Day 2-Meaning behind your blog name

My blog name is "A Whole New World". I know you've heard the theme song from Aladdin.  Here are the lyrics:

I can show you the world

Shining, shimmering, splendid

Tell me, princess, now when did

You last let your heart decide?

I can open your eyes

Take you wonder by wonder

Over, sideways and under

On a magic carpet ride

A whole new world

A new fantastic point of view

No one to tell us no

Or where to go

Or say we're only dreaming

A whole new world

A dazzling place I never knew

But when I'm way up here

It's crystal clear

That now I'm in a whole new world with you

Now I'm in a whole new world with you

Unbelievable sights

Indescribable feeling

Soaring, tumbling, freewheeling

Through an endless diamond sky

A whole new world

Don't you dare close your eyes

A hundred thousand things to see

Hold your breath - it gets better

I'm like a shooting star

I've come so far

I can't go back to where I used to be

A whole new world

Every turn a surprise

With new horizons to pursue

Every moment red-letter

I'll chase them anywhere

There's time to spare

Let me share this whole new world with you

A whole new world

That's where we'll be

A thrilling chase

A wondrous place
For you and me

That song draws a perfect picture of the past year and a half of my life.  When I first started blogging, I had just graduated from college, married the love of my life, moved to Jackson, and began a career in teaching.  Now if that isn't a "new world" then I don't know what is. 

I think the name is still fitting at this point because in the last six months we've moved home to Brookhaven, started new jobs, and bought a house.  Such an exciting fairytale of a life! And the great thing is that the story is still being written!

My mom suggests we just sit still for a few months.  I suppose I agree! Daniel and I have been on the go since we graduated college a year and a half ago.  I think it's time to sit down and take at all in. I give God all the glory for all that he has done to bless my family!

Resting and nesting at home,
Kayla

Day 1-Introduce, recent picture, 15 interesting facts

INTRODUCTION

I was born Kayla Juanice Emfinger to Randy and Cheryl Emfinger on a Memorial Day. My arrival happened to cancel a fishing trip my dad had planned with a buddy. He said he didn't mind though! :) I attended Brookhaven Public Schools and graduated in 2005 with honors! I happened to meet Daniel my senior year of high school through Danica and Jason. I attended Copiah-Lincoln Community College my freshman year of college while my eyes were set on Oxford, where Daniel was of course. After much persuasion, I talked my parents into sending me to Ole Miss my sophomore year. I graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2009 with a bachelor of science in elementary education with endorsements in math and english. I married Daniel June 20, 2009 and we lived in the Jackson area during our first year of marriage.  I taught at Byram Middle School and Daniel and I attended Country Woods Baptist Church.  While we were in Jackson, I made some of the best friends that challenged my walk with the Lord, and encouraged me to be a better teacher.  I know God placed us in Jackson around those friends.  It was a great experience for both Daniel and me.  Daniel's first job brought us to Jackson and his third job moved us back to Brookhaven.  He was laid off in the second round of lay offs Horne.  I had very hard feelings about that company. They took care of Daniel until the day they laid him off.  I just had to understand that business is business and with Daniel being one of the last ones hired, he was one of the first to get to boot.  He worked for a small company in Gallman keeping the books for a few months.  Then Daniel received an email from an accounting firm in Brookhaven.  And a few weeks later we packed up and moved home.  From the day that the email was sent from Corey in Brookhaven, everything just fell into place for us to move back to our hometown.  We bought our first house in October 2010.  We've adjusted well into our home. I'm now teaching 7th grade math at Alexander Junior High School in Brookhaven. Daniel is an accountant with Miller and White (side note- if you need a trustworthy accountant to assist you with your taxes I can give you my husbands number).  I admire my husband and the work he does.  He has access to peoples financial information and won't breath a word to me about it.  And if you know me, you know that I'm a nosy rosy. The queen of nosy rosies! And can you believe this... he won't tell me what anyone makes in this town! I mean I'm married to an accountant who sees all this information and he won't tell me. As much as I wish he would give into my nosy desires, I'm glad that he doesn't because it shows that he is a very honest and loyal employee.  I love my husband! Whew, okay, I guess I got carried away on the introduction part.

RECENT PICTURE

Yuck! I don't like pictures right now! But here's my facebook pic right now although I'm not terribly fond of it either. It's Cooper and me!

15 INTERESTING FACTS
In no particular order:
1. I dropped a bowling ball on my foot the summer of 2008.  That was excruciating pain that caused an all night adventure in the ER in Oxford.
2. My precious Peppy poodle was run over this fall.  He came into our family the summer after my freshman year. He was right beside me while I studied in high school, while I cried over silly breakups, while I had dramatic arguments with my parents like any other teen! I loved that Peppy poodle!
3. I am a STRONG supporter of Brookhaven Public Schools.  After all, I teach there. And if your child isn't going to school there then shame on you! Just kidding, I won't hold it against you (too much)!
4. I lived in 4 different places in 2009. In the spring, I lived in an apartment complex in Oxford as I finished up my senior year. I moved in with my parents for a month before the wedding.  I moved in with my husband and a bug infested apartment on the reservoir. In October, we moved into an apartment complex in Byram that was much bigger, cleaner, and closer to my work. When we moved  to Brookhaven the summer of 2010, my parents said they were not moving us again for AT LEAST five years. I can agree with that.
5. Racism disgusts me. Sometimes it sucks to live in the south. Several (not all) whites still aren't fond of blacks. And recently I've realized that several blacks (not all) quiet frankly don't like whites. I hate, yes hate, both cases of racism.
6. Movies aren't really my thing.  I have not seen a single Star Wars, Harry Potter, Chronicles of Narnia, Twilight movie.
7. Nor have I read any of the books.
8. My two best friends live in Oxford. Oddly enough, they do not hang out with each other for whatever reason. When I go to Oxford I spend a weekend with Amy, then go another weekend and spend it with Danica.  I feel like a child visiting divorced parents. It's not that they ever had any type of fallen out, they were just never as close to each other as I was to each of them. I love Danica and Amy both, nonetheless.
9. My college roommate married Daniel's college roommate.
10. I have no desire to leave the country again.  I've been out only once, while on my honeymoon.  While I was away I just had a sense of insecurity.  It was weird.  I'm not saying I will never leave the country again, I'm just saying I would definitely have to put A LOT of thought into leaving the American borders.
11. I long to have a closer relationship with God.  Friends, acquaintances, family, enemies, strangers, and anyone else that does not have a personal relationship with God is truly missing out.  It saddens and scares me to know that some people that I know and don't know do not have a relationship with Christ.
12. I LOVE my profession.  It is tough. It is challenging. It is stressful. But I would NOT change it for the world.  I love helping middle schoolers find their way in this scary world. I also LOVE teaching MATH.
13. I collect crosses for my wall of crosses. I also have got a pretty large collection of scarves lately.  Both make me happy.
14. I love to sit in a book store.  It's such a cozy place. It's a good place for me to soul search. Today I was in there and wrote letters to a few students.  The letters were simple words of encouragement to let them know I believe in them. While sitting in there today, I had the time to reflect on 2010. Boy was it a year!
15. A boy or a girl? Sometimes I wonder when God is going to bless me with a child. How will they fit into my schedule? What if they are due during the school year?  How will we afford all of his or her needs? What if Cooper doesn't like the baby? What if I can never have a child? What if? What if? What if? I guess I need to just sit back and enjoy nesting in my new  home for now.... and trust the Lord.

That's all folks!
Kayla

30 days of blogging

Since I'm back to blogging for the moment, I'm going to start the 30 days of blogging that a couple of friends have finished or still working on completing. You can thank my friend Danica Boyd and Liz Taylor for inspiring me to get started!

Here's a list of the recommended daily posts:
Day 1-Introduce, recent picture, 15 interesting facts
Day 2-Meaning behind your blog name
Day 3-Your first love
Day 4-Your parents
Day 5-Your siblings
Day 6-A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 7-Favorite movies
Day 8-A place you've traveled to
Day 9-A picture of your friends
Day 10-Something you're afraid of
Day 11-Favorite TV shows
Day 12-What you believe
Day 13-Goals
Day 14-A picture you love
Day 15-Bible verse
Day 16-Dream house
Day 17-Something you're looking forward to
Day 18-Something you regret
Day 19-Something you miss
Day 20-Nicknames
Day 21-Picture of yourself
Day 22-Favorite city
Day 23-Favorite vacation
Day 24-Something you've learned
Day 25-Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs
Day 26-Picture of your family
Day 27-Pets
Day 28-Something that stresses you out
Day 29-3 Wishes
Day 30-a picture

I encourage my blogger friends to jump on the 30 days of blogging challenge with me! I probably won't post everyday and may decide to skip a few of the days but I will try to stick to it. Oh and for the friends that I have that like to be nosy without writing your own blog then shame, shame! Create your own blog so I can be nosy and see a glimpse into your life too!!

Love ALL of you lots (even if you don't have a blog YET)!
Kayla

Welcome home!

Daniel and I bought a house in October! I LOVE my home. It's full of character and just the perfect size for us right now. We're so very proud of it!

I love the "C" on my front door. It was purchased at the Ole Brook Festival this fall. I've gotten many compliments since I've hung it up. I also love my chairs. People may have noticed three, yes THREE, different colors on the chairs since we moved in in July. The chairs were light brown, more of a dark tan when I bought them. This summer I painted them a light, bright blue. The color didn't really match my "C" and the leaves were turning so I decided to paint my chairs a fallish color, hence the orangy red seen above! I thought about painting the chairs red for Christmas, but it didn't happen. I'm sure the chairs will see a new color in the future!

Ready for the tour? It's okay, you don't even have to leave your shoes at the door!

Living Room

Dining Room
The chandlier was one of two selling points for me! Also, you see a collection I've started on the wall!

Kitchen

Notice the shutters. They were here when we bought the house. I think they had character to my kitchen!

Sunroom
The second selling point was the sunroom! I don't sit in it nearly enough as I would like to. Since we've moved to Brookhaven it seems like I've been on the go like the energizer bunny! This week I plan on RELAXING and enjoying this room!

Master Bedroom
You'll walk in from the door slightly open that's on the right. Closet #1 is tucked behind the door with the full length mirror.

Closet #2 and #3 are on the far side of the bed. The window faces the dresser shown in the picture above. This is a large bedroom for an older home. The original owners added this section on.

Office
Daniel's closet is in the office. All three closets in the master are mine. hehe!

Guest Bathroom
One day the avocado green has got to go! Daniel thinks we should keep it. I don't think so!

Guest Room

I hope you enjoyed the tour! So far we LOVE our home! We can't wait to start a family here!

Blessed beyond measure,
Kayla

I'm back!!

I'm back....for now!

I'm sorry I abandoned the blogging world for so long! I'm going to just pick back up like I never left!

I'm considering doing a 25 things about me post that a couple of blogger friends of mine are posting. It seems cool.

Glad to be back,
Kayla

Time for an update on life!

We've moved back home to Brookhaven. Daniel and I said we would NEVER move back home, but God found humor in that and moved us back here anyway!

Daniel is now working for Miller and White in Brookhaven. It's an accounting firm that helps clients with their taxes, payrolls, and does a few audits. I'm sure there's lots more that they do that I'm leaving out, but you get the gist of it! He's job is the reason we moved. He was content at his job working for MMI. The beginning of May he received an email from this firm in Brookhaven saying they had an open position. After a few interviews, MUCH prayer, and a few phone calls to Brookhaven School District, we learned moving to Brookhaven was what God had on the agenda for us next. So two months later, I am sitting in our house in Brookhaven while Daniel is five miles down the road at work. He said his 5 minute commute to work would not be difficult to get used to as opposed to his 45 minute commute in Jackson.

We live in a cute little house downtown! Each day I'm adding something new, or rearranging furniture to make it feel more like a home. It's an older home, built in the 50s. I've never lived in an older home so this is fun! I my decore to bring out it's 50s charm with an updated touch. I've been looking in numerous magazines and books and am leaning more towards the traditional look. On my next blog I'll upload some pictures of the house!

I will be teaching 7th grade math in the Brookhaven School District. It was hard leaving Byram Middle School, but I know this is where I'm supposed to be teaching now. I'm looking forward to giving back to the district that helped me to be the person I am today! I still haven't been to my classroom. I'm still trying to enjoy my summer but plan to check it out within the next few days.

Now that I'm somewhat settled, hopefully I'll keep the blog updated on a regular basis. Oh.. and pictures coming soon!

Just lately...

Daniel's new job is off to a great start. He even has his own office! He is doing all of the company's accounting plus a little secretary work since the do not have a reception. This job is a little different than the previous job. He was an auditor for a company performing reviews (mini audits) for several companies per month, while the new job he is the one and only personal accountant for the company. Now he's the one that will have the company prepared to have an annual audit. While he's still trying to master the daily routines, he keeps saying how he really thinks he's going to love this type of job. I am convinced that Daniel is working exactly where God wants him to be right now!

I'm getting SPRING FEVER at school. The students are getting tired of school and ready for a break. This is making it exceptionally difficult for me, the teacher, because I'm getting tired too but still have to find it somewhere in me to gain their attention and push forward these last few weeks. Thankfully this coming week is review and 9weeks testing. Then SPRING BREAK week! The first part of the week I'll be at home cleaning house and playing with Cooper. The last part of the week I am going to the beach with my parents. This will be the first time in.... well.. I think the first time since my sister was born that I will be on vacation alone with my parents. Daniel will be working and Amanda is going on a mission trip to Mexico. It should be a fun, relaxing trip!

I know this was a short, sparatic blog, but it's all I've got for now. Maybe I'll get to do some good blogging next week! To all my teacher friends - ONE MORE WEEK UNTIL SPRING BREAK!!!

God answers PRAYERS!

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him." 1 John 5: 14-15

Exactly one month from the day Daniel was laid off, he was offered a new job. God is SO good!

He is now the accountant for a company, MMI, in Gallman, MS. Daniel's office is located in Ridgeland for the time being, but it is the company's goal to move him to Gallman in the future. We are so happy and feel incredibly blessed that God allowed him to find a job so quickly. Don't get me wrong, I definitely was hoping and praying for him to get a job this fast; I just wasn't EXPECTING it.

This past month was really a blessing in disguise. Daniel being unemployed for a while allowed him the opportunity to consider, pray about, and sign up to go to Haiti for relief/mission work. He will leave March 22 and return March 29. At each job interview Daniel mentioned that he was considering going to Haiti. It is not a coincidence that Daniel's new boss said it was not a problem that he still go (AND still get paid) on the mission trip. After the interview we found out from a mutual friend that his new boss is a former member of our church and headed up annual mission trips to Nicaragua and understands the importance of a "call" to go on a mission trip. All of this is not just some ironic coincidence, rather, it is all part of God's beautiful plan for our lives.

So this is another affirmation that God had a part in ALL of this. From the day Daniel was laid off, to the day Mark (our Sunday School teacher) mentioned the desire to go to Haiti, to being called in for an interview with MMI, to having a successful first day at work, all the way to being able to go to Haiti in a few weeks.

God is just so AWESOME. It just goes to show that God's plans are bigger and better than we could ever imagine. I would not, for one second, want to go back to how things were mid January, when I thought life was just perfect. Because, man oh man, God has drawn me near to him, allowed our marriage to get stronger, and is allowing for a mission trip that never would have happened had he still been with his former employer. God has showed me an even BETTER than perfect life right now.

Thank you for all of your prayers this past month as Daniel was searching for a new place of employment. I feel assured that this is not only a job but that it is EXACTLY where God wants Daniel to be right now!

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him." 1 John 5: 14-15

Deliverance from Darkness

"This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is LIGHT, in Him there is NO darkness AT ALL." 1 John 1:5

Well, Daniel has ben unemployd for the past two weeks. When he called me to tell me that his company was downsizing and he was laid off, I knew that our life would be changing. As shocking as it was, God had been preparing my heart for something like this to happen. Allow me to share with you:

God started preparing me soon after we married in June by revealing to us the church he wanted us join. We became members of Country Woods Baptist Church in Byram, MS. We got plugged in to the McKenzies Sunday School class. I love that group of young, married, adults. We've got a such a unique bond. I can't describe how truly blessed I am to have them as friends. Soon after Daniel called me to tell me the he was laid off, I began texting those very dear friends asking for them to PRAY for us. That's what I love about this group. We can discuss what were struggling with, or what's going on in life, and KNOW that they will pray for us. They will not use those "prayer requests" as gossip tools, but actually lift our need or burden up to the Lord in prayer. And that is exactly what they did. Prayed!

God also prepared me for this crisis by placing me in the right working environment. Yes, even my place of employment, working with the most amazing friends helped play a roll into this. When Daniel called me that Friday afternoon to tell me the news, I was at a teachers conference, MAMLE, in Natchez, MS. It was a two-night, three-day conference and we were on the second day. When Daniel called, I was sitting in the hotel room during "down" time with three other co-workers. After the phone call, I came out of the bathroom and asked my friend (and co-worker) Katie to walk with me back to our room. She knew something was wrong and once we got back to the room I told her. I was confused, shocked, and at a loss of words. She shared a few words of encouragement, held my hands, and began PRAYING for me, Daniel, guidance, peace, and direction. How AWESOME it was that I was with a CHRISTIAN co-worker that was not ashamed or afraid to begin praying right then. We began packing our bags, and she drove me home to be with my husband. On the ride home, I texted another friend/coworker and told her what was going on. I knew without a doubt she would be praying for us as well. I am incredibly blessed to work with such amazing, God-fearing, Christain friends.

Now for one of the most interesting parts of the story: The Sunday before it happened, as we were leaving church, I told Daniel that I felt as if God was preparing my heart for something "bad" that was about to happen. I shared with Daniel, and a teacher friend that I felt like a gigantic, dark cloud was moving in over me but I wasn't sure what it was. I thought maybe there would be a death in the family, or something tragic happen to a friend. After I told Daniel about that "bad feeling", he said, "Well Kayla, as long as we have faith in God, we KNOW He will guide us and carry us through whatever happens. Try not to worry about it for now." How AWESOME it is that I am married to a man that I can openily share what God is speaking to me about, and a man that will step up to the plate and be the Christian leader in our home.

When I got home, we talked, we cried, we prayed. I've had a peace about the situation. Daniel has been busy, applying to several accounting firms in the area. We have been making more responsible decisions with our money, cancelling trips we've planned out of town, and eating at home as opposed to dining out every other night. We ask that you continue praying for God's guidance for us and that He holds us in the palm of His hand as we crawl over this bump in the road. I'm trying to keep a positive attitude about the situation and how it's changing our lifestyle and it's tough. One thing is for sure, I REFUSE to let Satan win this battle. My faith will stay strong in MY GOD and He will deliver Daniel and me through this darkness.

"This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is LIGHT, in Him there is NO darkness AT ALL." 1 John 1:5

Indescribable Moment

Today in church I felt something I've never experienced before. It was a feeling that is almost indescribable. As the preacher introduced the sermon, I began to listen.

He began speaking on the word HOPE. Now my ears began to perk up at this point because I have a friend that is living by the word HOPE this year. All during the first part of the service, I kept thinking to myself how I wished my friend was there to hear this. I just KNEW this service was meant for HER. Now you see, this is a problem I have (first step in getting help is admitting the proble, right?). Everytime a sermon is underway, I begin wondering WHO God is trying to speak to today. One Sunday I thought this friend is going through some financial problems would really benefit from that message, and another on dealing with marital problems, etc. Well, the past two Sundays I've acknowledged the problem and redirected my thought process. I prayed, "Lord, speak to ME. My friend is not sitting here, and I am, so maybe I can share this sermon with her later. But for right now, speak to ME. Show ME what you want ME to gain from this sermon. Not anyone else." Just as I was praying that prayer I got this hungry feeling inside. Not the kind of hungar that you normally feel around 11:30 on a Sunday morning that causes your stomach to rumble. But the kind of hungar that can only be filled by the Holy Spirit and God alone.

I sat there anxiously grasping every word that came from my pastor's mouth. The preacher began talking so fast, almost too fast, and I wanted to make sure I processed every single word. I felt like every word was very precious and would go to waste if I did not catch it. So there I set, hungry and yearning to be filled with His message. All I could do was close my eyes, shut out all distractions, and let those beautiful words pour into my heart. It was like I could feel God's arms wrap around ME, His child. I no longer heard my pastor, I heard God, via my pastor. As the sermon came to a close, and the invitation time (wouldn't be a Baptist church without and invitational time) came, I couldn't stand up and sing as we were instructed. I was in AWE of God and what just happened. All I could do was sit on the pew and be still. I begin thanking God for reminding me that He gives the pastor words to speak that are meant for ME. I need to be able to take something home from it. That is exactly what I did.

I am learning to be still, and let God speak to me. The sermon was on how the church PRAYED for Peter. Because of there prayers, God listened and sent an angel to walk Peter out of jail, past the guards, and through the gates. The people were in disbelief when they heard Peter knocking on their door where they were still praying (Acts 12:1-19). Now how does this relate to hope? The church, and Peter, were in a time of distress. They begin praying and starting having hope. Hope is where there is a praying church. Because of prayer, you are able to have hope. Hope to move on, hope to get out, hope in a time of sorrow, and a hope that gives a glimpse of things to come.

So this leads me to another goal. I have plans to be a physically and mentally healthier person (and successfully doing so). There's just one IMPORTANT area I have not yet put on the list for improvement. That is my spiritual well being, my relationship with Christ. My goal is to pray MORE. Not just the usual nightly, or pop-up prayers that I'm already doing. But to really CRY OUT in prayer to my heavenly Father, Leader, and Healer.

Now, I just ate my healthy dinner, I'm still working on my positive attitude, now I am off to have a LONG quiet time with my Savior!

Healthy-Inside and Out

Well, the healthy lifestyle is off to a good start. The "healthy" plan I'm working on is the Curves Plan. It's a thirty day "diet" that is 3 phases. Each phase allows you to add a few more carbs, protein, fat, and calories to the slim amount you are allowed to start off with. Right now, I'm still in the first phase. And boy, it is tough. I don't feel like I'm a very pleasant person to be around right now because I'm not used to eating so, er, healthy. It's like it's draining all my energy, I've had a continuous headache the past two days, and blah, blah, blah. I am having to try EXTRA hard to put on my happy face. I just keep reminding myself that this is to help me become a more healthier person. God says that my body is a temple and I should not destroy it. All the cookie dough, sweets, and candy destroys it so I've had to cut that out!

Now that I'm trying to become a physically healthier person, I decided I may as well clean up my internal health as well. This past weekend I was really convicted of my sour additude that I've had lately. I've been so negative about... well everything! So my prayer has been that God purify my heart, and give me clean hands. It's a refreshing feeling I've had since I had a little talk with God this weekend. I did some apologizing, repenting, and asking for help. So another goal to add to my list is to have a positive attitude!

So lots is going on this week, internally and externally. It has been a VERY challenging week I must say. When I get frustrated, whether I'm craving some fattening, unhealthy food, or having a negative, impure thought, God quickly flashes me a little sign and says "Hey, it's okay, you can do this, TRUST ME!"

My prayer is that God will continue to purify my heart, give me clean hands, and give me the strength and will power to keep this healthy eating lifestyle up! If you are reading this, I'm going to be selfish in asking that you say a quick little prayer for me, especially this week! Thank you! :)

To be, or not to be.... PRODUCTIVE!

So I'm sitting at home mid-morning on a weekday. That's because school is CLOSED today. It was closed yesterday, and half a day on Tuesday due to busted water pipes in Jackson. Since Byram runs off Jackson's water line, our school is without water. Many fellow teachers like the idea of staying at home. I do not like sitting at home. Because when I am stuck at home, I literally just sit here. It's very unproductive and I do not like it. I would rather be sticking to my schedule at work, about to begin my 5th period class. Yesterday, the only productive thing I did was wash two loads of clothes and go to Curves. The rest of the time I was sitting in my comfy chair with the T.V. turned to HGTV ALL day. Guilty, so unproductive!

V-day is quickly approaching! It'll be our first married Valentines Day so I am planning a weekend trip for just the two of us! It's been fun planning a little outing!

The first part of the week Daniel was "away on business" to New Mexico. When I was younger and still living at home, I told my mom I wanted to marry a businessman that would travel on business trips. Granted, this was after some silly COUNTRY boy broke my heart. I told her I was through with the country bumpkins that would never make it out of their mobile homes, would always live in Lincoln County, and would never want me to work so I could spend all my time at home taking care of the kids and the sloppy husband. And what do you know... several years later, I'm living in the Jackson area with the best job ever and happily married to a "businessman" who's "away on business!" Love it!!! Although, I do not like staying home alone. But that's another story. I did good this week! Cooper kept Daniel's pillow warm at night and let me snuggle up to him. (Don't forget, Cooper is my PUPPY!) Mom offered to come stay with me a night or two but I ended up being fine staying by myself.

Cooper is going on a play date with Colby this afternoon. Colby is my friend Katie's puppy. What else are teacher's who do not have to report to work supposed to do? That's right, allow our babies to go on play dates, that's what!

Hopefully I will be back to work tomorrow. But that all depends on the water situation! That's all for now.

So far, so good

Good news! I've started going back to Curves! It certainly is not as fun without Danica being there but it'll have to do.

It was back to work for me this week. I was ready to be back doing what I love most, teaching kids. Daniel likes me even more that I've started teaching. He says I must boss kids around all day and tired by the time I've come home because I don't spend all my time at home bossing him around. Ha ha, such a jokster!

Cooper has been obnoxiously hyper in this week. I guess he was used to us being home the past two weeks and running around wherever he pleased. Now he spends 8 or more hours pinned in the guest bathroom (his room) until Daniel or I get home. Once we get home, he runs laps all through the house non-stop. He's wild! He also did a very BAD thing this week. He started chewing on cords! UGH!! He chewed the power cord to the internet modem into PIECES. We had to get another one. AND he chewed Daniel's power cord to his laptop. Needless to say, he has spent lots of time in time out this week!

I've enjoyed reading all my friends new years resolutions or goals! So far I'm sticking to my goals!

My goals

The turn of a new year usually entitles people to re-evaluate their previous year and set resolutions for the new year. Well let me just tell you one thing. I refuse to make a New Year's RESOLUTION. People always break them anyway. So I'm going to make a few goals.

There's only two main goals I have.

My first goal is to be more healthy. I plan to make better decisions about what I put into my mouth and increase my physical activity. That means less sweets, and boy do I love sweats. That means I can't go rad the candy box in Germany's classroom. No! No! I don't want to say I can't. I want to say that it would be unhealthy to rad the candy box. See, it's something in this head of mine about telling myself I CAN'T do something, or I MUST do something else. Because the minute I saw can't eat something, then I'll go right ahead and do it anyway. Then I'll feel guilty and you guessed it, eat even more because I try to soothe my emotions with food. Blah! I don't like that about myself. But I'm working on it. I'm going to work on being healthier person. Mind you, I'm NOT dieting, at least that's what I'm telling myself, because diets just don't work for me. I'm just making healthier decisions, which will hopefully cause a better appearance! I also plan to join Curves. I hope I've talked my neighbor Chouna into going with me. It helps if you have a workout buddy. I sure do miss my best friend Danica. We went three times a week starting this time last year. We supported each other, although she didn't really need the support. She's already a healthy size. Once I got married, I stopped any physical activity. Bad decision- UNHEALTHY decision. See, I'm already working on it.

My second goal is original. This goal is just for me and not every other American woman's new years resolution. The goal is... da da da daaaaa... to be more trusting. I have a problem with trusting people. Once I meet someone, it's going to take a while until I open up and let them see who I really am. Growing up I was very shy. I grew out of the shyness stage, I think. But one may think I'm shy upon our introduction. But I don't feel shy, because boy let me tell you, my mind is racing 90 mph trying to figure you out the second you tell me your name. And it usually takes a while before I feel safe around you. Some people I've known for years and still do not, and may never, trust. Now, you see, there's some people in this world that never need to be trusted anyway. But there's some people in my world that I should give a chance. See, the problem is I don't even attempt to give people a chance from the start. I may size someone up from the second I meet them. And if I don't size them up that second, chances are that I'm going to analyze our conversations at some point until I decide whether or not I feel safe with them. That's a problem. I know it. So I'm going to work on opening up, letting people see into my world. Yikkkeeessss. That's a scary thought. I don't like people visiting my world. You see, I once let this idiot of a girl into my world. I trusted her too soon. And what did the booty head do before I had time to get control of the situation? She HURT me. Yes, HURT me. And it was at a time I was so fragile. It was at a point in my life that I felt like posting a "handle with care" sign to my forehead. And let me just tell you something else, while I'm being so honest and all. If someone hurts me, I come back fighting. HARD. With darts. With swords. I've been known to push buttons that people didn't even know they had. Do NOT hurt this girl! No siree! Whew! I get fired up just thinking about it. But that was a few years ago, and I know, I know, I need to let that ship sail but... whew, it's hard to do. But I know not every person is a villain like she was, not everyone is set out to hurt me like she did. So, with all that said, it's just a little hard for me to open up at first. From here on out my goal is to be more open, more trusting. New year, new goal. Maybe I'll fill you in throughout the year on how the trusting goal is going.

That's all for now.