First Day as a Principal!

Quick Update: I have to be at work by 6:30...which I haven't accomplished since....the first month of school maybe! My principal originally said 6:00, but thank goodness she changed her mind...that's crazy! I wonder what time she'll let me go home...there really is no telling!

I'm taking her breakfast, or at least coffee....and I have no clue what I'm going to do...but I'll soon find out! So, peace out peeps....I've got to get ready for tomorrow...

It's All Good!

There are nine days separating me from today, and the end of the school year! Music to my ears. I'm going to try to enjoy each day, and work out at least during the week, because I have become a huge slacker in that department!!! Just sad!

I'll be attending one wedding, and I'm a bridesmaid in another....a trip to Virginia, New Orleans, and maybe even a little weekend in Vegas...if the dates align! Add curriculum development, and cheer practice, and that will probably bring me back to August way before I feel like it, but I'll be busy, so it's all good!

There is one thing (well...there are a LOT of things...but for the sake of staying on topic) that I want to conquer this summer. Would you like to meet him?

His name is Hell on Earth...better known as 'bleachers.' I see a lot of this in my future with the cheerleaders this summer, and they kick my butt!!!! BIG TIME!!! Add 100+ temperatures, and let's call it a party...NOT! On the up side, I'm imagining what my thighs and buttocks will look like! Don't hate me because I'm crazy! HA!

Have a great Thursday peeps! I'm back to homework!!

OH! One more thing...I'm shadowing my Head Principal tomorrow, and one of the Assistant Principals Monday! Should be exciting. Wonder what I should wear?!? I'm so ready to move up to the next level, but in His time....and it's all good!!!! For real...I mean it for real!

I'll be sure to let you know how tomorrow goes! I might even take pics for my blog...LOL! Not of the kids of course, that would not be good!

Treading water really isn't surviving at all.....

One of my friends knew I was having a hard time processing yesterday, and asked me if I wanted to write a letter about it....in the midst of all of that was going on...I had to chuckle. Writing for me does make it better. It's getting so that I rarely write in my journal, my thoughts too quick for my poor hand to keep up. I'm preferring the speed the keyboard of my laptop affords me. BUT, my heart misses the privacy my journal gives me. Not that I have any deep brooding secrets, but just because!

Bottom line...I miss my journal...and my church (I've been out of town the last 4 weeks, and I can feel it). Random interjection I know, but I think what this all boils down to is that I miss my Jesus! No, He hasn't gone anywhere, and neither have I, but I firmly believe that it's my lack of mobility that is the bigger issue. I am coasting. Treading water.

I'm allowing past disappointments and failures to ruin what's going on now, and 1) that is so unlike me, and 2) that contradicts what the Word says.

I know that there is a life of excellence ahead of me. I can't rest in mediocrity, and I long to make it all work, and to make it all fit. BUT, I wonder, just maybe if I'm overloading on what I know I should be doing, and what is already in my life, to forget and kill the desire of what I really want?!?

This school year is barely coming to a close, and trust me, when the next one starts...it'll be the biggest year of my life to date. I can count 4 MAJOR projects that I am personally involved in that will require ALL of my time, and while it makes me happy on one hand, it scares me to death on the other....because what if I do all of this, you know, to build the Kingdom and what not, and I never get 'found?' Let's do a motive check...geesh! What if I'm 50, and never reach my dreams, and never have a family...what if?!

You may judge and think that if these are my problems, then I've got it made, and you know, I might just have to agree with you, but I had a little anxiety attack yesterday, because I know that each of these 4 projects is what I've been called to do, but I have heard no guarantee that I will ever receive what I want.....and that my friends, scares me. I know it sounds like I'm saying God owes me something, and I know that He doesn't.....and I hope you know that that's not what's in my heart....

It is so not easy following the will of God, but I know I'm better for it....I know I am! I'll write more later, I've got a long day/night ahead of me.

If I had to pick one...

I love reading! I grew up in a family that would take trips to the bookstore....we could stay there for hours! In particular, my Aunt Jennifer...(I've never called her 'Aunt' in my life), and I are very avid readers. We still find time to sneak away and go to the bookstore, and try to find that special book that will keep us occupied for the next....2 days...HA!

Because I love to read so much, I don't have a favorite author. I love them all, but if I was forced to pick, hands down it would be Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers!! SO SO SO GOOD!!! If you've never read it..I promise you won't be disappointed!

It's a fictional account of the book of Hosea, and while that may not make you run out and buy it....your trust in my picks should make you!

Growing up, I can remember this book that my Mom would read to me. I SO wish I could remember the title as I want to be able to share it with my children too. I was a book about being a big girl. Being kind to others, and always sharing. It would also say that when things and people hurt you to remember to be a big girl....such a heavy topic for a little tike.

I can remember skinning my knee, or something like that, and my Mom picking me up and telling me not to cry and to 'remember what the book said.' I know I'm probably not giving a really big depiction, but if you know what book I am talking about, please let me know...remember, I'm a child of the 80s, so it was published around that time....

Another childhood favorite was The Babysitter's Club series (I wanted to start my own club FOR REAL), and Sweet Valley High! Do y'all remember those books? Talk about addiction..I used to belong to a book club that would send me 2 books every single month FOR YEARS while in middle and high school. I'm so glad my parents fostered a love of reading. It makes you smarter people....trust me, I'm a teacher. I can tell those kids who read for pleasure...they know things even if they haven't experienced them personally....READ TO YOUR KIDS and MAKE THEM READ!!!!! (jumping off soapbox)

Have a great FRIDAY! Spring Show is tonight, and then Waco tomorrow! Life is busy, but life is GREAT!

It's a God thing...

It's Thursday, and this week has literally flown by....but not without a little hard work and determination to get through it.

Did I mention I'm a teacher....of 10th grade hormonal, cranky, ready for summer children???!!! Do you understand what it's like to get them even remotely interested in 'Phantom of the Opera' right now? Trust me peeps...this is no easy task!

However, the days till summer are winding down, and soon, I will become a lady of leisure...or maybe not. For the record, I have a grant writing course to attend, a federal grant to write, a non-profit organization to get on its feet...SCHOOL....and a few more pounds to lose to hit my goal weight!!! But don't get me wrong...there will be some leisurely days!

Today I'm pretty excited....Amanda and I are meeting to get together for the grant. She's going to help me find sponsors and fundraise. She's basically the 'Queen of Green,' so I can't tell you how excited I am that she's willing to work. Because, did I mention she's preggers, with a 3 year old? Yeah...she's wonder woman, but what can I say? The girl is good!

Also, the final member of my grant writing team accepted today. She showed me in her journal where she had written under her personal goals section that #1 was to learn how to write grants this year.....I have goosebumps just thinking about. God never gives a vision without provision. NEVER!!! I can't believe how He continues to bless the work of my hands, and gives me so many capable, smart, and driven people to help...it's such an amazing feeling.

Anyway...that's this Terrific Thursday in a nutshell! I'll be back...I haven't forgotten about those pics...I just haven't found that cord just yet....lol!

Trip to Jackson, Mother's Day, and Reach!

I know it's been a minute since I've posted, but I'm back from my trip to Jackson, and I had a lovely time. I have pictures that I took, and I'll post them when I can find my camera cord, but Karmen is getting so tall, and Danyelle is becoming quite the cheerleader....she's amazing, if I do say so myself!

My family really is the coolest, and I'm glad I got a chance to spend the day with my Mom, and my Grandmother!

Mother's Day started off with breakfast cooked by my Mom, sorry Mom, and then we all went to church. Afterwards, we went to Sonny's Bar-B-Que, and it was delicious! It was a loud, fun time...with a 13 person party!

On the Reach! front:
Things are progressing quite smoothly...well, that is if you don't count my freak-outs about the funding...and the simple logistics of 'how do you run/start/fund a non-profit...' Other than that, things are going well. My team and I are working on a grant app now. Did I mention it was a federal grant? Did I mention I'm quite sure I'll have my doctoral thesis completed whilst writing this grant??? It's a DOOZIE!!!

I feel so unprepared, under qualified, and pretty much useless in this process. Thankfully, I'm meeting with a lady in our district today, and she's hopefully going to put my mind at ease....Lord knows I need it!

I'll be back later to post pics from the weekend! And, in the next couple of weeks, I'll need your help voting for my grant application to win the funding...I'll keep you posted on those details though!

Capable People

Today started off great, but ended mucho hectic!!! Trust me, I wasn't ready for its activities, but I survived! Needless to say, when I got home, I was pretty much a walking zombie!

Let's just say, chocolate would have been GREAT tonight...but I intentionally didn't purchase any on my last shopping trip. How cruel of me!

On the Reach! front, I learned a lot today. I was able to get some valuable resources for grant opportunities, and things are shaping up nicely. I'm working on an e-mail to send out to all that have expressed an interest in helping with Reach! I hope the e-mail doesn't scare them away! I'm itching to delegate some things to more capable people! I'm so glad the Lord delivered me from thinking that only I can do things for me...you know what I mean? I used to be so afraid to release the reigns on things I was associated with. I missed out on so many opportunities to better my experiences by allowing other, more capable people to help me.

Tomorrow, I leave for Mississippi...I'm pretty pumped! I'll post, either from my phone, or the computer! I'm off to bed now...I'm pooped!

~J

Write the Vision...

There are very few times when I'm speechless....and by speechless, I mean having NOTHING to say! Well, tonight is one of those nights!

(Oh, and by the way! HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO!!! I celebrated with Amanda and Abbey, Presha and her two girls, and Amy and her fam! It was a fun, loud, crazy time! I meant to get a picture, but with 3 kiddos.....that didn't happen)

Anywho, I'm just blown away by the outreach of support from my friends, total Habakkuk 2:2 moment!

Today was pretty eventful as well, I received the Employee Identification Number, as well as filed the non-profit paperwork with the state. It's coming along....really it is, and I have no doubt it will be great!

Do you want one too?

Danielle, the fabulous lady who designed my blog is GIVING AWAY a custom blog design! Click on the blinking button to the right, and enter for yourself!

Have a great day guys!

REACH!

Hey! It's just Tuesday, and I am exhausted! Maybe it's because I have a laundry list of items to take care of...and let's just say that everyday...I add about 3 major items to said list. Trust me, I'm not complaining...but it is a little overwhelming at times!

I wanted to let you know something...I filed the papers for my non-profit's name. That seems weird even as I type this...my non-profit...but I did it, and I'm excited! It was a painless experience, and in case you're wondering, it cost 16 bucks!

You wanna know the name....well, without further ado, the name registered in Harris County is REACH! To give you a little background, it was originally supposed to be another name, but it was already taken! I started to panic a little bit, and asked the lady if I could step outside for a minute. I just said a little prayer, and REACH! came to mind! It turns out that I really like it! Do you?

I feel so grown up, and so in the time and place that I am supposed to be in...and that feels SO GOOD!!! Now the real work begins, and to be honest, it gets a little crazier by the minute, but you know, I just thought my friends were cool before...now I know they are! They've been stepping up and offering help, contacts, support, ideas....I feel so blessed everyday! So many people lack the solid friendships that I have, and I don't take them for granted. I'm talking let me pray with you on that....awesomeness at its best right?!

Speaking of awesome friends, my good friend Mike co-owns a graphic design firm, and he and his partner are working with me to brand REACH! So, technically, I've had my very first REACH! business meeting....all while I was talking to him, I kept repeating, 'I can't believe this is happening....' And I can't!

I could seriously go on and on, but this girl...with the newly discovered sexy tiny set of spider veins need to go to bed! I've got SO much to do, and almost not enough time to do it!

Say your prayers, and dream big! God is listening!!!

*image via google

Pray with me...

Hey there!!! It's lovely May, and I couldn't be happier....the end of the school year is near! Hallelujah!!! I'm just posting really quickly to ask for prayer. I've got a lot of decisions to make, and I want to be sure that they are decisions that glorify God, and are what He wants, not what I would like to see happen.

Of course this has to do with the non-profit. I feel like this is such a HUGE mountain, and at times, I'm feeling very ill equipped, but I know that is not of God. I'll post an update later...but until then, will you just pray!

Later gators! ~J

Getting my Want to to Want to!

Hey there! I hope you all had a wonderful Saturday! I know I did! I was up bright and early with some things to cross off of my to-do list for today! This included a massage, a hair trim, a little baking for the fight party, and schoolwork!

I'm happy to say that I got it all accomplished so that I could enjoy myself later in the day! BUT, even with such a productive Saturday, I've still got so much to do on my to-do list....and the motivation is really not there! So.....I'm going to post my ginormous to-do list right here...for all the world to see, and hopefully, there can be some accountable amongst us...what do you say?

1. put away my clean clothes
2. unpack suitcase from my last trip so that I can re-pack for upcoming trip
3. order book for new class....hopefully 1/2 priced books has it
4. Get DBA, mail off papers
5. schedule meeting of the minds
6. compose letter for sponsorships and speakers
7. CLEAN OUT CLOSET!!!!
8. mop the floors
9. take car to dealership...see what that light is all about!

Now do you see my plight? I've got so much to do, and my want to is pretty much non existent! I AM SO READY FOR SCHOOL TO BE OUT!!! Love my lady of leisure summer days!

Please, if you see me, ask me how I'm doing...and I'll come back and update you all! Goodnight!