#1810MeetsJuliette

One of my Girl Scout Troops made the trek to Savannah, Georgia at the end of June. I have still be processing the experience!

I am lucky enough to be a troop leader for 2 troops.  One troop is 2nd Grade- 10th Grade and my other troop is 11th and 12th graders.  I have talked about our travels before 1810 going to Canyon, Texas and 6458 to New York

Both of these troops have done the travel progression (I will admit the littles of our 1810 group have not done as much travel progression, but were ready for the adventure!)

Couple of things:

-We used PBnJ Tours- and they were AMAZING!!- the tour covered all of the meals, activities (except we planned the Birthplace) for 2 and a half days. Each person was in charge of getting to Savannah- we had one group that drove and some that flew (it was about $600 per person)

-We had 14 people going- 8 girls- 2nd grade through 10th grade and 6 adults (this was not the full troop- so the troop paid for patches/one shirt/tips)

-people traveling paid out of pocket- we did not fundraise for this- but will be fundraising for our next adventure

-there is a WEALTH of knowledge on the Facebook Group- Girl Scouts Traveling to Savannah

Our troop had this on their list from when they were Brownies.  Although we used PBnJ Tours- they worked with us to ensure that we had the items that our girls wanted. 

We could have easily have put in an extra day- but we had a TON of fun during our 2 and half days.  Using a PBnJ also helped because we were such a large group- they took care of all the back end items- and were so good about answering ALL of my questions and text messages.

Ideas that worked:

-it was HOT- I mean- we did go at the end of June. All the girls carried their own water bottles- so every time the church bell rang- we drank water- that was every 15 minutes

-we had the matching shirts- is it required- no.. but we sure did look good! Thanks Layla with Horizon Imprinting for always working with us

-Buddies-we did this in New York for our older girls- but this worked SO great! We had 4 older girls and 4 "littles" each day an older girl got a younger girl to hang out with.  I can't tell you how much I LOVED seeing these older girls be in charge!!

Sunday:

-arrival

-eating dinner at Dub's

-Savannah Square Pops- This was one of our FAVORITES

-Headed back to the hotel where we made GORP (those that were driving brought all the materials) and also signed Thank You cards for all the places we were going to stop at- each thank you note also included a SWAP- shout out to Holley for the SUPER cute idea!

Monday:-We wore our vests along with longer shorts and a shirt that we had made

-The older girls ate breakfast with me so we could plan the Girl Scout Own/Pinning Ceremony

-Started our day getting professional photos done at the Birthplace

-Birthplace tour- we also did our own pinning ceremony while we were here- they have one that they give you- but I found this one

-Lunch from Leopolds in the park

-Andrew Lowe House tour

-Trolley Tour- this was a hop on hop off tour- we chose to sit the whole time.  The first part of the trolley was great- BUT.. then another troop hopped onto the tour and our girls swapped items.  I did have younger kiddos- but they all talked super quiet- and did not interrupt the other passengers- our driver got VERY upset- and the last of the tour we spent in complete silence

-Spent some time in the hotel getting ready for dinner

-B&D Burgers for dinner

-Scouting for Spirits Walking Tour- we were all SUPER tired- so we worked with our tour guide for a shorter tour- that also included our Leopold's Ice Cream.

-Evening swim (the reason I became a lifeguard)

Tuesday- going to the beach- would recommend- EXTRA sunscreen- and eye glass holders for those that wear glasses while in the water

We got to start this day later- and we were all thankful for that! Today we headed to Tybee Island! Transportation was also provided by PBnJ

-Started our day with a SUPER cute Group picture (Danna was in charge of making sure we got our group pics- also with a larger group- a great thing to do is practice where everyone is going to stand when it is picture time- this way when you say picture everyone already has a spot!)

-Captain Derek's Dolphin Tour- it was AMAZING!

-Salty Pelican for Lunch

-Time at the beach-this is what everyone wanted more time with- I did do a little Turtle Ceremony that I found through the Facebook Page- I also gave each person a Turtle Bracelet (which really ended up being an anklet)

-Tybee Island Marine Center for a tour and Seining

-We had some much needed rest/showers before we headed to dinner

-Lady and Sons for Dinner

-ended the trip with some shopping and walking around

The Girls Favorite: We sat down on Tuesday evening before everyone went their separate ways and chatted about favorites

-the older girls loved having buddies

-the beach

-Savannah Square Pops

What was my favorite?

The professional pictures we had taken- and Danna capturing this photo- Did I have all my girls there- no... and that did make me sad- but I had a pretty large group of them.  I have talked about it in various places- but because I could not have my own children- I am SO very thankful for these families and girls allowing me to be a part of their lives and adventures.  Having these professional photos taken I was able to think about how much they have grown and how lucky I am.

I leave you with this- I was part of the driving crew- and we stopped in New Orleans on our way back.  There was a vendor that listened to your story and then created a poem.

Poems for PassersBy

What a whirlwind of days and worth every bit!

Adventures in the Kitchen- Bowtie Pasta Salad

I don't have many recipes that I know off the top of my head- but my Bowtie Pasta Salad is one that I haven't used an actual recipe in forever.

Even better- it is only 5 ingredients.  You can add more if you want,  but with only 5 ingredients it is usually under $10!  I know I found this recipe on the internet probably 10 years ago- but I don't remember where.

Ingredients:

-Balsamic Vinegar (1/4 cup- or you can also eye it)

-2 or 3 Roma Tomatoes

-Green Onions

-Container of crumble feta

-box of bowtie pasta

Directions:

1. Prepare pasta to al dente or soft

2. While pasta is preparing dice tomatoes and green onion

3. Combine finished pasta, tomatoes, onions, feta, Balsamic vinegar in a bowl with a lid and shake

4. Put in fridge to cool- before serving- shake again

Other Options:

-add more or less balsamic vinegar as wanted 

-add a little of vegetable oil

-add salt/pepper

-add salami 

I love this salad during the spring and summer. I also love it because it is cheap to make and doesn't take very long.  

Adventures in the Kitchen- “MEXICAN STREET CORN” SOUP

 I don't know about you- but my schedule gets super busy- and I HATE trying to figure out what to cook!

I also know that my budget and waistline prefer that I eat at home.  This year with my word Adventure- I am going to be documenting my Adventures in the Kitchen!

I loved Nicole Graham (amazing librarian.. and great ideas!) of doing Soup on Sunday.  Thanks to Pinterest I found some easy summer soups (well- they say easy)

Before I get too much farther in my first Souper Sunday- I wanted to share how I keep cooking and all the things organized. I do pay for the app Family Wall.  It works across platforms, I can access all my calendars, I can create lists, and there is a menu planner. Even better with the menu planner- I can put a link in and it will add it to my recipes.  After choosing a recipe for a day- I can also add items directly to my shopping list.  It is a win win! As you can see in the picture- on my menu planner page it also tells me what is happening that day.  I also work in the evenings- so this helps with my menu planning as well!

Many of my recipes will come from other areas- if you want the full recipe- click on the links.  I am going to give some of my changes below.

MEXICAN STREET CORN SOUP

RECIPE FOUND HERE----------->Striped Spatula

MY TAKE AND TIPS

When I found this recipe, my plan was just to use canned corn- but then after reading about it- I realized that I really needed corn on the cob.  Also- this recipe says it only takes 15 minutes to make- I know I am not the best in the kitchen- but that is a lie!

-I did go ahead and use corn off the cob
-I used the idea of using parmesan instead of the Cojita (I was going with what I already had on hand)
-I for the most part followed the recipe, but instead of continue to cook on the stove- I did move it over to a crockpot and kept it on warm

I will absolutely be doing this recipe again! I had very little leftovers.

Adventure

 What a whirlwind of a year last year was.  Did I Pause as in stop doing everything I usually do- that would be a negative.  I don't do well sitting still.  Did I Pause and not get so overwhelmed last year and enjoy the small things- YES!

As I have written before, I choose a word of the year in May or June.  This year, my word came to me a little sooner. 

As many of my readers know- I am a school librarian.  If you have been keeping up with things in education.. you know that it has been pretty tough between budget cuts and more expectations.  In April my district had major budget cuts and librarians were one of them.  We have gone from one librarian per campus to a librarian for two campuses.  My role will be a little different as I will be a librarian at a high school and a flexible floater in order to support the district.  

To say that I am nervous.. I absolutely am.  BUT.. this is also where my word came in.  My word for this year is Adventure.

I started off BIG with this word this summer! I had the chance to chaperone an AMAZING trip to Japan with a group of almost 70 people.  It was my first time to travel to a different country.  In July my adventure was to see my best friend in Virginia.   My current adventure is teaching swim lessons and water aerobics at an outdoor pool.

As I begin my 20th year in my current district.. and my 23rd in education I am going to look at this challenge as an adventure.  Life can be so very tough... but it is okay to find adventures and the good in your life daily.  I also am going to look at this year as ADVENTURE to advocate for reading, libraries, and librarians.

The theme for my library this year- Reading Rainbow! More info to come soon.

What is your word for this year?

My Top 5 Adventures of the Year

Summer is over in just a couple of weeks for me.. and I finally had a chance to slow down for a minute and reflect on what an AMAZING year July 2022-July 2023 was.

I do have to say.. me being the Busy Bee.. I was very much the busiest I have been in several years. I won't trade the memories for anything.. but I am excited about my word of the year- PAUSE!

Here are my favorite things of the year!

# 1- Traveling with my Girl Scout Troops

Last July Troop 1810 made a Road Trip to Canyon, Texas. 

You can see our adventures/schedule here

In November Troop 6458 headed to New York. 

You can see our adventures here.

# 2- Becoming a TALL Texan

#29 on my #50by50 list was to become a TALL Texan.  The TALL Texan is a leadership institute for librarians.  Every year they only accept 30-32 librarians from all different backgrounds and all different areas of Texas.  Once accepted, I was able to attend an intensive leadership retreat where I learned from and with some of the best of the best.  I don't know if I will ever be able to fully put into words what this experience did for my confidence and leadership skills (and the friendships that I created!)

#3- Celebrating my Parent's 50th Wedding Anniversary.

What a privilege was to celebrate my parent's 50th wedding anniversary in November (also- if you are keeping track.. November was CRAZY busy! TALL Texan, New York, and celebrating an anniversary.. I got some miles in!) I am so lucky to have amazing parents that continue to teach me kindness and grit. (I mean- my parents are Mr. and Mrs. Claus!)

#4- Successful Season of Destination ImagiNation

The Flock made it to Globals!! Let me tell you about this team though. The Flock is actually 2 teams- The Nerdy Birdys (who were Seniors that I have been hanging out with since they were 3rd graders) and the PEEPS (who were Juniors and I have also been hanging out with since they were 3rd grade) Each team did their own challenge.. and then combined together to do a second challenge.  Their second challenge was a service learning project.  Another huge milestone in DI this year for me was starting a team at my new school- and they placed 2nd in their category.

#5- The Groundbreaking of the Kylie Hiner Memorial Playground

I know I have said it before- but I am SO lucky to know all of the amazing families that I know.  The Hiners hold a VERY special place in my heart.  You can read about my friend Kylie here  In October they had the groundbreaking for the Kylie Hiner Memorial Playground- which will be an adaptive playground.  I hear that it is super close to being ready- and I can't wait to see it in person.  Want to follow along- Check it out here

Honorable Mention- 

Doing a TikTok with Kelly Yang!! I was super lucky to be invited (thanks Amanda)

Happy National Library Week!!! 🤩🤩🤩 I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for libraries and librarians. You gave me hope when I was a kid. You gave me kindness when I was alone. You give me strength every day. I love you, I’m with you, and I celebrate you!!! ❤️📚🙌 pic.twitter.com/lUZsttXvEe

— Kelly Yang (@kellyyanghk) April 23, 2023

There were SO many more things that happened this year, it was hard to narrow it down to 5. I can't wait to see what adventures this year brings.. but I am also excited about taking some time to Pause. 

Pause

Every year around May I begin to see my word of the year pop up.  I have done Word of the Year for several years (probably close to 10) While many people choose their words on January 1st- me being a teacher my word goes with the school year.  

I am a super busy person (if you have followed me for any time you know that) but this last May and June- I bit off more than I could chew. I got it all done- but I was super exhausted in the process. In comes my word of the year.

Now- before I go any farther- I am still doing Girl Scouts, I am still doing Destination ImagiNation.. and I am still working.  

My word Pause is:
- a reminder to take a moment before I get overwhelmed with something that more than likely I will not be able to change
- to be intentional about what I do with my extra time
- to pause and say no when deep down I know it is okay to say no
- but most importantly- to pause and make time for MYSELF

How have I already started using my word:
-intentionally meeting up with friends
-taking time to take care of myself physically and mentally (I have found paddle boarding and love it!)

Now just like any word or goal.. there are going to be days where I forget.. but this is a good word to make me stop and PAUSE.

Do you have a word of the year?

National Infertility Week 2023-Impact

This year has been full of new work adventures, adventures with my Girl Scout Troops and library adventures.  This week, however, is a time when I reflect on National Infertility Week and share a piece of my own journey.  You can find my previous blog here (although more are linked)

I have PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome).  When my husband and I first got married we tried for about 10 years to start a family.  This was through medication, doctor appointments, shots, and more.  Our funding could never cover IVF. Once we realized our journey was not going to include children of our own, I had to find other ways to have the same "experiences" that a parent might have.  6 years ago I was able to help Girl Scout Troop 1810 start a 3rd generation troop.

Last year I wrote about how I wanted experiences as a parent.  Experiences that might include going on vacations together, watching your child grow up, experiencing new things, attending after-school activities, participating in events, and more.  As I think about the experiences that I want, I am so thankful to have people in my life that allow me to have these kinds of experiences.  This year I had the adventure of taking one of my troops to New York and bridging on the Brooklyn Bridge.  I had another adventure of taking one of my troops to Canyon, Texas (my hometown)  

I would not change either of these experiences for anything, but it was not lost on me how important my trip to Canyon was.  I will never have the opportunity to take my own child to visit my hometown.  I will never have the opportunity to have my children meet my parents and see where I grew up. What I did have though- was a troop that was ready to go on an adventure!  We had an amazing time (you can read about it here) But the part that hit me the hardest was the first night there.  I grew up in the country with lots of acres of land.  My parents invited the troop out for stargazing.  My parents made homemade ice cream, and we laid blankets out in the field and watched the stars.  I am so thankful for my troop that gave me that core memory of experiences that I might not have had otherwise.  I will never have this opportunity with my own child, but thanks to my troop I was able to have it with over 15 girls and moms.

My last blog was called Experiences- and I have had many... this blog is called Impact.

Sometimes I get teary-eyed when I think about some of the experiences that I won't have, but I also get teary-eyed thinking about the impact I am making.  Parents have a huge impact on how children grow up and access the world and ideas. I am so thankful for the different organizations that I am with that are impacting my local community and beyond.  My 6458 Troop earned their Silver Award by hosting a whole Mental Health workshop for teens (and building a website) One of my Destination ImagiNation teams built a website and learned how to create switch-activated toys.  One of my Destination ImagiNation teams learned about Project PASS which is part of our district that works with students that are displaced or homeless.  They did a whole coat drive.  Part of my 1810 troop is also starting their Silver Award and are talking about how to help students with phone addiction (this is only a small list of the change these kids are making!)

There are times when I get super sad as I walk through the children's section at a store.  I still have a hard time going to baby showers.  I get in my feels on Mother's Day (I am human)  There are other times that I get super sad about the things I am not going to be able to have or to be able to do.  

There are other times when I look around and I get in my feels for the things I am able to do. I might not have a child of my own walk across a stage at graduation.. but in the meantime, I will take senior photos for seniors and watch my Nerdy Birdys cross the stage in June.  I might not have a child get an award at an end of the year function, but I have amazing parents that invite me to theirs.

If you have friends that are working through their own infertility journies- just know that some days it is really.. really.. really tough.  I am so very thankful for all the friends and parents that invite me into the lives of their own children so I can have experiences and hopefully continue to make an impact.

To those that are going through any form of infertility- know that I see you.. and I wish you luck on wherever you are in the journye.