I've Got Sunshine On a Cloudy Day

This morning I decided to wake up my brain cells and my blog and bring it back to life. This blog acted as my therapy and comfort zone for so long, my "feel good go-to spot" whenever I needed some motivation. I've been on a hiatus it seems and it's time to give it some lovin' again. The hardest thing about keeping a blog, I think, is to find new topics to write about that will keep my readers coming back for more. I always seem to resort back to the same general ideas; inspiration, motivation, positivity, etc. I tend to rave about my girlfriends and my family, and I usually include a quote or two containing someone else's wise words between the quotation marks. I find it hard to make a blog post humorous; my sense of humor only comes out best when I'm around my friends, and I don't have any awe-inspiring stories of my own to share either. But for some reason when I sat down here this morning, a song popped into my head. Not a song I've even listene...

I must admit, I am a little anxious and excited about the days that lie ahead. Obviously. beauty of being a teacher is that we work crazy hours, teach infinite lessons, face a whole lot of challenges, and try to get through to many students for 10 months out of the year, but are lucky enough to do what we choose for the remaining time in between. I have just completed my first year as a real life, real world, classroom teacher. It wasn't easy, and it's only going to get more challenging in the years to come, but from now until mid-August, I can turn off my alarm clock and think about my own personal hobbies, interests, and passions. My bucket list has had the same thing at the very top spot for a number of years now. #1 for me is to visit the beautiful and unique city of Chicago. I've been to many cities in the US but Chicago is one I've heard such wonderful things about so it's risen to the top of my list. It has actually become a passion and obsession of mine. ...

As a lover of other people's words of wisdom, I often find quotes that I can relate to or connect to my daily life. I try to share special quotes that remind me of certain people, or provide comforting quotes to loved ones in need. Before I started my new teaching job back in November I searched and searched for the perfect quote to share with my students on our first day together. Once I found the wise words of Henry Ford, I knew these were the ones: "Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success." This was perfect. We were just beginning mid-year, and simply by keeping together, the learning, teaching, and understanding was being progressed. My dedicated students that stuck it out for the remainder of the year and who worked well became successful. As I sit here now and grade final essays, I suddenly realize that I have 5 days left with my students. It's fun to count down the days until summer vacation  with the knowle...

I am grateful for the experiences and opportunities I have had thus far in my life. I am grateful for the unconditional love my mother has showed me for the last 26 years. I am grateful for the roof currently over my head in a house that I'm comfortable in. I am grateful that my stomach is full. I am grateful for the amazing students I have met this year teaching in Hartford. I am grateful for my health, my sight, my limbs, my muscles, my hearing, and my senses. I am grateful for the love that Ryan has showed me and the constant inspiration and dedication he shows me on a daily basis. I am grateful for the relationship I have with Christina despite being so far away. I am grateful for the very best friends that have blessed me by walking into my life and never walking out. I am grateful for two living, loving grandparents and a wonderful family of cousins, aunts, and uncles. I am grateful for the lessons my friends have taught me and the encouragement and support we share. I am gra...

This past Sunday I was treated to some neighborhood excitement as my hometown held it's second annual half marathon and 5k road race. The weather could not have been more perfect- that vibrant blue sky glistened while the aroma of fresh cut green grass filled the nose and eyes (if you're an allergy sufferer!) A cool breeze kept the runners comfortable as they strolled by the thousands down the otherwise quiet streets. As a local resident, cheering fan, and kinda-sorta runner, I was amazed at the number of generous and grateful runners that I saw pass by my street Sunday morning. I stood at the top of my street with friends, family, and neighbors and we were able to watch runners pass during the first mile and last mile of the half marathon, as well as walk over a block to watch the 5k runners go by. I was amazed at how many runners thanked us for cheering, said “good morning” as they breathlessly ran by, cheered with us as they ran, or even came over for a high five. It w...

Mother's Day is just three weeks away! Need a card? Why not put a big smile on Mom's face and on my face with the purchase of this homemade greeting card, made with love, for the very special Mom in your life. Or, check out the variety I have for anyone! Here is a link to my relatively new Etsy shop ! Something that makes me happy and brings me peace while I craft. Take a look at what I have to offer, and please let me know if you have any questions, suggestions, or requests! I would love to help :) https://www.etsy.com/shop/AppleGreenLiz

"A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow. " -William Shakespeare I have become more and more aware lately that one of the most important foundations in my life is also one of the hardest to come by. In sharing stories, travels, pictures, and memories over many years and many miles, it has become clear to me that my group of friends are indeed special and rare. They are genuine, they are loyal, and they are simply the best. Now, as my "mid-twenties" disappear into "late twenties" I become more aware of how wonderful it is to surround myself with my friends. I miss the days of endless pajamas and chit chatting, I miss the dressing up to spend the night dancing and laughing, I miss seeing friends in the hallways or in class, and I miss making new memories as often as we once were able to. These days, the memories that are made are further between, but...