself got up at 4:00 in the morning in order to go to the King Tut exhibit in downtown Dallas. It was quite an experience, and believe it or not, we were not the only ones who were there at that hour. The place was packed! It blew my mind that every description had the phrases "could be", "may be", and "possibly" as it was describing the details of King Tut and all the details.
Family--I was able to spend some time with my family this summer, as I went home a couple of times. It was nice to see my dad on Father's Day, even if it was for just a little while. My younger brother, Hunter, got his first real job and Brock, my older brother, is still working hard in New York. My brothers and I gave our parents a cruise for their anniversary. I am so happy for them to have this amazing trip to celebrate 36 years of marriage!! I love them and the way they demonstrate their love to each other and to us, no matter what!! My amazing parents came out to Texas to help me move into the new house.

Goal setting--I have not been too good at setting goals this summer, but the ones I have set, I have slowly been achieving. I am a goal/list maker, so this is one thing I have to be persistent in conquering. My newest goal is to become a Mary Kay director by Christmas!! I am working to see that dream become a reality!!

Hot weather--This is an obvious one to those of you who are in the south in the summer...it has been so hot, but I am so thankful to have had a pool at the apartment and now a pool at the new house to be able to jump in to cool off.

Ice cream--I have always been a yogurt girl, but this summer I have discovered I really like ice cream with toppings. :) I have been a really big fan of Dreyer's Slow Churned Caramel Delight ice cream with more caramel and chocolate syrup on top...yummy!! I am also a fan of Marble Slab's Birthday Cake ice cream with cookie dough and caramel mixed into it!! :)

Jackson--He gets the cutest kid in my neighborhood award!! I just adore this child. I love the way he smiles as soon as he sees me and then runs into my arms and just giggles. I love the way he just laughs until I can't hear him because he is laughing so hard when he hits something. I love all of the expressions he makes when trying new things or meeting new people. I love that he has no fear of water and loves life just the way it is...he pretty much rocks my world!!

Kristy bought a house, and I am renting a room!! I am so proud of her for this accomplishment!! She has purchased a phenomenal house with 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths with a pool!! It is just beautiful, and now it is time to get settled before school starts.

Lessons (from my dad)--I enjoyed spending some time outside with my dad in Alabama learning about the different parts of my car. It was great information and I am so thankful he took the time to teach me so many things about automobiles. I love the practical lessons he gives me when I go home!

Moving--This has been the most anticipated event of the summer, but has really paid off. I am so excited about all the home decorating that can now be done. I can't wait to put some of the HGTV watching lessons to use. :) I will post pictures of the house once everything is settled and decorated!!

Neighbors--Tiffany, Josh, and Jackson are our new neighbors. I am so thankful to have a co-worker and friend around the corner. It was fun to think that we have an engineer, cook, and cute kid around the corner!! Dinner was fun tonight, Tiff!!

Over--The summer is coming to a close, and I am so not ready!! I feel like I am just getting started with the fun, and now the stress of getting the classroom ready and lesson plans written is back. I love my job, but the grading part is one area I am not looking forward to this year!! I have learned many new ways to help with this, but it will take a lot of trial and error to make it happen.

Photography--I have been playing with the camera even more this summer!! I still long to learn how to manually adjust the camera to do what I want it to do and edit pictures well, but that is going to have to be a process.

QTIP--Quit Taking Everything Personal...a saying I am trying to really conquer!! I love this saying!! Being the sensitive person I am, it is hard for me to not take things personal, but I am really trying hard. I promise I am trying...I fail often, but try again the next time.

Rangers Game/Casting Crowns--Casting Crowns performed before the Rangers game. It was incredible to see all the people who came out not only for the game, but the amazing concert before. I was able to spot Megan across the stadium with my amazing camera lens. :)
Swimming--not just swimming, but going underwater for the first time in 8 years!! My doctor said to give it a whirl, but he said no oceans, rivers, or lakes. I was totally cool with this as I was easing back into the whole idea of going under the water I have grown to fear. I LOVE swimming and being in and near the water...just like I used to...it is so relieving to be able to go under!!Tan--I am totally working on this one now that we have a pool in the backyard. I love it when I have more color. I am determined to be a couple of shades darker before going back to school!!

Unorganized--The move was so unorganized for me. I did not have my stuff together, nor was it labeled. I have become so unorganized lately, and it is producing a bit of anxiety within me. I am slowly getting back in the swing of things, so this too will get better. For those of you who know me, you would be shocked at the lack of organization I have had lately. Don't worry...the organized gal is on her way back!!

VistaPrint--This is a website that has been discovered by many this summer. It is a website where you can get address labels, business cards, postcards, self-inking stamps, etc. for FREE!! Yes, you read that right...FREE!! All you have to pay is shipping, and that is not a bad price, either. I don't know how they make money, but they know how to take care of business people!!

Workshops--I have been in workshops all summer. I started off the summer by going to a curriculum writing workshop for Math. After that, I attended a workshop for Technology, which was AMAZING!! I learned so much and was able to see how easily technology can be integrated into the classroom. I also got to go to another technology workshop, and then to Debbie Diller's Language Arts workshop. For those of you who are not in the education world, just know that this woman is the most amazing educator, who now writes books and presents workshops. She gave me permission to befriend her son on Facebook...I did. :) She is super sweet, and full of knowledge. I look forward to learning more from her in the future.

Xerox--I have started remembering the beauty of fresh, colored Xerox copies, as I have been getting many colored copies made for Mary Kay.

Yard Sale--We are having one this Saturday. I will post the results once it carries out. I have been looking forward to this event for quite some time!! I hope to make some good money, so that I can pay off the rest of my debt and be able to move forward without the burden of debt.

Zeal--I have a lot of zeal or zest towards accomplishing many things in the coming months. I am so excited about the coming school year, in addition to the things I will accomplish with my business, Mary Kay. I will continue to snap photos, but not get too bogged down with that outlet of interest, as I need to focus my attention on my relationship with Christ, church, school, and Mary Kay.