Spring Break 2020

I am on day 2 of not leaving my house (I did leave yesterday morning at 6am for groceries and noon for gas.. but will get into that later) I have a migraine that has been brewing, but I think it is because my brain is on overload.  When I get anxious.. I list (and usually clean, but I have a feeling I am about to have a TON of time for that).  I list and overthink things and list some more.  I also scroll endlessly on social media. Instead of listing this time, I am deciding to write.

I have had this blog for almost 9 years.  Some years I post often.. some years not so much.  Some of my blogs are viewed over 15000 times some barely 100.  I have 186 different posts that share my random adventures, thoughts, and activities.  I write my blogs for me to remember what I have done, where I have been, and all the awesome people I have met along the way. 

The week before spring break was filled with a Book Fair and amazing author visit, I went to a FREE community hip hop dance class.. and there was a time change, short week.. and the overhang of the COVID-19.  Oh.. I also became addicted to TikTok. Guys- yes, I might have downloaded it to see what all of these dances are about.. but there are some really smart people on there! I have already made 3 videos (If you are really interested you can find me @akbusybee)

On Thursday we left school with sort of the unknown of when we would be back (I did check out about 10 books).. or what school would look like after spring break.  I now am upset with myself at not getting more books in kids hands. 

Guys- this week.. I stressed. I stressed because I had the AMAZING Sharon Draper come to talk to all of our 7th graders. I stressed because I ran a book fair for 3 and a half days.  I stressed because I all I could think about how COVID-19 is going to affect and effect our economy.  I am not trying to be a dooms day person, I just see the bigger picture.  I am lucky that I am on salary.. but just because I am on salary does not mean that I don't live paycheck to paycheck (if you don't know.. most teachers/librarians only get paid once a month)-and since November- we have been a one income family.. that gets a little more behind each month.  I also work with some awesome people on campus that are not salary.. and when school is not open.. they don't get paid.  Not only that.. when school is not open many of our students don't eat- or have a safe space. I also stressed because reality is- my husband is in the service industry. Is is an extremely talented Executive Chef.  But the service industry changes so much.. and he has been unemployed since November (He did just get a job last week.. but we are unsure of when he is going to start). I don't write any of this for pity- I write this because it is my story- and more than likely there are other people out there with the same story.  

Friday morning- I set my alarm for super early- and I was at the grocery store when it opened at 6am.  It wasn't very busy- of course there was no toilet paper or water bottles. I didn't need toilet paper.. and it looks like I will be drinking tap water soon (which I am totally okay with.. just add extra ice!)  I did take pictures of the empty shelves- not to post.. because I think that is adding to the paranoia.. but as a reminder to myself next year of the craziness that we have survived.  I found some great deals and didn't overbuy. I also made sure to THANK every person that was working- because I know how hard they are working! This is not an easy time.. and when people get anxious people get cranky. Now, granted- I can't really overbuy.. because I am on a budget.. we still have about 13 days until payday.   I think of those families that see others stocking up on items and realize that they can't afford to do that.  I then spent WAY too much time on Facebook with overload of information from both sides.. and that is stressing me out too! I might have cried last night at the stress- and it is only day 1 of Spring Break!! Hubby reminded me I should put the phone down.. so I did and finished my first book of Spring Break.

Today is Saturday- I have watched Season 1 of Schitt's Creek, I am unsure why Netflix asked if I was still watching- what else am I going to be doing??

I am also working on my second book of Spring Break.. and trying to just take one day at a time.  I might be pretty excited about Frozen 2 coming out tomorrow.  We will be practicing social distancing and also hoping that although this is affecting our whole economy that my husband can return to work next week.  This is a VERY real deal.. and guys.. I had a little panic attack last night too.. because about four weeks ago.. I had a terrible cough and low grade fever.. and it wasn't the flu or strep throat.. just some virus.  

Already as I have written this blog my stress has lessened and my migraine is going away because I have gotten thoughts on a page and out of my brain. Breaks are fun and games and everything, but I know that this is not a normal break and I am going to need to stay focused and have my own "schedule"

Here is what I plan to do:

1- Document/write- not necessarily on social media.. but get it on paper.  One of my #50by50 is to write a book.. and right now I sort of feel like I am in a dystopian novel!

2- Keep a schedule

3- Do some major deep cleaning

4- Read

5- Exercise and Eat- I am a CG member.. I don't think I will actually go.. but I will be doing the stay at home items they recommended

6- Try not to stress- and remind myself that we are all in the same boat.. and it is not just my household that is having a tough time making it financially! (this one is going to be hard!)

7- Limit my time on social media

I have also pulled out some board games and plan to create some Girl Scout activities to send out to my troop to offer something more to parents to work on.  I do believe this is a spring break that no one will forget.  When/If I do go out.. I also plan to be SUPER nice to all those that are working.. and wash my hands often!  To all those that are in a limbo as to what your financial situation might be.. I see you and I feel you.  I also am thinking about all the administrators and superintendents that are having to make choices for safety of lots of kiddos.. but with that safety also comes other hardship.  Just be kind to one another and remember that it is happening everywhere. 

#50by50

So, I hit the BIG 4-0 January 20th.  It was a laid back low-key birthday. I did start out the day at Camp Gladiator and then learned how HOT hot yoga is! One of my favorite parts of the day, however, was heading to the park for a super fun photo shoot! Elaine got some SUPER fun photos!

In 2017, I gave myself a list of 40 things that I wanted to get done by the time I turned 40. You can find my whole list here.  Of course, I didn't finish the list.. 3 years is not very long.. and I have some lofty goals in there! Life happened.. money hardship happened... adulting happened.  What this did give me though, was a TON of fun adventures along the way!

Here is my list of 50 things I want to do by the time I am 50.  This gives me 10 years.. and these are not listed in any particular order (some are random.. some are weird...some of them might sound petty.. but if you don't speak it into the world sometimes it doesn't happen..all of them make happy!).  Not only that.. I know that I will have some other random adventures along the way (I mean.. I thrive on randomness!) But, it is good to have goals too.  There are so many websites out there that give you great idea for your own list. Some of the items on my #40by40 list have moved over to this one.. and some are completely new!

1. Book and pay for a vacation to Ireland
2. Take Mom to New York
3. Go on a cruise
4. Drive Route 66
5. Camp in a national park
6. Float the river
7. Go on a Segway or bike tour
8. See the Grand Canyon
9. Go Fishing with dad
10. Take Girl Scout Troop overseas
11. Go wine tasting in California
12. Attend a balloon festival
13. Go to New Orleans for the food
14. Indoor skydive
15. See a drive in movie
16. Recreate our first date
17. Have a Christmas in July
18. Take a photography class
19. Go to a horse race
20. Watch a meteor shower
21. Be an extra in a movie
22. Present at Texas Library Association Conference
23. Be recognized by the board
24. Grow vegetables
25. Cook a 3 course meal
26. Renew vows
27. Have family pictures taken
28. Recreate a childhood picture
29. Become a TALL Texan
30. Go ax throwing
31. Visit the missions in San Antonio
32. View the Marfa lights
33. Visit Shiner Texas
34. Publish a book
35. Write an article for a well known magazine
36. Meet Pam Munoz Ryan (and have an autograph and picture!)
37. Have 3 months of bills saved
38. Sew a full outfit
39. Zipline
40. Rock Climb
41. Attend a high school reunion
42. Learn how to hand letter
43. Meet someone famous
44. Get a DNA Test
45. Get a gold ticket for Destination ImagiNation
46. Attend a televised parade
47. Take the Amtrak train
48 Own my own car.
49. See a Broadway musical
50. Get new luggage

It is a big list full of random items.  I can't wait to check these off and add more along the way!

The Countdown to 40

Merry Christmas!
I am enjoying Christmas with a full belly and cheesy movies on TV, crocheting.. and also doing a little reflecting (tis the season for reflecting)

 January 1st, 2017 I decided there were 40 things I wanted to do by the time I was 40 (#40by40) I still have a little under a month, but I know that I am going to making another list! But, I wanted to update my journey so far. You can follow my journey from the beginning here.  I had some lofty goals.. but that were fairly attainable.  I already know how I am going to change up a few! I do know, however, that I have had so many great adventures with my wonderful husband, fabulous family, and amazing friends! I LOVE that I have had help in all sorts of different places!

*Side note! I am actually about to reach my goal in Good Reads for this year! My final book of the year.. Where the Crawdads Sing.. SO good!

The ones with * are ones that have been completed

Travel
1. Book and pay for a vacation to Ireland- moving this to my next list
2. Take mom to New York- moving to my next list
3. Take a trip to New Jersey- moving to my next list
4. Tour a vineyard- moving to my next list
5. Drive Route 66- moving to my next list
6. Camp in a National Park - moving to my next list (but will hopefully be doing soon with my troop!
*7. Go on a haunted tour- April 2017 in San Antonio on a knee scooter!
*8. Go to Canyon with Elaine- July 2017
9. Float the River- moving to my next list
10. Go Skiing- ? Still deciding if this is really something I want to do?
11. See the Grand Canyon- moving to my next list
*12. Go on a girls weekend- YES! I had an amazing time with the #skurtcrew Jan. 2019
13. Go fishing with my dad- moving to my next list
Adventure
14. Take a wine tasting class- moving to my next list
*15. Get 3 tattoos- I LOVE my 3 tattoos that I got!! My parents signature are 2 of them and then the other one is From Where the Wild Things Are to represent my husband
16. Indoor skydive- moving to my next list
17. Learn to drive a stickshift- Trying to decide if this one is really important??
Family
18. Renew our vows- moving to my next list- Want to do for my 15th anniversary which is June 17th, 2020
19. Have photos taken- Want to do this on our anniversary as well
20. Host a game night- This is coming up Jan. 3!!
Life Goals
*21. Learn to crochet- My Aunt Rebecca taught me some simple crocheting this summer when they were in town.. and this year I learned how to crochet coffee coozies (made about 25 of them) and I am currently working on a scarf!

*22. Attend a New Years Even party- I attended my first one last year!!
23. Write an article for Family Fun- I have tried SO hard to get in contact with someone at this magazine! I have written a couple of articles for the ATPE magazine, so I think I am going to change this up for the next list.
24. Write a poetry book- this one will be changing up a bit
*25. Learn to make moms biscuits- done (and I even made some for breakfast Christmas morning)
*26. learn to make dads gravy- done (they were So good this morning!)
27. learn to make William's Death by Chocolate Crepes-Might happen before my birthday!
*28. Learn to make bread from scratch- learned how to do that this summer (2019) will probably have to make it from a recipe again
29. Make a photo book of my photos- I think I might do this as a gift to myself! I have loved taking pictures!
30. Make a t-shirt blanket- this one might never happen.. I keep collecting.. and never making!
*31. Send birthday cards- I did SO much better at this and everything is in my calendar so I can keep working on it- so I consider a success (if you haven't got a card from me.. and I asked for your address.. don't judge me too much)
*32. learn to play a song on a guitar- changed this to Ukulele.. and I LOVE it!
Random
33. meet Bill Murray- changing this to be my FAVORITE author!!
34. Watch all the Liam Neeson movies-changing this up a bit
*35. Do 40 Random Acts of Kindness- I think I have done more than 40.. but a random act of kindness happens.. and you don't really post every where that you have done something.
36. Go to a drive in movie-moving this to my next list
37. Get new luggage-moving this to my next list
38. Watch a meteor shower-moving this to my next list (and will also require me to stay up after my bedtime :)
Financial
39. Be in a better place with credit- I think I will be working on this for the REST OF MY LIFE!
*40. Purchase a groupon and use it- SO.. I totally purchased a groupon.. and then didn't use it because I realized it was for a baby blanket and not a regular size one :)


So.. officially 13 out of the 40 completed and at least 2 more that are going to be completed before the 20th of January!

Because it is Christmas and I am TOTALLY in love with this pic.. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy New Year to you and yours.

Are you a list maker?  Do you have any milestones coming up that you are planning for? Here's to LOTS of new adventures!

Back to Basics with Christmas

Right now is the season to do all the things for the holidays.
But, I first have to say.. that last year I made it my goal for this year to be Back to Basics for the holidays.  You can find the whole blog here .  Last year I feel like I sort of forgot why I enjoyed this season so much.  When Thanksgiving hit, I reminded myself what I wanted to do during the month of December and how I wanted to experience things and traditions! I stepped out of my comfort zone at times.. and I also made myself get outside the house.. BUT.. what a WONDERFUL month full of memories and experiences!! I did LOTS of Christmas activities, but I also did a ton of other things too. There were choir Christmas Concerts, Kickstart Kids Belt Ceremony, Cub Club, Basketball game, Beginner Band Concert, Christmas on Crandall (where my ukulele group played too), Ballet Folklorico group performed at the Nimitz Dance Showcase and so much more!
First- I actually had ALL 140 ornaments made by December 1st! (this was my 18th year of creating ornaments- and so I have made about 2000 ornaments over the past 18 years)

140 ornaments- I hand painted designs on
wooden round discs found here

One of my #40by40 was to learn how to crochet-
  made 24 coffee coozies- you can find the pattern here

The month of festivities started out an awesome Girl Scout meeting full of stations where they made an ornament (that did not include yarn!), photo booth card making, and wreath making.

The week of December 7th-15th got just a little bit crazier! It was a week full of seeing LOTS of people, but also REALLY long days! But, I loved every minute of it!

Troop 1810 at the Parade

Started the week off as the photographer for Breakfast with Santa at Elliott then hung out with a ton of cool people at the Irving Holiday Parade.  On Sunday I celebrated the holiday season by attending the Christmas Celebration at Oakview Baptist Church.

Beginning on the 9th of December we celebrated Christmas on Crandall for two weeks at school. You can find all the fun things we did here. This year for Ugly Sweater I created a book snowman shirt.  I already know what I am doing for next year. The next Saturday was spent caroling and cookies with Troop 1810.  I even got to attend a Carols and Candlelight service at First Baptist Irving and see one of my girls sing a solo with the choir!

This last week was spent looking at Christmas lights! Guys- we drive by houses and always comment how pretty they are, and I always say I want to look at Christmas lights.  We never get it done though because we get comfy in the house and then don't wan to leave the house.  This week I made the effort and LOVED walking around the Irving area with hubby.

I spent this weekend with my parents and soaking up some major family time! I am pretty partial to my parents.. I mean.. my dad is Texas Santa and Mrs. Claus!  They stopped by school and I got to show them around where I work. I then whisked my mom away to see The Christmas Belles at the Theater of North Texas and watch my best friend perform.  On Saturday we headed out to the Fort Worth Stockyards where my job is the "elf" picture taker.  My parents walk around in full costume up and down the Stockyards handing out candy cane and reminding people of the magic of the season.  

Today I was scrolling social media and was SUPER excited to see that Visit Irving Tx had posted a Scavenger Hunt!! I was first finder- so I won a brunch for 2 at Four Seasons, 2 tickets to any show at Toyota Music Pavilion, $25 gift card, and 2 tickets to the Cotton Bowl with parking pass!!

So, as you know I am learning to crochet. I have to share one of my fails (we all have those.. right?) I know people think that crocheting is relaxing.. but my poor brain that moves so fast had a hard time keeping up with all the counts! I am not giving up though.. I have some other patterns I want to try!

 Although I have done a ton of things this month that have made my heart super happy does not mean that we are not all facing our own trials.  Some days it is hard not to be Grinchy (although there were a few times that I was "feisty") I choose smiling and reminding others that they are important even when sometimes I feel as if my own life is falling apart.  It is all about perspective and getting out of my comfort zone.  I was reminded all month how lucky I am to surround myself with amazing people.  I am so happy that although I stayed busy I continually reminded myself when I did things I was doing it to experience different things of the season. I think the last few years I had got so caught up in gift giving.. that I forgot that the magic of Christmas is the joy of family, friends and love. This month has cost very little- only the amount of time that I have given myself and others. 

Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year from our little family to yours!

I am SUPER excited about an event that is coming up in January!! Todd Nesloney is putting on an event called Celebrate Your Story- and I am talking Bringing the Sunshine! It is a super affordable 2 days of PD and I can't wait to share my ideas!!

  Next blog- an update on my #40by40.. I have less than a month until I hit that 40 mark!!

Priority

I know that many of us make resolutions in January.. or we come up with one word in January.  Being a teacher, my years run a little different.. as in July-June.  Each year I choose a different word to focus on. My one word usually comes to me in April or May and it is always so appropriate.  My past words have been Strength, Seek, Perspective and several others. My word this year is Priority!

I think I do a pretty good job of taking care of my family and the people around me, but I sort of forget about myself.  I don't want to be selfish, but I also need to remember that I am important as well.  

I have a really great friend, Catalina, who told me about Camp Gladiator.  She said you just need to come out and try it.. I have a code for a free month.  I put it off for a week.. and then signed up just for the free month. When my month was about to end I didn't know if I should sign up or not. I was LOVING the community, how I felt afterwards, and just my sense of well-being.  Catalina reminded me that it was important to take care of myself emotionally and physically (hello word of the year Priority!)

Catalina at her check in 50 (well, actually 51)

This past weekend I checked in for my 25th time! It was by far one of the hardest workouts I had done.  I got a little overwhelmed.. and on the verge of tears a few times.. but I knew that I was making myself a priority so I finished it! It was helpful that I had some great workout partners that encouraged me and some amazing trainers that pushed me to not give up and try a little bit more.

I stole this picture from Big U. (CG has a workout at Toyota Music Factory on Saturdays) I am in the yellow

I can't wait to have LOTS more check-ins (I had 6 this last week).  Camp Gladiator has given me a chance to work out with some great trainers, hang out with some awesome friends, and push myself and make myself a priority.

When I choose a word I also make it my background picture on my phone and my background on my computer.

Phone screen

Computer Screen

Here is to a year of making myself a priority (and also reminding those important to me that they are a priority as well!) Do you have a word of the year?

I Am Back- Early

First of all- Happy Fourth of July!

Well.. I made it almost 3 weeks without social media on my phone.  I decided to do a #digitaldetox this summer (you can read about it here) My goal was to make it June 16th-July 28th.  In the digital detox my goal was not to not spend as much time on my phone and computer.  I deleted apps.. made it harder to get to social media and worked on digital detoxing.

So, a recap:
Why
-I needed a reset on how much time I was spending on social media- between posting and perusing.
How
-got organized online and in my house
-Decided that I really wanted to take a break at how much I am online
-Got all the materials I needed for Christmas in July

Did I fail?
So, as I write this, I sort of feel like I failed.. but then I have to remember I did this for myself to reset myself. Did I keep to my calendar? Nope.. I mean.. I made it about 3 weeks. BUT, during that time I realized how much I was spending on my devices, I have read 7 books, I have prepared all the materials I needed to do my ornaments for the year, have hung out with friends and enjoyed my pool and house.  SO, I don't consider this a fail.. I consider that my 3 weeks did exactly what I wanted!

My biggest realization- I REALLY like to take pictures.. and I REALLY like Instagram.  I enjoy Facebook too.. but not like Instagram.  I also realized that.. even without apps it is super easy to access these sites on a phone.

So, here's to continuing to be more realistic on how much time I spend online.. and being more aware of when/how long I do.  My #digitaldetox didn't last as long as I planned- but it did EXACTLY what I wanted it to do!

Next up- getting ready for an AWESOME year in Girl Scouts (we have a lock in coming up- Girl Scout Kick Off- and NASA!) and making myself a Priority this year

The Early Bird Gets Mall Madness

Every year I am TERRIBLE at Early Bird Registration for our Girl Scout troop.  I can never get my life together.. but this year.. Troop 1810 not only did Early Bird Registration, but also took advantage of Mall Madness!

Mall Madness is a yearly event set up by the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas as a perk of participating in Early Bird registration.  Mall Madness is exactly what it sounds like! It is a night where those that register are able to have a giant mall lock in! It is full of open shops, activities, vendors, a movie.. and NO sleeping.

It was our first mall madness to attend, so I had no expectations.. other than I knew I was going to be TIRED the next day (today is the next day.. and I have slept on and off throughout the day)

Check in was at 9pm.. so we met about 8:45pm... the line was long (there had to be over 700 people that were attending this event) but we enjoyed chatting and catching up.  We totally brought way too much stuff! Our girls brought blankets, sleeping bags and I brought games and my chair. We got checked in, got our wristbands for movie time and started the Instagram Scavenger hunt.  During the hunt we also visited several of the stores. Not going to lie.. I REALLY wanted a coffee, but I think every leader/adult had that same plan because the line at Barnes and Noble was SO long... I looked at it and decided it was not for me.

Troop 1810- some of us dressed up in the 80's or 90's garb for the costume contest.  Allie was one of the winners!

I loved that the mall was a contained area so our girls had a chance to be on their own.. but with us close enough to follow along at a distant pace (and as the time got earlier in the morning.. we were moving slow anyway!)

The girls LOVED that Claire's was opened! There were also several stores that stayed open late and various discounts that were available.  Because we completed the scavenger hunt our troop one these super fun glow sticks to use during the dance party happening in the food court.  We did miss the big photo op as we couldn't move!

The moms had more fun at the dance party than the girls

Okay, it is a blurry picture but it was 1 in the morning.. in a dark theater.. and were all tired!

During the night you could also sign up for a movie slot.  We got to see Wreck it Ralph Breaks the Internet at 1:10am in the morning.  Great movie with a great message.

Top 4 of the Night (there are easily more!)
1. Seeing our girls be more independent! This was a great space, enclosed, and set up for success for the girls to be more independent
2. Hanging out with these awesome moms that are a part of Troop 1810!
3. Scavenger Hunt! Anytime I have a chance to take pictures (selfies!) make me super happy!  I even came out of my #digitaldetox on Instagram (you can check out @akbusybee on Instagram for all my stories!)
Okay.. I have one more..
4. The WHOLE GSNETX staff that was there making sure the event ran as smoothly as it could!! I mean.. it is an all night thing.. and people get cranky :)

Not so Top 2
1. It was hot! I know there really isn't much to control about that, but it was pretty warm in lots of places.
2. Some of the adults and girls forgetting that they are representing Girl Scouts.  There were some places that people forgot to be a Sister to Every Girl Scout.. and to Leave a Place Better than they found it.  But, this happens anywhere.. especially when there is little to no sleep involved. I think some adults also forget that girls are watching.. and sometimes it is important to teach girls to be patient. This goes for what people post online too. This was NOT the majority.. but it was still noticeable.

Overall.. the event was super enjoyable, and I know why it is called Mall Madness! I can't wait to register early next year (I mean.. first of all.. I have an awesome troop that wants to hang out and do activities!) but we will be attending Mall Madness again!

I love the opportunity to dress up in costume!

We survived Mall Madness let's take a picture at 4:15am in the morning picture!

Next up for our troop- Lock-In in July and NASA in October!! Some of the troop is also talking about joining the Travel Club!