TTMT | A Day in the Life

A day in the life. What's it like being you for a day? Try to take some pictures on the hour if you can. I did something similar with the 10 on 10 in March.

A typical day around here:

5:55 am: Wake up to pee. Again.

6:17 am: Finally turn off the alarm and roll out of bed. Assess the hair. If it's not too greasy, throw it up so it doesn't get wet in the shower and figure out some sort of braid thing to put it in to save myself from washing and drying it.

7:03 am: Grab something to eat and try to get out the door in the next 7 minutes.

7:30ish am: Show up at work in time to check email and figure out what's going on for the day.

8:00 am: Pretend to be a morning person as the 1st period students roll in. Whoever said being a teacher isn't that much different from being an actor on stage all day wasn't too far off.

9:58 am: Hang out with the homeroomers. Offer shoulders to cry on and kleenex as needed. Receive some of the best presents and hugs and love anyone could get. (They've even thrown parties for me. For me! I really love this part of my day. Most days.)

10:14 am: Snack. On anything in the fridge. (Which is right in my room- just a little perk of being the FCS teacher.)

10:53 am: More students. More class.

12:48 pm: Lunch time. Finally. Eating lunch (lovingly packed by R) at the desk while students come in to get caught up on work, finish labs, cry about life, or find something to eat because they forgot their lunch. Again. Duty free lunch is a novelty I rarely get but sometimes I just tell them my room is closed for lunch for the day. They usually get it.

1:15 pm: More class. Then study hall.

2:50 pm: Hand out snacks/groceries (isn't that a nice way of saying pawning off the healthy food R sent to school with me and cleaning out my fridge?).

3:15 pm: (I mean 3:20- Is it bad I've had this job for 5 years and just found out this week our contract time is to 3:20 instead of 3:15.... oops) Head out the door when possible.

That last one was a joke. Typically at 3:15 there are still students working (sewing) or there for after school club. Tuesdays/Thursdays club goes until at least 4. Wednesdays meetings are scheduled till 4:30. So somewhere after that I put the day away and get set up for the next day before heading home.

4:44 pm: Snack. On anything on the fridge (at home this time). Check mail. Take dog out (if R isn't home yet). Check in with R. Change clothes. Check email. Try to reply before realizing there are still 60+ new emails. Give up on email and get set up for the client about to show up at the door.

6:00 pm: Photo session.

7:45 pm: Dinner with R. (These days it's been made by R. Isn't he good?)

8:45 pm: Editing until I can't edit anymore.

10:30ish pm: Get ready for the next day and ready for bed to try to sleep before doing it all again.

Between teaching, after school club, cooking classes, {captured by} heidi, and Iowa State teacher ed I feel like I've spent the last couple years working non-stop. A pretty typical day in the life around here lately would be a 15+ hour work day. I miss my friends. And I really miss R. Soooooo..... even though I'm a little (or a lot, surprisingly) sad that today is the last day of school, I'm excited for summer vacation and I'm excited for the leave of absence that next school year brings for me to spend more time focusing on life around here. I will, without a doubt, miss my 8th graders and the teachers I've worked with at AMS but I know God has big plans for us this coming year and I'm excited to be doing something different for awhile.

And after all that I feel like there should be a disclaimer on this 'day in the life' that reflects my 'new' typical day (which will start next week!) which includes a little more sleeping in time, a lot more R time, and definitely some friend and family time. I can't wait! :) (Oh wait.... but that also means more housework, cooking, and grocery shopping time. Guess I'll take it!) ; )

So tell all! What's it like being you for a day!?!?

Talk To Me: What is it Like Living with Your Man?

So I was inspired by Kelsey's post last week about what it's like living with Eric and wondered what you guys had to say about the subject. So do share, what is it like living with your man????

Link up in the comments below or email me your link and I'll add you here:

Kelsey's answers

Living with Lisa's Hubby

JILL

Tabitha

Living with Rusty.......

you never get bored with the TV because you never get a chance to watch TV (unless you like watching ESPN).

you generally have green grass. or a man complaining about grass that is not green.

you get fed. He is awesome at manning the grill and recently has even taken on some recipes I've asked him to try. I try hard not to treat him like an 8th grader in the kitchen and honestly, he's getting way better than those guys. :)

you don't get to sleep in. If you try to, he'll make the bed right over top of you. Unless he's feeling guilty about having the boys over too late the night before in which case he may bring you breakfast in bed.

you are loved unconditionally. He is one loyal man. Kind of like a dog. Only not.

(Yes.... I realize it's the end of Tuesday.... I started this post last week when I was thinking about it and thought I would have time to actually type something and add a photo or two. No such luck of my schedule allowing for that but summer is just around the corner so maybe I'll finally get caught up around here. Or not.)

PS- He'd want me to add that you laugh. Because he's funny. ;)

NEXT TTMT:

A day in the life. What's it like being you for a day? Try to take some pictures on the hour if you can. I did something similar with the 10 on 10 in March. It was so fun (but probably because it was a fun day.... not every day is that exciting around here!) :)

Talk To Me (Thanksgiving in March)

Thanksgiving in March. (Whoa- March?!?)

I got the best 'thank you' in the mail last week. It came with blue raspberry jolly ranchers. Completely made my day and was a good reminder to me that I've been slacking on sending my own 'thank-you's' lately. So.....

Who are some people you are thankful for? Have you told them lately?

The very first person on my list is Rusty. Admittedly, I've been taking him way for granted lately. Working two full-time jobs and a handful of part-time jobs has been taking it's toll on me- and our home (ie. household chores...). He has really picked up some slack around here and I don't know what I would do without him!

I'm thankful for my students. In the past I've had students that bring me to tears by the end of the day (who hasn't?). But currently I have some students that bring me to tears during the day.... because they are so thoughtful. I have gotten some of the best cards, drawings, letters, etc. from students this year. It has really been a blessing to me. I'll have to give this topic a whole post of it's own!

I'm thankful for my friends/family that have been (and continue to be) there for me this past year. Last week I got a text from a good friend that just said, "Stay hopeful." I needed it right at that exact time and it meant the world to me. When I got home late after a long day to find a bag of jolly ranchers in the mail from another friend, it was just wanted I needed. It's so cool to see how God works through people to give you hope when you need it the most. I feel like I've been such a bad friend (and wife, sister, teacher, neighbor, blogger, etc.) lately so to have people that are still there is really a blessing.

Next Week:
Book report: I'm looking for some good reads. What are some good books you've read lately?

Talk To Me (This Chapter)

Ang was sharing the church bulletin from their service on Sunday. It was about chapters of our life and the pastor asked what would you name this chapter of your life? Good question!

Talk To Me Tuesday (or whatever day you get around to it!):

What would you name this chapter of your life?

This was so hard! Together, A & I threw around several titles... change, unexpected, challenging, confusion, WAITING. What about adversity, strength, not being enough, patience, pressure?

I was thinking about this last one while Rusty was watching a basketball game on tv. The announcers were talking about a player dealing with adversity. He said, "Pipes may burst under pressure but diamonds are made under pressure."

I guess I could call this chapter "Making Diamonds." Can't wait to see God's diamond in the rough.

Next Week's:

Thanksgiving in March.

I got the best 'thank you' in the mail last week. It came with blue raspberry jolly ranchers. Completely made my day and was a good reminder to me that I've been slacking on sending my own 'thank-you's' lately. So.....

Who are some people you are thankful for? Have you told them lately?

Talk to Me (cabin fever?)

What are you doing to ward off cabin fever?

Maybe this should have been preceded with, "If you have cabin fever."

I actually don't. Yet.

Our schedule doesn't slow down in the winter (hello, basketball season). And compared to last year, the roads have so far been pretty nice so we've still managed to be out and about.

So instead of 'warding off cabin fever,' my answer today will be what would you do if you were stuck inside for a snow day with nothing else that needed to be done (I'm talking no photo editing, ordering, or scheduling- like that would ever happen!). :)

I would take a long hot bath and read some of the many books sitting around either unopened or half started. I finally read one not too long ago and it was the first one I'd read since before I started doing photography. Reading is probably one of the things I miss most since starting to work two full-time jobs. I vow to read at least one book over spring break!

So what about you? What are your inside activities this winter? Or have you had time for any?

Link up to your answers in the comments.

Next Week:

What would you name this chapter of your life?

Talk to Me (Awesome)

Inspired by Sarah's link to this Awesome video. What would make your Awesome List? (Lists, photos, videos, etc. welcome!)

A Dove wrapper that says, "Blessings only come to those who notice." New babies. Holding a miracle. Having a super bowl party yet not watching a minute of the game. Twin babies. Toddlers. Jelly beans. The bumper sticker on the Oldsmobile in front of me- "Don't let my car fool you, my treasure is in heaven." A nephew that says he's going to move all of his clothes to our house and stay there. Flower delivery. Spring coming. A good book. A warm house. The tail end of a basketball schedule. Prom dress shopping with my cousin's daughter. Modern medicine. Having an excuse to watch kid movies. and to play the kid games at the pizza place. Good teacher assistants. Great students. Hugs. Blue raspberry jolly ranchers. A sister that will cook when she's visiting. Baby spit up (for those of you over Sunday I'm hoping you appreciate this-ha). Friends that carry you. Carrying friends. Spring break creeping in closer on the calendar. Just starting a book and already seeing trials as boons. Friends that give. and give. and give. Packages on the door step. Unexpected mail. Being blessed.

These are just a few of the awesome things in my life this week.

What are yours? (link up to them in the comments)

Next Week's: What are you doing to ward off cabin fever?

Talk to Me (Your Word of the Year)

What is your WORD for 2011? What describes you or what you want to accomplish this year.

Inspired by Ali Edwards. ViaAshley. :)

Since first seeing the 'word' on Lisa Leonard's blog, I went back and forth on what my word would be a lot. I thought about using my unofficial word(s) of the year from last year... Hold Fast. I considered Take Heart or just Heart. I thought about Hope, Journey and Waiting.

I kept changing my mind and changing it again before finally settling on joy.

Joy.

My email signature says "Be Joyful Always." 1 Thessalonians 5:16

We sent the same message out on our Christmas cards.

My favorite Christmas photo of the year was JOY in scrabble letters.

Joy.

Not so much about finding joy but more about realizing it's already right there. Even in the dark.

Next Week's:

Inspired by Sarah's link to this Awesome video. What would make your Awesome List? (Lists, photos, videos, etc. welcome!)

Talk To Me Tuesday: Your Purse

This week's Talk To Me (Show Me?):

Show us what's in your purse. Dig it out, take a picture. AS IS! No adding to or taking away.

Aye yai yai. Who knew one little bag could hold so much??

The goods (items cleaned out after realizing how much stuff was in there are in italics!):

Pack of gum.

Altoids tin.

Grey fabric flower waiting to be turned into a clip or pin.

PRAY stone.

Bag of leftover jelly bellies (from outside fall photo sessions- yikes!)

Gift Cards

My purse camera!

AA batteries (never know when you'll need them!)

A memory card (that coincidently is not for the camera that I carry in my purse)

Bath & Body works from the $1 bin.

Two Mary Kay lip glosses (same color).

Deep conditioner (sorry, Michelle- I promise to use it asap!)

Box of Valentines for Morgan and one for Maddox (I stuck them in there so I wouldn't forget them to give to my sister)

Wallet (which would have added a ton to my list if I would have taken the contents out).

School id & keys.

Hair ties.

New prescription I just picked up (I'm excited about this one).

Biofreeze samples.

Kleenex.

Pen.

Planner.

Dental floss (one day my SIL asked me if I had any and I didn't- the next day they were handing out mini ones in the parade- I took it as a sign I needed to leave it in my purse. ha)

Zyrtec.

Hand sanitizer.

Feminine products.

Clutch that holds most of the small lotion type of things.

Empty zip lock bag?

Cell phone.

Random papers: W2s, Christmas Shopping list, business cards, receipts, bubble gum wrappers, notes, to do lists, etc.

So yai that's a lot of stuff. But really you wouldn't know it with this bag. I LOVE the padded compartments and pockets in this thing and the fact that you can shove that much junk into a bag and still have it organized (if you remember where you put it). :)
See? :)

PS- You can shop for the Kelly Moore Bag here. They are actually camera bags (not the homemade version). This is the grey hobo. I also have the mustard boy bag. I would say it's too big for a purse though (my mom would probably even agree- that's a big bag). That one of mine actually does get used as a camera bag.

Next Week's:

What is your WORD for 2011? What describes you or what you want to accomplish this year.

Inspired by Ali Edwards. Via Ashley. :)

Talk To Me (Show Me?) a RAK

Talk To Me Tuesday:

This one is a do rather than an answer.... Go out and do a random act of kindness. Post the idea on your page. (For ideas see Secret Agent L's blog... you may recognize one on there from my friend Secret Agent (other) L).

I've been wanting to do this one for a long time and just never did. I finally just did it -but admittedly only because it was the challenge for Tuesday and since it was a hard one I figured if anyone else participated, that'd be great but if I didn't even do it, that'd be really bad. So I just did it. And you know what? It actually wasn't that hard. It was actually a lot of fun!

The scoop: I've spent too much time lately in the waiting room of hospitals, emergency rooms, and clinics. I'm a people watcher and it's been making me really sad to look into the faces of a lot of these people sitting in those places with me. I have had so many friends in need of prayer lately but I've also found myself praying for these faces in the waiting rooms. I knew I wanted to do my RAK in a related space. Saturday, we were visiting our good friends in NICU and I thought that would be the perfect opportunity for a drop. I gathered up what I could from home and snapped the photo (I knew we wouldn't have much time for shopping the next day). I wanted to do two drops so I had to find things we had double of. I ended up with: pad of paper & pen, pack of gum, and a card. I made necklaces that said HOPE (at that point I decided I should do the drop in the women's restroom) and decided to stop and grab gift cards on the way. I also tucked in some candy we picked up on the way.

We had lunch with our friends and mini-agent I looked like he needed a special mission. We grabbed him and headed for a walk. He took his job of finding the perfect drop site seriously. As we were waiting by the elevator after the first drop, he was so excited to see someone walk into the bathroom. She was a nurse and didn't walk out with the bag. He was disappointed she didn't take it but glad we didn't get 'caught.'

Throughout the day he asked me if I thought anyone had grabbed the goods yet. We finally went for a walk and scoped out the drop sites. He was so excited to find the bags had been taken. Here is mini-agent I checking out one of the sites (don't worry, this one was a family restroom!).

Mini-Agent I and myself are going to have to do this one again. So fun!! Even if you didn't do it in time for TTMT, I recommend doing it anyway! It was probably more of a thrill for us than the ladies that grabbed the bags. :)

Next Week's: Show Us What's In Your Purse. Dig it all out and take a picture.

LOVE this one!!! I took my photo at the time of this post and will auto post as I knew I'd be thinking about it throughout the week and start cleaning out my purse before hand. I'm shocked at how much my bag holds!! Stay tuned for that. :)

Still needing an idea for the following week. As always, feel free to leave your idea in the comments (I'm talking to you this week, Ashley. You had a good one I wanted to do and I can't find it.)

Talk To Me.... YOUR Turn!

TTMT:

Readers choice. Comment, inbox me, facebook me- leave me ideas for some 2011 Talk To Me Tuesdays. :)

Okay- This one is updated because some of you emailed me great ideas and I must have deleted them or something because I can't find them now! Sorry. :( Leave them in the comments here (PLEASE!). :)

And I guess that gets me out of participating in this week's (actually I'm auto publishing this on Thursday so I don't miss the date again....). :) But PLEASE play this week. And get started on next week's if you haven't yet. It should be fun!! And since I'm auto-publishing and changing the date- can I point out that I love when the date is so easy to write... we get to do that three times this year.

Next weeks:

This one is a do rather than an answer.... Go out and do a random act of kindness. Post the idea on your page. (For ideas see Secret Agent L's blog... you may recognize one on there from my friend Secret Agent (other) L)

TTMT (yes I know it's Thursday again!)

I've had a few people checking in on me as I skipped TTMT (again). Rest assured, the Hicks family is doing okay! We are just trying to get back into the swing of being back at work but still having appointments, basketball, photo sessions, and all the other things going on.

Here is another Thursday version of TTMT:

This week's:
What's a verse that you are leaning on right now? (Could be your all time favorite but doesn't have to be.)

Right now the verse I think about the most is Isaiah 40:31. It's a favorite of a lot of people (but ironically not one of mine). I actually have had it stuck in my head because I had made a necklace that said it for one of my best friends. It had been sitting on the counter waiting to be wrapped for awhile so I just tried it on one day before work and wouldn't you know- it fit. I ended up liking it a lot and made my friend another version of the necklace so I could keep this one myself wouldn't have to give her a used necklace. :) I've been reminded of this verse daily as I wear it bound on my neck and continually try to rest in Him.

One of my real favorite verses:

Hebrews 11:1- "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and sure of what we cannot see."

Though I have a lot of favorites, I don't have a lot of time right now so maybe I'll update this later.. and start taking my own advice on auto publishing TTMs so we can all play along a little better! :)

Next week's:

Readers choice. Comment, inbox me, facebook me- leave me ideas for some 2011 Talk To Me Tuesdays. :)

Okay- That one is updated because some of you emailed me great ideas and I must have deleted them or something because I can't find them now! Sorry. :( Leave them in the comments here (PLEASE!). :)

The next, next weeks:

This one is a do rather than an answer.... Go out and do a random act of kindness. Post the idea on your page. (For ideas see Secret Agent L's blog... you may recognize one on there from my friend Secret Agent (other) L)

Okay: So what's your favorite verse (or one you are currently leaning on)? Comment with your link to it here. And thanks for your patience as the Tuesdays roll into Wedn.... Thursdays. Love y'all!

Updated: If you don't blog, YES you can still play. Leave your answer in the comments.

Talk to Me..... Thursday?

So I'm obviously enjoying my break..... I've officially lost track of what day it is.

I was taking a break from editing today to catch up on blogs... and noticed Feisty's new TTM post. But she was obviously ahead of the game because it couldn't be Tuesday yet..... right? Uh.... oops.

Break is obviously going way too fast because apparently Tuesday has come and gone and tomorrow is the last day of the year. Yikes.

Today's Talk To Me...(Thursday) is:

What's something you're hopeful for in 2011?

I ditto what Feisty said. We've been praying about it for forever awhile.

I'm also hopeful about {cb}h. I cant wait to see what He has in store for {cb}h this year. I have some big ideas of where I would like to be with it by the end of 2011.

I am looking forward to the start of the new year. I'm thankful for the growth 2010 brought but I'm ready to see what 2011 has in store for us! I'm looking forward in Hope. For us and for you, too!

Next week's:
What's a verse that you are leaning on right now? (Could be your all time favorite but doesn't have to be.)

Next, next week's:

Readers choice. Comment, inbox me, facebook me- leave me ideas for some 2011 Talk To Me Tuesdays. :)

Talk To Me: Christmas Goodies

This Week's Talk To Me:

Fill in the blank with a food item: "It wouldn't be Christmas without _______." (recipes welcome!)

Aunt Diana's homemade caramels (this year they were made by Amy!)
I can't think of a Christmas that's gone by without them.
I'm recording the recipe here because I've asked for it (and lost it) about a hundred times.

Aunt Diana's Caramels

2 C white sugar

1 3/4 C white Karo

1 cube butter

2 C whipping cream

Boil sugar, karo, butter and 1 C cream briskly. Add rest of cream. Boil until 246 degrees. Pour into 9x13 inch buttered pan. Let cool. Cut into small squares and wrap in wax paper. May be kept in freezer.

We also have soups (usually oyster, potato, and chili) every Christmas eve and the big meal Christmas day. Sweet potatoes and mashed potatoes are two of the mainstays. Grandma's red, white, and green layered jello is usually there too.

Whatever is at your table this year, hope you have a Merry Christmas!!!!



Next week's:

What's something you're hopeful for in 2011?

The next, next week's:
What's a verse that you are leaning on right now? (Could be your all time favorite but doesn't have to be.)

TTMT: Gettin Crafty

This week's Talk To Me:
What is your favorite craft project? (tutorials welcome- hint, hint, wink, wink, nudge, nudge)

I really wanted to come up with a new one to post here today but I'm stuck on the metal stamping. I finally found the right metal (other than the spoons) and finally figured out a few other things that help (tape. you need tape.) and I'm on a roll.
You can metal stamp just about anything. Necklaces, gift tags, garden markers, book marks, anything (anything metal that is)!
Here's a quick necklace tutorial.

And the jewelry goods are 50% off at Hobby Lobby this week!!

So what are you crafting right now? Come back and share your link in the comments!

Next Week's Talk To Me:

Fill in the blank with a food item: "It wouldn't be Christmas without _______." (recipes welcome!)

The next, next week's:

What's something you're hopeful for in 2011?

The next, next, next week's:
What's a verse that you are leaning on right now? (Could be your all time favorite but doesn't have to be.)

TTMT | Favorite Things

These are a few of my favorite things........ (You did sing that right?)

This week's Talk To Me:
What are a few of your favorite things (think Oprah)?
Tab & I thought this would be a fun one!

As I started typing it, I realized this was a little like that one outfit dejavu....

Not that long ago, I posted a {recomended by} heidi post. Remember......

But for the sake of TTMT, I'm going to add to the list (some smaller items and maybe not right now... but when I have time). You can check the other ones out below. :)

{recommended by} heidi

After I posted an (almost) handmade Christmas ideas, I started thinking about people that purchase big ticket Christmas gifts (for the record- we are not those people). I was thinking about some of our best investments over the last few years and thought I'd share. Most of these are things we had wanted forever before we actually got them. These are some of our favorite things (did you sing that?). Zero buyer's remorse included.

1. DSLR camera
Specifically the Canon T1i. It's not a professional camera but it's not a point and shoot either. There's lots of versatility with it (lens wise) and I take it with me 99% of the time.

2. Navigation system for the car
Neither of our cars have a built in system so the portable version was great for us. It's been a huge time (and dare I say life?) saver for us. Can't imagine driving in a new city without one now.

3. King Size bed
We didn't even have a queen before so our upgrade from a full to a king was huge. Huge. HUGE. Really. This was such a good investment. We'll never regret it!

4. Kelly Moore bag
R wouldn't put this on his list but it's definitely on mine! Best purse camera bag I ever had. Okay. Fine. So I use it as a purse. But can you blame me? It's adorable (I have both the grey hobo and the mustard messenger- the hobo is by far my fave). It's pockets are amazing for anyone that lives out of their purse. And it protects your camera. What more could you ask for? And since there's little compartments inside- it's a super fast switch for me to go from everyday use to a photo session. I absolutely love it! I think the messenger one would make a good diaper bag too!

5. Sectional
Yup. I'm putting a couch on the list. It's a U-shape sectional with a chaise on one end. It's comfy. I think it looks nice but not too nice so you still feel comfortable on it. I like it. A lot. (Once I got over the coffee table issue and found the perfect 'coffee table' I loved it a lot more!)

6. Toms
You know the ones. The ones I wear pretty much everyday. That is until the 30 for 30 started and I didn't put them on the list. Yeah. I don't know how that happened either. Really. I'm still debating switching out another item for a pair of them.
Seriously. They are super comfy. Versatile. Amazing. What's awesome is I got a pair on sale for $20. What's even better is since they give a pair when you buy a pair- it was like 2 for $20. Can't beat that!
I want them in a couple other colors but since we are being good about not spending and all I have to pass. For now.
Oh- and if you plan to buy some, I know they say to stick to your regular size but all of mine are 1/2 size bigger. I think some people's look too stretched out and I've had no problems with mine being too big. They kinda form around your feet.

7. Pampered Chef Knife Set
It's one of the few PC purchases I've made (we were blessed to have a PC wedding shower and I've also earned most everything else PC that we have). We, of course, got the good deal on the set and it was worth it. I never knew what a decent knife cut like. It was life changing. Or something like that.

And I'd say my computer would make the list but I'm afraid that would jinx it and Macxine (that's her name) would crash on me. I would like to bring her little Pro nephew home one of these days. But not for long long while.

__________________________________

Next week's TTMT: What's your favorite craft project? (Tutorials welcomed!) :)

Talk To Me!

Hey Talkers!

I'll start posting the next Talk to Me Tuesdays so you can auto publish yours if you like. I'm super excited about next week's! (You can thank Tab for the idea!)

This week's TTMT:

What are you looking forward to this Christmas season?

I'm looking forward to a break from work! I have a two week break from school and a few weeks off from photos. I LOVE doing photos but two full-time jobs is time consuming. Even when it's something that you love, it's work!

I'm looking forward to Christmas music (or continuing it). sleeping by the Christmas tree. mom's cooking. and (almost) homemade Christmas. I can't wait!!

Next Week's TTMT:

What are some of your favorite things? (Think Oprah)

Tuesday.... sort of

Tuesday flew right by and the TTMT (talk to me) never posted.... what? I got on to check my scheduled posts and there's a very good reason that it never posted....

it was never written.

oops.

Today's talk to me Tuesday (er Wednesday) is what question(s) would you ask for ttmt? Comment, message, email them to me sometime before next week and I'll get a TTMT schedule up so we can all auto publish your ttmt posts! (After we actually write them that is....)

Happy Tuesday Wednesday! Happy Thanksgiving!! Make it a great day!

Talk To Me! the 4th

This week's question comes from Lisa. (I'm thinking at one point, we'll get around to answering all of everyone's questions and you're going to have to post new ones for me!)

What were you like as a student in school?

This one was appropriate for me this week because R&I were talking about this very thing today (well, Saturday when I originally typed this).

What I remember myself being like as a student and what my teachers might remember are probably very different...... but from my point of view.....

In elementary school I was pretty quiet. Did EVERYTHING I was supposed to do and didn't question it. (Well. Except maybe reading time in Kindergarten when I pretended to still be napping.)

Then I had an amazing 6th grade teacher that encouraged me to speak up (he would have probably recalled it more as trying to get to to shut up.... ha). From that point on I was a little more vocal in and out of the classroom.

School had usually come easy to me, so at times I was a little bored and may have made things a little interesting sometimes. Though, most of those memories involve the same person so maybe it was more them than me. ;) I won't mention any names though.....

In junior high/high school I was involved in most of the activities our school offered. My most memorable moments and most educational from school involve times that I wasn't even in the school building. (Big Booty in the 'borrowed' school van may not have been educational I guess... but it sure was memorable! Who knew those CB radios had a direct line to the superintendent's office?)

I currently keep a photo of me in 8th grade Home Ec to remind me of what I was like then and what was important to me then. I catch myself referring to it if I'm having a difficult time figuring a student out or why they did something. Chances are- I did it once too!

So what about you? What were you like in school? Go ahead and answer in the comments or link us up to your post on it!

Talk To Me! x3

TTMT V3.0

This week's question comes from Smith Family Blog:

If you could tell your teenage self anything, what would it be?

I love this one!

My answer this week:

Hey, 14yo Heids (you don't recognize that nickname now, but one day a man that loves you very much will call you that)-

I know you don't believe me, but life is great. YOU are God's child. He loves you just because. It's okay that you don't have it all figured out right now- 15 years from now, you still wont. But you are loved. And you matter. And the best way to help yourself right now is to help others. It's gonna be hard but it's going to be so worth it. Keep at it. Spend more time with grandma. Bake with her. Listen to her stories. Write them down. Remember these moments. Take pictures. And don't forget I love you.

PS. Pay attention in Spanish. You may think it's worthless now but one day you'll wish you knew it.

Okay. Your turn!

Talk To Me

This one comes from Dillinger Family:

If you could relive one day of your life, what would it be and why?

(I'm going to add- it can't be your wedding day or any other obvious major milestone.)

My (major milestones excluded) day that I would relive is a day spent along the shore in Hawaii listening to the waves crash in against the rock wall I was laying on, R checking in with all the great stuff he was finding, reading a good book, and not worrying about one single thing.

I have a photo from that day in our bathroom and it still relaxes me when I look at it. I can't wait for another day just like it!

Okay- your turn! What would your day be?

This week you can link up here. Just copy/paste the url to your post for today so we can all come visit your day you would relive!