Unexpected surprises

Uncertainty creates a certain amount of anxiety for most people, and probably a touch more for me. However, we often find that letting go of our fear and taking the chance is often more fun than we ever expected. Yesterday, I was scheduled to attend a professional development seminar at Challenge Country in Ellisville, MS. I had never been to Challenge Country, but I had heard that is was an outdoorsy place with rock climbs and rope swings and that is all I needed to know to know that I was not interested. Well, it turns out most of the people going on this trip were not interested and to top it off, it was freezing cold outside. By now you know where this story is going, Challenge Country is outdoorsy and they do have rock climbs and lots of other scary but extremely safe climbing activities. However, we all somehow managed to have a great time, cheering for one another, wanting and expecting success, and growing more as a team in our department. I will admit that I did not participate in any of the climbs; yet, I was still able to learn from seeing my peers take the chance, let go of the tree (no matter how hard), and walk across a narrow log. Life is like that sometimes. We have to let go of the tree, even if we don't want to in order to experience new things, to learn about ourselves, and to improve our lives. It was a great day and probably the best PDS, I will ever attend. 

I hope you all are doing well and are enjoying reading my blog. Have a great week! 

Flying by...

Boy, it seems like the days are just flying by, and this weather is CRAZY!! Saturday we had a nice Spring day and Sunday it was like I had moved to the Arctic. Thanks to these changes, I am coming down with a cold. I have a scratchy throat and an ear ache.

Wes and I both had a good week returning to the world of work, and we also enjoyed getting back to eating healthy and taking better care of ourselves. This past weekend was our last free weekend until April. We finally de-christmastized our house. The tree is planted in the back yard, and the lights are stored safely in the attic. We only lost one of the 6 strands. We had so much fun this year, we are already planning the decorations for next season. YAY! 

I sold my car of 10 years Sunday night. It was a great car, but I was sure glad to see it go. I was even more glad that it brought in some nice cash! Wes gets the the thanks for the wheeling and dealing. 

This Saturday, we are venturing to Rogers, AL. Wes is judging color guard and drums (I think). We will be back home Sunday, though, for church and chores! 

Did you know. . . 

United States Geological Survey scientists conservatively project that two-thirds of the polar bear population in the world could disappear by 2050, including all of Alaska's polar bears. Check out this fact sheet for more information on the fate of the Polar Bear, 

http://www.nwf.org/polarbear/pdfs/NWFPolarBearBasics_1-28-08.pdf 

Ivey

100_1201, originally uploaded by abrooke8.

Lillie

100_1234, originally uploaded by abrooke8.

Parents

100_1484, originally uploaded by abrooke8.

Sisters

100_1150, originally uploaded by abrooke8.

New Beginnings!

Wes and I just had the best holiday! We spent time together at our home on our own schedule, and oh I can't describe the bliss! We also got to spend lots of time with our families which we enjoyed every much. We decorated our house for the first time and had a live tree. I even strung popcorn for it. It was so fun.

Today, however was back to work! I had students, and Wes did not. Lucky DOG! I recently began working at Hattiesburg High School as the Career Center Facilitator. So far, so good. Today, we also returned to Phase 1 of the South Beach Diet. We let sugar take us over during the holidays. It was totally worth it! I will let you know how it goes. My tummy growls as I type. Ha Ha

My New's Years Resolution was to "put people first" and I hope that this blog helps me do that. I never take the time to send e-mails or pictures to indivduals. Maybe, I can be successful sending messages in batch. We will see. Plus, I have to figure out how to get pictures on here. I hope you enjoying reading and being (somewhat involved) in this very busy life of mine!

I love you and think of each of you often. Please remember to recylce when you can. It does make a difference. (Yes, I will mention something to that nature everytime. It is a must!)

Until next time....

XOXOXOXO