My birthday

I have a very nice birthday! I was a bit nervous, as one never knows how the day will go at work. However it was good!

• About 20 of my students stopped in to tell me happy birthday. This was great and very unexpected. I haven't found out who told them, however it was sweet.
• I received flower at work from Husband!
• I also received a teddy bear and balloons from my brother and sister in law!
• Husband brought me take out for lunch
  
• I enjoyed a trip to Archivers after leaving work a bit early
• Arrived home to find Dakota had left a gift for me (the not good part of my day).

... as the story goes...

"I was able to leave work early on my birthday, arriving at home before Husband. As I gathered my things from the car, I was excited to relax a little before going out for supper. I unlocked the door from the garage to the house, and push open the door. The order poured out of the house; filling my nose, and causing my eyes to water. I found Dakota, in his kennel. There had been a bit of a misunderstanding. I had told him I wanted him to be "Sooper Dooper Good" for my birthday. He thought I said that I wanted him to be "Sooper Pooper" for my birthday."

One year later...

If you haven't checked out my birthday wish, be sure to click over!

WOW! One year ago today this blog was born! I cannot believe it has been this long, and that I have stuck with it. I remember that first post. I was stressed out about grad school, avoiding homework. This blog has provided me with more than I could have ever imagined.

On my very first post, I listed this:

Things to do before turning 26:

• Start a blog
  
• Take the 365 photo challenge (http://photojojo.com/content/tutorials/project-365-take-a-photo-a-day/)
• Move out of my apartment
• Find a Job
• Finish my honeymoon scrapbook and start/finish another travel scrapbook
• Watch less TV
• Exercise more
• Play the piano more
• Save money

Well, I was off to a good start with "Start a blog"... Check!


Now the 365 day challenge didn't turn out so well. I lost motivation, inspiration. However, I have started it again this year, and have thus far been successful!


I also graduated and found a job (after much anxiety and stress). The job prompted us to move out of our apartment and into a house! We were doing very well on "save money", however with the home purchase, we ran ourselves a little more thin than I would have liked. With our new home came a puppy, and less time to watch tv.


Overall, I did quite well. I wasn't successful on the scrapbook, exercise, and piano playing, however I believe overall, the year was good to me!

Now, things to do before turning 27:

• Save money
• Volunteer in at least 3 projects
• Exercise more
• Plant a garden!
• Put up a fence in backyard for puppy
• Make more time for friends
  
• Complete the 365 challenge and scrapbook the photos!
• Scrapbook at least 10 pages a month

I'm sure there are many more, however this is a good start.

All I want for my birthday

My birthday starts in 11 minutes... :-)

I have to say I'm not really in a festive mood. Things are quite stressful at work. I am not fully unpacked after moving. Dakota is such a handful. However I don't want my day to pass un-noticed. I do not need a party, or gifts. Instead I have a wish...

... So the background story...

I work with college students each and every day. These students have all the potential in the world, however have faced / are facing some very difficult challenges. They range from financial, physical, lack of family support, illness, etc... Each and every day I hear stories of students moving forward even though they face these challenges. When I ask them why, and how, I hear of their dreams to become a doctor who works with sick children who cannot afford medical treatment, or an engineer that want to build means of alternative energy. I hear of their dreams to help others. Their stories, and perseverance is truly inspiring.

Tonight, I stayed late at work helping a student with her med school prep. Before I left, I picked up a white hot chocolate (WHC) to go. I noticed the student worker at the Caribou counter. He is always friendly, and has a smile on his face. Today I noticed his text books and thought about how my students appreciate every little bit of help. How even though school, work, life is challenging he puts on a smile each day. Then I thought about all of the people who work so hard each and every day to reach their dream, or help a loved one reach a dream.

Though normally I get a large, today I ordered a small WHC, and gave the bit over $1 difference in price in the empty tip cup. My random act of kindness (even though quite small), made him smile. His reaction was that of someone who doesn't see tips often (though anyone serving coffee to tired, busy, students wouldn't likely get many tips). I know my $1 likely will not change his life, however every little bit counts. Every act of kindness counts.

Therefore I have decided to have a "Random Acts of Kindness Week". Starting RIGHT NOW I challenge you, Yes, YOU, to go about your day as you always would. However take a moment to notice those little thing you can do to make someone's day. It can be as little as a smile and "have a great day!" to as large as your imagination.

Comment here and let me know you are participating! Write about it on your blog, tweet about it, shout it from the rooftops :-) and challenge others to participate as well! Do one thing for the week, or something each day. Whatever works for you. Then, on January 29, post about your experience on your blog (I will do the same)! I will (hopefully) post a Mr. Linky that day for you to sign so everyone can see the wonderful things that happened during the week!

I'm SO excited! This could be the best birthday ever. I'm counting on YOU!

Wacky Web Wednesday # 27

Thanks Heather for posting this!

Valentine Swap!!!

Valentine's Day? I'm thinking "It is still January!" However I like the idea of planning ahead! It seems I'm almost indifferent to Valentine's Day. However Island Life is hosting a Valentine's Day swap again this year, and I could not pass up the temptation to make some new friends and share our love our sweets!

Click on over and sign up! Once you are signed up, be sure to fill out the questionnaire! :)

* What is your idea of a romantic Valentine’s Day?
A nice dinner out . . . just spending time with my husband. Maybe a little gift, or flowers!
* In reality, what is your Valentine’s Day really like?
I do not remember a Valentine's Day not consumed by school or work. Now with no school, but a full time job (at a school), and crazy puppy, takeout is a strong possibility.

* If you could have a lifetime supply of your favorite sweet indulgence, what would it be?
Hummm. I am a huge fan of Peanut, or Peanut Butter M&Ms and Reeses Pieces...

* Is there any sweet treat you absolutely do not like?
Black Licorice, or black jelly beans. Not really a fan of chocolate either (well I like WHITE chocolate, sometime milk choc, but never Dark Choc).

* If you fell into a pool of chocolate, how would you get out?
Is it a pool of white chocolate? Please please please! Though either way, I can't swim, so I would be in trouble! :)

January.. photo #8

Our puppy, Dakota, believes he owns the house. He was being WAY too quiet this particular day and when I went to check on him, found this :)




Brittany at 4 Little men and girly twins has posted a Saturday Random Photo Challenge. Be sure to click over and check out all the great shots!

One word

Where is your cell phone? Counter
Your significant other? Napping
Your hair? messy
Your favorite thing? relaxing
Your dream last night? unmemorable
Your favorite drink? MD (or white hot choc)
Your dream/goal? happiness
What room are you in? kitchen
Your hobby? crafts
Your fear? unhappiness
Where do you want to be in 6 Yrs? unsure...
Where were you last night? sleeping
Something that you aren't? patient
Muffins? banana-nut
Wish list item? Vacation
Last thing you did? lunch
What are you wearing? sweats
TV? on
Your pets? barking
Friends? supportive
Your life? crazy
Your mood? frustrated
Drinking? MD
Smoking? never
Your car? ford
Something you're not wearing? hat
Your favorite store? Archivers
Your favorite color? rainbow
Where do you go to over and over? Work
Five people who email me regularly? friend K , Husband and mom
My favorite place to eat? GoldenWok
Favorite place I'd like to be at right now? Beach

Your turn!

Diggin' out the long johns...

This does not help curb my white hot chocolate addiction....

It is already january 8th!?

How did this happen? Is it really january 8, nearly Jan 9? Seriously? WHOA!

Everything has been so crazy. I knew it had been awhile since my last post, but Holy Moly!

Work has been crazy. I have met with the Foundation director, and board president, the college president, 2 of the 3 college VPs, 2 of the deans... yeah. What a week. Needless to say, it has been stressful.

I'll get back to you all with more updates soon! Plus, my blogoversary is coming up soon....!!!!