Lofty goals

Does it make me a soccer mom wannabe if I’m completely obsessed with Ann Taylor Loft?

I am absolutely in love with their Summer 2011 collection.

AND they have a precious site for teachers, too. When I get my master’s and am a full-fledged certified educator, I fully intend on purchasing every single item in their Teacher Style Guide. Mainly because I can always use style guidance, but also because it’s a wardrobe tailor-made for ME! … aaaand the 6.2 million other teachers in the United States. But that’s besides the point. : )

I’m baaaaack

Yes, it’s true! I am finally back on this bad boy. And it may or may not be for real this time. Anyways, I guess I’ll let you in on what I’ve been up to these past three months (…three months. ouch). I’ve been wearing many hats (I know, oldest cliché in the book. Gimme a break… I’m rusty at this), and I’ve gotta admit that my hat box is getting a little full. Here’s a little summary:

1. The Graduate Student

I’ve traded in my Bruin blue for FSU’s garnet and gold and am working on my master’s degree! The classes are a lot of work, but haven’t been too academically difficult (knocking on every piece of wood I can find right now). I like my professors a lot and I’m so happy that I’m beginning to figure out exactly what I want to do with my life.

2. The Preservice Teacher

Hide yo’ kids and hide yo’ wife, because Ms. Fiacco is in the building! Every free moment I have is spent in an elementary school classroom either observing, teaching, or subbing. For some reason, I really want to be the teacher that all the kiddos are just a tiny bit scared of. But every time I step foot into the school, I practically get tackled by little ones trying to give me hugs. So I guess that plan isn’t really working yet. But it’s in progress.

3. The Coastie Girlfriend

Boyfriend enlisted in the US Coast Guard back in January and he’s been kicking total butt ever since. He comes from a long line of servicemen (that’s his grandpa in the picture above… I’m 98% sure he was in the Air Force). My Coastie is carrying on that tradition now and I couldn’t be more proud of him. A lot of people think about the military and how much they sacrifice (and for good reason), but they forget about what we SOs (significant others) give up, too. Honestly though, the Coastie and I are like two peas in a pod and I couldn’t be happier. So it’s all worth it.

4. The Hostess

I’ve started hostessing at a fabulous higher end Mexican restaurant and I absolutely love it. The owners are great, my coworkers are awesome, and the food is delicioso. But that’s not even the best part. I get a FREE meal and beverage of my choice (read:margarita) every time  I work. Because of this, I do a little happy dance every time I pull up to the restaurant. Seriously. I do.

5. The Gallery Attendant

I’m still holdin’ it down at the same gallery in town, but we have a totally new look now. We’ve still got a whole bunch of great art, but now we’re also selling vintage items, handmade soaps, really unique seashells, and chunks of coral. The gallery seriously looks so legit now and I’m pretty sure my coolness factor raises at least 20% every time I step foot in there.

6. The Proud Momma

Honestly, where would I be without my little Cash Money Millionaire? He’s the funniest little thing ever and my life would be a lot more bland without this little guy running around, eating my shoes, and moving all his toys from his toy box to my purse (Yes. That really happened last night. Don’t ask me why.). I adore that little bundle of fur and love.

revisiting resolutions

As you might remember, I do not particularly enjoy New Year’s Resolutions. I just found this on 1stdibs.com, my go-to website when I feel like pretending that I’m rich and sophisticated, and I think my whole entire opinion on the matter has changed. Love it.

a heartfelt note

Dear Honda,

No matter how many fireworks you shoot off behind the Odyssey, it will never be a badass car. It will always be, well, a minivan. We all really hope you’re kidding about that last commercial.

Best Regards,

The Rest of the World

 

puppy kisses

Puppy kisses are the best kisses. Especially when they’re from my little boy, Cash Money.

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Don’t worry, I’m not one of those crazy ladies who lets her dog kiss her right smack on the lips. That would just be gross, especially considering where my dog’s mouth has been. But, he is quite the little lover and always lays right on my feet and cuddles every chance he gets. He’s not always a perfect angel (actually, he’s usually the exact opposite of that), but he does make a very good foot warmer on days like today. And that’s all I could ever really want in a furry friend anyway. : )

365 days until I change my ways

Happy New Year!

I had been enjoying a perfectly wonderful 2011 until about nine in the morning on January first. That was approximately the time I left for work and saw about half of Florida’s population running, walking, or biking in the pouring rain. I was confused about why anyone would be so determined to squeeze in a decent workout on a day like that, but then I remembered those tiny little things called “New Year’s Resolutions.”

Ick.

You might be wondering if I have any resolutions of my own. Let’s just suffice it to say that I breezed right past those poor shmucks in my warm, dry Tiggles and turned up the volume on the day’s theme song, “Maybe Next Year” by Corey Smith.

In all honesty though, I do have a few goals of my own and I DO fully intend on reaching them, but I can’t do it alone… I’d love to hear any tips you guys have that you use to keep your resolutions!

Have a great New Year’s Weekend!

anyone out there?

Wow. Ok, so it’s been a while. I’m very sorry about that. Life has been completely insane down here on quiet old 30A, and this blog has completely fallen by the wayside.

But instead of lingering on the past, I would love to share some very exciting news with you all – I am officially a Florida State University Seminole!

If you’re thinking, “Wow Christine, way to come from left field.” believe me when I say that I’m right there with you. Part of my past few very busy, very blogless months has consisted of a lot of substitute teaching, a lot of falling in love with working with kids, and a lot of soul searching.

All of that has culminated in my decision to pursue my Master of Science in Elementary Education (Me? Master’s in Science? I guess this means that pigs now know how to fly). I’ve been talking a lot with the program’s advisor and she has approved me to begin classes this January. The program is technically 2+ years long, but I’ve figured out a plan to finish it in a year and a half. When I graduate, I’ll have my Master in Elementary Education and have certifications in general education, ESOL, and reading education. It’s very unfortunate that my new school shares its colors with my least favorite school of all time (U$C), but I’m trying to look past that tiny detail and am currently bouncing off the walls with excitement!

That’s all I’m going to give you for now because I have about 17 million things to do, but I promise I’ll be back very soon. : )