Gol' Darn Gone and Done It

Well, I've done it. I finally decided to join the blogging world. Cue the crowd applause! I have debated starting a blog for quite a while - I just wasn't sure if I'd have time to keep up with it or if I'd have anything to blog about. I'm not much of a seamstress or creative genius, I don't have kids, and I don't have my own house. What else is there to talk about in blogland if you're not posting about your children, latest craft, or decorating tips?

What I've come up with so far is:

~ School: I began my first year of teaching in August and it has completely consumed my life. I have known for my entire life that I belong in the classroom. There was never a plan B. It has always been teaching. After I graduated in May, I spent the entire month of June sending emails and filling out applications. (200+ emails and applications, actually!) It was tiring and incredibly discouraging at times, but it paid off and I finally found the job that I know God prepared for me - First Grade!! Blogging about things that I've learned about the profession so far, activities we've done, and some of the hilarious things that my kiddos do and say will probably take up a good bit of this blog.

Classroom as I found in in August:

 Meet the Teacher Night: Things look VERY different now. We've got anchor charts all over the wall and lots of words on our word wall. Will update soon.

~ Wedding Planning: During that aforementioned rough month of June, one big happening brought my spirits up: after three years with my sweet Newly (yes, that is his real name), I got engaged! We have set our wedding date for November of 2013 and while I have been slow to start making the millions of decisions that come along with a wedding, we have gotten a few of the "big" things taken care of; engagement pictures (see below), wedding date, dress!!!, wedding band, venue, and caterer.

Did I mention that we are HUGE Texas Ranger fans?? 

We did take some "normal" engagement pictures too. These are just a few of our baseball themed save-the-dates. Big thanks to Emma Goode Photography!

~ The occasional craft: Sadly, I haven't had much time to craft since I was hired in July. Even when I am at home and technically "off," my computer is open and I am searching pinterest for new ideas, working on lesson plans, or cutting out and laminating math station games. However, I foresee more time for crafts in the future. I would assume that they'll be wedding decor crafts but I am sure I can squeeze in the occasional home and school craft here and there too. In fact, to finish off my two week long CHRISTMAS break, I have a craft day date on Friday with a fellow first year teacher at my school, Megan. She's an awesome fifth grade teacher and she's starting her own Teacher's Pay Teacher's account. Check it out and follow HERE!

~Lastly, and certainly guaranteed to be the most boring of my ideas, The Great Wedding Tone-Up: I've never been a big exercise person. I do get some exercise and most people would consider me skinny (I'm tall and clothes hide a lot!) but I'd like to tone up and take care of some of the "jelly" that I've got going on. I need to get over my gym intimidation and wimpy tendencies and Just (stinkin') Do It! I am not sure where I will find the time, but it is mandatory that I do.

That's all I've got to share for now. Any blogs that I absolutely must follow? Or blogging advice?

Happy New Year, Y'all!